Natural Health and Beauty
We use cosmetics and hygiene products for a fairly narrow range of reasons; to keep skin moist and supple, to clean hair and body, to clean our mouths and removing unpleasant odours
We also use some products to pamper ourselves and to help us relax.
The following ingredients can be used to achieve all of these purposes without the use of additional toxic additives, synthetic fragrances, or artificial colours.
Personal Hygiene and Cosmetics
Astringents and after shaves
Witch hazel, diluted isopropyl alcohol.
Bath soaks
For a soothing bath, add 20-30 drops of pure team oil into the water. Baking soda can soften hard water and makes
the water more relaxing.
Deodorants
Baking soda, white clay, deodorant crystals.
Insect repellents
Several essential oils have insect repelling qualities. One great combination
is citronella and patchouli oils. These can be made into a soup with which to
wash before heading outside or use in a spray bottle.
Moisturisers and conditioners
Egg yoke, milk, yogurt, safflower oil (for extra light moisturising), olive oil
(for dry hair and skin), water, oatmeal, jojoba oil.
Perfumes
Essential oils provide non-toxic fragrances that can be used to scent shampoos and bath soaks.
Toothpaste
Baking soda, salt
Soaps and cleansing agents
Castile soap, olive oil base soap.
Coughs, colds and sore throats
The very best remedy is natural honey. Mix 350g (1 cup) of honey and either
60g (1/2 cup of fresh thyme) or 30g (1/4 cup) of dried thyme - a wonderful herb
with antibacterial properties. This mixture has been used for centuries for alleviate
the miseries of colds and flu's.
Heat together in a small saucepan over gentle heat for 20 minutes - ensuring that the honey doesn't burn or boil. Allow to cool, then strain out the herbs. Bottle and label the mixture. To relieve colds, coughs and sore throats, just take 1 teaspoon three times a day. Also add a teaspoon to hot drinks instead of sugar.
Exfoliating dry skin
After bathing and whilst skill wet give yourself a massage with salt. It will remove dead skin and improve your circulation.
Fatigue
Soak relaxed in a bath for at least 10 minutes where several handfuls of salt have been added.
Feet
Soak aching feet in warm water to which a handful of salt have been added.
Hair care
Remove residue and styling product build up from hair. After shampooing rinse
your hair with a mixture of half vinegar, 1/2 warm water to remove all hair products
and add shine to you hair.
ORAL HYGENE
Sore Throat Remedy
Just gargle with Cider Vinegar - it really works to sooth the throat and kill
the germs causing it.
Gargling
Stir 1/2 teaspoon salt in a 220ml (8oz) glass of warm water and use as a gargle
for sore throats.
Cleaning teeth
Mix one part salt and two part baking soda after pulverising the salt in a
blender (or similar). Just use instead of commercial toothpaste, it whitens
teeth, helps to reduce plaque and is healthier for gums.
Mouthwash
Mix equal parts of salt and baking soda, add to a glass of water and rinse
around your mouth.
SKIN CARE
Cleaning
Cleaning the skin is important because it remove all the dead skin cells from
the surface of the skin and removes dirt and dust from the pores leaving
your skin soft and smooth.
Skin experts recommend avoiding soap because of its high pH. A high pH soap will dry the skin and diminish it's life expectancy. Skin has a natural pH of just 5, where most soaps have a pH of 7 (and over).
Make a good cleanser from natural products. Coconut oil is an excellent cleanser. But other oils (Palm and Sesame) are also great at cleaning the skin - they are safe and effective with a low pH.
If you can get seaweed extract then use that, it is naturally high in minerals and helps improve the circulation of the blood in the skin, helps remove toxins and leaves skin amazingly smooth. The minerals help strengthen the skins natural immunity and healing functions.
Facial Scrub
For a stimulating facial scrub mix equal parts of salt and olive oil and gently
massage the face and neck. Leave the mixture on your face for five minutes
then rinse off. Patting dry your face.
Spots, Acne and Oily Skin
Juniper has natural antibacterial properties and is helpful in treating acne,
in addition its astringency helps with oily skin conditions. Combine 10
drops of essential oil of Juniper with 30ml (1oz) jojoba oil and apply to
the face. Then wash with a cleanser and rinse in warm water.
Cleaning
Cleaning the skin is important because it remove all the dead skin cells from
the surface of the skin and removes dirt and dust from the pores leaving your
skin soft and smooth.
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