Natural Herbal Beauty

Symptoms

The classic symptoms of a sore throat include a burning sensation or “scratchiness” in the back of the throat; pain, especially when swallowing; and, perhaps, tenderness along the neck. These symptoms may be accompanied by: (more…)

Symptoms

Painful tenderness at or near a joint, especially around a shoulder, wrist, or heel (where it is known as Achilles tendinitis), or on the outside of an elbow (where it is called tennis elbow).

In some cases, numbness or tingling.

Stiffness that, along with the pain, restricts the movement of the joint involved.

Occasionally, mild swelling at the joint.

Persistence of the soreness, which may last or recur long after the tendon has had time to recover from the original injury. (more…)

Strengthen your lungs and you strengthen your sense of ease in the world …

In Chinese medicine, lung problems are most often associated with grief. I saw an example of this in my youngest son. He had a wonderful relationship with his nanny, who had been with us until he was eight years old. She felt then that he was too old for her to be useful to him any more and decided to leave. (more…)

When your liver works well so does the rest of your body, for the liver is your body’s chemical centre. It is responsible for clearing excess hormones, getting rid of chemicals that could undermine the immune system, and cleansing the toxicity that builds up from too much alcohol, poor food and taking drugs of all kinds. The liver’s ability to deep-clean the system helps protect your whole body from premature ageing and degeneration.

The trouble is that the modern world is literally full of potentially dangerous chemicals. We take them in through the chemically fertilized and highly processed foods we eat, through the air we breathe and the water we drink. (more…)

Sunburn is a common South African complaint throughout the long hot summer and one which we should take pains to avoid, for it has an ageing and drying effect on the skin.

Sun Protection Oil

This protecting oil should be applied before going out into the sun. The sesame oil blots out the harmful ultra-violet rays.

25 m1(2 tbsp) sesame oil

25 nil (2 tbsp) lanolin

75m1(6 tbsp) dandelion tea or elderflower tea (more…)

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a wonderful wash for problem skins as it helps to combat oiliness. Dilute 60 ml (¹/4 cup) vinegar to 750 ml (3 cups) tepid water and use as a wash, or drink a little every day: 1-2 teaspoons in a glass of tepid water. This, incidentally, is a wonderful cooling revitalizer in the heat of summer, particularly after vigorous exercise. It can also be used as a compress, held over bad spots or dabbed onto the affected area. Dilute to the strength most acceptable to your needs. Many people find it too strong to apply neat.

Blackhead Remover (more…)

 

Before starting your herbal treatments, always do a patch test. Dab a little of your preparation on the pulse point of your wrist or in the crook of your elbow.

Leave it unwashed for 12 hours to see whether you have an allergic reaction to it. Always be sure of the identification of the herbs you are using and if ever you are in doubt, consult your doctor or skin specialist. Many people are allergic to a wide range of ingredients and I urge you to tread with care and always test your blends and mixtures, lotions and salves before using them. (more…)

In making up the simple recipes, there are various methods of preparing herbs for use in lotions and creams. The methods listed below will help you to get started.

Decoction

A decoction of herb usually means the boiling up of the herb, and it is often prepared by using roots, stems, bark and berries, ie the hard parts of plants. The herb, or part of the herb, is boiled for about 15 minutes and then allowed to cool. The resulting liquid is drawn off and used, and the herb is discarded. (more…)

DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelions are filled with nourishment, good for skin, liver and urinary systems, and therefore excellent for keeping the skin clear. Make a tea of leaves and flowers — 125 ml (¹/2 cup) herb to 750 ml (3 cups) boiling water — and use as a wash for itchy skin, eczema and red skin. Use as a facial wash to invigorate the skin. Steep leaves and flowers in oil and use as a bath or body oil.

ELDER(Sambucus nigra)

Flowers, leaves, stems and roots of the elder can all be used medicinally. For cosmetics, though, the flowers are usually used. They are gently astringent and they soothe and soften the skin. (more…)

ALMOND (Prunus communis, P. amygdalus, P. dulcis)

Shelled almonds, ground into a meal and mixed with a herb infusion such as rosemary or sage, make an excellent mild bleaching face pack. They have a deep cleansing and toning effect.

Almond oil is non-drying and has superb emollient or softening properties; it also combines well with creams and, in lotions, with other ingredients. Can be used as a deep cleansing oil. (more…)