Natural Herbal Beauty

Herb and Oatmeal Soap

This soap is the only one I make from caustic soda. So many of the students who attend my cosmetic workshops at the Herbal Centre ask for this recipe that I couldn’t possibly leave it out. They seem to enjoy the satisfaction of making their own soap in the old-fashioned way.

NB: Do not make this soap while children are around. I find it safer to use the caustic soda outside so that the fumes are dissipated. Do not lean over the bowl and inhale, and make sure that you wear long sleeves and rubber gloves as the caustic soda burns. Should a drop fall on your skin, wash it off immediately with cold water. (more…)

Soapwort

Many people are allergic to soap. If that is your problem try making a strong brew of saponincontaining soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) which is both mild and at the same time cleansing.

This common garden plant, known as `Bouncing Bet’ or the pink creeping Australian phlox, is actually something of a pest in the garden as it spreads everywhere and once you have it, (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…)

 

Headaches (and to a lesser extent, migraines) are a widely experienced form of pain and the most common type of “referred pain.” This means that although a pain in the head can obviously result from a bang on the skull, the more usual cause of a headache is a problem elsewhere in the body. Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, for example, or in the case of migraine, an (illogic response to food are frequently to blame. (more…)

Classic migraine is much more than just a bad headache. It is a severe and often disabling pain in the head—usually on one side only—accompanied by sometimes alarming symptoms such as altered perception, a feeling that the skull is in the grip of a tightening vise, pins and needles or numbness, nausea and vomiting, and an inability to do anything. Symptoms can come and go and last for hours— sometimes even days. No two people usually experience the same symptoms, and one person can experience different symptoms on different occasions. (more…)

Everyone experiences unexpected injuries and illnesses at one time or another, and quick treatment may be essential both to alleviate pain and to prevent the problem from escalating.

Bruises

Place anything cold on the affected part as soon as possible, and leave for about 10-15 minutes. An ice pack, a bag of frozen peas from the freezer, or simply a washcloth soaked in cold water will do.

Arnica is the best remedy for mild to moderate bruising, and hypericum for severe bruising. Apply either as a cream over the entire area after icing and drying the bruise. The homeopathic remedy arnica 6c will also help, or if the bones under the bruise feel sore, symphytum 6c (alternatives are ruta and bellis per). For a black eye, lachesis 6c is best. In all cases, take one tablet every hour for four hours. (more…)

Milk cleansers are much gentler on your skin than soaps. Making your own herbal cleansing milks is simple. To keep them fresh for more than

1 week, freeze the strained herbal milks in ice cube trays, and pop out a cube to thaw as needed.

For Dry to Normal Skin:

2 tablespoons calendula flowers

1 tablespoon chamomile flowers

1 tablespoon rose petals (more…)

Use this herbal rinse after shampooing and conditioning to freshen your scalp and give body to your hair.

Normal hair (dark): Rosemary, sage, lavender Normal hair (light): Chamomile, calendula Dry hair: Chamomile, comfrey

Oily hair: Nettle, yarrow, thyme, sage

Dandruff: Sage, thyme, nettle, lavender (more…)

You’ll need:

• 2 cups Epsom salts (available at any pharmacy)
• 5-10 drops lavender, marjoram, or essential oil of your choice
• 1 teaspoon distilled witch hazel

A hot Epsom salts bath has powerful detoxifying properties, and is best taken at least 2 hours after eating. In addition to their purifying benefits, Epsom salts are rich in magnesium, which eases sore muscles and induces relaxation. Try an Epsom salts cleansing soak immediately before bedtime for a peaceful night’s sleep. (more…)