Adding raw egg to your hair - learn how to do it

Raw egg is supposed to do a lot of wonders to your hair; my wife was wondering what is the exact process to add raw egg to hair since it seems a bit yucky and messy. I looked around and found these articles that helped:

http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4579022_what-benefits-using-eggs-hair.html (this was the easiest to go through)

http://www.maolik.com/something-useful/egg-in-hair-for-shine-and-luster (link)

http://www.dailyglow.com/hair-care-treatments/hair-mask-recipes.html (link)

To reap the benefit of healthier hair provided by eggs, apply raw eggs to your hair regularly. Crack at least 2 eggs into a bowl and mix thoroughly. For longer hair, you may need more eggs. Massage the mixed eggs onto dry hair. Make sure to really saturate your hair. This can get messy, so you may want to do it over the bathroom sink. Allow 15 minutes for your hair to absorb the eggs. Then rinse your hair thoroughly with cold water only. Cold water not only closes the hair follicle, but it won't cook the egg as warm or hot water can. After rinsing, shampoo as usual.

Natural remedies for summer injuries and ailments

It´s summer, and accidents are bound to happen. And there are a slew of natural products and home remedies to to treat all of the season´s most common injuries. Here are natural treatments for four of the must common summer maladies.

SUN RELIEF
Spent too much time in the sun? While there are plenty of _tips and tricks
to treat scorched skin (link), you can also opt for peppermint oil, calendula oil, or St. John´s Wort extracts. All three help to reduce body heat and inflammation. Apply by adding a few drops to an oil-free lotion or to a cool bath. And to promote healing and prevent peeling, try spritzing your skin with some lavender essential oil diluted
in water or treat yourself to a slathering of avocado oil, which enriches the skin with natural vitamins and moisture.

BUG OFF
To keep the bug bites at bay, make your skin less appetizing to pesky mosquitoes and biting flies. Start by taking B-complex vitamins, and eating more garlic and onions. Bugs are also turned off by the taste of some essential oils, so dab on lemongrass, evergreen, eucalyptus (for mosquitoes) or lavender, basil, and geranium (for flies).
And if bugs get the best of you? Relieve itchy spots with undiluted drops of lavender or peppermint oil, or rub a crushed basil leaf onto each bite. For painful stings, try holding a crushed garlic clove on the sore area for 20 minutes, then rinse. Apis, a homeopathic remedy, may also work to control swelling and soreness associated with stings and bites. And for even more ways to deal with bites and stings, read Tips for getting bugs to buzz off and how to deal with bites and stings.

GET RID OF RASHES
If you find your skin crawling with the telltale red bumps of poison ivy, oak, or sumac, don´t despair. Instead, grab some Calamine lotion or topical clay to relieve the inevitable itch while speeding up the healing process. Then, take the edge off by soaking a compress with eucalyptus or witch hazel and apply to infected areas (both work as natural pain relievers and drying agents).

MEND MINOR MISHAPS
Burned by your barbeque? Look no further than your pantry for instant relief. Shake some soy sauce on the tender spot to ease the pain and put the kibosh on blisters. And when it comes to cleaning and soothing minor cuts and scrapes, tea tree oil and witch hazel are excellent ointments, while lavender and calendula ointments also promote healing and a healthy inflammation response in the skin.

Few tips ...

Add a few drops of lemon juice, (fresh or bottled) to some water and use it as a facial toner. During hot weather, fill a spray bottle with water and add some lemon juice. Chill the bottle and use it as a quick pick-me-up and cooling body spritz...

Orange slices...
Just rub a slice of orange on your face. It revives dull skin.
Follow with a cool rinse...

Egg whites...
For an instant facelift, dab egg whites over your face, sit very still until it dries, then apply makeup. Consider it a temporary "poor woman's Botox"

Avocado...
Mash one up, mix in a little lemon juice, and apply to face and neck and let it dry. This is a great firming mixture...

Pumpkin...
Yep, out of the can. It's a great conditioner for the face or whole body. Just slather it on in the shower, wait a few seconds, (or longer if you wish), and rinse...

Parsley flakes...
Put a few spoons in an ice cube tray section, add water, and freeze. Rub it on a pimple and it takes down swelling in a few minutes...

HEALTHY TIPS FOR ur HAIR

HEALTHY TIPS FOR ur HAIR ....!!!!!

Your hair enhances your overall personality and also reflects your health. But, healthy hair and scalp needs proper care right from the beginning. If you neglect your hair for long, it might turn brittle with split-ends and also cause dandruff. You may even experience untimely hair loss if you don’t take timely precautions.

Studies indicate that in 95 percent cases, hair loss is genetic, but many other factors such as diet, general health, vitamin and hormonal deficiencies, overuse of hair dye, physical and emotional stress also lead to uncontrolled hair loss. However, it is possible to control most of these factors that lead to untimely hair fall among individuals.
Though hair loss is not a life-threatening situation, but it may imply internal health problems. Besides, it may also spoil the level of self-confidence in the long run. As there is no permanent cure for hair loss, but it is possible to take some preventive measures to ensure healthy and shining hair. Some of these tips are listed below:

1.Role of Diet

A nutritious diet, which contains all essential vitamins and minerals, helps in minimizing the hair loss. Therefore, you must include green, leafy vegetables, raw oats, and whole grain cereals, eggs, dates, and raisins in your daily food regime. As the hair is made of protein, you are advised to stick to protein-rich diet, such as calves liver, brewer’s yeast, and wheat germ. These foods also contain Vitamin B, which is an important nutrient for hair. Outer coverings of potatoes, cucumbers, and green and red peppers are high in silica, which is essential to maintain the beauty and strength of your hair. Vitamin E also promotes hair growth and reduces hair fall. A person may experience hair fall due to thyroid dysfunction also. Therefore, you must include foods, which are good sources of vitamin A and iodine.

2.Washing routine

Your hair cleansing routine largely depends on your hair-type. People having oily hair may need to wash their hair regularly, while people having dry hair can wash it twice a week. Never use too hot or too cold water to wash your hair. While cleaning or massaging your hair, you should always use your fingertips and not your nails to gently clean your scalp.

3.Proper combing

You should use a wide-tooth comb to untangle your hair and comb in downward direction. Using a wooden or tortoise shell comb is a better idea than using a rubber comb. Avoid combing wet hair, as wet hair can easily break.

4.Drying your hair

If possible, allow your hair to dry naturally. Avoid using blow dryer as its heat can damage your hair, and also make it look coarse and lifeless.

5.Using proper conditioner

Protect your hair from sudden environmental changes, while going out to a beach or a pool. You must use an effective conditioner as it protects your hair from the sun, chlorine, and sea water. You should also wear a protective hat or a cap to avoid overexposing your hair to the sun, salt or chlorinated water and pollution.

6.Use of shampoo and conditioner

Always choose a simple formula shampoo, which costs you less money. Remember, the basic purpose of a shampoo is to wash away the dirt and the oil. Therefore, use a milder shampoo, which is less expensive and more beneficial for your hair. Apply a good quality conditioner once you clean your hair with the shampoo, but do not over-condition your hair.

7.Choose a comfortable hair style

Choose a hair style that truly reflects your style and taste while significantly enhances your personality. Often traditional hair styling products are rich of alcohol and other arsh chemicals, which may again harm your hair.

8.Knowing your sleeping pattern helps control

Hair loss Comb your hair gently while going to bed. You should also gently remove all bands or clips used during the day. Do you know that your sleeping pattern also affects the life and health of your hair? People who are restless even while they are sleeping may actually end up breaking their hair. So, if you belong to the restless community of sleepers, you should use s satin pillowcase, which allows your hair to move smoothly and thus cause less breakage.

9.Limit the use of alcohol and smoking

products Reduce alcohol consumption and also avoid using it on your hair. Avoid using hair care products that contain alcohol. This is because alcohol can make your hair look dry, brittle and prone to breakage.

10.Avoid using harsh chemicals

Certain harsh chemicals such as permanent hair color and perms can also affect the health and growth of your hair. Therefore, you must avoid coloring your hair more than once every 2-4 months.

Herbal beauty recipes

Lavender Handcream:

4 teaspoons sweet almond oil
4 teaspoons coconut oil
3 teaspoons white wax
6 teaspoons glycerine
6 drops lavender essential oil
1. Put the almond oil, coconut oil and white wax in a double boiler or a bowl over a pan of hot water and gently dissolve.
2. Stir the mixture to blend it together and when everything has melted add the glycerine drop by drop.
3. Take it off the heat and stir until creamy.
4. Add drops of lavender oil and mix well. Put into pots.

Cologne
1/2 cup lavender
1/4 cup rosemary
peel of 1 lemon
peel of 1 orange
1/2 cup orange-mint leaves
1/2 cup lemon balm leaves
2 cups vodka
2 cups rosewater
Steep 2 weeks; filter and bottle.

Spicy Cologne
1 oz. rose petals
2 T. lavender
2 thin strips orange peel
1 (1-inch) stick cinnamon, crushed
1 tb. coriander seeds, bruised
10 oz. vodka
Steep 3 weeks; filter and bottle.

Herbal cologne
2 T. rosemary
2 T. lavender
1 T. juniper berries, crushed
1 strip lemon rind
10 oz. vodka
Steep 3 weeks; filter and bottle.

Hungary Water
1 T. rosemary
1 tsp. mint leaves
Grated peel of 1/4 lemon
Grated peel of 1/4 orange
1/4 cup vodka
1/2 cup rosewater
Steep 2 weeks; filter and bottle.

Bay Rum cologne
5 oz. vodka
1 oz. Jamaican rum
3 to 4 bay leaves
1/4 tsp. allspice
1 stick cinnamon
1/4 tsp. orange extract
Steep 1 week; filter and bottle.

SOLID PERFUME RECIPE
½ oz beeswax 1 oz sunflower oil
1 oz coconut oil ½ oz. essential oil.
Using a double broiler, slowly melt the beeswax into the oils. Just before pouring, add the essential of your choice. Pour into small tins or lip balm tubes.


NATURAL ROSE WATER
Rosewater can be used in the bath, (1cup), hot tub or as a splash after bathing . Floral waters tone and clear the skin, and act as a hydrating agents, and help to normalize the acid balance of the skin.
2 Cups distilled water
1/4 cup vodka
1 large clear and clean container
2 cups fragrant rose petals
In your very clean container fill with rose petals 3/4 of the way full. If you want to ingest your rosewater make sure your rose petals were organically grown. Pour the water in until it covers the petals completely. Once your water is in, add your Vodka. Put on your lid and shake it up a little to make sure the ingredients mix
completely. Place in the sun and wait about two weeks. The water will start to turn in a few days. Strain out the rose petals through a coffee filter and presto your have made your very own rose water.
Please note: The unscented vodka will kill any bacteria on the petals and the alcohol prolongs the scent. Store in the refrigerator use within two weeks. If fragrance is not strong enough add a few drops rose oil.

ROSE WATER and GLYCERIN HAND LOTION
In a attractive bottle blend 1/2 rosewater and 1/2 vegetable glycerin (available from any drug store). Shake well and it's ready to use. Great for hands, face, rough elbows

ANGEL WATER
A toner and freshener that brings skin back to a normal pH after cleansing, especially good for oily skin.
1 cup white apple cider
3 TBS. raspberry leaves
5 TBS. rose petals
2 TBS. rosemary
4 TBS. sage leaves
3/4 cup rosewater
Heat the vinegar and pour it over the herbs. Place the mixture in a quart jar and cap it. Do not use a metal lid. Shake daily for two weeks. Strain Add the rosewater to vinegar. Store, covered in jars with a non-metallic lid

MINT LEAF FOOT REFRESHER SPRAY
2 tablespoons spearmint leaves
4 ounces alcohol
4 ounces water
5 drops peppermint essential oil
Combine all of the ingredients into a spray bottle and then shake well. Allow mixture to sit for 12 hours before us. Spray on feet for a cooling treat!

REFRESHING LEG GEL
1/2 cup 100% pure aloe vera gel
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon witch hazel
3 to 4 drops peppermint oil or extract
Combine aloe vera, cornstarch and witch hazel together in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until warmed and thick like honey. Cool completely. Add peppermint oil. Store in an airtight container. Use on legs and feet.


SOAPWORT SHAMPOO
1 tablespoon grated or powdered soapwort root
A handful of fresh or 1tbsp dried chamomile or other herbs
1 cup boiling water
Pour the boiling water onto the soapwort and chamomile, cover and leave
to infuse until cool. The chamomile will add additional strength and scent to the shampoo.

BATH BOMBS
1/4 cup citric acid
3/4 cup baking soda
pinch of borax
Witch hazel
1 t. lavender essential oil
t. dried lavender flowers
Combine dry ingredients, lightly mist with witch hazel and stir, do not over mist or your citric acid will start grow! When the mixture will stick to itself when squeezed in the hand pack it into your molds. When it is dry remove it from the molds.

LAVENDER BODY SCRUB
Put 1 cup of dried lavender flowers and 2 cups of sea salt in a plastic bag. Add 3 drops of lavender essential oil and mix well. Label, seal and leave in a dark place to infuse for at least two weeks.
Put bag into a jar, screw on lid and attach jar lacy.
TIP: If you haven't had time to stitch a gift tag to write out the ingredients and instructions onto, simply decorate a gift tag with lavender flowers, glued on.

LIQUID TALC
4 T French clay or Kaolin Clay
4 T distilled water
1 cup Aloe Vera Gel 10 drops essential oil
Mix water and clay until smooth. Stir in aloe vera gel and essential oil until mixed well bottle in a sterile bottle.

Natural beauty tips

Drop the apple slices into a food processor and chop. Add honey and sage and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Pat the mixture onto your face with a light tapping motion until the honey feels tacky. Leave it on for 30 minutes rinse off with cool water.


Apple & Honey Mask

A mask of grated apple mixed with a little honey is an excellent remedy for pimples.
Apple- pear nighttime wrinkle lotion

1 tsp apple juice
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp lime juice
2 Tbsp buttermilk
1TBSP rosemary leaves
3 seedless grapes
1/4 pear
2 egg whites

Blend all ingredients on medium speed for 30 seconds Using a cotton ball, dab mixture on areas around the eyes and wherever wrinkles have developed. Let dry, then rinse with warm water. Use no more than 3 times a week. Follow with a moisturizer. Cover and refrigerate immediately, discard after 4 days.


Apple-Sour Cream Toner Mask

1 large apple, peeled
2 tbsp. sour cream

Remove core and seeds from apple and puree. Mix thoroughly with sour cream and smooth on gently. After 20-30 minutes, remove with lukewarm water and follow with a splash of cool water or a brisk skin tonic


Apple Tart Soap

4oz. Clear, Unscented Glycerin Soap
1 Tablespoon Liquid Soap
1 teaspoon Liquid Glycerin
1/2 teaspoon Apple Fragrance Oil
2 Drops Red Food Color
1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

Melt soap in small pan over low heat or in a glass cup in the microwave. Add Liquid Soap and glycerin and stir gently but well. Add fragrance, color and cinnamon. Stir and let stand a couple minutes, just enough to start to thicken so when you stir again the cinnamon will be more evenly distributed. Pour into molds. Allow to set completely (in or out of freezer). Wrap in plastic wrap or use cellophane candy bags.


Apple & Yogurt Cleanser (for all skin types)

1/4 medium-size apple, peeled & cored
4 T plain yogurt (preferably whole-milk based)
1 t honey
1 t olive oil (extra-virgin)
1 t lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in blender for 30-45 seconds. Massage 1-2 T gently into dry skin in circular motion; avoid eye area. Rinse with warm water thoroughly. Store unused portion in tightly sealed container for up to 4 days in refrigerator


Apple Zinger Facial Mask (For Oily or Acne Prone Skin)

1 medium size apple, grated fine
5 tbs. honey

Mix the grated apple and honey well. Smooth over skin and let sit for 10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.


App-loe Face & Neck Gelee

Yield: Approx. 2 applications

4 teaspoons hot distilled water
1 teaspoon freshly juiced apple juice
1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin
1 heaping teaspoon powdered pectin

Add the glycerin to the water/juice/gel combination and stir to fully incorporate. Add the pectin while the liquid remains quite warm (if it cools, place it in the microwave or a double boiler to raise the temperature) and use a hand held electric mixer to blend, or stir vigorously to dissolve the pectin. Once the pectin has fully dissolved, a light gel will begin to form. This may take from 15 minutes to 1/2 hour. Once the gel sets, App-loe Face & Neck Gelee is ready to use. Apply the gel in a layer to your clean, damp face and neck. Rest for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and follow with a light moisturizer if desired. Leftover product can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Enjoy!! The shelf life of this product is necessarily limited by the fresh apple juice. It should be used within a few days after it is made.


Apricot Butter Cleansing Cream (For Dry Skin)

10 oz apricot kernel oil
2 oz cocoa butter
2 oz beeswax

Heat all in top of double boiler until wax and butter are melted. Beat with a wooden spoon until smooth and cooled. Transfer to jars, cap and refrigerate.


Apricot Freesia Tarts

1 lb White Glycerin Soap Base
12 Drops Cosmic Color Canary Yellow
11 Drops Cosmic Color Red
1 t. Apricot Freesia FO

Ingredients For "Whipped Cream" Topping:

4 oz White Glycerin Soap Base
¼ t. Apricot Freesia FO
A "Shake" of Super Sparkle Gold Sparkle DustTM

Melt soap base for tart in a double boiler. Once melted, add color and fragrance. Pour into a muffin tin and allow to harden. Remove from tin. Melt soap base for topping and add a shake of Sparkle Dust. With an electric mixer, mix until thick and bubbly. Spray tarts with rubbing alcohol and spoon the topping onto the tarts while allowing some to run over tarts. Top with a dash of Sparkle Dust if desired.


APRICOT MASK (for dry skin)

2 apricots
2 T. plain yogurt

Purée in a blender. Apply to face, avoiding eye area, and leave on for 10 to 20 minutes.


Apricot Mask 2

Mash the fresh fruit for a good facemask. Variation: Add apricots to a little warm olive oil to form a spreadable paste. Good for dry skin.


Apricot-Orange Lip Gloss

1 tsp beeswax
1 tsp apricot kernel oil
1 tsp calendula oil
3-4 drops of essential oil of orange Beet juice

Melt beeswax in top of double boiler. Add apricot kernel and calendula oils, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, add beet juice if desired, for color. When partially cooled, add oil of orange. Store in jar. Transfer a small portion to a purse sized container for use when away from home.


Artichoke Facial:

1 fresh artichoke heart well cooked or canned hearts in water, not oil
2 tsp. light oil (avocado, olive, or canola)
1 tsp. vinegar or fresh lemon juice

In a ceramic bowl mash artichoke heats and mix with oil and vinegar. Stir well until smooth paste. Massage on face and neck. Let sit 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.


Aspen Dreams Bath Salts

This scent is very woody, and is suited for soothing your muscles and relaxing in the tub. It is very masculine in scent, I think. I enjoy this after a long day at work; it makes me feel comfortable and content. Women love it as well as men do.

The ingredients are:
2 cups of Epsom salts (or a mixture Epsom/sea)
2 tablespoons of baking soda
essential oils:
5 drops of rosewood
2 drops cedar wood
2 drops Chamomile
a nice jar with a tight fitting lid

To make the salts:
Mix the salts and baking soda in a bowl very well. Mix oils in a small cup. Take them and pour them evenly over the salt. Mix the two very well. Let it sit for over an hour before placing in a jar and sealing. If you are going to color these, use yellow and red to make a light brown.


ATHLETE'S FOOT REMEDY

2 to 4 T. vinegar
1 pt. Water

Soak your feet in this solution for 20 minutes, three times a day. Vinegar discourages fungal growth by increasing the surface acidity of the skin. After soaking feet, apply undiluted tea tree oil, which has powerful anti-fungal properties. Apply it to the affected area two to three times a day. The best way to prevent athlete's foot is to keep your feet clean and dry. Choose cotton socks over synthetic blends.


ATHLETE'S FOOT TREATMENT

20 to 30 garlic cloves, minced
2 to 4 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 to 4 tsp. powdered cloves
5 oz. 100-proof vodka

Add garlic, cinnamon, and cloves to vodka in a dark-colored glass jar or bottle with lid. Seal tightly. Store out of direct sunlight for two weeks, shaking to mix every few days. The tincture will be ready to use in 14 days. To treat athlete's foot, use cotton balls or a cloth to apply the tincture to the entire sole of the foot as well as between all the toes. Apply twice a day, morning and night. Let dry, and then dust the entire foot with cornstarch. If a rash or any unusual irritation develops, discontinue using Athlete's Foot Treatment.
If, after having used this treatment for two weeks and athlete's foot symptoms continue, consult your physician.


AVOCADO EYE CREAM

5 drops almond oil
3 ripe avocado slices

Blend almond oil into avocado. Dab around eyes and leave on for 5 minutes. Rinse.


AVOCADO MASK (conditions and prevents dryness)

1/2 ripe avocado
1 egg white

Mash avocado into a thick paste. Add egg white. Apply to face; leave on 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.


AVOCADO MASQUE (for dry skin)

1/2 ripe avocado
1 tsp. vegetable oil

Mash avocado into a paste and add vegetable oil. Apply to clean skin. Leave
on for 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Natural recipes for beauty and skin care

ACNE REMEDY

2 to 3 tsp. dried basil leaves
1 C. boiling water

Steep basil leaves in water for 10 to 20 minutes. Cool and apply to face with a white cotton ball.


AGING SKIN FIGHTER

2 tsp. plain yogurt
1/2 tsp. honey
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
3 capsules vitamin E
(equivalent of 300 units)

Combine yogurt, honey and lemon juice. Open the vitamin E capsules and fold contents into the mix. Leave on skin for 15 minutes.


All Butter Lotion Bars

2 oz. cocoa butter
2 oz. beeswax
2 oz. Shea butter


All Facial Mask For Dry Skin

The avocado in this mask provides extra richness, vitamins and moisture. This recipe yields one thick application to face and neck area. If you wish to use less, give your hands a treat by applying the leftovers to your hands and covering with plastic bags while you rest. This mask should be used immediately and leftovers should be discarded quickly.

1 egg yolk
1 small avocado
1/2 banana
2 teaspoons carrot juice
2-3 teaspoons white clay
1 drop rose essential oil

Mash avocado and banana with the back of a fork until they forma thick, creamy mixture. Stir in egg yolk to combine. Add carrot juice and mix will. Add 1 teaspoon of clay and mix well. If mixture is a bit runny, add more clay. Stir the mixture until a smooth paste forms. Add the essential oil last and stir to incorporate. To use, apply a layer to clean face and neck avoiding eyes. Rest for about 10 minutes (longer if you'd like). Rinse well with warm water and follow with toner and moisturizer. The shelf life of this product is limited by the fresh ingredients. It should be used immediately after it is made.


ALMOND-BUTTER HAND SOFTENER

1 T. almond oil
1 C. butter

Mix well. Before bed, massage mixture into hands, then cover with white cotton gloves. Wear all night while sleeping.


Almond Cleanser

Grind almonds to a fine powder in a blender. Wet face then rub on almond powder. Rinse. Store powder in a tightly sealed container.


ALMOND-HONEY SCRUB

2 T. crushed almonds
1 T. honey

Mix. Leave on face for 5 minutes. Rub in well, then rinse.


ALMOND-MAYONNAISE SCRUB

(for very dry skin)
1/4 C. almonds
1/8 tsp. mayonnaise

Grind almonds in blender until they form a meal. Whirl in mayonnaise. Vinegar-Rinse your skin. Rub in Scrub gently and thoroughly. Leave on skin for about 10 minutes. Rinse off and follow with Vinegar Rinse.


Almond Orange Body Lotion

1/8 tsp. borax powder
1/2 c. almond oil
1 tsp. coconut oil
1 tsp. grated beeswax
2 tbsp honey.
3-4 drops essential orange oil

Make as for Mint Body Lotion


Almond Oil Wrinkle Cream

1 tbs. of an infusion of comfrey leaves... OR...
1 tbs. of a decoction of comfrey roots (see below)
1 tbs. lanolin
2 tsp. sweet almond oil
2 tsp. water
2 tsp. cod liver oil

Melt lanolin and almond oil in a double boiler. Add water and allow to cool. Mix in cod liver oil and comfrey. Apply gently to face and rinse off after 5 to 10 minutes. This is a rich moisturizer that boosts the water-holding capacity of your skin and helps plump out wrinkled areas.


Almond Rosewater Body Lotion

1/4 cup rosewater (can be purchased at some health food stores or pharmacies, also carried at most middle-eastern or indian specialty groceries or specialty cooking stores such as Williams-Sonoma... OR... you can try your hand at making your own rosewater, see recipe below)

1/4 cup glycerin
2 tbs. witch hazel
1 tbs. almond oil

Mix together rosewater and glycerin. Add witch hazel and almond oil. Stir completely to dissolve. Pour into a pretty bottle.

Recipe for rosewater: To prepare rosewater, first gather fresh rose blossoms; do this during the morning, after the dew has evaporated. Place the petals in a glass, stainless steel, or enamel saucepan and cover them with distilled water. Weigh the floating petals down with a heat-resistant glass dish. Place the pan over low heat and allow the pot to release steam for at least an hour. You should begin to see drops of rose oil floating on the surface of the water. Do not allow the water to boil. When the water has taken on a rosy hue, feels thick and soft, and shows evidence of rose oil on its surface, strain the liquid through a tea strainer, using your fingers to press all the liquid from the petals. Store in refrigerator. Rosewater may be used as a skin toner; just apply to the face with a cotton ball. Important Notes: NEVER use rose petals that have been sprayed with any kind of pesticide for making rosewater!! Consider using only enough distilled water to cover the rose petals. Otherwise, the solution becomes more dilute. Please remember to
use only the petals, not the sepals, stamens, or green foliated bracket holding the petals in their grouping.


Aloe Soap Balls

4 ounces grated Castile Soap
2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
1 1/2 tablespoons rosewater
30 drops evening primrose oil
6 drops tangerine essential oil
4 drops juniper essential oil

Mix grated soap with evening primrose oil, aloe and rosewater. Cover and let sit overnight. Put in a food processor and mix well while adding essential oils. Wet your hands and form the mixture into balls. Place on wax paper to dry.


Amaze Body Mist

2 cups distilled water
3 tbs. vodka
5 drops hypericum perforatum essential oil
10 drops cypress essential oil
10 drops rosemary essential oil

Mix all the ingredients together in a spray bottle and shake well. Allow to settle for at least 12 hours. Store in a cool dry place.


Angel Cream

Add some glittery eye shadow all crunched up to a small amount of hand cream. Add to a small jar and decorate. Add poem. Rub a small amount on the back of a child's hand before going to bed to attract angels to watch over them in the night.


Anti Toxin Scrub

Mash 1/2 punnet of Strawberries
Add 4 Tbsp rice flour

Mix ingredients together. Apply to face, very lightly scrubbing in circular movements. Don't leave on face for longer than 5-10 minutes. Moisturize with
natural plant oil. Rinse well. Store in fridge.


Apple Cucumber Facial Mask

1/2 cucumber, peeled
1 egg white
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon apple mint leaves
1 drop lime essential oil

Combine all 5 ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Add the essential oil last and mix well. Refrigerate the mixture for 10 minutes. Apply a layer to your clean face and neck area and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse well with warm water. Apple Cucumber Facial Mask is best when used immediately as the ingredients are perishable. The leftovers can be refrigerated in the coldest section of the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days but should be discarded after that


Apple Hair Rinse

1 large apple, peeled and cut into small pieces
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 cups water

Mix together all ingredients in a blender or food processor set on "High. Pour the mixture through a strainer into a clean container, discarding all solids. To use: Pour over your hair after shampooing as a final rinse. Massage through your hair and rinse thoroughly with cool water. Yield: 16 ounces, enough for one rinse


Apple Mask

1 Apple, cored, quartered
2 TBSP. Honey
1/2 tsp. sage

Scars

Scars Definition
Scars are marks left on the skin after surface injury or wound, it is the body's response of healing.
Scars are tissues that replace the normal skin after destruction of some dermis; it is a natural part of healing process. There are different degrees of scars depending on the depth and size of the wound, age, gender, genetics and ethnic.

Home Remedies for Scars (How to Cure Scars with Natural Treatments)
Smear Vitamin E Oil Caplets on the scarred area.
Smear some tea tree oil on the scar to help it heal faster.
Put 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil on a cotton ball and apply on scar.
Blanch green tea, soak a cotton ball and apply on the scar to help it heal.
Mix Aloe Vera and vitamin E gel caplets and apply to the scar.
Rub honey on the scar as often as you can to make it heal.
Smear any oil on the scar and massage to help it heal.
Rub some olive oil on scars 2-3 times a day.

For acne scars:
Mix 1 tablespoon of sour cream ( 0% fat for oily face), 1 tablespoon of yogurt, 1 tablespoon of grind oatmeal and 3-4 drops of lemon juice. Apply on face, leave for 10 minutes and wash off.

Natural beauty tips

Total all-over skin softener...

Warm 1/2 cup of canned, unsweetened, coconut milk in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey. Massage the mixture all over the body, then rinse in warm, not hot water. (tub or shower). The lactic acid in the coconut milk exfoliates flakes, the honey hydrates and heals, and the heat makes the mixture penetrate into the skin better...

Dry, ragged cuticles...

Steep 2 bags of chamomile tea in a cup of hot water. Let it cool to a comfortable temperature and soak the fingers in the cup for one minute. Apply Vitamin E oil and massage it in gently, leaving it on the skin...

Cracked, calloused feet...

Spread any moisturizer you have on your feet. Apply a light coat of vaseline over the feet. Put on socks that have been warmed up in the dryer---Go to sleep with the socks on...In the morning, your feet will be smooth and soft...

Heal chapped lips...

Heat one tablespoon of Udder balm (you can get this at any drugstore) or you can use cocoa butter, for about 30 seconds in the microwave. When the mixture cools off to a comfortable temperature, apply it to the lips with a soft toothbrush and gently scrub to remove flakes and dry skin. Use a coarse washcloth to remove the mixture to further exfoliate the lips. Open up a Vitamin E capsule and apply the contents to the lips and gently massage it into the lips...

All about wrinkles

Wrinkles

Wrinkles are delicate creases caused by thin, sagging skin. These are especially visible on the face, neck and hands. Wrinkles appear when the collagen and elastin present in the connective tissue of the skin is weakened or decrease in number. Skin that has suffered such damage appears thinner, loses fat content, elasticity and smoothness.

Symptoms for wrinkled skin: Some of the symptoms of wrinkled skin are -

Lined and creased skin
Sagging skin
Areas that are more affected include sensitive skin near the eyes, lips and neck.

Though some creases are temporary, they may become deeper and more permanent due to ageing. Wrinkles occur due to ageing process
Though wrinkles are a part and parcel of the ageing process, premature wrinkles are a cause of concern for many. Some of the common causes of wrinkles on skin are -

Over exposure to sun - The damage caused by the ultraviolet rays of the sun is known as photoageing.

Smoking - Smoking hastens the ageing process. The large amount of free radicals produced by cigarette smoke is one of the biggest culprits for premature wrinkles. Free radicals can play havoc with the skin, damaging it to an alarming extent.

Pollution - Environmental factors such as exposure to air pollutants, dust, chemicals and harsh lights can cause wrinkles on skin over a period of time.

Repeated motions such as squinting can cause wrinkles around the eyes. These are referred to as "crow's feet". Smiling and frowning can also cause laugh lines around the mouth or frown lines on the forehead.

Drug use

Stress

Weight Loss - Rapid weight loss can cause wrinkles as the volume of the fat cells (which have a cushioning effect) are drastically reduced. This causes the skin to sag and crease.

Loss of Vitamin E - Depletion of this important vitamin can cause the skin quality to deteriorate.


Home Remedies for wrinkle on skin
Here are some simple home remedies to deal with wrinkles on skin and prevent the formation of new ones.

Mix 1 teaspoon of raspberry juice with one teaspoon of orange juice. Add one teaspoon of olive oil, whipped egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of grind oatmeal. Wait for 20 minutes and smear on face. Wait until it gets dry and wash off with warm water.

Grind an onion and Rub on face to loose the wrinkles.

Mix 2 tablespoons of Vodka with 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds and half a teaspoon of honey. Boil and then refrigerate for 3 days. Apply on face with a cotton ball and wash off with warm water.

Apply egg whites to the skin under your eyes.

Odor-free castor oil can be applied to the skin under the eyes or on that of the throat.

Empty the contents of 3 Vitamin E capsules into a small bowl. Add to this 2 tsps plain yogurt, 1/2 tsp honey and 1/2 tsp lemon juice. Apply this mixture on the face using a cotton ball. Leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse.

A mixture of 1/4 cup comfrey infusion, 1/4 cup witch hazel and 10 drops of patchouli essential oil is effective in treating wrinkles. This can be stored in a clean bottle and applied on affected areas with a cotton ball.

Gently massage coconut oil on portions of skin prone to wrinkles every night a bedtime.

A paste of turmeric made with sugarcane juice is great to get rid of wrinkles and slow skin ageing.

Cut a green Thompson seedless grape in half and gently crush it on your face on the wrinkles. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water and let it dry in natural air.

Rub the core of pineapple on the face and leave it for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off. This works well on fine wrinkles.

Applying juice of green pineapples and apples on the face daily for 10-15 minutes is good for fine wrinkles and cracked skin.

Application of pure castor oil regularly prevents wrinkles.

Cucumber juice can be effective in alleviating age spot skin problems.
Fresh Papaya juice can remove dead and rough skin, and apple and pineapple juices can help to diminish fine lines, wrinkles and cracked skin.
Regular facial is very necessary to control wrinkles.
Massage increases blood circulation, which results in tightening of the muscles and tissues, thereby, reducing the fleshiness of the skin and restoring a young look.
Apply lemon juice few times a day to reduce the blemishes and age spots
Prepare a paste of turmeric powder with sugarcane juice and apply to the face to remove wrinkles and to prevent skin ageing.
Cut a Green Thompson seedless grape in half and gently crush it on your face at wrinkles (lines). Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water and let it dry in natural air. This is very effective home remedy for wrinkles and they will disappear shortly.
Rub the core of pineapple on the face for a few minutes and leave for 10-15 minutes. This is excellent for fine wrinkles.
Apply juice of green pineapples and apples the face daily and leave for 10-15 minutes. This is excellent for fine wrinkles and cracked skin.
Apply pure castor oil to prevent wrinkles
Applying a good quality cream with a firm pressure with the fleshy tips of fingers. Do not apply pressure around eyes. Continue massage for 15 minutes.
For wrinkle treatment wipe off the face with wet cotton.
For fast removal of wrinkles, massage with your all the fingers of both the hands rapidly with rapid circular motion.
For wrinkles on jaw, pinch the skin between your thumb and fingers. Pinching is also good if you have double chin.
Massage coconut oil into the skin where wrinkles appear before bed.
Leave metal spoons overnight in the freezer. In the morning when you first wake up, apply the backs of spoons under the eye to reduce under-eye wrinkles. This also helps with under-eye circles.
Eat a spoonful of shredded ginger with some honey every morning for wrinkle cure.
Mix two tablespoons vodka, a tablespoon fennel seeds, and 2 teaspoons honey, and let sit for three days. Strain out the fennel seeds and use as a toner on the face.
Remove wrinkles from the face by simmering 1/2-cup rosemary leaves in 2 cups of water for about 30 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of brandy and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Strain and wipe onto skin every morning and evening to preserve a face free of lines Wash face thoroughly and pat dry. This is also very effective home remedy for wrinkles
Eat a balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, whole grain foods, seeds, nuts and legumes.
Drink plenty of fluid every day. This help to keep the skin hydrated and to flush away toxins.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes; they dry the skin encouraging the development of wrinkles. Also the smoking habit uses the lips muscles hundreds of times a day, which contributes wrinkling.
Always protect your skin from the sun applying a sunscreen
Prick 3 capsules of vitamin E and drain into small bowl. Add 2 tsps plain yogurt, 1/2 tsp honey and 1/2 tsp. lemon juice. Apply to face with cotton ball. Leave on skin for about 10 minutes. Rinse.
For wrinkle cure apply egg yolk once in a week for 10 minutes.
Prepare a mixture of honey, olive oil and cream. Apply it on the face. It gives very good results.

Balanced diet
The role of a balanced diet for a healthy, youthful looking skin cannot be undermined. A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains paves the way for a wrinkle-free skin.

Flax seed oil is an excellent wrinkle cure agent. Take a tablespoon of flax seed oil 4 times a day. This may cause diarrhea, so make sure your body is used to taking flax seed oil.

Consume at least 4-6 liters of water everyday. This is the best way to hydrate and moisturize your skin from within.

Other suggestions for Wrinkles
More smiling, less squinting and frowning are ways to keep your face young, wrinkle-free and attractive.

Use natural moisturizing creams and lotions regularly. Light massage with cream or lotion every night can keep your skin soft and supple.

Use a good quality sunscreen lotion whenever you go out in the sun.



Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Teeth tips

Smile is one of the first things people notice about you. Yellow or brown teeth are not the best first impression you want to make. Teeth can become discolored for a number of reasons, the most common being tobacco, coffee, tea, berries, and the natural accumulation of tartar over time.

Other reasons for discoloration of teeth may be internal reasons such as by aging, injury, excessive fluoride, and by certain illnesses and medicines. Discoloration is natural over time.

Tooth whitening can have fantastic affects on your appearance, as well as giving your self-esteem a big boost. Tooth whitening is safe, convenient, and can change the overall appearance of your smile in a matter of hours.

In the adult there are thirty-two permanent teeth. The first of these, which grow in below, begin to come through when a child is six or seven years old. These permanent teeth usually replace the deciduous teeth. By the time a person is twenty-five he should have all his teeth. By the time a person is twenty-five he should have all his teeth. The condition of his teeth will largely depend on his diet, and on the kind of care he has given the teeth during his growing years.

Some teeth seem to be defective from the start owing to hereditary factors.
A clean mouth contributes toward an attractive personality and a happy disposition. An unsanitary mouth usually arises from years of neglect.



HOME REMEDIES FOR TEETH WHITENING

Take some foil and fold it to form to your teeth. Take a little toothpaste and baking soda and mix together really well. Put some of the mixture into the foil and place on your teeth. Leave on for one-hour everyday. Brush teeth normally afterwards. This is an effective home remedy for teeth whitening.
Brush your teeth with wood ash. It is good teeth whitener.
Mash some strawberries in a bowl and use this to brush your teeth, just as you use toothpaste. It whitens really well
Every time you brush, add baking soda to your toothpaste. Within 14 days your teeth will become visibly whiter
Good nutritious diet is very effective in maintaining the dental health. Eating fresh crunchy veggies and fruits such as: carrots, broccoli, celery, apples, strawberries, and cucumbers can help whiten your teeth.
Each time after brushing your teeth just gargle with a small capsule of peroxide, concentrating it on your teeth (don't swallow), and rinse thoughroly with water.
Another home remedy for teeth whitening is - Take your wet toothbrush, put baking soda on it, then put a dab of lemon juice on it (the baking soda will begin to fizz) brush your teeth with it. Rinse with water
Rub the inside of an orange peel on the teeth.
Prepare a paste by adding equal parts lemon juice and salt and apply to yellowing spots.
Make a paste by grinding dried bay leaves and dried orange peels and adding a little water. Use as a teeth whitener.
Rubbing the bark of walnut tree brightens the teeth.
For tooth whitening, brush your teeth properly and eat the right food to keep your teeth healthy.
It is also wise to note that eating sweet snacks between meals affect teeth more than eating sweet snacks with meals.
Brush your outer and inner surfaces at 45-degree angle. On chewing surfaces, hold the brush flat and brush back and forth. On inside surfaces of front teeth, tilt brush vertically and use gentle up and won strokes with toe of the brush.
Do not brush after every meal. It will affect the enamel.
Avoid sticky sweets like toffee or hard candies like mints. Try to rinse your mouth quickly after you drink anything with strong color such as coffee and red wine.
Chew a piece of sugarless gum after you€ ¦’²ve had your coffee or tea. This is also an effective home remedy for teeth whitening.
Avoid smoking.
Teeth should be properly brushed at least twice a day to maintain good dental health.
Brushing should be done in the direction in which they are growing; the upper teeth should be brushed downward, and the lower teeth should be brushed from below, upward.
Use a sweeping motion, being sure that the bristles reach the crevices between the teeth, thus helping to remove any food particles that may have lodged there.
Add a drop of clove oil to the toothpaste and brush.

Dark circles under the eyes

Dark circles under the eyes tell us about the health of an individual. They are produced due to overstrain, after an illness or an allergy. They can also be the result of undernourishment. But these dark circles do not produce any harm to the body. So anybody with dark circles should not worry about them. In fact, sometimes they're not even an indication of physical problems.
Dark circles can be aggravated by fatigue, allergies, overexposure to the sun, menstruation or pregnancy. But they're usually hereditary; if your parents have them, there are more chances that you do, too have them.
Dark circles are the result of the engorged blood vessels under your eyes. Because the skin under eyes is thinner than skin anywhere else on body, therefore blood vessels there are more noticeable, especially in fair skinned persons. Usually, dark circles are caused by hyper pigmentation of melanin, the substance that gives color to the skin.
In western countries, the kidneys are related to the adrenal glands and with stress levels in life being so high; these glands are very often exhausted. When these glands are weakened, allergies are prevalent. Dark circles under the eyes are known to be a classic symptom of an allergy, together other signs including edema and fatigue.
Dark circles under eyes may also be due to aging which thins the skin around the eyes. Eight hours of sleep is essential. Do not leave cream on the skin around the eyes for long periods. Circles under the eyes can worsen in people who smoke or suffer from allergies.

HOME REMEDIES FOR DARK CIRCLES UNDER THE EYES

Apply a cold compress this will help to constrict blood vessels and turns tissue white, and dark circles will lighten.
Drink at least eight to ten glasses of water everyday.
Put slices of raw potatoes or cucumber by closing eyes over the eyelids for 15-20 minutes. Wash with warm water and apply a cream.
Take out the juice of the cucumber. Prepare a mixture of lemon juice, lanolin cream and cucumber juice and apply around the eye for 10-15 minutes.
Prepare a mixture by adding equal quantity of potato and cucumber juices. Dip a cotton swab in this mixture and put the cotton on eyelids and keep for 20 minutes. Wash your eyes with cold water.
Prepare a mixture of lemon and tomato juice (equal parts) and apply it on the black circles 2 times a day.
Make a paste of turmeric powder with pineapple juice for dark circles under the eyes.
Apply crushed mint around the eye.
Another home remedy for dark circles under the eyes is - massage with almond oil under and around eyes at bedtime daily for 2 weeks. Almond helps to remove dark circles.
No cream should be left on the skin around the eyes for long periods.
Rub the area with a powdered Vitamin E capsule and wash off with a mixture of honey and egg white.
Put hot and cold clothes alternatively under eyes for 10 minutes. Then apply some almond oil on the dark circles before going to bed.
The acupressure point for eyes is on the mount below the index finger of your palms. Pressing this mount may help.
Dip some carrot leave in hot water and leave for a few minutes. Drink the liquid 3 times a day before meals.
Dip cotton balls in rose water or cold water and keep under the eyes for 10 minutes.
Make a paste of 1 tsp. tomato juice, 1/2 tsp. lemon juice, a pinch of turmeric powder, and 1 tsp. of flour. Apply around eyes. Leave on for 10 minutes before washing. This is an effective home remedy for dark circle treatment.
Take some freezed parsley. Use the parsley cubes instead of eye creams to reduce the dark circles and puffiness. Parsley is packed with chlorophyll which helps fade darkness, while the ice cubes reduce the swelling.
Takes vasoline, put it on a metal spoon and freeze it for 15 minutes. Then apply it to the eyes for a few minutes.
Add some mint leaves, lemon juice, and salt to tomato juice and drink.
Grate some cucumber and freeze in an ice tray. Massage frozen cucumber cubes onto eyes to reduce puffiness and dark circles.
Avoid excess of chocolates and try to take more fibres in the diet.
To prevent dark circles take 2 magnesium tablets per day, especially if you're taking calcium.
Use a sunscreen especially made for the face with a sun protection factor (SPF) to keep the sun's rays from darkening the skin under your eyes
Eat vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin A for the treatment of dark circles under eyes.

Mehndi (or Hina)

Mehndi (or Hina) is the application of henna as a temporary form of skin decoration, most popular in South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Somaliland as well as expatriate communities from these areas. It is typically employed for special occasions, particularly weddings. It is usually drawn on the hands and feet, where the color will be darkest because the skin contains higher levels of keratin, with which the colorant of henna, lawsone, enters a permanent bind.

Henna paste is usually applied to the skin using a plastic cone or a paint brush, but sometimes a small metal-tipped jacquard bottle used for silk painting (a jac bottle) is used. The painted area is then wrapped with tissue, plastic, or medical tape to lock in body heat, creating a more intense color on the skin. The wrap is worn overnight and then removed. The final color is reddish brown and can last anywhere from two weeks to several months depending on the quality of the paste.

The patterns of mehndi are typically quite intricate and predominantly applied to brides before wedding ceremonies. However, traditions in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sudan sometimes expect bridegrooms to be painted as well. In Rajasthan (north-west India), where mehndi is a very ancient folkart, the grooms are given designs that are often as elaborate as those for brides. In Kerala (south India), henna is known as mylanchi and is commonly used by the Mappila (Muslim) community during weddings and festivals.

In Arabic and Persian speaking countries, such as Morocco, it is done for any special occasion. It is done during the seventh month of pregnancy, after having the baby, weddings, engagements, family get-togethers, as well as many other reasons to simply celebrate an event.

Mehndi decorations became fashionable in the West in the late 1990s, where they are sometimes called "henna tattoos". This term isn't accurate, because tattoos are defined as permanent surgical insertion of pigments underneath the skin, as opposed to pigments resting on the surface.

Herbal Medicinal Oil & Salve Recipes

Herbal Medicinal Oil & Salve Recipes

You must first begin by making a Medicinal Oil

Moisture tends to cause medicinal oils and salves to deteriorate and spoil quickly, so you will need to use dried herbs (like those we sell) rather than fresh herbs. Of course, you could dry your own herbs, as well.
To Make a Medicinal Oil follow the steps below: Solar Method

Place the herbs you choose in a glass jar, cover with extra virgin cold pressed olive or coconut oil and cover tightly.

Place this jar in a warm sunny spot: The warmer the spot, the shorter the time it will need to sit. Placing this jar in nice warm sand, or in the center of your garden in the sun, you will probably want to wait two weeks.

Now, you may strain the herbs. You may wish to add another batch of herbs, and repeat the first three steps... which will make an oil that is double the strength, but takes twice the time to prepare. Place the bottled oil in a cool dark area.

Crock Pot Method

Place the herbs in your crockpot and cover with extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive and/or coconut oil.

Turn the heat on low and let the herbs steep 3-4 hours. You do not want the herbs to cook or fry: Let medicinal qualities slowly suffuse into the oil. The lower the heat, the longer you will need to steep the herbs... and the higher the quality of your oil will be.

Strain the herbs.

Pour the oil in a glass bottle or jar, and place in a cool, dark area.

Using Your Oven

Place the herbs in a glass canning jar and cover with extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive and/or coconut oil.

Put the jar(s) inside a pan half-filled with water. Place in the oven and turn it on the lowest setting you can.

Remember: Lower heat + longer infusion = better quality oil. Most ovens display temperature markings starting at 175° or 200°. I hang a candy thermometer in the oven, placing the temperature dial just before the first indicated number, so the actual temperature is only 140° or so.

At 175-200 degrees you will need to wait a few hours for your herbs to infuse: At 140 degrees you'll need to wait longer. Check periodically: The oil will turn a deep color from the herbs as they infuse.

Strain, and keep in a cool, dark place until ready for use.

Using a Double Boiler

Place the herbs and extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive and/or coconut oil in a double boiler, covering them with a tight fitting lid.

Bring to a low simmer. Slowly heat for 1/2 to 1 hour.

Check frequently to be sure the oil is not over heating. Be careful: You do not want french fried herbs! Oil builds heat rapidly, and you can go very quickly from a nice herbal infusion to fried comfrey leaves.

Strain thoroughly and bottle for use in the salve. Store in a cool, dark place.

Examples of Medicinal Oil Recipes: Ear Oil

We use this for ear infections. Warmed to body temperature and dropped in the ear, it quickly relieves the pain. The oil has anti-viral and antibacterial properties, as well as herbs which reduce swelling and help to deaden the pain.

1/2 cup dried Mullein flowers
1/4 cup dried St. John's Wort herb
2-3 cloves of fresh garlic

Whiz the garlic in 1 cup of olive oil in your blender until the garlic is in tiny pieces. Pour this mixture over the herbs and use the solar method to extract the medicinal properties. Let it set for at least two weeks.

Insect Repellant Oil

Much safer than anything you buy from stores, this is as effective as anything commercially prepared at keeping those pesky insects away.

1 part Bay leaves
1 part Pennyroyal
1 part Rosemary
1 part Eucalyptus

Add enough oil to cover the herbs, plus an inch or two. Prepare using any of the methods above. Add a few drops of essential oils of pennyroyal and/or eucalyptus to
strengthen the scent.

Sports Massage Oil

2 parts St. John's Wort
1 part Hops
1 part Arnica
1 part Mullein leaves
2 parts camphor oil or crystals
Essential Oil of Wintergreen

Add oil to cover the herbs, plus an inch or two more. Prepare using any of the methods above. Add the camphor oil or crystals, adding enough Wintergreen oil to create a strong, pungent odor.


More information on making Medicinal Oils...

Moisture tends to cause medicinal oils and salves to deteriorate and spoil quickly, so you will need to use dried herbs (like those we sell) rather than fresh herbs. Of course, you could dry your own herbs, as well.

The oils with the longest shelf life are coconut and olive oil. Both are very healthy oils. The seed oils are unsaturated and the fatty acids less stable: They breakdown with heating, forming trans-fatty acid which has been shown to actually cause heart disease and cancer. They will still work for medicinal oils, but are not recommended.

Coconut oil is solid or semi-solid at any temperature below 78°. Olive oil will begin to solidify at temperatures around 40°. This make a difference in the consistency of the salve in most regions that experience significant seasonal temperature changes between summer and winter. You may wish to keep this in mind when making salves and lip balms. A salve made solely with coconut oil would be very soft during the summer if you prepared it during the winter, for example. The rich emollients and anti-microbial properties make coconut oil a highly desirable salve ingredient.


How to Make Salves from a Medicinal Oil...

1. Begin by making a Medicinal Oil (see instructions above), then follow these instructions:

Your pan and supplies must be moisture free. Place the herbal oil in a pan.
Add 1/8th cup of beeswax for each cup of oil, and heat over very low heat until the beeswax is melted.
If you wish for a softer salve, add a little more oil or a little less beeswax.
It is here that I add my liquid components such as Tea Tree Oil, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Vitamin E, etc.

Take a little of this liquid and pour into a container, allowing it to cool. (You can cool it quickly in the refrigerator.) This is like a jelly test. When it has set up, check its consistency and add more beeswax or oil to adjust.

Once you are satisfied with the consistency, remove it from the heat and immediately pour into small glass jars or tins.

It's as easy as 1-2-3!

1) Keep the jars out of the sunlight and heat.

2) Don't leave them in the car.

3)They will retain their deep, rich color and strong, herbal aroma and work wonderfully!

Examples of Salve Recipes: Antifungal/Antibacterial Salve (Used for cuts, athlete's foot, diaper rash, infections, everything. You'll love this salve!)

1/2 cup Comfrey root (healing and soothing)
2 cups Plantain leaf (healing and soothing)
2-3 Tablespoons Goldenseal Root powder (antibacterial/antifungal)

Make this into an herbal oil. Then add to this oil:

2 Tablespoons Grapefruit seed extract (strong antibacterial/antifungal properties)
2 Tablespoons Tea Tree Oil (strong antifungal/antibacterial properties)

Now make the salve by melting beeswax into the warmed oil and pour into containers.

St. John's Wort Salve

This salve is healing and soothing for use for diaper rash, sunburn and skin irritations. It has now become our favorite salve and we use it for everything. It has taken care of Athlete's foot, all rashes and healed cuts, scratches, and abrasions. It is quite amazing how quickly things heal when we use this salve.

1 part St. John's Wort
1 part Comfrey leaf
1 part Calendula flowers

Follow the instructions above. First make the oil and then turn it into a salve!

Chest Rub
First make an herbal oil using equal parts of these herbs:
Peppermint, Spearmint, Wintergreen, and 1 tsp. cloves. If you do not want to
use the herbs you may use the essential oils.

Use about a Tbsp. of each oil and at least 2 or 3 cups of either extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive or coconut oil.

Once the oil has infused and is strained, warm the oil and add 1/2 tsp menthol crystals (or menthol crystals with bees wax) to the desired consistency.

Eyestrain Exercises

These exercises probably help anyone, so take off those specks
or take out those contacts, and let's begin.

EXERCISE #1: TEMPLE MASSAGE

With the pointer finger of each hand, massage your temples (the side of the
head on the level with the eyes) in the depression that you will find
there. If you wear glasses, the depressed location is right underneath each
side of your glasses frame.

EXERCISE #2: NOSE-BRIDGE MASSAGE

Use the finger and thumb of one hand to gently pinch and massage the
uppermost part of the nose. Again, if you wear glasses, this is right under
where the center of the glasses sets upon your nose.

You may have, unconsciously, already been doing the above two exercises when
you've had a headache or sore eyes. Here's four more for you to try:

EXERCISE #3: FOREHEAD AND SCALP LINE MASSAGE

This is a tricky one. Place the ball of your thumb along the underside of
the upper margin of your eyesocket, find the supraorbital notch, and press.
(*"What?"*) In other words, press up under the eyebrow with the ball of
your thumb. Just under the top of each eye socket there is a little notch.
No kidding, you can feel it. This tells you that you've got the right
place. Press carefully upward.

Now, at the same time, take your fingers and rest them along your front
hairline (or where your front hairline used to be!). Draw the fingers DOWN
together, while drawing the thumb up, bringing it all together as you gently
mush your forehead skin in the middle. I call this exercise the "Boris
Karloff Exercise" because you feel (if not look) like the Frankenstein
monster in full forehead make-up.

EXERCISE #4: MID-FACE MASSAGE

Smile. No, really: smile. An upper line formed by your grin curves up on
each side towards your nose. One finger's distance out from each nostril,
right on this smile line, is the location for this massage point. The
facial nerve emerges from the maxilla bone at this point. After stimulating
this point, try a deep breath through your nose. Many people find that it
helps clear their sinuses.

So far, we have massaged, and relaxed, all four major muscle areas around
the eye. The eye can move in all directions because of the four
attachments. It is much the same control provided by a joystick in a
computer game or airplane. We've just relaxed all "remote controls" to the
eyes.

EXERCISE #5: CLOSED EYELID MASSAGE

One of my favorites, Close your eyes and lightly and rapidly stroke the lids with your fingertips. Back and forth, top and bottom lids as well.

EXERCISE #6: ACUPRESSURE POINT ON THE HAND

We're not even close to the eye muscles, but there is reason to believe that
reflex or trigger points operate throughout the human organism. Utilization
of such a point is in your hands, literally. With your palm open and your
thumb up, you will notice a ridge of skin between your thumb and a top
plateau that runs flat up to your forefinger. Take the thumb of your
opposite hand and place it over this fold of skin on top, like a tent. Roll
the thumb further over the side and you will locate a point about a thumb's
distance in. Meet your thumb with the forefinger and press together. You
have the point if you feel a wincing pain like when the dentist is drilling
a tooth. I hate going to the dentist as much as any one, but after
stimulating this point a few times daily I can take my glasses off and see
better than I should be able to.

HELPFUL HINTS WITH THE CHINESE EYE EXERCISES

1. Always stimulate points bilaterally. That is, be sure to do the points
with each eye, on both sides of the face and on each hand.

2. Your fingernails should be short to avoid hurting yourself.

3. Do not do the exercises if you have a good reason not to. It is
probably best to avoid using any pressure points while pregnant unless you
have first checked them out with your doctor or midwife.

4. One may generally do the exercises several times a day. I do each one
for a count of about fifteen.

5 Common Herb Mistakes - And How to Avoid Them

5 Common Herb Mistakes - And How to Avoid Them
When it comes to the herbs you're taking, are you unwittingly making mistakes that could harm your health? Here's a rundown of the 10 most common herb mistakes.

1) You drink chamomile tea without knowing what medications it interacts with.
Although most people think of chamomile tea as being harmless, it can have some serious side effects if it's combined with certain medications.

For example, a case report published in the April 2006 issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal describes a 70-year-old woman who, while being treated with the drug warfarin, was admitted to hospital with internal bleeding after having used chamomile tea and body lotion for cold symptoms.

Tip Take a look at this list of drugs that can interact with chamomile.

Chamomile - Drug Interactions
Aspirin: Aspirin may theoretically interact with chamomile, which contains anticoagulant compounds called coumarins, and increase the risk of bleeding.
Platelet Inhibitors: e.g. Ticlopidine (Ticlid®), Clopidogrel (Plavix®)
Platelet inhibitors are used to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke and for patients who have had a coronary stent implant. Chamomile contains anticoagulant compounds called coumarins. When combined, they may increase the risk of bleeding.
Anticoagulants: e.g. Warfarin (Coumadin®)
Warfarin is derived from coumarin, a compound with anticoagulant properties also found in chamomile. Chamomile tea was found to cause internal bleeding when combined with coumarin.
Tricyclic Antidepressants: e.g. Amitriptyline (Elavil®, Endep®), Clomipramine (Anafranil®), Imipramine (Tofranil®)
Tricyclic antidepressants are metabolized in the body by the enzyme CYP1A2. Chamomile has been found to inhibit CYP1A2 and may theoretically increase blood concentrations of tricyclic antidepressants, increasing the risk of toxicity.
Clozapine: Clozapine (Clozaril®, Leponex®, Fazacio®) is metabolized in the body by the enzyme CYP1A2. Chamomile has been found to inhibit CYP1A2 and may theoretically increase blood concentrations of Clozapine, increasing the risk of toxicity.
Propranolol: Propranolol (Inderal®)is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure. It is metabolized in the body by the enzyme CYP1A2. Chamomile has been found to inhibit CYP1A2 and may theoretically increase blood concentrations of Propranolol, increasing the risk of toxicity.
Theophylline: Theophylline (e.g. Theo-24®, Theolair™, Bronkodyl®, Slo-bid ™, Slo-Phyllin®, Theobid®, Theo-Dur®, Theolair™SR, Uni-Dur®) is a bronchodilator used to help people with lung conditions breathe easier. It is metabolized in the body by the enzyme CYP1A2. Chamomile has been found to inhibit CYP1A2 and may theoretically increase blood concentrations of Theophylline, increasing the risk of toxicity.
Tacrine: Tacrine (Cognex®) helps treat symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. It is metabolized in the body by the enzyme CYP1A2. Chamomile has been found to inhibit CYP1A2 and may theoretically increase blood concentrations of Tacrine, increasing the risk of toxicity.

2) You're tired all the time so you turn to herbs and other natural products to boost your energy.
Constant weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy warrants a trip to your primary care provider, not the health food store. Although diet and supplements may help, the first step is make sure that the cause of the fatigue isn't an underlying illness, such as:
a.. Anemia

b.. Asthma

c.. Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea

d.. Hypothyroidism

e.. Chronic fatigue syndrome

f.. Depression
Fatigue can also be a symptom of other conditions such as infectious diseases (e.g. mononucleosis), heart failure, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, Addison's disease, Autoimmune diseases (e.g. lupus), cancer, malnutrition, or due to medication side effects.

Tip See your primary health provider first. He or she will ask you questions and make sure you have the proper laboratory and/or imaging tests to rule out these conditions. Then you can think about natural approaches.

3) You take herbs, supplements, and/or drugs that together may increase your risk of bleeding.
Anticoagulant drugs such as aspirin or warfarin (commonly referred to as "blood-thinners") prevent the formation of blood clots inside arteries, reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease. When they are combined with herbs and supplements that also have an anticoagulant effect, they can increase the risk of bleeding:
a.. aloe vera

b.. chamomile

c.. coenzyme q10

d.. danshen

e.. feverfew

f.. garlic

g.. ginger

h.. gingko

i.. ginseng

j.. saw palmetto

k.. goji

l.. devil's claw

m.. dong quai

n.. fish oil

o.. willow bark
Tip If you are taking more than one of these herbs or are taking them warfarin, aspirin, or other anticoagulants, or if you are self-prescribing any of these herbs, consult a licensed holistic practitioner (such as a naturopathic doctor) for guidance. Be sure to inform your family physician of all herbs and supplements you are taking. Blood tests called the prothrombin time and international normalized ratios (PT/INR) can be used to assess blood clotting.

4) You quit your coffee or soda habit in favor of lots of yerba mate and energy beverages.
Yerba mate is the coffeehouse "it" drink. Widely consumed in Central and South America, it's often touted as a healthier alternative to coffee, a herbal tea that energizes without causing jitters. However, yerba mate has been associated with esophageal, oral, lung, and bladder cancers in several research studies. Although studies have found it's really only a risk for people drinking huge amounts of the tea (greater than 1 liter a day) or very hot tea, it should be avoided until more evidence is in.

Energy drinks, such as Red Bull, Monster Energy Drink, Full Throttle, contain caffeine and a slew of vitamins and herbs. One of the biggest concerns is that we just don't know enough about the combined effects of these ingredients. Many ingredients are believed to work synergistically with caffeine to boost its stimulant power. Most of them contain loads of sugar and are really no better than soda. What you need to know about energy drinks.

Tip If you're looking for healthier drink options consider water with a splash of pomegranate juice or cranberry juice.

5) You take immune-boosting herbs like echinacea and goldenseal with immunosuppressant drugs, such as corticosteroids.
Drugs that suppress the immune system are used to prevent organ rejection after transplant and to control the symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes (more autoimmune diseases). Herbs that stimulate the immune system may counteract these medications, resulting in transplant rejection, an exacerbation of pre-existing autoimmune disease, or precipitation of autoimmune disease in people genetically predisposed to such disorders.

Tip If you are taking immunosuppressant drugs such as the ones listed below, do not take the herbs alfalfa, astragalus, echinacea, ginseng, licorice root, or the mineral zinc.
a.. Cyclosporin (e.g. Sandimmune®, Neoral® Gengraf™)

b.. Azathioprine (Imuran®)

c.. Corticosteroids such as prednisolone (e.g. Hydeltrasol®, Predicort®, Predalone®), prednisone (Deltasone®)

d.. Methotrexate (Rheumatrex®)

Natural treatment for dandruff

Do a rinse that is 1 part of apple cider vinegar to 3 parts of warm water.
Apple cider vinegar can also be applied directly (undiluted) to the scalp.
After the vinegar has had a chance to soak into the scalp, shampoo with a
very mild shampoo.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DANDRUFF
Dandruff is a dry scaly condition of the skin on the scalp and less often,
on the face and the torso.

It comes in two types:-

(A) Pityriasis-capitis- It is the simple kind consisting of white dry flakes
falling from the scalp. The result is due the rate at which the scalp sheds
its dry skin cells, which in turn depends on the health and diet of the
individual stress, too seems to be related.

Can be controlled by:-

(i) Paying more attention to health hygiene.

(ii) Consuming more fresh fruits in your diet.

(iii) Drinking plenty of water.

(iv) Rinsing the hair carefully after shampoo.

(v) Brushing gently to rid the hair of trapped cells.

(vi) Lightly massaging the scalp to dislodge the dandruff flakes.

If a simple routine like this does not work, consult a dermatologist on the
use of anti-dandruff shampoo, which might slow down the rate at which the
cells are shed from the scalp.

(B) Seborrhoeic Dermatitis:- If the scalp is very greasy, an individual
might end up with this type of dandruff, which is thick, oily, scaly,
crusted and weeping.

This condition almost always needs medical care and attention, but if it is
mild you can treat it at home by either using an anti-dandruff shampoo or
trying home remedies. The best remedy however is to wash hair regularly with
a shampoo containing selenium compound or cool tar extracts. Consult a
dermatologist if the problem is severe or persists.

Tips on Managing Dandruff

Restore the health of the scap by bringing about a positive change in your
diet and living habits.

Light oil massage, can help to dislodge the existing dandruff flakes.
Massage the scalp carefully. The fingertips should be used to move, the skin
on the scalp in small circulatory motions.

Keep your scalp very clean. This can be achieved by washing hair twice a
week with liquid shampoos.

Dandruff can be infections. Keep your belongings clean and separate to
eliminate the chances of infection. Whenever you wash your hair, soak your
hair brushes and combs in hot water containing antiseptic lotion.

Treatment with herbal extracts has been found to be effective. Herbs like
heena, amla, lemon, reetha have antiseptic properties and are wonderful
cleansers.

Bring about a positive modification into your lifestyle, to eliminate stress
and overcome dietary deficiencies.

Besides the anti-dandruff creams, lotions, oils and shampoos available in
the market, there are many simple house hold remedies to fight dandruff
described below:

Mix two tablespoons of cosmetic vinegar and six tablespoons of hot water.
Dab with cotton into the scalp, parting the hair with a comb apply all over
the scalp. Preferably it should be used at bed time. Tie a scarf over the
hair to avoid staining the pillow. Next morning wash the hair with shampoo.
After the hair is thoroughly cleansed pour over as a last rinse a mixture of
three tablespoons of cosmetic vinegar and one cup of hot water. Then dry the
hair thoroughly. This should be done twice a week for three months.

Hot oil therapy is another method to cure dandruff. Massage hot oil into the
scalp at bedtime. Next morning an hour before bath, rub lemon juice mixed
with cosmetic venegar (mix 1:2 ratio) into the scalp. Give the hair a good
wash and egg shampoo.

Give your hair a hot steam bath. Massage hot oil with a hot damp towel and
leave it on the head like a turban so that the steam can fight dandruff. You
may use two towels for this purpose.

Here is another beauty tip for your hair. After giving your hair a good
wash, boil five teaspoons of dried used tea leaves in lime water and use it
as a last rinse after shampoo. This gives the hair a lustrous shine and
provides nourishment too.

More treatments options for Dandruff:

Make an infusion of 1 ounce each of fresh or dried rosemary and sage in 2
cups of water. Let steep for 24 hours, then use daily as a hair rinse.

Boil 5 heaping Tbsp dried thyme in 2 cups water for 10 minutes. Strain and
cool. Pour 1/2 mixture over clean, damp hair. Massage into scalp, do not
rinse. Use second half of solution another day.

Instead of shampooing, massage handfuls of baking soda into the hair and
scalp to absorb oil and to loossen dead skin on scalp. Rinse thoroughly, use
no other shampoos. While initially the hair may seem dry, after several
weeks, dandruff will be gone and hair will be smooth and shiny.

Mint Rinse
Boil:
1 cup water
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 handful of fresh mint leaves
Strain and pour into a container. With fingertips, massage solution into the
scalp, let dry without rinsing out.

Use the hot oil treatment recipe given on this page.

Soothing Herbal Hair Rinse
Combine equal parts of dried rosemary, comfrey, witch hazel leaves and
nettles to make about 1/2 cup. Add to 2 cups of water in a covered pot.
Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let steep overnight. Strain. Shampoo
and rinse hair then use herb tea for a final rinse to relieve itchy, flaky
scalp.

Natural tips for hair

HAIR AND ESSENTIAL OILS

The basic substance of hair is keratin, a strong protein that also makes up nails, and in animals, claws feathers, horns and fur. Humans don't molt in the usual way that animals do, but, we still lose our hair as each one comes to the end of its cycle (between 2 and 7 years). When this happens the hair becomes detached from the follicle (a tiny pit in the surface of the skin)- and a new hair begins to grow in its place. This should almost happen instantly, but with ill health, malnutrition, tension, or stress, the time between a hair being lost and a new one starting to grow can extend…so that our hair begins to thin.

At the side of each follicle there is a sebaceous gland that secrets sebum, necessary for lubricating the hair. If the blood supply is not delivering the seventeen amino acids, which make up the keratin, the hair becomes dry or greasy, the ends split and it loses its bounce. What we need for hair is the same as what we need for the skin, the outer layer which is also keratin. If you eat plenty of fresh food, cut down on stimulants such as coffee, tea, and alcohol, increase your dosage of vitamin B, stick with cold pressed oils and unsaturated fatty acids, and get enough sleep, you'll be on your way to a glorious head of hair.

It makes sense to avoid using the harsh detergent based shampoos. Go for a shampoo that claims to be mild Ex. (baby shampoo)…as it will be less likely to strip the hair of its acid mantle. Conditioners should be rich in proteins. To these store bought products you can simply add the essential oils for the category best suited to the present condition of your hair. However it is best to make your own preparations using basic recipes then adding the essential oils appropriate for your specific condition. Essential Oils penetrate deep into the follicles and the shaft of the hair
and produce shinny, healthy hair. There are essential oils that encourage new hair growth.

The method used for making many of these natural beauty materials is cooking your ingredients without having them come into contact with water or oils…like putting a nice size bowl inside of a container filled partly with water - you don't want the water to get into your bowl when it boils and ruin your blend and use a heat-proof bowl. I use a double boiler…When using the bowl method, you don't need much water in the pot - just enough to maintain the required temperature.

SHAMPOO BASE (SOAP STEW)
Use whichever one you find to be convenient and once made they keep forever and a day.

PURE SOAP FLAKES can be obtained from some health food stores and pharmacies.

SOAP FLAKES 4 ounces
SPRING WATER 1 Quart

Simmer the water, add the soap flakes, and stir until the soap dissolves. Cool and bottle in any old jar with a lid or similar container. The mixture may gel or appear lumpy after being left for a while but don't worry, just beat it up in the blender when you make up you shampoos.

CASTILE SOAP should be pure and white.

CASTLIE (grated finely) 4 Ounces
SPRING WATER 1 Quart

Simmer the water, add the soap and bring to a boil until the soap has dissolved. Pour into a jar and store until needed

SOAPWORT ROOT it has this name because it is the original raw material of
soaps and other cleaning products. You need to crush the root, which may be
bought from herbalists and health food stores.

SOAPWORT ROOT (crushed) ½ Ounce
SPRING WATER 1 Quart

Boil the water and pour it over the soapwort in a bowl. Leave it to infuse for at least 2 hours and then filter it through muslin, cheesecloth, a coffee filter or other fine strainer. Bottle it. You need larger quantities of this base when you shampoo, at least 2 Tablespoons of the mixture.

CONDITIONER
Lecithin, is an extemely important protein that plays a very important role within the human body. The lecithin we'll use here has been extracted from soya beans. Health food stores sell this product in two forms, liquid and granule. We'll use the liquid one which resembles thick orange tar but nevertheless emulsifies beautifully.

LECITHIN BASE
LIQUID LECITHIN 2 Ounces
ALMOND OIL 2 Ounces
JOJOBA OIL 2 Teaspoons
COCOA BUTTER ¼ Ounce

Mix all the ingredients until well melted and blended together. Pour into a jar and use as directed for the different hair recipes.

(NOTE: I think here one might use just 1 ounce of almond oil and add to the
recipe one ounce of Emu oil(it's a great carrier and penetrates three layers
of skin and is not greasy)

LECITHIN BASE 2
SOAP STEW 2 Ounces
LIQUID LECITHIN 1 Ounce

Warm the soap solution and then drip the lecithin in slowly, stirring constantly. When the mixture is well blended, bottle and keep to use as directed.

SCALP STIMULATOR
Here is a lotion that stimulates the scalp and is extremely effective for men's hair growth.

VODKA 1 teaspoon
ROSEMARRY 3 drops
LAVENDER 5 drops

(Mix then add to 1 Tablespoon of spring water)

Dip the fingertips into the mixture and massage into the scalp. It smells nice and can be put onto the hair, anytime that suits

FALLING HAIR
When you start to notice more hair in the brush and you finding them all over the furniture and everywhere…use the following treatment…This is not as serious as hair loss, which we will see to later.

SHAMPOOS
There are two recipes here. Use whichever you like but do not use more than once a week…washing too often does nothing to help the problem.

Shampoo
SOAP STEW 4 Ounces
JOJOBA OIL 4 Drops
CHAMOMILE 2 Drops
PALMA ROSA 3 Drops

(NOTE: I would also try using just 2 drops of the jojoba and adding 2 drops of emu oil)

Shampoo 2
SOAP STEW 4 Ounces
JOJOBA OIL 5 Drops
ROSEMARY 3 Drops
LEMON 2 Drops

(NOTE: Once again I would try decreasing the jojoba to 3 drops and add 2 drops of Emu oil)

CONDITIONER
Use these conditioners before shampooing and leave on the hair for 10 minutes before rinsing off.

(NOTE: never add the essential oils till all others have been mixed and you have removed from the heat)

Conditioner
COCOA BUTTER ½ Ounce
ALMOND OIL 2 Tablespoons
CLARY SAGE 5 Drops

(NOTE: Once again try to improvise emu oil into this...perhaps reduce the amount of almond oil and add the difference in emu oil)

Conditioner 2
LECITHIN BASE 2 Teaspoons
JOJOBA OIL 5 Drops
EVENING PRIMROSE OIL 10 Drops
ALMOND OIL 2 Tablespoons

(NOTE: Once again decrease almond oil by ½ tablespoon and add that much emu oil.)

HAIR LOSS (alopecia)
When hair starts coming out by the handfuls and bald patches appear you have the serious problem of hair loss. Balding is a separate subject and will be addressed later. Many essential oils and nut oils can stimulate the hair follicle and increase circulation and oxidization sufficiently enough to bring around re-growth of hair. Use only purified water (boiled or filtered) to wash your hair. Avoid chlorination in swimming pools, eat correctly and take vitamin B supplements. Shampooing to often can increase hair loss and heavy conditioning treatments can stretch weak hair and cause breakage. Chemical products can leave a build up residue that can lead to hair loss.

Essential oils for alopecia (Thyme, Rosemary, Lavender, Carrot, Sage)

Essential Oils that reduce hair loss (Roman Chamomile, Cypress, Lemon, Birch, Palma rosa, Thyme, Rose, Yarrow, Carrot, Sage, Clary Sage, Rosemary, Calendula)

Vegetable Oils for treating Alopecia (Jojoba, Borage seed, Evening Primrose,
and Emu Oil)

HAIR LOSS SHAMPOO
Blend the ingredients together use once a week…do not shampoo in-between…wear a hat or rag maybe. See also the following conditioner which should be used before hand.

Shampoo
SOAP STEW 4 Ounces
JOJOBA OIL 12 Drops
CARROT OIL 6 Drops
ROSEMARY 6 Drops
LAVENDER 10 Drops

(NOTE: I would try reducing the jojoba to 8 drops and adding 4 drops emu oil)

HAIR LOSS CONDITIONER
Before shampooing apply the following conditioner. Blend the ingredients together and massage into the scalp. Leave on for at least 30 minutes before washing…

Conditioner
JOJOBA OIL ½ Teaspoon
EVENING PRIMROSE OIL 10 Drops
PALMA ROSA 3 Drops

NIGHTIME TREATMENT FOR HAIR LOSS
Every night apply the following treatment all over the scalp. Mix ingredients together and store in a clean bottle. Use 1 Teaspoon for each application, diluted in 1Tablespoon of ice-cold spring water.

CIDER VINEGAR 4 Ounces
CARROT OIL 20 Drops
ROSEMARY 10 Drops

BALDING
ESSENTIAL OILS to stimulate hair growth (Rosemary, Neroli, Lavender, Geranium, Basil, Ginger, Cedarwood, Sage, Hyssop, Thyme, Lemon, Grapefruit, Cypress)

To strengthen hair add 1 drop rosemary to a cold water rinse when you have finished washing your hair. No need to rinse the rosemary out.

BALDING TREATMENT
The treatment will prevent hair from falling out, strengthen and make thicker
the hair you still have and in some cases bring back a fluffy downy hair…Don't be impatient… treatment must be continuous and it takes about 4 months. While you are following the treatment you may find that you won't catch colds, flu's coughing is eased as well as sinus problems can be helped too.

ROSEMARY 3 Drops
GERANIUM 4 drops
LAVENDER 5 Drops
CYPRESS 4 Drops
CINNAMON 2 Drops
JUNIPER 2 Drops

(Blend together)

Each day take 1 Drop from the bottle and mix it with ¼ teaspoon of spring water and rub into the scalp. Rub the bald area first then rub well into the rest of the scalp. Don't rub to hard and nighttime is the best time for treatment for that's when the body is regenerating itself. In the morning use a hypoallergenic shampoo, (one that doesn't contain detergent).

Simple and easy recipes to prepare natural mouthwashes

Simple and easy recipes to prepare natural mouthwashes.

The traditional homemade mouthwash formula
You will need these antiseptic plant materials as cloves, rosemary and myrrh
to make this alcohol free natural mouthwash formula. You can replace cloves
with goldenseal.

The process is too simple. Fill a pint jar with 2 cups of boiling water and
place all these materials into the jar.

Now add some mint oil and angelica seeds into another cup of boiling water,
let's sit them there for some time before staining all the solid portion and
now mix both the solutions to get a simple but very effective homemade
mouthwash solution.
Store the liquid in a covered jar in the refrigerator.

Rosemary-Mint Mouthwash
To make this mouthwash you will need 1 tsp fresh mint leaves, 1tsp rosemary
leaves and1 tsp anise seeds. Now add these things to 2 cups of distilled
water. Now heat the liquid until it comes to the boiling point. Infuse for 20
minutes.

Remove the liquid from heat, let it cool down and now strain it and put it
inside a glass jar. If you want to make it in a larger quantity, add 1 tsp of
tincture of powdered myrrh as a natural preservative.

Baking Soda Mouthwash
Baking soda is a traditional ingredient used in the dental care. To prepare
mouthwash with baking soda, make a mixture with 1/4 Teaspoon of baking soda
and 2 ounces of Water. You can also use sea salt. Also add to the mixture a
drop of essential peppermint oil, and a drop of Tea Tree oil.

This alcohol free mouthwash fills with your mouth with a refreshing minty
taste and great for prevent bad breathe.

You can use alcohol based mouthwash recipes at home too. Here is a simple
alcohol mouthwash recipe:
Spearmint mouthwash
To prepare this mouthwash, take 6 ounces water and 2 ounces vodka. Add to it
four teaspoons liquid glycerine. Also pour in one teaspoon aloe vera gel. To
bring the flavor,
you have to add 10-15 drops of Spearmint essential oil.
Boil the whole mixture. Remove from the heat and as it reaches a lukewarm
temperature, add the spearmint oil. Shake the entire broth well to get a
homogeneous mixture. Preserve in a glass bottle with airtight cap.

Shampoo tips

Shampoo
In a blender, combine 1 ounce olive oil, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon lemon juice,
and 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Use as regular shampoo. Rub dry baking soda into wet hair and rinse. Also good for dandruff.
• Baking soda removes conditioner build-up from your hair. Rub in and rinse
thoroughly, then shampoo with your regular shampoo.
Hair Rinses
• To give your hair a great shine and help remove soap build up:
• Blondes: Add a couple of tablespoons of lemon juice to your rinse water.
• Brunettes and Redheads: Add a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to
your rinse water.
Hair Setting Lotions
• Try dissolving a teaspoon of gelatin in a cup of warm water and use this as a
setting lotion before styling hair. You can use this as a liquid or chill it and use it as a gel.
• Dissolve 1 teaspoon sugar in 1 cup warm water and apply to damp hair before
styling.