Magic Chamomile

There are many varieties of this well-known plant. Chamomile is valuable for skin problems, particularly where the skin is dry, itchy, or flaky. Famous for its mild bleaching properties that add golden highlights to fair hair, the herb and the essential oil are both used in beauty preparations.

BEAUTY RECIPES

To unclog the pores and treat blackheads, steam the face with an infusion of chamomile flowers for 10 minutes. Follow with a facial scrub and then moisturize. To relax and revive puffy swollen or tired eyes, lie down for 15 minutes with cold chamomile tea tags placed on each closed eye.

To add shine to fair hair, make an infusion of chamomile flowers with 1 quart (1 litre) of water. Rinse hair thoroughly after shampooing. For a relaxing bath, infuse 4 or 5 handfuls of dried chamomile flowers for 10 minutes. Strain; add to bath.  

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The aboriginal people of Australia have been using the healing power of tea tree for centuries and it is one of Australia’s significant exports. Used in combating infectious organisms, the essential oil is ideal for many skin problems. 

BEAUTY RECIPES

To treat pimples, boils and cold sores, place 1 drop of tea tree oil onto a Q- tip and apply directly to the aggravated area. Or add 1 drop to any face mask or scrub. Alternatively, you can make a facial sauna by adding 2 drops to a bowl of hot water.

To treat dandruff, blend 4 tbsp. (60ml) of jojoba oil with 30 drops of teat tree oil and massage  into the scalp 3 times a week. 

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The faithful potato

The potato is a major source of B vitamins, which help reduce facial oiliness and blackhead formation. To use it, slice raw potato very thinly, or grate or juice it. There is no need to peel the potato.

BEAUTY RECIPES

For an inflamed, pimply complexion, extract the juice from 4 small potatoes (pulp them in a blender) and combine with 1-2 tsp. (5-10g) of finely ground oatmeal to form a paste. Gently rub into the skin for a few minutes, and then leave for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

To relieve puffy swollen eyes, place a very thin slice of potato on each closed eye. Relax for 15 minutes , then remove the potato and wash off its juice with cool water. You can combine this treatment with a face mask.

To treat sunburn, apply thin slices of potato or a thin layer of grated potato to cool the skin and help reduce inflammation.

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Apple Cider as Protector of the Skin

Katrina Bowden

There are many types of vinegars available, but apple cider vinegar is more suited to skin care. It helps restore the acidity of the skin, which protects it from infection. Cider vinegar softens the skin and is a useful beauty aid for the hair and scalp.

BEAUTY RECIPES

To freshen and hydrate the skin and to remove any remaining dirt, soap, or cleanser, add 1 tsp. (5ml) of cider vinegar to 1 cup (240ml) of water. Mix thoroughly and use as a toner after cleansing the skin. Keep refrigerated in a sealed jar and use within a week.

The natural pH balance of the hair can be upset by piped water and shampoos. Use cider vinegar to help restore the pH balance and the condition of hair. Add 2 tbsp. (30ml) of cider vinegar to 1 quart (1litre) of warm water and use to rinse hair after shampooing.

To relieve dry, itchy skin, add 1 cup (240ml) of cider vinegar to your bathwater. To strengthen weak, brittle nails, soak them for 5 to 10 minutes in enough cider vinegar to cover the nails. Avoid broken skin.     

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Woman to Woman

Avocado as cosmetic aid

Avocado is one of the best natural cosmetic aids. Rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E, together with linoleic acid, lecithin, and natural plant oils, avocados contain many beneficial properties for promoting healthy skin and hair.

Beauty recipes

For dry skin need of rehydration and nourishment, mash enough avocados to make2 tsp., and blend with 1 tsp. of plain, live yoghurt and 1 tsp. of liquid honey. Spread over the face, avoiding the eye area, and leave for 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.

To restore chemically damaged hair, mash half a small, ripe avocado and mix with 1 tsp. (5 ml) lemon juice. Apply thoroughly to the hair and cover with plastic wrap. Leave for one hour before washing out with a mild shampoo.

To remove rough skin, rub the insides of the avocado skin over the body. Rinse well and moisturize.

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Beauty Powers of Honey

Since ancient times honey has been used for its rejuvenating powers. Rich in minerals and vitamins, it attracts and retains fluids and acts as a moisturizer on the skin. Honey contains an antibacterial agent called inhibane, which promotes healing. Liquid honey is easier to use in beauty recipes than other, thicker honeys, and will help bind other materials to the skin.

BEAUTY RECIPES

To cleanse the skin, combine 1 tbsp. (15ml) of liquid honey and 1 tsp. (5ml) of wheat-germ oil with 3 drops of apricot-kernel oil. Add 1 tsp. (5ml) of flower water and mix well. Smooth over the face and neck and leave for 10 minutes. Wet a face cloth in warm water and wring it out. Gently remove the facial mixture by wiping with the warm facecloth.

To heal sore or dry lips, melt 1 tbsp. (5ml) of liquid honey and stir in 1 tsp. of rose water. Transfer to a small jar and seal. Use as a lip balm.

To soften dry skin on elbows and knees, warm 2 tbsp. (30ml) of honey and rub into the skin. Leave for 20 minutes. Rinse off and pat dry.

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Beauty recipes with eggs

Full of vitamins, protein, iron, and lecithin, eggs are inexpensive and versatile. Egg whites are useful for oily or blemished skin. Yolks make enriching face masks and shampoos. The whole egg can be used for hair conditioners.

BEAUTY RECIPES

For a mask to treat dry skin, stir an egg yolk into 5 drops of wheat-germ oil and 1 tsp. (5ml) of warm honey. Apply to the face and leave for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing and moisturizing.

To treat oily skin, mix an egg white with 5 drops of witch hazel and 1 tsp. (5ml) of lemon juice. Smooth over face and neck. Leave for 10 minutes, then rinse well and moisturize.

For a quick moisturizing treatment for dry hair, whisk 2 eggs into ½ cup (120m) of warm water and massage well into the hair and scalp. Leave for 10 minutes before rinsing.

To condition dry hair, warm 2 tsp. of honey. In a separate bowl, beat 1 egg yolk and add 1 tbsp. (15ml) of cider vinegar. Remove the honey from the heat and slowly combine the two mixtures. Apply to the hair and cover with plastic wrap and then a warm towel. Leave for an hour, then shampoo and rinse.