Health and Beauty Recipes

To brighten eyes on days you are tired

Mix 2 tablespoons eyebright into 16 oz hot water. let cool and strain. Use a small cup (shotglasses work great!) to pour mixture into eye or apply to each eye with a cotton ball. Do not use the same cotton ball on both eyes, as this may spread infection!

Herbs for strong nails

Take horsetail supplements and mix 1/2 cup almond oil in a small pot. Soak the fingertips of each hand for about 15 minutes. Rub remaining oil into cuticles, hands and soles of feet. ****Also go to a large animal store and ask for a pint of Hooflex. It looks like dirty petroleum jelly, but it is excellent when rubbed into your cuticles and nail roots daily! *****

For tired skin

A quick pick me up may be made by using a mixture of liquid witch hazel (they sell this cheaply at drug stores in travel sizes for first aid kits) with a splash of chamomile tea. Dab skin with a small amount of this mixture with a cotton ball.

Chapped hands

MIX
1/2 cup rosewater
1/2 cup glycerin.
Store in plastic or glass jar.

Steam Facial

Boil 1 quart of water. Mix in 2 Tablespoons of yarrow, 2 Tablespoons of Lavender and 1 Tablespoon of peppermint, 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds. Comfrey root, chamomile and orange blossoms may be substituted or any of the above ingredients.) Put pot in sink or on table. Stand about a foot away and make a tentlike cover out of a towe and leave over it. Close your eyes. Let the hot steam penetrate your face. Take deep breaths. After 5 minutes, pat dry and apply moisturizer.

Facial Scrub

Put a handful of dried almond meal mixed with a little water on your face. Avoid getiting in eyes! Rinse well and apply moisturizer. Do not do this more than 2 or 3 times a week.

Face Mask

Mix 1 Tablespoon of peppermint leaves in boiling water. Strain and save the water. To peppermint leaves, mix in 1 Tablespoon of dried almond meal and 1 tablespoon of oatmeal. Add a few tablespoons of the water to make a thick paste. Apply to clean face. Be sure to avoid eyes. Wait 15 minutes or until dry. Wash off with a warm washcloth. Apply moisturizer.

Quick facial msak

Mash a fresh papaya and rub on clean face. Wash off with warm water and washcloth.

Honey Cleansing Scrub

Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 2 tablespoons finely ground almonds and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice. Rub gently onto face. Rinse off with warm water.

Firming Face Mask

Whisk together 1 tablespoon honey, 1 egg white, 1 teaspoon glycerin (available at drug and beauty stores) and enough flour to form a paste (approximately 1/4 cup). Smooth over face and throat. Leave on 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Smoothing Skin Lotion

Mix 1 teaspoon honey with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice. Rub into hands, elbows, heels and anywhere that feels dry. Leave on 10 minutes. Rinse off with water.

Facial Toner

In blender, puree 1 tablespoon honey with a peeled, cored apple. Smooth over face; leave on 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

Moisture Mask

Mix 2 tablespoons honey with 2 teaspoons milk. Smooth over face and throat. Leave on 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Cranberry Lip Gloss

Protect sensitive lips from the drying winter elements with this simple yet rich lip balm. Delightful to wear alone or on top of your lipstick for extra shine!
1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
10 fresh cranberries
1 teaspoon honey
1 drop of vitamin E oil
Mix all the ingredients together in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for a couple of minutes or until the mixture just begins to boil. (Bowl may also be heated in a pan of water on a stovetop). Stir well and gently crush the berries. Cool mixture for five minutes and then strain through a fine sieve to remove all the fruit pieces. Stir again and set aside to cool completely. When cool, transfer into a small portable plastic container or tin. Apply a small amount onto your lips and remember to smile!

Rose Oil & Honey Facial Mask

Rejuvenate and replenish your skin. Sweet almond oil, which is light and easily absorbed, softens and nourishes skin. Honey as natural humectant, moisturizes, leaving even tired skin incredibly smooth.
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
5 drops essential oil of rose
Mix honey, sweet almond oil and essential oil of rose. Massage onto clean face and neck with fingertips. Relax for 15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Gently pat dry to reveal a fresh, soft complexion.

Foaming Vanilla Honey

Bath Banish the winter blahs and dissolve away the harshness of the day by relaxing in a soothing bath. Honey is natures silky moisturizer and guaranteed to sweeten your mood!
1 cup sweet almond oil (light olive or sesame oil may be substituted)
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup liquid soap (plain or flower scented)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Measure the oil into a medium bowl, then carefully stir in remaining ingredients until mixture is fully blended. Pour into a clean plastic bottle with a tight-fitting stopper or lid. Shake gently before using. Enough for four large luxurious baths. Swirl desired amount into the bathtub under running water—then step in and descend into a warm, silky escape.

An Anise Bath!

From:RECIPES TO BATHE BY

This is a bath for sharing! Anise is an herbal aroma that is enjoyed by men and women both! So why not share!! Licorice root can be used instead of anise seeds. I also recommend using anise hyssop in addition to this recipe I've acquired:
A quarter cup each of: jasmine tea, anise seeds, rose petals, and mint leaves. Place this into bath sachets and steep into 2 cups of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Then add to your hot water bath! Place a few candles around tub, and fill a couple of champagne glasses with a favorite wine or juice! And enjoy!

One SIMPLE Chapstick Recipe

Not only in the summer do we need the protection of the sun on our sensitive lips, but also, in the winter to protect against not only the sun, but the cold and wind! This recipe is one from Jeanne Rose's Herbal Body book: She says to melt 2 tablespoons of beeswax with 4 tablespoons of Apricot oil, adding 1/2 tablespoon of camphor. Stir until the camphor is dissolved and pour into small jars. Use whenever necessary. I would think that a little rose oil, or lemon, or any other of your favorites would add an extra taste. Just be sure the "taste" is compatible with the camphor! Have fun with this!

Spicy Aftershave Lotion

Take a 1/4 cup each rosemary, and mint and add: a grated nutmeg, a cinnamon stick, a half a lemon-grated, and if available, 1/4 cup of patchouli leaves. (A couple of drops of essential oil would be fine.) Add these things to 2 cups vodka. Add a couple of drops of musk essential oil and 1 cup of rose water. Let all this set for a couple of weeks, strain, label, and store in a cool spot.

Kathie's Herbal Perfume

(This is not written by me, I'm not sure who the auther is)

I started mine about three weeks ago (second week in May) and I will probably strain it yet today for I think the odor is just about right! Another thing about doing this is: because I am making this at this time of year-I clean out stock items, like mint, so my stock stays fresher with this years herbs. YOU CAN MAKE THIS WITH FRESH HERBS AND IT ACTUALLY TURNS OUT BETTER!! (The volatile oils are fresher). Keep in mind that in the beginning stages of this splash, it really doesn't have an odor that says ooo-la-la. Give it time to "brew", and even after that, I let mine set in the refrigerator, and it even get better over time. It does smell nice even after the three weeks, and it doesn't have to be kept in the 'frig (I've kept it both in and out-it does not spoil) but by keeping it in the 'frig, when you "mist" it on-it is most refreshing! So, follow this simple recipe (this is doubled for I use it alot--cut in half if you'd like), be patient--and, although you CAN DRINK IT, refrain yourself! 1 cup lavender flowers (the greens can be used, too) 1 cup rosemary 1 cup mint..any kind will do Peel of 1 lemon and 1 orange 4 cups water to which 20-25 drops of essential rose oil is added 4-5 cups of VODKA This will all fit into a gallon glass jar. Let it set for a couple of weeks-stirring once a day. If after a week, you don't smell the roses a bit, then add a few more drops of essential oil. Strain well, put into mister bottle, and enjoy after baths, or swimming, or sunning. I think it is truly refreshing! You can also add lavender essential oil if you're using this after sunning, for the lavender oil is great for revitalizing damaged skin.

"I Love It" Body Powder

And this is what you and your friends will be saying once they use this easy to make body powder. It only contains two ingredients. You will be using one or two of your favorite essential oils and a simple kitchen ingredient: corn starch. Take one cup cornstarch and add two to four drops of your favorite essential oil. I really like the lavender essential oil-it smells so clean! This is such a silky and smooth bath powder, with no harmful additives.

Back to Index