I have a basic rule when preparing curries – onions, tomato, garlic, ginger, coriander, etc. There is something magical about spices. Some are said to be aphrodisiac! However, these spices have medicinal values not only in the tummy, but on the skin.

Did you realise that the humble tomato is a great source of Lycopene - the most common carotenoid in the human body and one of the most potent carotenoid antioxidants. Naturally acidic with a rich source of vitamin C, it helps to brighten up dull skin by absorbing excess oil. Garlic is great for infections, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and coriander is a refreshing herb for the skin.

I often get asked for facial masques for oily problematic skin so I came up with this recipe which makes 200g of dry masque:

• 72g Sea clay
• 32g Fuller's earth
• 25g Kaolin
• 20g Tomato powder
• 20g Lemon powder
• 10g Coriander powder
• 10g Garlic powder
• 10g Turmeric
• 1g Tea tree essential oil

Mix all your dry ingredients and add the tea tree essential oil. Stir well to incorporate and store in an air-tight container. Content may settle so you would need to shake it before use to break up any clamps of clay mix.

To use: mix a tablespoon of the clay mix with enough warm water (or warm water + a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice; warm water + a tablespoon of fresh tomato juice (no UHT)) to make a thin paste – gently massage onto the face and leave to dry for 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Use twice a week.

DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION MAY HELP THE READER UNDERSTAND HOW TO MIX CERTAIN INGREDIENTS FOR PERSONAL USE BUT IN NO WAY SHOULD THE ABOVE BE CONSTRUED AS CLAIMS MADE BY SHEABUTTER COTTAGE AS TO THEIR PERCEIVED MEDICAL BENEFITS. SHEABUTTER COTTAGE CAN NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY SPECIFIC USE OF THIS AND DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY ARISING.