|
Nothing is quite as
exciting as individualizing handmade soaps and shampoos by
including natural additives.
Natural additives lend their own
special qualities by adding natures own nutrients and
providing a unique look, color, texture, and aroma to the soap.
 |
Adzuki Bean
(Phaseolus angularis)
is a small reddish bean on
an annual vine widely grown throughout East Asia and the
Himalayas.
The
bean is ground into a soft powder that has been used in skin
care by the Japanese for centuries. It gently exfoliates
without
damaging the surface of the skin, leaving
a soft, radiant glow.
The adzuki bean is naturally rich in B-complex vitamins,
calcium, potassium, phosphorous, iron, zinc, folic acid and
Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids.
Adzuki
beans contain a natural foaming agent called saponin that
helps helps cleanse pores by removing dirt and dead skin
cells, drawing out impurities and promoting circulation.
|
 |
Alkanet Root
is
the root
of the
Alkanna tinctoria
plant with
nectar laden dainty blue flowers that appear in late summer
and attract bees. The name alkanet comes from Arabic, al
khenna (henna), from the red color of the roots that have
been known from ancient times as a great source of natural
color. Alkanet
Root is usually used to produce a natural blue or purple color
in the soap.
It was once used in Western Europe as rouge and
is also
used for producing natural dyes for fabrics.
This root is rarely used therapeutically, although it has
astringent and antimicrobial properties.
It
was used centuries ago to help heal deep wounds and skin
ulcers.
Oil made with
alkanet is an
emollient that is soothing and softening to the skin.
|
|
|
A
live aloe plant is a great first aid kit for any home.
Fresh aloe vera gel, straight from the plant is
hydrating, soothing, detoxifying, and helps to prevent
or reduce the appearance of scar tissue. It also helps
to heal cuts, burns (especially sunburn), and reduces
the irritation of bug bites. |
|
Aloe vera,
Aloe barbadensis,
a member
of the lily family, is closer in resemblance to a cactus. For
thousands of years, aloe vera has been recognized as one of nature’s
most remarkable herbs for health and beauty. The plant’s leaves are
filled with a gel that contains more than 75 known substances, which
include vitamins, minerals, enzymes, proteins, polysaccharides and
biological stimulators. Known as the "miracle plant" in
Ayurvedic medicine, aloe
was also used
in
beauty rituals by the
ancient Egyptians
due to
its beneficial effects on skin.
Doctors in ancient China called aloe the
"the harmonic remedy" because of its
healing properties.
For many
years aloe, with a pH similar to our own skin, has been prized for its
anti-inflammatory
properties, its ability to relieve itching, and its skin-moisturizing
effects. Aloe is
soothing,
emollient, antibacterial, promotes new skin growth, moisturizes,
protects, and counters the effects of aging. It is rich in
natural moisture and has a humectant quality that draws additional
moisture to the skin. The
finest most concentrated extract of aloe vera is obtained from the
innermost flesh of the aloe vera leaf. Aloe vera juice,
extract and oil are believed
to encourage skin rejuvenation and promote healing of wounds and
treatment of sunburn. For some of our soaps we like to use use
fresh organic aloe leaves that we grow in our greenhouse. We
whir them in the blender and add them at the end of the soapmaking
process in order to keep as much of the beneficial properties as
possible.
Aloe vera adds a wonderful, silky texture to soap leaving skin soft
and smooth. In hair care,
aloe makes hair more
manageable, smoother, silkier, and healthier.
Aloe
conditions, moisturizes and creates a smooth shine.
There are some that believe that aloe may help promote hair
growth,
make the hair thicker,
and strengthen the hair so it is more resistant
to breakage. Mexican woman have
applied aloe vera for centuries to add luster and manageability to
their hair.
|
|
 |
Almond Meal,
which consists
of the finely ground kernels of blanched almonds,
has been used in many traditional beauty regimens to moisturize and
exfoliate the skin with the natural oil of almonds and the gentle
exfoliation of the nut meal.
Ground
almonds add scent and texture to soap,
unclog skin
pores, and absorb excess oil from the skin.
Almond milk,
made by pureeing blanched almonds with water, is packed with natural oils, nutrients and
vitamins known to make skin soft and smooth!
Almond milk is very
gentle, highly moisturizing and nourishing to your skin.
Nuts in general,
such as almonds,
walnuts, hazelnuts, etc., are very rich in natural oils and make
great skin exfoliators when ground and added to soaps.
|
 |
Amla,
Phyllanthus
emblica,
also known
as the Indian gooseberry, comes from a small tree that grows
throughout India. Due to its nourishing fruit, it is
worshipped as "Mother Nature." The fruit is one of the
highest natural sources of vitamin C, and has been used for
centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat the hair and scalp.
Regular use of Amla promotes glowing skin and its antioxidant
effect may help delay wrinkles. It has also been found helpful
in treating eczema. Amla is an excellent hair
conditioning herb, provides nourishment scalp. that is
believed to penetrate the scalp and strengthen hair at its
root, promote stronger, healthier new growth and help with
hair loss by normalizing blood supply.
|
|
 |
Annatto,
Bixa orellana,
is
a shrub indigenous to the Caribbean and Central America.
When ripe, the heart-shaped fruit pod splits in half to reveal
about fifty seeds encased in a red pulp, which is the source
of the color. It is one of the few internationally
permitted natural food dyes. Annatto is widely used in
Latin America and the Caribbean cuisines as both a coloring
agent and for flavoring. Central and South American Indians
used the seeds as a lipstick giving this plant its other name,
the lipstick tree. Annatto, used for years to treat
burns, has been used for centuries to condition hair and skin.
It
contains vitamins A and D and beta-carotene. In body
care products, Annatto oil acts as an emollient, is
antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, and
provides antioxidant benefits
while adding a rich sunny color.
|
|
The old saying, “an
Apple
a day, keeps the doctor away,” comes from am old English
adage, “To eat an apple before going to bed, will make the
doctor beg his bread.” Well . . . apples are also good
for your skin. Apples contain a wide range of flavonoids
which are known for their antioxidant activity.
Antioxidants are
chemicals that reduce or prevent oxidation, thus preventing
cell and tissue damage from free radicals.
Apples are loaded with pectin, a soluble fiber
that
helps tighten pores, and fruit acids that help purify and
promote cell renewal.
|
Beauty
Secret Apple
Mask for Normal Skin
1 Apple, cored and cut in chunks
2 T Honey
Place apple pieces in a food processor and chop. Mix in
honey and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Pat the mixture
onto your face with a light tapping motion, tapping until the
honey feels tacky. Allow to sit for 30 minutes and then
rinse.Beauty
Secret Apple
& Oatmeal Mask for Oily Skin
Place some
regular oatmeal
in a blender to make some oatmeal powder.
You can save the left-over powder for future use. Mix
together one tablespoon of oatmeal powder, half a grated
apple, and a little milk. Apply the mask all over your
face and neck, and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Scrub
off using your fingertips in a circular motion.
Beauty Secret
Skin
Texture
Rub
half of an apple on skin to help even out the texture. |
| |
|
 |
Apricots
are chocked full of many wonderful
vitamins, minerals and natural oils.
Rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and especially
beta carotene, the
juice of apricots
is good for sunburn, itching and eczema.
Apricots are known for their hydrating, firming and
revitalizing
properties,
making them an excellent addition to natural skin care
products.
Apricots are great for extremely dry skin. High in
Vitamin A, the fruit helps smooth wrinkles and rejuvenate
and tighten skin. |
|
Beauty Secret Apricot
Mask for Dry Skin
2 apricots
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
2 tablespoon honey
Mix all ingredients in a blender.
Apply the mixture on the face except for eyes and mouth
and leave it for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water
and pat dry
|
|
|
Aritha,
Sapindus mukorrosi,
also known as Soapnuts,
come from the fruit of the Soapberry tree native throughout India and
Nepal in lower forests. Soapberry trees can produce fruit for
many decades. The soap nuts are actually the dried hulls from the
soapberry nut, which contain a high
level of saponins that act as natural foaming and cleansing agents.
Local farmers harvest the nuts and remove the shells which are then
dried in the Sun. This 100% natural product requires no
chemical processing at all. The inner seed, which
contains no saponins, can be planted to create new
trees for an easily sustainable forest. Soapnuts are not only
sustainable, but they are also biodegradable, chemical-free, and
gentle. Soap nuts are a fruit
closely related to the Goji berry. Since they are not a true
nut, they can be used safely by people with nut allergies. Aritha is a
popular ingredient in
Ayurvedic shampoos and cleansers. They are used in Ayurvedic
medicine to soothe eczema, psoriasis, itchy skin and sensitive skin.
In hair care
Aritha, an excellent hair
tonic,
has long been known for its benefits for
healthy hair and scalp. Used for
centuries as an anti hair loss shampoo,
the natural antifungal and antibacterial properties may help with
dandruff. The natural saponins not only cleanse hair, they add body
and sheen and make hair feel thicker, silky and smooth.
|
|
 |
Avocados,
a
treasury of vitamins, minerals and natural oils,
were once
used as an aphrodisiac. Although we make no guarantees on that
account, the oils do have an ancient history of use in cosmetics.
Ancient
Aztec, Mayan and Inca women believed that the avocado fed the
skin from without as well as within. Today avocado pulp
is used to make moisturizing complexion masks. Avocados
are high in
beta-carotene, lecithin, fatty acids, potassium
and protein, not usually found in fruit. They are high in
vitamins A and D and contain more vitamin E than any other
fruit. Avocado pulp is rich, nourishing, and
moisturizing leaving skin feeling soft and smooth.
|
|
IBeauty Secret
Avocado Moisturizing
Facial
Mask
Mash half an avocado and spread evenly on your clean face
and neck. Leave the avocado on for 15 minutes, then
rinse off with warm water--followed
with a cool water rinse. Pat your face and neck
until dry.
|
 |
Bananas,
rich in magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants vitamins A, B,
C and E, are also high in sucrose, fructose, and glucose
(natural sugars).
The fruit acids from these sugars
are natural exfoliants that
help
slough off dead skin and revitalize dull skin.
Bananas are an excellent
choice for smoothing and moisturizing dry skin.
They also contain anti-fungal and
anti-bacterial properties that may help fight acne. Bananas
are often used in facial masks to help reduce wrinkles.
|
|
Beauty Secret
Banana
Facial
Mask
Using the back of a fork, mash one small banana. Add 2
tablespoons of yogurt and 1 tablespoon of honey. Stir to
mix well.
Evenly apply mask to your clean face, including the area
around the eyes and the neck, and leave on for 15-20 minutes
minutes. Rinse off with cool water and gently pat dry.
If you like a little
thicker mask, add about 1/3 cup whole or ground oatmeal!
If you have oily skin, add a few drops of lemon juice to the
banana and milk mixture. |
|
 |
Basil,
Ocimum basilicum,
also known as Common Basil or
Sweet Basil is native to India, the Middle East and some
Pacific Islands. The
species and common names are derived from the Greek
basileus, meaning king.
It has been cultivated in the
Mediterranean for thousands of years.
The ancient Egyptians burned a mixture of basil and
myrrh to appease their gods.
In India, basil was believed to contain divine essence, and
natives chose this herb upon which to swear their oaths in
court. In Elizabethan times sweet basil was used as a
snuff for colds, to ease headaches, and clear the mind.
Basil tea is often used to help nausea. Due to its
anti-bacterial and fungicide action, Basil leaves are used on
itching skin, acne, and insect bites.
Basil is
extremely effective in treating skin disorders.
An infusion of basil leaves and flowers has been used to
stimulate dull skin and clear complexions. Basil has a
toning and refreshing effect on the body.
In
oriental cultures the soil of basil gardens is used as a mud
bath to relieve skin ailments.
|
|
 |
Beer
is a humectant,
which means it attracts and locks moisture to the skin.
Adding beer to a bath is a practice that began in the Middle Ages.
Beer is
well known for its conditioning properties and creates a gentle
moisturizing lather.
The malt and yeast in beer are rich in B complex vitamins, biotin, pantothenic acid, and trace minerals, which help make skin smooth
and supple. Beer has been used to help acne, eczema, and skin
infections. Beer adds a protein boundary to soap so it intensifies lather.
The hops
in the beer gives the soap a nice clean smell with a hint of
sweetness similar to honey.
In
hair care, beer gives a lovely shine
to hair when used in shampoo or as a rinse. The proteins from
the malt and hops in the beer coat the hair, build it up and help
repair damage.
Beer's natural ingredients tighten the cuticle
of the hair shaft and give hair better shine.
It leaves
the hair with wonderful body.
Click here to see recipes for natural Beer hair rinses! |
 |
Bhringraj,
Eclipta
alba,
is an
ancient Ayurvedic herbal remedy for hair loss, premature graying,
skin allergies, which helps rejuvenate skin and hair.
Considered the "king of herbs" for
hair growth, it adds deep moisture and
acts like a
multivitamin for hair to help
strengthen the hair shaft, provide
natural shine and may also
helps with dandruff.
|
Buttermilk
is the
liquid left after butterfat is separated from milk or cream.
Milks have been used since ancient times as natural cleansers.
Buttermilk is softening and soothing to the skin and adds creaminess to
handcrafted soap.
|
 |
Calendula,
Calendula officinalis,
flowers,
highly
valued in medieval Europe,
have a long history as skin softeners.
Very
soothing to sensitive and dry skin, calendula
has been used
for centuries to enhance
skin tone and appearance. Also
referred to as "pot marigold," the yellowish-orange calendula petals
have a wide
range of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and
skin-healing properties. calendula It is used for burns, cuts,
inflammations, insect bites, rashes, wounds and skin disorders such
as eczema and acne. Because the herb
treated burns and open wounds, physicians preserved the juice from
the plant with alcohol and used the mixture on the battlefield
during the American Civil War. World War I battlefield doctors
poured boiling water over dried flower heads and applied the mixture
to soldiers’ wounds to prevent infection and inflammation. It is believed to
promote skin cell regrowth and moisturize dry,
cracked skin. Calendula is beneficial for individuals with sensitive skin.
|
Carrots
and Carrot Juice
was regarded
by the ancient healers as the 'herbal healer' of skin. Carrots are rich in vitamin A and beta carotene,
an antioxidant that is believed to
revitalize and tone
and
promote healthy skin.
The soothing properties of carrots have been used to treat dermatitis, eczema,
and rashes. Due to their antioxidant properties which fight
the damage to tissues caused by free radicals, carrots are believed
to
help rejuvenate
sun-exposed, mature skin and may help with wrinkles.
Moisturizing carrots help dry,
chapped skin. The fresh root, finely chopped, has been used as
a beauty mask for the face
.
The
carrot juice also adds a lovely orange color to soap.
Carrots were first
cultivated in 500 BC in the Mediterranean regions. They were
introduced in Europe 1600's and ladies used the feathery tops as
decoration for hats and wore them in their hair.
|
Beauty Secret
Facial For Oily Skin
Mix
one cup yogurt, one teaspoon fresh lemon juice, one teaspoon
fresh orange juice, and one teaspoon of carrot juice. Apply
the mixture to your face, leaving on 10-15 minutes.
Rinse with tepid water.
Beauty Secret Carrot Facial
Mask
Cook 2-3 large
carrots and mash. Add 4-5 tablespoons of honey.
Gently apply the mask to your face. Wait 10 minutes and
rinse with cool water. |
 |
Catnip,
Nepeta cataria,
is a
sedative for humans. This soothing herb
was a popular bedtime tea before Chamomile was introduced.
It is use for muscular and joint aches and pains. In
hair care catnip
promotes
healthy hair growth. |
|
 |
Chamomile, Matricaria
recutita,
flowers add a slightly astringent quality to soaps. Infusions
of Chamomile have been used to
soothe
skin rashes, minor burns and sunburn. Used as a lotion or
added in oil form to a cool bath, chamomile eases the itching of
eczema and other rashes and reduces skin inflammation.
Chamomile's mild astringency makes it very good for deep-cleaning
pores.
Chamomile
tea makes a fantastic hair rinse for blonds.
This herb is commonly sold as a soothing and relaxing tea.
It is
believed to
ease depression, stress, insomnia and migraines.
Facilitates meditation.
In hair care
chamomile is used
to soothe
the scalp, condition, and stimulate healthy hair growth.
Chamomile is one of the most
beneficial herbs for hair. It adds highlights to fair hair and a
sheen to dark hair and it conditions and softens.
|
|
Beauty Secret Chamomile Compress for
Rosacea
|
|
|
 |
Chickweed,
Stellaria media,
useful in treating inflammatory skin
conditions,
brings relief from chronic itching caused by eczema, and psoriasis
and other rashes. Chickweed salve
soothes burns, stings and bites. It also eases and moisturizes dry
or chapped skin. Chickweed is also used in poultices to help
pull toxins from wounds.
Chickweed gets its common name because chickens love it!
|
 |
Cinnamon
makes a dark soap with a pleasant spicy aroma. It is mildly
abrasive to the skin, has gentle antiseptic properties, and adds
longevity and character to soap lather. |
Clays,
called
Ee-Wah-Kee, which means "mud-that-heals," were used by
Native Americans as a natural way to purify, sooth, and heal
open. Clay masks are used today by many cultures as a natural
way to remove toxins and tone facial skin.
-
Bentonite Clay
is
derived
from naturally occurring volcanic ash sediments here in the
US. When mixed with water, it becomes very slippery, almost
gel-like. Good for all skin types,
it is
commonly used in shaving
soaps to make the razor slippery to avoid cuts to the skin.
It also
makes an
invigorating body or face mask. Great for treating problem
skin and poison ivy, clays
are also reputed to naturally cleanse pores.
Clay gives soap a smooth silky
lather.
-
China Clay,
also called kaolin clay or white clay, is one of the mildest
and purest of all clays. It can be used on even the
most sensitive skin. Since it does not draw oils from the skin,
it can be used on the driest skin types. This is clay is
often used in fine face powders. The very fine,
naturally absorbent texture
gently cleans, exfoliates, and
eliminates clogged pores, while improving circulation.
White China clay is soothing,
cleansing, hydrating, detoxifying, and gives soap a smooth
creamy lather.
-
French Green Clay
is mined from bedrock quarries in France. It has
great absorbent powers and literally "drinks" oils, toxins
and impurities from your skin. Its toning action
stimulates the skin bringing fresh blood to damaged skin
cells, revitalizing the complexion while tightening pores.
This clay is great for oily skin and helps to clear
problem skin.
-
Pink Clay,
also called French Pink Clay, is
a mild clay that can be used everyday without drying the skin.
Extremely
beneficial for dry and sensitive skin, it
gently cleans, exfoliates, and
eliminates
clogged pores,
while improving circulation.
Pink
clay is soothing, cleansing, hydrating and detoxifying and
gives
soap a smooth creamy lather and a lovely rose color.
-
Rhassoul Clay,
also known as Moroccan Lava Clay,
is an ancient clay formed deep beneath the Atlas mountains in
eastern Morocco--it is the only source for this precious
clay.
These
deeply buried clay deposits are very difficult to obtain.
Rhassoul clay, used in ancient Rome and Egypt by the
nobility, has very long history in beauty care.
It has been used for over 1400 years as
a soap, shampoo, and skin conditioner.
Due to its ability to detoxify
and absorb oil and impurities from both skin and hair,
rhassoul
clay leaves the hair and skin unbelievably clean,
smooth, moisturized, clear, and feeling
fresh.
Rhassoul
clay is very rich in trace minerals. It is
higher in silica, magnesium, potassium, and calcium than all
other clays.
Rhassoul clay has extraordinary absorption
properties which makes it very effective for cleansing the skin.
It is reported to
reduce dryness, reduce
flakiness, improve skin clarity, improve skin elasticity,
and improve skin texture. It removes dead skin,
surface oil, and oil from inside and around clogged pores
resulting in a general smoothing of the skin and scalp.
Often
used in masks, mud baths, and clay baths, rhassoul is
described as a balancing clay, since it attracts and lifts
dirt, yet does not strip the skin of precious natural oils.
It leaves your skin and hair clean and soft.
It is perfect for all skin types. In hair care
rhassoul
was used to naturally shampoo hair in Ancient Rome and
Egypt.
It
stimulates the scalp and helps restore luster to over
processed, overworked and dull hair.
Beauty Secret
Rhassoul Clay & Yogurt Mask
Combine 2
tablespoons of whole milk plain yogurt with 1 teaspoon
of Rhassoul clay. Apply mask with your fingers to
your freshly washed face. After mask has dried
(10-20 minutes), rinse off with warm water. Add 1-3
drops of lavender essential oil for ever greater
benefits! |
|
|
 |
Chocolate and Cocoa Powder
are added
to soap to add color, aroma, and skin softening properties.
People
are paying good money to have their bodies coated with real
chocolate. Chocolate contains antioxidants, which inhibit the
free radicals that otherwise break down normal cell reproduction.
Many people use green tea-based cosmetic products, for their
antioxidant qualities, but dark chocolate has four times as many
antioxidants as green tea.
It
also contains well known cellulite fighter - natural Caffeine!
Caffeine helps temporarily plump and smooth the skin.
Chocolate
is very soothing, and skin softening; and bathing in chocolate is
almost as much fun as eating it. Chocolate has been associated
with romance since the age of the Aztecs.
|
Cloves
are antiseptic, but too much can be irritating.
We use this
spice only in small amounts for color mixed with cinnamon and
nutmeg.
|
 |
Coconut
milk
is softening and soothing to the skin and adds creaminess to
handcrafted soap.
Coconut
milk, abundant with natural antiseptic fatty acids, gently removes
impurities without drying sensitive skin.
Coconut milk has been used in
Ayurvedic medicine in India for thousands of
years. Many cultures in tropical climates have found
that coconut milk has numerous skin smoothing properties.
It is widely used in spas in India to
soothe dry skin and scalps. Woman in India often use coconut
milk to help prevent hair loss. |
Beauty Secret Coconut
Skin Softener
Warm 1/2 cup of canned coconut milk in the microwave
until runny - about 30 seconds on high. Mixed with two
tablespoons of honey. Massage into the skin and rinse off
after about 10 minutes.
Beauty Secret
Coconut Hair Strengthener
Women in India use this recipe to help prevent hair
loss. It feels cool and relaxing and regular use will
make your hair silky and also improve hair growth. Mix
the juice of 1/2 of a lime along with 4 table spoon of thick
coconut milk and massage into the scalp. Massaging the
scalp will activate the sebaceous glands, improve blood
circulation, and make the hair grow healthy. Wash off
with a natural shampoo. This should be repeated once a
week for effective treatment. For extra conditioning,
leave the coconut milk mixture on your hair for 2-3 hours
before washing. |
|
|
Coffee is
used in soaps to absorb
odors from the skin.
It
also contains well known cellulite fighter - Caffeine!
Caffeine helps temporarily plump and smooth the skin.
Coffee
grounds
provide pumice-like exfoliation,
removing dead skin cells, and firming and toning skin.
|
Beauty Secret Coffee Hair Rinse
To add luster to brunette or red hair, rinse
hair with black coffee after shampooing. Follow
with a warm clear water rinse.
|
|
|
 |
Comfrey,
Symphytum officinale,
comes from the Latin words con firma,
which mean “with strength.”
Both the root and the leaf of this valuable herb are known to
heal and soothe. It is believed to regenerate cell
growth after injury. During the Civil War, comfrey
poultices were used to wrap the wounds and broken bones
of soldiers and
earned comfrey the nicknames “heal-all” or “knitbone.”
Comfrey root contains allantoin,
which is believed to foster the growth of new cells.
Comfrey
has gained popularity as a skin healing herb
and is used to heal rashes, inflammation and other skin
problems.
Comfrey
has mucilage, which is why it is used in skin and hair
products for a softening effect. Comfrey leaves (fresh
or dried) or roots in a muslin tea bag added to the bath water
can be used to soften skin. In hair care, comfrey soothes and stimulates the scalp, and enriches lifeless hair.
Comfrey tea, made from root or leaves, poured over hair as a
rinse, makes hair soft as silk. |
Cornmeal
absorbs
oils and has long been used for its mildly abrasive qualities, which
help to unclog skin pores.
The
gentle abrasive qualities of cornmeal
help to increase
blood circulation to the skin.
This mild, abrasive skin cleanser promotes finer skin texture. Your
skin will regain a glowing, refreshed look.
Beauty
Secret Facial Scrub
Add enough water to moisten a 1/4 cup of finely ground
uncooked cornmeal. Using your fingertips, rub the
cornmeal in circular motions over your face and throat.
Rinse with warm water.
Be sure
to use a finely ground cornmeal. Large grain cornmeal
can be too irritating. If you find that the cornmeal is
too grainy, use a mortar and pestle to grind it up a bit. Do
not grind too much or you will create a powder which defeats
the purpose.
Beauty
Secret
Nourishing Facial Mask
Mix cornmeal, yogurt, and honey to form a creamy paste. Apply
to skin and allow to remain on for 15 minutes, then rinse with
warm water.
Beauty
Secret
Silky
Skin Finishing Rub
After
you have completed washing in your shower, pour some corn meal
on a wet washcloth and rub the corn meal all over your body
for silky smooth skin. |
|
 |
Cornstarch
is a lovely, soothing
white powder made from corn.
Cornstarch
soothes irritated skin
and some believe that it
has healing properties.
It helps give
skin a fresh, dry feeling , and leaves it feeling silky and smooth.
It
adds the silkiness of silk fibers to soap without using animal
products. It also adds the silkiness of clays without being
drying. Cornstarch helps to cut the oiliness and adds silkiness to
natural body butters. Our cornstarch is 100% pure cornstarch
made from certified organic non-genetically modified corn. |
 |
Cream,
high in vitamins, calcium, and protein,
adds a sensual creaminess to soap. Why heavy cream
instead of milk? Cream,
with its very high butterfat content,
softens and helps retain the moisture in your skin.
Alpha-hydroxy acids, found naturally in fruit and
milk,
have been used for centuries to
soften and
exfoliate
the skin. Alpha hydroxy acids work by loosening the
bonds that hold dead cells together, allowing them to
slough away more easily. Cream, with its soothing and hydrating properties, has long
been used in skin care
especially facial masks, scrubs, and milk baths.
|
|
Beauty
Secret
Nourishing Cream Facial Mask
Mix the 2
tablespoons of heavy cream with 1/3 teaspoon
baking soda until it is the consistency of shaving cream.
Add 2 tablespoons of honey and mix. Massage onto the
skin of face and neck and allow to sit for for 20 minutes.
Rinse with cool water and pat dry. |
|
|
 |
Cucumber,
when
liquefied and added to soaps, acts as a mild cleanser, toner, and as astringent.
Cucumber juice
is in great demand as a cooling and beautifying agent for the skin.
Cucumbers, which have been cultivated for some 3,000 years,
are
one of the most highly prized ingredients for beautifying your skin. Cleopatra was
said to use cucumber juice to preserve her skin and the Egyptians
and Romans used cucumbers to sooth complexions and restore tone to
tired skin.
Cucumbers are a
natural source for antioxidants, calcium, potassium, vitamin B1 and
Vitamin C, all of which are believed to be helpful in treating
eczema. Cucumber, also known to soften, soothe and tone the
skin, is great for facial care and is often used in moisturizing and
anti-age creams.
|
Beauty
Secret Cucumber Astringent
A piece of cucumber rubbed
onto the skin is a good astringent. Let it dry for a few
minutes then wash it off with cold water.
Beauty
Secret Cucumber Mask
Puree
1/2 of a peeled cucumber in a blender or food processor.
Add 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt. Apply to face and allow to
set for about 20 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash
cloth.
Beauty
Secret Cucumber Hair Rinse for Swimmers
A
lot of customers ask for "hair help for swimmers." We
all know what chlorinated water can do to your bathing, well
it can do the same to your hair! This little homemade
beauty secret may help keep chlorine damage to a minimum.
Blend one whole egg, one quarter of a large peeled
cucumber, and one eggshell's worth of olive oil together.
Spread the mixture evenly throughout your hair.
Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Use
monthly for the best results. |
|
Dandelion,
Taraxacum
officinale, a
humble little weed, is one of nature's great natural
medicines.
Dandelion leaves, rich in vitamins A and C, help clear the
skin of blemishes and even out skin tone. A
juice made from the
dandelion leaves and roots can be spread the on blemished skin
to help with acne, pimples, and rough skin.
|
|
Dead Sea
Black Mud & Salt
|
Since
ancient times, the Dead Sea has distinguished itself as one of
nature's absolute marvels. Legendary for its rich
concentration of salt and rare minerals, the Dead Sea has long
been praised for its healing qualities and therapeutic
properties.
At 1,290 feet below sea level
the Dead Sea, part of the Syrian-East African Rift Valley, is
the lowest point on the Earth's surface. It is one of
the most saline lakes in the world with a mineral
concentration of
33%, compared to the average 3% in the world's oceans.
Fed mainly by the Jordan River and
numerous thermal mineral springs, the Dead Sea has no outlet and
loses large amounts of water by evaporation into the hot dry
air. This results in a giant reservoir of salts and
minerals.
The water of the
Dead Sea contains 21 minerals including Sodium,
Magnesium, Calcium, Bromine, Bitumen and Potassium. Many of
these are found in no other sea or ocean.
Cleopatra went to great expense
to obtain exclusive rights over the Dead Sea area.
|
|
The Dead Sea is a unique and cherished
source of health and beauty.
The Dead Sea’s most precious resource, famous for thousands of
years, is Dead Sea Mud.
It
comes from the sedimentation of plant and sea-life deposits
over thousands of years. As a result, the mud is packed
with organic nutrients, proteins, minerals and natural
enzymes.
Dead Sea Mud
stimulates blood circulation, rejuvenates the skin, and
leaves the skin glowing and youthful looking. It deep
cleans to remove impurities. The fine, natural grain of the
mud softly yet effectively sloughs off dead skin cells and
leaves the skin looking fresh and radiant. The
Dead Sea Mud used in our soap is not a powder product, it is a
mixture of Dead Sea Mud and nourishing mineral water from the
Dead Sea imported from Israel. In hair care, Dead
Sea Mud
creates fuller, shinier, softer, and healthier hair. It
re-mineralizes the hair and scalp and helps rid the scalp of
impurities. The proteins and minerals in Dead Sea mud
rejuvenate the hair and replenish lost nutrients.
Mud masks
made with Dead Sea Mud are said to be very helpful for
strengthening hair roots when applied to the scalp.
Dead Sea Salt
is so rich in minerals that
it has
been renowned for its therapeutic effects since ancient times.
Skin absorbs the minerals lost due to sun, age and pollution,
looking healthier and younger! |
 |
Elder Flowers,
Sambucus nigra
were
used by Egyptians to improved the complexion and heal burns.
The elder, with its soothing and skin softening properties, has a long
history of use dating back thousands of years.
Elder Flowers
contain high amounts of Vitamin A, C as well as flavonoids
that help heal scratches, cuts, and wounds.
Elder
is
also known as an anti-inflammatory herb and is believed to
help increases blood circulation.
They are mildly astringent and are used to clear and brighten
the complexion.
Elder flowers have been used topically to heal rashes and to
help soften and soothe dry skin and scalp. As a
mild astringent it is used to refine the complexion. As
a tea it is good
for colds, coughs, rheumatism, and respiratory infections.
|
 |
Eggs
are one of nature's most perfectly balanced foods, containing
all the protein, vitamins (except vitamin C) and minerals
essential for good health. Eggs have been considered the
standard against which all other protein foods are measured
because their protein composition is so ideal. Eggs are
considered a complete protein because they contain all of the
essential amino acids, which are the "building blocks" of
protein. In addition, eggs contain thirteen essential
vitamins and minerals. They are rich in the B vitamin family,
and also contribute vitamins A and D. In particular,
egg yolks are one of the greatest sources of riboflavin and
vitamin B12. In hair care, eggs are an egg-cellent
natural conditioner. They strengthen hair and leave it
shiny and manageable. Eggs help moisturize hair because they
contain lecithin, an
important component of cell membranes. Some hair egg-sperts suggest applying an
egg bath to your hair once a week. Cleopatra’s regular
shampoo was made by combining egg yolks and vinegar. We use
certified organic, free range eggs.
|
|
Eucalyptus,
Eucalyptus globulus,
acts as an antiseptic, antiviral,
bactericidal, decongestant, expectorant, and insecticide. It
is believed to help athlete's foot and other fungal
infections. It is often used for colds, fevers, asthma,
laryngitis, and sore throat. Inhaling eucalyptus steam
may help bronchitis and asthma. Its aroma aids
memory and promotes positive feelings.
|
 |
Fennel Seed,
Foeniculum vulgare,
provides a fragrant and cleansing bath that is soothing to
irritated skin. It is often used in facial masks.
|
|
 |
Fenugreek,
Trigonella
foenum-graecum,
or
Methi, is
an herb with healing and anti-inflammatory properties, has
been used in Ayurvedic medicine in India for over 5,000 years
to cure a variety of ailments, including hair and scalp
problems. Ayurveda was developed by ancient Indian holy men
and emphasized prevention over cure. In India, it is
centuries old tradition to soak Fenugreek seeds overnight in
water and then apply the paste to the hair as a conditioner
for dull and lifeless hair. Fenugreek provides natural
proteins for the nourishment and health of hair, stimulates
blood flow to the root of the hair, and was used to combat
hair loss. Indians mixed coconut milk with a pinch of black
pepper and Fenugreek powder. Rich in vitamins A and D,
also protein (including lecithin) and vitamins B1, B2, B3 and
iron,
fenugreek
has been used as a
treatment
for dandruff, thinning hair, and damaged hair. It is said to
preserve hair's natural color and keep hair silky.
|
 |
The
fig,
Ficus
carica,
is one of the first plants that was
cultivated by humans. The fruit is actually a hollowed out
stem containing seeds and flowers. Figs are one of the highest
plant sources of calcium and fiber. Figs are also rich
in copper, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin K. Extract
from figs
has moisturizing properties, is an excellent
skin hydrator, a natural humectant and helps tighten skin.
Rich in vitamin A and betacarotene, figs also have natural
enzymatic exfoliation action. |
|
Beauty Secret
FIG Eye Mask (helps relieve dark circles under the eye)
1/2 teaspoon of
fresh fig
1/2 teaspoon finely grated potato
1/2 teaspoon sweet almond oil
Mash
ingredients into a paste. Pat the paste onto the
dark circles under your eyes. Cover the fig mask with a
bit of plastic wrap so the mask remains moist.
Keep mask in place for 20 to 30 minutes. Remove plastic
and soften fig mask with warm water and gently wipe.
This mask is gentle enough to use daily.
|
|
 |
Ginger Root,
Zingiber officinale,
has a sweet spicy fragrance. Use
in the bath it helps promote circulation and is great on a
cold winter day to warm your body and your senses. It is
used in poultices and ointments to relieve aches and pains.
|
Goat Milk
has
been used since ancient times as a natural cleanser.
Goat Milk is one of natures finest moisturizers, has excellent
emollient
(softening and soothing to
the skin)
properties, and adds creaminess to handcrafted soap.
The main reason
soapmakers use goat’s milk is because it has a very high butterfat
content. The butterfat is good for your skin--it softens and
moisturizes.
Goat milk contains caprylic acid, which reduces alkalinity,
giving soap a pH (acid/base balance) much closer to skin's own
natural pH . The lower pH reduces the surface tension of skin,
allowing it to absorb the moisturizing effects of a goat milk and
glycerin. People who can not use regular soap find that our
goat milk soaps are very mild and non-irritating to their skin.
We love
goat
milk because it not only contains emollient fats which moisturize,
it also contains vitamin A, and several B vitamins including
riboflavin, niacin, B6, B12, and lactic
acid. Lactic acid is one of the most commonly used Alpha
Hydroxy Acids in skin care. These
Alpha-hydroxy acids, found naturally in Goat milk,
penetrate the
skin
and are believed to have rejuvenating effects on skin's cells,
neutralizing free radicals, and slowing the aging process,
and improving
the overall look and feel of the skin.
In HAIR CARE, goat milk
replenishes the
moisture in every strand by
penetrating the
hair shaft. It nourishes the scalp,
adding life, luster, and body to hair.
We use fresh
whole goat milk--not powder or condensed!
|
 |
Green Tea,
Camellia sinensis:
Legend says
that
Chinese
Emperor Shen Nung stumbled upon the drink when a leaf from the
Camellia sinensis tree blew into his cup of boiled water in 2735
B.C.
There are three types
tea from the
leaves of the Camellia sinensis: green, oolong and black.
Green tea is steamed, baked or pan heated to prevent oxidation
and thus, the leaves remain green. Oolong tea is partially
fermented. Oxidation is cut short so the leaves are black only
on the edges. Black tea is fully fermented, producing black
leaves.
Green Tea is naturally rich in antioxidants
and is believed to remove toxins and help rejuvenate skin cells. It is excellent for both skin and hair care.
Tea
is
a mild astringent and has been used for centuries to cleanse,
tone and purify the skin and scalp. One popular folk
remedy says to place damp teabags on your eyelids to reduce
swelling, puffiness and dark circles.
Green Tea
leaves can be used as a
gentle exfoliant to give your skin a healthy glow.
|
Beauty Secret Green Tea Spritzer
Place 3.5 ounces of green tea in 2 cups of warm mineral water.
Allow to steep for at least one hour. Strain the liquid and it
is ready to use. Although it is best to make small
quantities and use it fresh, you may make extra and store it clean, sterilized bottles and refrigerate.
The liquid can be used as a spritzer, to freshen
up the face, or cotton pads soaked in it can be particularly
soothing for tired or strained eyes. It has antiseptic
properties, so can be used to treat minor cuts and rashes, and
is surprisingly effective when applied to spots and blemishes.
It can even be used as a treatment for sunburn - soak a cloth in
the liquid and leave on the skin until the area begins to cool.
|
|
 |
Hibiscus, Hibiscus sabdariffa,
or Javakusuma,
is
one of the most common flowering trees of India . The leaves
and flowers of the tree were used in cosmetic treatments
during the ancient days and have become very much a part of
Ayurveda. It possess astringent properties that help sooth inflamed skin
and natural antiseptic qualities that assist your cleansing
ritual gently and naturally. Its high vitamin C content makes
it a great skin antioxidant, considered helpful in retarding
the effects of aging.
It is a great herb for softening
the skin or soothing sunburn. In hair care it is
used to lessen gray hair and promote hair growth.
The woman of India used
the Hibiscus flower to adorn her hair, and used its extracts
as a treatment to thicken hair. The flowers and leaves
contain many properties that benefit hair and scalp and help
in the treatment of dandruff and
hair loss.
Today, Hibiscus is added to brahmi, bhringaraj, amla, and
other such extracts, to formulate tonics for hair care.
|
|
 |
Honey
is
nature's
ultimate beauty product.
Throughout
the centuries, legendary beautiful woman have used honey as part of
their skin and hair care treatments. Cleopatra was famous for her
milk and honey baths, and Poppea, wife of Roman Emperor Nero, used a
honey and milk lotion on her face to keep her looking youthful.
It
is a wonderful skin softener and
has been used as an emollient for centuries.
The acids in honey have been
known to help one’s skin look youthful. That’s why you‘ll find
it in many of the rejuvenating creams and lotions on the market
today. Numerous
studies have proven its effectiveness in fighting infection,
promoting new skin growth and even lessening scarring. It is
currently being used at many hospitals to treat burns.
Most
honeys derive their antibacterial effects from natural hydrogen
peroxide, produced by an enzyme naturally present in honey. Honey hydrates, moisturizes, soothes, and has
antibacterial properties. It gives the soap a lovely tan
color and a sweet smell. Honey contains important vitamins and minerals
and it has a very high potassium content, which makes it almost
impossible for bacteria to survive. Honey is one of the best-known
humectants meaning that it
traps
and seals in moisture leaving skin soft and supple. Honey is
wonderfully soothing and softening to your skin. In
hair care, honey revitalizes hair and acts as a natural sealant,
holding moisture and shine in the hair.
|
|
We
use all natural Raw Honey!
We use all natural Raw
Honey straight from the hive, direct
from the Beekeepers at
Ohio Honey.
Raw
honey is unprocessed so it still contains bits of pollen, honeycomb,
and healing propolis- all the natural goodness the bees put in.
When honey
is processed and heated, a great deal of damage occurs to its
nutrient rich healing powers. Honey is antiseptic,
antibiotic, antifungal, and antibacterial -- it never spoils! |
|
Nature to the rescue!
At the first sign of a sore throat
make some tea,
Use 1 tablespoon of raw honey, lots of lemon and a clove of
chopped garlic. 
Rub raw
honey on sunburns,
scrapes and rashes!
|
Beauty Secret Honey Moisturizer
Honey is great for
dry skin. A tablespoon of honey, a lightly beaten egg white
and a teaspoon of glycerin, mixed together with finely ground
oatmeal to make a paste, is a great moisturizer. Apply, rinse
off thoroughly after about 20 minutes.
Honey, believed to be a natural antiseptic, is useful if
you have any pimples or cuts on your face.
Beauty Secret Honey Hair Shine
Stir 1 teaspoon warmed honey
into 4 cups warm water. After shampooing, pour
mixture through hair. Do not rinse out. Dry as
normal. Blondes may wish to add a squeeze of lemon
juice. |
|
|
Hops,
Humulus lupulus,
are a calming herb well known for their natural sedative
effect
which come from a substance called lupulin.
Both King
George III and Abraham Lincoln are known to have employed the
use of hops in getting a good night's sleep.
Hops help
reduce nervous tension, headaches, and insomnia.
A pillow
of warm Hops will often relieve toothache and earache and
allay nervous irritation.
Hops
contain phytohormones, which are responsible for the toning
and blood flow-promoting properties.
They soften skin, soothe and calm inflammation and promote
healing. In hair care, hops help
heal and
repair damaged hair.
|
|
 |
Horsetail,
Equisetum
arvense,
also known as scouring rush and shavegrass, gained a
reputation as a natural wound healer over the centuries.
Horsetail
is a descendant of prehistoric plants which grew as high as
trees, and is a rich source of silica, calcium, and other
minerals. The silica in horsetail helps to bind protein
molecules together and improves the texture and tone of skin
and lifeless hair. A lotion of horsetail has been used as a
remedy for eczema and other irritated skin conditions. In
hair care, horsetail is nourishing and hydrating.
It
stimulates blood vessels in the scalp and has been used for
centuries as a hair growth herb.
The silica
in horsetail helps to keep hair strong and
adds shine and luster to hair.
|
|
Jasmine Flowers,
Jasminum
officinale,
have a
calming and sensual fragrance.
A
fragrant flowering shrub native to the Himalayas,
they are
a Hindu symbol of love. Use in baths they help cleanse
and soothe the skin. They have emollient and antiseptic
properties and
are a gentle remedy for inflammation of the skin and scalp.
Jasmine infusions help nourish, and provide strength and shine
to hair. |
 |
Juniper Berries,
Juniperas communis,
were
burnt in
French hospitals and used by Native Americans to clear the
air. Fragrant juniper berries create a cool and
refreshing bath that is good for tired, aching feet and
muscles.
|
Kelp
see
Seaweed
Lavender
see
Lavender Essential Oil
Click here for Lavender recipes
|
Lemon Balm,
Melissa
officinalis,
is a fragrant and calming herb. It's antidepressant
properties help with emotional upsets and insomnia. The
cooling leaves soothe bruises and aches, and help heal
wounds. It's antihistaminic properties make it
useful to allergy sufferers. It is great for
treating colds.
|
|
 |
Lemongrass
Melissa officinalis,
has astringent and tonic properties that make it useful in the
treatment of acne and other skin inflammations.
Lemongrass has been found helpful in treating oily skin as
well as dry skin. It balances skin oil by helping to
normalize oil production.
Lemongrass makes a tea that is a mild sedative and an
aromatic, antiseptic bath. |
 |
Licorice root,
Glycyrrhiza glabra,
gets its name from two Greek words, glyks, meaning sweet, and
rhiza, meaning root. The sweet tasting roots are used as
flavorings. Ancient herbalists used licorice root to treat a
wide range of conditions. Licorice
Root contains glycyrrhizin that soothes skin
and helps
reduce inflammation and
calm
facial redness from Rosacea and other inflammatory skin
problems. It has also been shown to brighten and even out skin
tone. Licorice
Root also helps inhibit histamine release due to allergic
reactions that occur during Rosacea flare-ups. |
|
 |
Loofah
is a plant in the Pumpkin or Gourd Family. It is a fast
growing annual vine
that grows much like the cucumber
and produces strange looking fruit that is edible when
immature and used as sponges when fully mature.
Loofah, one of the best exfoliants, is a sponge made from
the fibrous skeleton of this fruit. These all natural
vegetable sponges gently exfoliate your skin, removing dead
cells to reveal healthy new ones and improve circulation.
Exfoliation is the best
renewal process for your skin. It helps to shed the top
layer of dead, dry flakes, and unclog pores, while improving
the look and feel of your skin. Since
dead skin cells prevent moisture
from being absorbed into the skin,
exfoliation makes skin more receptive to moisturizers.
Loofah
deep cleans and conditions your skin naturally.
Loofah has been widely popular in the British
Isles and the Orient for a long time because of the mild glow
they produce on the skin.
Many environmentally conscious consumers appreciate that
loofah products are biodegradable, 100% natural and a
renewable resource. |
 |
Marsh Mallow,
Althaea officinalis,
is
member of the mallow
family, which likes wet feet and is common in marshes--- hence
the name. The genus name Althea is from the Greek word "altho"
and means, "to heal or cure."
References
to marshmallow root as a healing herb are found in Iliad,
written by Homer over 2,800 years ago.
Arabian
doctors created a poultice from the leaves to treat
inflammation 2,000 years ago. .This herb is an emollient and demulcent. Demulcent herbs have a high content of mucilage,
large carbohydrate (sugar) molecules. When this mucialge
comes in contact with water, it swells and forms a gel.
This smooth, slippery gel has been used for years to relieve
skin conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema.
For
centuries Herbalists have rubbed marshmallow roots on insect
bites, burns, and rashes.
Marshmallow's mucilage content helps soothe, moisturized, and protect dry, irritated,
or inflamed skin and scalp.
Years ago, children were given a piece of Marsh
mallow root to chew on when they were teething.
Early candy
marshmallows were made from
marshmallow root. The root was boiled with water and sugar to
create sweet, spongy sticks. Back then people
were
actually
getting health benefits from eating marshmallows since the
mucilage helps strengthen the mucous membranes.
I wonder
how s'mores would taste using that early confection?
Although they have
kept the name,
marshmallow treats roasted over campfires no longer contain
any part of the plant. In hair care, marsh mallow root soothes
the scalp, often providing relief from scalp irritation.
It also detangles and provides a great natural moisturizer for
dry hair.
|
 |
Common Mullein,
Verbascum thapsus,
another
wonderful weed, grows in fields and along roadsides.
Native Americans have used mullein as a health aid for
centuries. Due to its mucilage content, mullein
has been used topically by herbalists as a soothing emollient
for inflammatory skin conditions, itching, eczema and
burns. It softens and soothes irritated skin
Mullein also has astringent properties, and is useful in
healing wounds and opically applied is beneficial to
hemorrhoids. Mullein protects scraped tissue. The flowers were also valued for the
yellow dye they yield, an aspect fashionable Roman ladies
appreciated. When mullein flower stalks were burned as
torches, the ashes were collected and used to produce a
shampoo.
Common mullein was brought
to America by the Puritans, who used the plant as a medicinal
herb.
|
 |
Myrrh,
Commiphora myrrha,
has been used as a cleansing, purifying
agent for centuries. Today, because of its antiseptic,
disinfectant, and anti-inflammatory properties, myrrh is used
topically for cuts, scrapes, scratches, and abrasions.
Since
myrrh helps prevent tissue degeneration, it helps heal wounds
and dry, cracked areas of the skin. Myrrh is often used for its
rejuvenating properties on mature skin. Myrrh has antifungal
properties that help fight diaper rash
|
|
 |
Nettle,
Urtica dioica,
is often seen in hair and skin care products in health food
stores. Stinging Nettles have cleansing and antiseptic
properties. Nettle tea infusions are good for facial steams and
are widely
used to improve the appearance of the hair. Many of the
benefits are due to the plant's very high levels of minerals,
especially, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and
phosphorous. Nettles, a good source of vitamin C,
beta-carotene, and B complex vitamins, also are ten percent
protein, more than any other vegetable. Warm Nettle oil
has been traditionally used as restorative anti-wrinkle facial
mask for sensitive skin. It helps combat irritations,
redness, itching, improve skin conditions. In hair
care nettle
stimulates the scalp, improves circulation, and helps promote
promote
fuller,
more radiant hair.
Nettles have a long-standing reputation for preventing hair
loss and making the hair soft and shiny. Nettle is an
excellent hair conditioner. It is an acidic plant and promotes
a healthy gloss. Nettle, an
herb rich in minerals and plant hormones, is tonic and
astringent and gives a healthy gloss to the hair when used in
shampoo bars.
Nettle is said to be a remedy for oily hair, dandruff, and
hair shaft breakage.
|
Beauty Secret Nettle & Herb Infusion Hair
Rinse
1 tablespoon dried nettle leaf
1 tablespoon chopped comfrey root
1 tablespoon dried basil
16 oz distilled water or rain water
Boil water and turn off heat. Add herbs, cover, allow to
steep for 2 hours.
Strain the liquid into a jar.
When ready to use,
warm the infusion slightly. At this time you may add a
few drops of essential oils (such as lavender or rosemary) if
desired. Apply infusion to your to scalp and hair.
Catch the liquid and reapply. Repeat several times. Rinse out
if desired. This recipe makes enough for 1 treatment for
long hair and two for short hair.
Beauty Secret Nettle Hair Rinse
1/3 cup dried nettle leaf (or 1 cup fresh*)
16 oz distilled water or rain water
For DRIED
nettles: Boil water and turn off heat. Add nettle,
cover, allow to steep for 30 minutes.
Strain the liquid into a jar and
allow to cool before using.
For FRESH
nettles*:
Wash the nettles thoroughly
and place in a nonreactive pot. Add water, bring to a boil,
cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
Use nettle rinse as a
final rinse after washing your hair, or massage it into the
scalp and comb some through the hair. Refrigerate
any rinse you do not use.
*
NOTE: Always wear gloves when working with FRESH nettles!
There is a reason why they are called STINGING nettles! |
|
|
Oatmeal has
long been used to soften and soothe sensitive or irritated skin.
Ground oats
have been used in beauty bars for centuries as a gentle
exfoliant that
removes dead
cells and stimulates
circulation
to maintain
healthy, beautiful skin.
Oats
have the
best amino acid balance of all the cereal grains
and
have also
been clinically shown to help heal dry, itchy skin.
They are great to
calm dry, inflamed skin,
sensitive skin while gently cleansing away excess oil and other
impurities.
Oatmeal is a
soothing, anti-inflammatory grain that also helps with painful
itching associated with eczema and minor skin irritations.
Finely
ground oatmeal binds moisturizing emollients to your skin
which helps dry skin.
Many of you may remember using an oatmeal and baking soda bath
to help relieve the itching of chicken pox!
Oatmeal provides a wonderful texture, color, and scent to the
soap naturally.
|
Beauty Secret Oats & Brown Sugar Facial Scrub
2 tablespoons ground oats
2 teaspoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons natural aloe vera
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Grind rolled
oats into a fine powder using a clean coffee grinder or
blender. Mix all ingredients until you have a smooth paste.
Gently massage onto damp skin and rinse off with warm water.
Make extra for a fabulous body treatment. |
|
|
Oranges
provides
an
invigorating scent that is thought to alleviate fatigue by
uplifting and invigorating the senses.
Oranges
are loaded with vitamin C. Everybody knows that Vitamin
C is necessary for a variety of biological functions, but it
can also be great for your skin. It is an anti-oxidant
and may help to reduce free-radicals in your skin.
The natural oil found in
orange peel
is believed to tone the skin and help diminish
the effects of scars and blemishes.
|
Beauty Secret Orange & Yogurt Face Mask
1 small orange
3 tablespoons whole milk yogurt
Slice the whole orange into pieces. Using a small
food processor, grind the orange (pulp and rind).
Add yogurt and give another mix.
Apply it to the face
and massage with gentle upward strokes. Wait 10
minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.
A great mask for sunburned sin. The citrus oils
balance natural face oil so this mask works great for
extremely dry skin and oily skin. |
|
|
|
Hungarian
Paprika,
Capsicum annuum,
is
a red spice made from dried bell peppers. When red bell
peppers are dried, they are ground into a powder, making
paprika.
Great
for mature, tired, sun-damaged or blemished skin,
paprika
masks are often used as facial treatment in spas to stimulate
circulation, detoxify and clarify skin, and improve acne skin.
|
|
|
Parsley,
Petroselinum crispum,
long known for its skin refreshing properties,
was once thought to inspire
lust and love in men.
It has
been
used for years in facials and facial masks for
its ability to heal
blemishes, and clean and soothe skin. Dried
parsley flakes help exfoliate dead skin cells and provide a
lovely natural green color to soap. It is
anti-inflammatory and rich in vitamin C.
In hair care,
parsley gives luster, stimulates growth, and helps with
dandruff.
|
|
 |
Plantain,
Plantago
major, one of
the most widespread wild herbs, is found along with dandelions
and other plants we call weeds. The leaves, rich in mucilage,
salicylic acid and tannins, aid in the healing of wounds,
burns and bruises. Medicinal use of plantain dates back
to Alexander the Great. The Greek medic Dioscorides
boiled and used the seeds to cure inflammation and the wounds
of burn patients. Poultices are made from the fresh leaves and
applied to bee stings and slow-healing wounds. Ointments are
used for wounds, burns, and hemorrhoids. Common Plantain
is often called "soldier's herb" because it has been used over
the centuries to treat battle field wounds. |
|
 |
Pumpkin
is high in vitamin A and beta
carotene,
an antioxidant that is believed to be beneficial to your skin.
Pumpkin pulp protects and soothes sore rough skin and helps prevent
flaking…perfect for eczema.
Salons
are now mixing this vitamin rich vegetable into facials.
Natural enzymes found in pumpkin help exfoliate dead skin and leave
skin softer and brighter. Pumpkin
also adds a lovely natural orange color,
sweet aroma, and creamy texture to soap. |
Beauty
Secret
Pumpkin Facial
Wrap a
4-ounce piece of pumpkin in wax paper and microwave 3 to 4
minutes until slightly soft. Cool it under running water
to stop the cooking, then peel. Place the pumpkin in a
food processor or blender, adding in one egg yolk and two
teaspoons of plain yogurt. Put the setting on puree and
blend until smooth. Apply the mixture to a freshly
cleansed face and leave on for 20 minutes before you rinse it
off. |
|
Red
Clover,
Trifolium pratense,
a
natural anti-inflammatory, has been used for centuries to help
with all kinds of skin problems. It is one of the most useful
remedies for children with skin problems such as childhood
eczema. It is also useful for the treatment of other chronic
skin conditions such as psoriasis.
|
 |
Rose Petals
are an antidepressant. The aroma promotes a feeling of
well being--feelings of love, peace and happiness. They is
believed to help decrease depression, insomnia, headaches,
nervous tension and act as an aphrodisiac. The antiviral and
bactericidal properties of rose petals make it a great natural
remedy for coughs, colds, flu, asthma, and hay fever. It
helps soothe dry skin. |
 |
Rose Hips,
also known
as hipberries, come from the rose plant. They are what remain
after the petals fall off. Rose hips, packed full of Vitamin
C and bioflavonoids, have been used for centuries by the Incas
as an effective treatment for many skin aliments. Native
Americans used a poultice of rose hips to treat skin
conditions.
South Americans have used Rose hips for
generations to treat dry skin, help reduce signs of premature
ageing and fade off blemishes such as pigmentation spots, acne
scars and sun spots.
It is the natural vitamin C, in
the form of essential fatty acids, which retains and attracts
moisture for healthier and more youthful looking skin and is
believed to provide remarkable tissue-regenerating and
rejuvenating effects. In hair care, oil infused
with
rose hips
seed strengthens the hair shaft.
|
 |
Rosemary,
Rosemarinus officinalis,
a
symbol
of fidelity, were used in wedding ceremonies.
Its
name is derived
from the Latin word Rosmarinus, which means “dew of the sea”.
Rosemary is very fragrant and has a mildly astringent effect on the
skin. It
has a
long history of culinary and medicinal use. Like many other
pungent herbs, rosemary has antibacterial properties. In the
days before refrigeration, herbs like rosemary, thyme, and hyssop
were rubbed into fresh meat to prevent spoilage. The
plant and extracts have antibacterial and antioxidant activity.
The uplifting scent of rosemary is believed to help
headaches, mental fatigue, nervous exhaustion and stress. It
clears the mind and promotes mental clarity. It refreshes and
stimulates a warm sluggish body, energizes and regenerates.
In
hair care it is
believed that rosemary
encourages
hair growth by improving blood flow to the scalp.
Rosemary encourages strong, healthy
hair, stimulates growth and increases manageability.
Ground rosemary leaves provide gentle exfoliation when added to
soap. |
Rosemary Oil Extract (ROE)
is known as
nature's best antioxidant. It
contains natural
antioxidant compounds, carnosic acid, carnosol, and rosmarinic acid,
that are very beneficial in both skin care and hair care.
Rosemary Extract has also demonstrated anti-inflammatory and
antimicrobial characteristics. It has very little
scent and is used as a natural preservative.
The ROE we use
is made of 100% rosemary in a sunflower oil base. We do
not use cheaper ROE mixed with alcohols or propylene glycol.
|
 |
Sage,
Salvia officinalis,
a pungent spice which
was once thought
to instill domestic harmony,
has been found to be rich in antioxidant, astringent, and
antibacterial qualities. Sage teas make an excellent skin
toner. Often used in natural hair care products,
sage is a
soothing hair tonic, a natural treatment for scalp dryness
and sage tea is believed to darken graying hair.
|
 |
Saint John's Wort,
Hypericum
perforatum,
named after St. John the Baptist because it blooms around his
celebration day (June 24), was once thought to rid the body of
evil spirits. Since this roadside plant reduces
inflammation and promotes wound healing, it has been used
topically to help heal wounds and burns. Cherokee
Indians used the mucilage from the leaves as an ointment to
treat bruises and burns, and introduced the plant to early
Colonists. "Wort" is Middle English for "herb." |
|
Seaweed
or
Kelp: The
ocean is the richest source of life-sustaining minerals.
Sea vegetables such as
Seaweed
or
Kelp
are rich in vitamins A, B, E, D, K, and C, carotenes, and
minerals iodine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus,
silica, iron and zinc. Sea vegetables are believed to remove
impurities from the skin, re-mineralize the skin, restore
elasticity, and leave the skin feeling smoother and more
supple. Sea vegetables provide moisturization and gentle
exfoliation. The use of seaweed extract in a hot bath is said
to be beneficial for treating skin disorders and easing the
pain suffered from rheumatism, arthritis and other aches and
pains.
Considered a soothing,
moisturizing plant, kelp powder is often used in mineral baths
and facial masks. It adds a muted green color to soap. In hair care, mineral rich kelp
adds protection to the surface of hair,
reducing moisture loss and infusing it with vitamins.
The proteins, in
particular, seem to strengthen roots, add body and shine and
condition the scalp and hair. Some Hairstylists have
found the nutrients found in seaweed a great way to help limp and
lifeless hair.
|
Kelp and Seaweed contain natural iodine--people
suffering from iodine allergies
should
patch test
any kelp product before using it.
|
|
|
TYPES OF SEAWEED We
Use:
-
Dulse, Rhodymenia palmata,
a red seaweed that grows on rocks at the low tide line in the
North Atlantic and Northwest Pacific oceans, is an excellent
source of phytochemicals and minerals,
-
Nori, Porphyra umbilicalis, best known in
the U.S. as a wrap for sushi, has a long impressive history in
traditional Chinese Medicine. Nori is very high in
mineral content and rich in carotenes, vitamin C and vitamin
B12, and has more protein than sunflower seeds or wheat germ.
-
Bull Kelp, Nereocystis
luetkeana, has long been used as food and for
medicinal purposes. Bull kelp fronds have been called
the world’s tastiest seaweed. The mineral content of bull kelp
leaves is as high as 50%, and contains all the necessary trace
elements.
-
Knotted Kelp, Ascophyllum
nodosum, is a
sea vegetable that is a concentrated source of minerals,
including
iodine,
potassium,
magnesium,
calcium, and
iron. It grows wild in deep ocean waters.
-
Irish Moss, Chondrus
crispus, a tough and stringy seaweed growing on
rocks in tidal pools along the northern Atlantic, provides
soothing mucilages.
-
Bladderwrack, Fucus
vesiculosus, is a brown seaweed harvested from cool
ocean waters around world, easily recognized by its air-filled
thalli or "bladders" that keep the plant afloat. Rich in
iodine, beta-carotene, and minerals it is used in natural skin
care to soften the skin, reduce cellulite, and stimulate
circulation.
|
 |
Shikakai,
Acacia concinna,
is
used as a powder that
comes from de-shelled shikakai
nuts. Shikakai, a common shrub found in jungles
throughout India, has been used for hair care in India for
centuries. Shikakai is referred to as "fruit for the hair."
It has a naturally mild pH, and it gently cleans hair
and increases bounciness and silkiness of hair
without stripping it of
natural oils. As a natural hair conditioner, Shikakai is said
to promote hair growth, strengthen hair roots and clear dandruff.
|
|
|
Soapnuts,
Sapindus mukorrosi,
see
Aritha, |
|
Spearmint
and Peppermint Leaves
are
widely
recognized for their anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.
Dried peppermint leaves have been found in Egyptian pyramids dating
as far back as 1000 BC. Menthol, the main component in
mints, has antibacterial properties, and is often used in liniments
to stimulate nerve endings and increase local blood flow.
Mint cools and refines the skin, and invigorates the senses.
It is good for fatigue, headaches, migraines, nervous strain and
stress. |
Beauty
Secret Skin
Toner
1 cup water (rain,
distilled, or spring)
1 heaping tablespoon dried
Peppermint or Sage leaves
(or 1/4 cup fresh)
3 teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar (if skin is oily use 2 more
teaspoons)
To make an infusion of the peppermint or sage leaves,
heat water until boiling. Remove from heat and add herbs.
Cover and steep for 20 minutes. Strain out plant
material. Add
vinegar and stir well. Pour
into a clean bottle and label. Shake well to ensure the mix. Store in refrigerator for best results and use within 3 weeks.
Use toner after cleansing. |
Spices:
Powdered
spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, paprika and turmeric can be used in soap
purely as natural colorants. Some spices also give spicy scents to
soap.
|
 |
Spirulina,
Arthrospira platensis,
tiny, green spiral coils
of blue-green algae, are one the oldest living organisms.
High in protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty
acids, spirulina is considered a complete protein, meaning
that it can supply all twenty-one amino acids. Even
though Spirulina is a plant, the cell walls are mostly
protein. Spirulina contains the entire vitamin B-complex
and is rich in minerals, including iron, phosphorus, zinc,
potassium, magnesium, selenium, chromium, and especially rich
in calcium.
Spirulina
contains amino acids, vitamins, chlorophyll,
beta-carotene and other antioxidants in a natural form.
The
protein, vitamin and mineral properties of spirulina, leave
skin smooth and healthy.
It acts as
a skin toner and adds vitality to skin tissues. In
hair care,
spirulina may help in
preventing hair loss or hair thinning and may help in
promoting normal hair growth.
Spirulina,
rich in protein, helps maintain healthy, shiny and sleek hair.
|
|
Beauty
Secret Hair Loss Treatment
2
Tablespoons Avocado oil
1 Tablespoon wheat germ oil
1 whole egg
1/3 teaspoon Spirulina powder
5 drops rosemary essential oil |
Mix
ingredients together and gently massage into the scalp.
Put on a shower cap, wrap your head in a hot towel, and
wait 20 minutes. Apply shampoo directly onto the
treated hair and rinse with warm water. Since the
hair treatment is very emollient, you may need to
shampoo more than once. |
|
|
In
Medieval times girls used
Thyme,
Thymus
vulgaris,
to find out their true loves and it was thought that any woman
holding thyme was irresistible.
Now considered a powerful antiseptic, thyme has been
recognized since antiquity for its cleansing, healing and
soothing effect on the skin. It
has
been used for centuries as a cleansing and invigorating bath.
The The aroma helps refresh your mind and body. The name
"thyme" comes from the Greek word thymus,
which means courage. Roman soldiers often bathed in
exhilarating thyme water to give themselves power and
strength.
In hair care products,
thyme essential oils and
herbs are great for hair! Thyme is often used in deep
cleansing shampoos and is believed to help with hair loss.
|
|
|
Tomatoes,
known to be rich in vitamins and minerals, which have
antioxidant and revitalizing properties,
are earning
their place in the cosmetic industry. The
naturally
acidic tomato helps maintain the skin's pH balance while it
gently cleanses oily skin.
Tomatoes
help refine enlarged pores and provide soothing relief for
troubled complexions. Tomatoes are naturally high in the
antioxidant lycopene. Lycopenes belong to a
class of compounds called carotenes. The carotenes are
plant pigments that provide the natural orange-red range in
nature--carrots, pumpkin, tomaotes, etc. Carotenes
can scavenge free radicals and block visible and UV-light.
Lycopenes are the best free radical scavengers among carotenes.
|
Beauty Secret Tomato Wash
Tomatoes are beneficial for oily skin because they contain
natural exfoliants and acids that
help reduce excessive oiliness without stripping the natural
balance of oil.
Skin a ripe tomato, puree it briefly and strain some of the
juice so it is a bit thicker. Apply to your face and
wash off after 15 minutes. Or
simply slice half a tomato and rub it gently on your face.
After a few minutes rinse for a naturally glowing complexion.
Beauty Secret Tomato Mask
Mix 1/2 tomato,
2 tbsp oil
(olive, almond, safflower),
1 tbsp sugar
and
1 tbsp plain yogurt
in a blender.
Mix to form a paste or sauce. Apply to face and leave
on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse well and follow with a
moisturizer.
Beauty Secret Tomato Lemon Acne Wash
Mix 3 Tablespoons of tomato
juice and 1
teaspoon of lemon juice.
Apply to face and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm
water.
|
 |
Tulsi,
Ocimum
sanctum,
or Holy Basil is considered a sacred plant in India. It
is still grown in backyards and courtyards throughout India
and worshipped for family well-being. Tulsi
powder is used in facials or in a bath to fight acne, eczema,
psoriasis, and other skin conditions. As a powerful
antioxidant, it helps in preventing early signs of aging signs
and makes the skin and hair more youthful. Tulsi
is helpful in conditioning the skin and scalp by improving
blood circulation thereby helping cells receive the nutrients
and oxygen. It is also useful for dandruff and general
hair care.
|
|
 |
Curcumin, a plant pigment, is responsible for
Turmeric's,
Curcuma longa,
characteristic canary yellow color. India's relationship with
turmeric goes back thousands of years.
The underground stems of
turmeric are used as condiments, dyes, and
as
an important element in folk medicine.
A cousin of ginger, turmeric was revered by the ancient
Romans and Greeks, who valued its medicinal properties.
Its English name is derived from Latin words which roughly
translate as "earth-merit." In the ancient Indian system
of Ayurvedic holistic medicine, turmeric is revered for its
ability to relieve inflammation. Ayurvedic medicine
recommends mixing turmeric in a small amount of honey and
applying the paste to the skin as a topical ointment for the
treatment of skin infections and irritations.
Smearing with
turmeric paste cleans skin and beautifies it. It is
believed that its antiseptic and healing properties
make it a
wonderful natural treatment for rosacea and may help
prevent
and cure acne.
Rich in antioxidants, turmeric is a common ingredient in
Ayurvedic skin care products to promote
glowing, smooth skin,
naturally.
|
|
Valerian Root,
Valeriana
officianalis:
When
added to bath water, soothing valerian helps relieve
nervousness and induce sleep.
It is widely used as a sedative in Europe and is growing in
popularity throughout because of its reputation for relieving
anxiety and insomnia. It has been used for nervousness and
insomnia for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine in India
and in traditional Chinese medicine. Valerian was a very
popular sleep sedative in the United States until it was
displaced by synthetic drugs after World War II.
|
Vitamin E Oil,
Tocopherol,
is an effective anti-oxidant and
it is anti-inflammatory. It is believed to improve skin
moisture levels and promote a smooth skin texture. It moisturizes the skin, reduces
UV-induced damage, helps to protect against ozone damage, promotes
healing, and decreases redness of the skin. Vitamin E
penetrates below the skin's surface and is believed to rejuvenate
skin cells. Because it is an antioxidant, it is also serves as a natural
preservative in superfatted soaps and oil based products. We use 100% natural
Vitamin E oil
extracted
from Corn, Wheat, Soy and/or Canola sources.
Our
Vitamin E oil in Kosher certified and is certified GMO free.
|
|
Yashtimadhu,
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also
known as
Muleti or
Liquorice,
is a traditional herbal remedy used in
India and around the world. The root is good for
improving hair growth and is often used in products to help
with hair loss. It is helps keep the scalp moist
and hydrated
and is believed to help strengthen the hair shaft.
|
|
Yogurt,
has been used in facial masks and creams for years. Yogurt
moistures as it soothes, softens and rejuvenates the skin.
Milk
and yogurt contain lactic acid, a natural alpha hydroxy acid
that helps the remove dead skin cells and hydrate and sooth the complexion--leaving
skin refreshed and clear.
Yogurt
is very rich and nourishing and is helpful for all skin types,
even sensitive and delicate.
It makes a wonderful soap that is very moisturizing and has a
great texture!! |
Beauty Secret Yogurt Facial
Mix two tablespoons of honey with two tablespoons of plain
yogurt. Apply the mixture to your face and allow to dry for about 20
minutes. Rinse. |
|
 |
Yucca Root,
Yucca
schidigera,
contains vitamins A, B-complex, C, Calcium, Potassium,
Phosphorus, Iron, Manganese and Copper. Native Americans of
the Southwest used yucca
for shimmering
healthy hair,
as an anti-dandruff shampoo, as a
poultice for wounds, and in the bath for skin conditions.
Yucca Root is an emollient and contains natural saponins, a
natural cleansing and foaming agent, making it an ideal
ingredient in shampoo and other hair care products.
It
soothes
and nourishes the scalp. |
Please
Note:
The information on this website
is for educational
purposes only and
is in no way
intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease
or health condition. If you have medical concerns regarding
yourself or your family you should seek the advice of qualified,
licensed health professionals.
This information has not
been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
|
