ACNE
Tea tree oil (which can be found at Wal-mart by the rubbing alcohol)
Rub a drop of this antiseptic essential oil on blemishes 3 times a day to discourage infection and promote healing.
Homemade pimple cream
5 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tsp of an oil free fragrance free lotion and apply it 3 times a day.
Witch hazel
Blot acne prone areas 2 times a day
For added antibacterial strength drop 5 fresh sage leaves into a 4 oz bottle of witch hazel and let sit 1 week before using.
BLOODSHOT EYES
Potato: peel and finely grate a ripe baking potato (no green areas) put gratings into gauze and lie back and hold cloth to eye 10-15 minutes.
BURNS
Aloe- smooth gel directly onto burn
Calendula- apply gel directly to the burn as often as necessary to relieve pain or at least 3 times a day for 2-3 days even when you no longer have pain.
Mint- chop a couple fresh mint leaves and lay them on top of burn for 15-20 minutes. Tape gauze over area.
Herbal hair rinses
Use 1 tsp dried or 2 tsp fresh herbs brewed in 1 c water and let steep for 15-20 minutes to make a strong tea. Strain out the herbs and after shampooing and conditioning if you do, use these herbal rinses to help hair be shinier and healthier.
Rosemary and parsley: good for dark hair
Sage: will darken graying hair
Chamomile: will highlight blonde and light brown hair
Calendula (pot marigold, not American marigold): conditions
Lavender and lemon verbena: add fragrance
Linden: good for frequently washed hair
Nettles: good for controlling dandruff
Can also use these other combos together for rinses:
Rosemary, sage, southernwood leaves
Rosemary and mint leaves
orange and lemon peels, mint and rosemary leaves
Chamomile, linden flowers, rosemary, sage, nettles
Horsetail and Yarrow leaves
Homemade Body Scrub
I did this 2 nights ago and I couldn't believe the difference it made in my skin. I used this on my face and upper body and then shaved with this recipe and it made my skin feel so very soft.
1 c oatmeal
enough buttermilk to make a paste
Grind the oatmeal in a blender or food processor till it is very fine, but it in a bowl and add the buttermilk to make a paste. Smooth onto the face and any other area you want to "scrub" off dead skin cells. Let sit for about 5-10 minutes, I shaved while I was waiting for this to "set" or read a book whatever you want use this time to relax. Then wash the face off with luke warm water and jump into the shower, BE SURE TO HAVE a drain catcher in the tub or run very hot water into the drain afterwards...
I shaved with this and my legs have never felt softer!
You can also use the buttermilk every night after you wash your face to help remove the days "skin" cells. It has made my face glow and I did feel the difference when I was done.
Rose Water
Ok, if you were lucky enough to get roses for Valentine's Day and you don't want to throw them away make homemade rose water. It's great for a light fragrance or to freshen up in a hurry not to mention a nice astringent, BUT please make sure you are not allergic to roses.
Take a few roses and pull off their petal and add to a blender add 2 cups of water, and pulse, now leave overnight or for 12 hrs then pulse again. Put a paper towel in a colander, to catch the roses petals because if any petals get into the water it will spoil the water, strain the petals out then pour the water into a nice spritz bottle. You can refrigerate it for up to a month. It feels really nice on a hot day and it.
Rebecca White is a mother to 3 boys ages 12, 10 and 4. She loves to grow herbs for cooking and medicinal uses. Rebecca owns http://www.medicinalherbguide.com where you can find many more tips and great articles on owning your own medicinal herb garden. Be sure to stop in to see books she recommends using and software that saves you time when recording your plants' progress. | |
