Why buy high-priced toiletries and over-the-counter medications filled with chemicals and preservatives?
Better: Make your own body-care products and
healing remedies, often for pennies. Grow herbs yourself or buy them, along
with other ingredients, at health-food stores.
1) Problem: Bad breath.
What you need:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 2 Tablespoons vodka
- 2 drops peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops myrrh essential oil
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| Rinsing with water after eating can keep bad breath at bay. |
Good to know: Place remaining mixture in a
covered, airtight container. Store away from light (to preserve the oils’
potency) for up to 6 weeks.
2) Problem: Dull hair color.
What you need:
- 2 cups distilled water
For dark hair:
- ¼ cup fresh rosemary leaves
For blonde hair:
- ¼ cup chamomile flower petals
*Preparation: Boil water. Add rosemary or
chamomile, cover and simmer 30 minutes. Strain, discarding leaves. Lean head
forward and pour infusion over hair, catching run-off in a basin. Repeat twice.
Do not rinse off.
*Good to know: The herbs help restore natural
highlights. For best effect, use after every shampoo.
3) Problem: Foot odor.
What you need:
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup dried sage leaves
*Good to know: If you prefer a different
fragrance, substitute dried thyme or fresh rosemary leaves for the sage.
4) Problem: Itchy, flaky or dry skin.
What you need:
- 1 cup coarsely ground sea salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
*Preparation: Stir oil into salt. Standing in
the shower, massage 2 Tablespoons of mixture into skin (reserving remainder for
later). Rinse. Repeat weekly.
*Good to know: For a pleasing scent, add 6
drops of lavender essential oil to the mixture before using. Store remainder in
a glass jar in a cool, dark place.
5) Problem: Pimples.
What you need:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 Tablespoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 Tablespoon dried calendula blossoms
*Good to know: Also use this preparation to improve an oily, shiny complexion. Store remainder in a glass bottle in a cool, dry place.
6) Problem: Puffy, tired or irritated eyes.
What you need:
- 2 chamomile tea bags
- 1 cup distilled water
*Important: If you have ragweed allergies, do
not use this preparation.
7) Problem: Sunburn.
What you need:
- 1 cup distilled water
- ¼ cup dried or ½ cup fresh peppermint leaves
*Preparation: Boil water. Add peppermint, cover
and simmer 15 minutes. Strain, discarding leaves. Fill bathtub with tepid
water, and add infusion. Soak 20 minutes. Repeat as needed.
*Good to know: Substitute lemon mint, lavender
mint or other types of mint leaves for the peppermint to vary the aroma.
Source: Bottom Line Women's Health, 2008 (Dorie Byers, RN)
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