Perfect Parsley Toner
Janice Cox, Mother Earth Living, 2011
Fresh parsley is a surprising natural beauty ingredient that can promote circulation and has antiseptic qualities. Combined with lemon juice, the Perfect Parsley Toner makes a powerful skin toner. Makes 8 ounces.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Directions:
- Bring water to a boil.
- Place parsley in a clean heatproof bowl and pour boiling water over it.
- Allow mixture to cool completely, then strain out the solids.
- Mix in the lemon juice, and pour into a clean, airtight container.
To Use:
Apply to your face with a clean cotton pad after cleansing.
Self-Tanning Tips & Tricks
Applying self-tanner, with the right technique, can be an effective anti-aging strategy.
Get a golden glow for summer the healthy way using self-tanners.
Many of us women have tried self-tanners over the years and have experienced everything from orange hands to streaks and dark knees and elbows. The products have changed so much and happily, many are now chemical free. In addition, there are some improved techniques for applying self-tanner.
A few years ago I even tried tanning in a booth with a spray tan-it did a nice job but it’s quite a bit more expensive. I think it’s very worth it when you want a skilled professional who can give you a full body tan for special occasions like weddings and parties.
On a day -to -day basis during the summer, I’ve had great success the past few years with my non toxic, paraben free self-tanners, especially following these tips. I hope you and your friends do too!
Click here to learn “How much to apply, and where…”
Click here for before & after you “tan” tips.
Non Toxic Insect Repellents
Mosquitos carry many blood-borne diseases such as: West Nile Virus, Malaria, and Dengue Fever.
Insect Repellent Recipe #1
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-Essential-Oils-Aromatherapy/
Insect Deterrent Synergistic Blend
Using 2 ounces of base vegetable oil
*10 drops of essential oil per ounce of base vegetable oil
It is worth making up a good batch of this blend and taking it with you wherever you go.
Thyme 4 drops
Lemongrass 8 drops
Lavender 4 drops
Peppermint 4 drops
*Mixtures can be kept in plastic spray bottles-this website offers a variety of sizes if you can’t find them at your local health store. www.containerandpackaging.com
*Use in massage oils in the days before going on vacation and during it, the oils will keep most insects at bay.
Insect Repellent #2 — Wellness Mama
Fill an 8-ounce spray bottle 1/1 full with distilled or boiled water
Add witch hazel almost to top
Add 30-50 drops of essential oils to desired scent. The more oils you use, the stronger the spray will be. Her favorite mix is: Rosemary, clove, lavender, cinnamon and eucalyptus. It not only works but smells good, too!
Insect Repellent #3 — Primally Inspired
Fill a small spray bottle with 2 ounces of carrier oil
Add to it:
12 drops lemongrass oil
6 drops eucalyptus oil
2 drops citronella oil
“A Radiant You-The Natural Approach to Enduring Beauty” by Sue Butterfield and Jurlique
Hair Care
Honey has many health benefits, both inside and out.
Honey Wrap
½ cup honey or more if you have long hair
Massage honey into the hair and leave in for 30 minutes. Wash and condition with a natural conditioner.
Hair Rinses
*These will remove gels and hairsprays and make your hair smell good, bringing shine and body
Rosemary
Make a strong pot of tea out of fresh rosemary. Especially great for dark hair
Chamomile
Make a strong pot of tea from tea bags. Especially great for lighter hair
Tomato Juice
One cup removes odors
Baking Soda
1 Tablespoon to 1 cup water removes hairsprays and gel build up
Lemon Juice
1 lemon to 1 cup of water will bring back body and shine to your hair
Apple Cider Vinegar
¼ cup to 1 cup water will also bring back shine
Hands and Feet
Taking care of hands and nails does not have to be a toxic endeavor, there are many non toxic formulations that can be substituted.
*In that they are exposed so much more, our hands and nails lose moisture faster than our body. Try to keep a natural, paraben-free hand cream near you at all times, in your purse, by the sink and next to your bed.
Nail and Cuticle Oil
1/8 cup Olive oil
2 Vitamin E capsules
Mix the oils together and store in an airtight container. You can find little bottles at some of your container and health food stores. Massage daily into your nail beds and cuticles, including your toenails after a nice bath. Soaking is really helpful as well.
Nail Whitener
½ lemon
Soak your nails in the lemon. If you have a lot of yellowing or discoloration this may take a few days but stick with it. This is also good for the elbows.
Moisturizers
Whipped Coconut Body Butter ( from Café Mom )
Put 1 cup of un-melted coconut oil into the bowl of a standing mixer. Add your preferred essential oil (eucalyptus , lavender, orange citrus) or other natural fragrance and whip on high for 6-7 minutes. Transfer to a jar with a lid and store at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Homemade moisturizer (from Live Simply
½ cup coconut oil
1 tsp liquid vitamin E
5-7 drops lavender essential oil
Whip these ingredients up in your stand mixer and store in jars in the refrigerator. Small jars can be purchased at your favorite flea market, Target, or The Container Store.
Rosemary Mint Shaving Cream (from Shaina at Food for My Family )
1/3 cup shea butter
1/3 cup virgin coconut oil
¼ cup jojoba or sweet almond oil
10 drops rosemary essential oil
3-5 drops peppermint essential oil
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the shea butter and coconut oil, stirring until just melted. Remove from the heat and transfer to a heat-safe bowl. Add in the jojoba oil and the essential oils. Stir to mix. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and chill until solid. Remove from the refrigerator and whip using a hand beater or a stand mixer until light and fluffy. Spoon into a jar. Top with a lid and keep in a cool, dry place.
Aroma Bath
1 cup Sea Salt and Epsom salts or just sea salt
10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil
*Optional- ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup powdered milk
Mix the salts and powdered milk together in a bowl. Next, blend the salt and the essential oils together. Be sure to mix these ingredients well in order to disperse all essential oils.
Add ½- 1 cup of the salts to your bath water. Mix well to ensure that the salt has dispersed well into the tub before entering. To keep the oils from evaporating too quickly, add the bath salts just before getting in the tub instead of while the water is running.
Exfoliating Scrubs & Masks
Chocolate has many curative properties for the skin.
Chocolate Mint Sugar Scrub
(reprinted with permission of Winnie Abramson of Healthy Green Kitchen | www.healthygreenkitchen.com)
Total Time: less than 5 minutes
Ingredients:
*1 cup organic or raw sugar
*2 tablespoons cocoa powder, preferably fair-trade
*1/4-1/2 cup almond oil (or avocado, grape seed, or jojoba oil)
*1-2 drops all-natural peppermint essential oil
*a drop or two of Vitamin E oil- optional
Directions:
- Mix together the sugar and cocoa powder in a medium bowl.
- Add 1/4 cup oil and mix with the sugar/cocoa. Add more oil one tablespoon at a time until your scrub has the desired consistency. Add essential oil and option Vitamin E oil.
- Spoon scrub into a sterilized glass jar with a tight fitting lid. Add decorative label or card including info about how to use the scrub (over wet skin in the shower) and how long it will last
(about 4 weeks), if desired.
Hydrating Chocolate Mask (reprinted with permission of Kathy Karadza)
The olive oil and egg yolk in this mask are rich in nutrients and hydrate skin well.
50 grams of chocolate (with 70-90% cocoa content)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 egg yolk
Warm up the chocolate until it becomes a liquid. Blend all of the ingredients well. Make sure the chocolate mixture is at a comfortable temperature before you apply the mask to your face and neck. Keep the chocolate face mask on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
Salt Scrub
1 cup Sea Salt
2 Tblsp. Grapeseed oil
10 drops of pure essential oil (lavender is recommended but you can you anything you love)
*Dried flowers if you like
Mix all the ingredients together.
*This scrub is wonderful before you shower and definitely before you shave to avoid stinging.
Step into the shower or tub and begin at your feet. Scrub your body working up to your neck, then shower or bathe to rinse off. Highly recommended as a monthly treat.