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…)

This is an extremely painful, blistering rash that normally occurs around one half of the midriff (although the neck, face, and sometimes the eyes can be affected) as a result of inflammation of nerve roots. Shingles is caused by the same herpes zoster virus that provokes chickenpox, and is often the result of a weakened immune system coinciding with a period of emotional stress. It is most common in older people. (more…)