Sunflowers have figured in beauty concoctions since ancient times, according to Lauren and Janice Cox, authors of DIY skin-care tome Eco Beauty. The daughter-mother duo offer these flower-inspired treatments for shiny hair and radiant skin.

Highlighting Hair Rinse
Place 1/4 cup dried sunflower petals in a bowl. Add 2 cups boiling water; let cool. Strain out the petals and pour liquid into a clean container. After shampooing and conditioning, pour mixture over hair; do not rinse out. Dry and style as usual. For more highlights, repeat the process.

Sunflower Scrub
Grind 1/2 cup raw, shelled sunflower seeds until you have a powder resembling coarse sugar. Mix 1 tablespoon of the ground seeds with a few teaspoons of water to create a smooth paste. Massage into your face and neck; rinse well. Store the rest of the seeds in an air-tight container.

Sunflower Oil Bubble Bath
Gently stir together 1 tablespoon sunflower oil, 1/4 cup mild castile liquid soap, 1/4 cup water. Store in a clean container. Pour the mixture under running water as you fill your bath. Soak for 20 minutes, pat skin dry, and moisturize.

Text by Hillary Geronemus