Natural Herbal Beauty

ECZEMA TREATMENT: Eczema can be caused by an allergic reaction. The cause is a combination of external as well as internal conditions. No class, age or sex is exempt. It can be brought on by contact with certain chemicals. A balanced natural diet plays a large part in treating eczema.If you suffer from eczema, look carefully at your eating habits and the chemicals you ingest daily, either through the skin or digestion. The condition can be caused by psychological factors and stress can make the condition worse. Heartsease is one treatment that has been used by Native Americans for centuries. Add 2 tablespoons of heartsease (pansy) in 2 cups boiling water. Steep until cool. Use as wash. (more…)

EASY HERBAL SOAP: Place 2 tablespoons finely chopped lemon verbena or lavender into 2 tablespoons warmed glycerin. Place in a warm area for several days. Strain and finely grate 12 tablespoons of unscented soap or soap flakes and melt in top of a double boiler. Remove from heat and add the scented glycerin to the melted soap. Add 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix well. Pour into greased molds. Allow to set until the soap is cool and hardened.

Now that we’ve taken the steps needed to care for our skin properly, here are some recipes that will take care of special problems and needs. (more…)

Arthritis Liniment: Add 1-1 /2 tablespoons of bruised mustard seeds and 1 /4 cup of cayenne pepper to 1 pint of whiskey. Simmer for about 10 minutes and strain. Dip cloth in the liquid while hot and apply to affected joint. Bottle and reuse by heating the liquid each time. Relieves pain fast. Caution: Apply warm olive oil to the area before applying the poultice.

Wintergreen Rub: Add 1 dram of wintergreen to 1 pint of witch hazel. Bottle and label. Use as a massage for sprains and sore muscles.

Arthritis Treatment: Here’s a recipe that’s included just for curiosity’s sake.When applied to the affected joint, stinging nettle is reputed to relieve pain within several hours. I add this just as a curiosity. I don’t believe I would use this as it could be very uncomfortable. (more…)