Skin, Body and Hair Care

Herbal First Aid

Home & Office

Personal Care

Potions

Natural Powder (talc free)

Mix and keep well sealed. Keep away from moisture.

Nappy Rash

Use a soothing and healing ointment of comfrey, calendula or marshmallow. If baby's bottom is very red and sore, make up 500ml

(1 pint) of an infusion of chamomile flowers or elder flowers, allow it to cool, and apply a gauze pad wrung out in it to the most painful parts. Exposure to fresh air is usually the best cure - though not always practicable.

Mum's Nipple Massage Oil

Combine both oils and massage.
Use during pregnancy, hour before feeding and after feeding. Help prvent dry and cracked nipples.

Skin, Body & Hair Care Recipes

A Word of Caution: You should always conduct a patch test on your arm to ensure that you do not have an undesirable reaction to an ingredient

rich moisturiser

Melt the oils and wax slowly over heat until melted, stirring all the time. Take off as soon as it is melted. Add rosewater and beat well until cool. It should be nice and soft.

oily skin cleanser

Place ingredients into bottle and shake well. When combined put in fridge until needed.

minty body cleanser

In a saucepan, bring water to boil. Add mint and let seep for 7 to 10 minutes. Let cool slightly and filter the solution, saving the liquid. Add the remain ingredients to the liquid and stir together. Apply to body or face like liquid soap, then rinse with warm water. Follow with a cool water rinse. Makes 3/4 cup. Cover and refrigerate. Discard after 2 days.

body cleanser

In a blender, mix all ingredients on medium - low speed for 45 - 60 seconds or until smooth. Moisten skin with warm water and apply mixture, massaging it into the skin, ( do not use on face ). Rinse with warm water followed by cool water. Makes 3/4 cup. Cover and refrigerate. Discard after 2 days.

soft body oil

In a cosmetic bottle, mix all ingredients. Apply by massaging into skin. This can be used daily. Mix well before each use. Makes 2 tablespoons. Do not refrigerate. Discard after 1 week.

rosemary body toner

In a saucepan, bring water, sage and rosemary to a light boil. Let cool and place in a blender with the remaining ingredients. Puree at medium speed for 1 minute. Filter solution through a paper towel or coffee filter - into a cosmetic bottle. Discard the solids. Apply the solution to face, gently wiping with a cotton ball. Let toner absorb into skin and follow with a moisturizer. Makes 1 cup. Discard after 3 - 4 days.

facial cucumber cleanser

In a blender, mix the cucumber and potato on medium speed for 20 seconds, then add the remaining ingredients and blend on low for 1 minute. Moisten face with warm water and then apply cleanser with a washcloth, moving the washcloth in a circular motion. Rinse clean with warm water followed by cool water. Makes 1 1/2 cups. Cover and refrigerate. Discard after 2 days.

coconut moisturiser

Over low heat, heat all ingredients until warm. Pour into a non-metallic container and stir or shake well before each use. Can be used over the entire body. Apply to face in a circular motion. Makes 2 tablespoons. Store at room temperature. Discard after 3 days

facial masque

Combine hot water and oats and stir until smooth. Let stand for about 5 minutes or until mixture is paste like. Put remaining ingredients in a blender and mix for 45 seconds. Add oatmeal mixture and blend for another 20 seconds. Apply masque evenly to entire face and let sit for about 15 minutes, or until skin is tight. Rinse thoroughly with warm water Makes 1 application.

coconut hair conditioner

In a blender, mix all ingredients together on low for 30 seconds. Shampoo and rinse with your shampoo of choice. Apply conditioning mixture to the hair and massage in with your fingers. Leave on for 5 minutes and then rinse with warm water. Can be used daily, leave on longer for more intensive conditioning. Makes 3/4 cup. Cover and refrigerate. Discard after 5 days.

shampoo mix conditioner

In a blender, mix all ingredients together on low for 30 seconds. Wet hair with warm water and shampoo mixture into the hair well. Rinse with warm water. Makes 1/2 cup. Cover and refrigerate. Discard after 3 days.

dandruff shampoo

In a blender, mix all ingredients on low for 30 seconds. Wet the hair with warm water and shampoo the mixture into the hair well. Rinse with warm water. Makes 1/4 cup. Cover and refrigerate. Discard after 3 days.

hair detangle

In a saucepan, heat all ingredients together on low and let simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and strain mixture to remove particles and let solution cool. When cool, pour solution into spray bottle. After shampooing and conditioning hair as usual, spray the solution directly into the hair, saturating the strands and the scalp. Comb through hair and leave on. Makes 1.2 cup. Refrigerate. Discard after 3 days.

hair mist

Simmer burdock root in water for 15 minutes ( until ½ water evaporated) Strain then mix all other ingredients together and pour into a spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Apply by spraying into hair and then massage with fingers or by combing through. Makes 2 1/4 cups. Refrigerate. Discard after 5 days.

avocado conditioner

In a saucepan, slowly heat all ingredients except for the honey, then remove from heat and let cool. Add honey and stir until well mixed. Massage the mixture into the hair and then comb through and leave on for 15 - 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Makes 1/2 cup. Refrigerate. Discard after 4 days.

horsetail nail bath

Boil water add horsetail herb and leave boiling for 5 minutes. Leave infusion sitting until Luke warm. Soak nails for 10 minutes. On alternative days, soak nails in warm olive oil for 5 minutes

hand paste

Mix together until becomes a paste. Rub gentle over hand. Leave for 5 minutes and /or use as a hand cleanser.

rosemary face rinse

Place a hanfull of rosemary leaves in 300mls (10 fl oz) of boiled water for 20 minutes. Then strain . When cool frehen your skin with rinse and allow to dry completely. Apply a moisturiser.

lemon facial mist

Bring 1 cup water to boil, remove from heat and add tea bag. Let steep and cool for one hour. In a spray bottle add 1/4 of the tea, 1 cup water, lemon juice. Gently shake bottle before using. DO NOT USE if weather is cold or windy. Otherwise, mist face whenever you want. Makes 1 1/2 cups. Refrigerate. Discard after 1 week.

oil for problem skin

Combine the oils and massage well into the area of lymph glands (down both sides of the neck) the sinus area and forehead.

foot tonic

In a saucepan, simmer milk, mint and rosemary for 15 minutes, remove from heat and let cool slightly. Strain mixture and pour in peppermint extract. Soak a clean dry cloth with the mixture and wrap cloth around feet. Makes 1 Application. Discard after using.

lip balm

In a bowl, mix all ingredients together and stir well. Apply to lips and use daily. Makes 2 tablespoons. Discard after 4 days.

sunburn bath

In a blender, puree the cucumber and pour into a mixing bowl. Add all other ingredients and stir well. Empty mixture into bath under running water. Stay in bath for about an hour. Use as many times per day as you like. Makes 1 application. Discard after use.

hops tea to relax

Drink hops tea to ease tension, help with restlessness, anxiety, insomnia and indigestion from tension.

skin blisters

Bring 2 cups water to boil and remove from heat. Steep tea bags for 30 minutes, then remove tea bags and let cool. Add salt, aloe vera and 1 cup water. Soak a cloth in the mixture and lay the cloth flat onto the blistered area and let sit for twenty minutes. Repeat as needed. Makes 3 cups. Discard after use.

insect bites

Mix all ingredients together until they form a paste. Apply pack to affected areas and let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. Do not rub. Makes 1/4 cup. Store covered. Discard after 3 days.

freckle remover

Blend. Keep in fridge and dab on before sleep. It may help to fade your freckles. Freckles are good sign that you should wear a hat in the sun.

hiccups

Hiccups can come at any time. Try drinking a tea made of 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds to 2 cups of hot water. Don't gulp it down, just sip it and let it flow down your throat slowly.

tick bites

Apply castor oil which has a strong drawing properties and is known to help relieve inflammation. Especially if the probosils has broken off in the skin.

bath cleanser

Mix into paste, smear and leave overnight.
Wash off with cold water.
Try a tiny bit first and if it works and causes no pain, try the rest of the area were needed.

bleach

Mix together and use. For cotton a soapy solution plus lemon juice soaking overnight is also good.

blocked sink

Pour baking soda than vinegar in sink, as they foam run very hot water down drain. If totally blocked you may have to use the old plunger.

lemon verbena sachet

In a glass container, mix all the ingredients, allow to age for two weeks. Fill ingredients into small or medium sized cloth bags.

porcelain stains

Mix cream of tartar with a little hydrogen peroxide till it forms a paste. Apply and rub with old toothbrush.

glue

Mix dry ingredients and add cool water till it forms a paste. Add boiled water for thickness as required.

moth & insect linen closet protector

In a non-metal container mix all ingredients, allow to age for two weeks. Fill ingredients into small or medium sized cloth bags. Place bags in drawers and linen closets, especially where woolens are stored.

cupboard freshener

In a non-metallic container, add the oils to the salt. In another glass or ceramic container, layer the lavender, spices and salt mixture. Weigh the mixture down with a rock or a brick and let age for 10 days. After 10 days, stir and fill pint size canning jars with the mixture. Close the jar with a cloth and the outer ring of the jar only. Place Jars in drawers and linen closets.

rust remover

Soak rusted object in a glass or plastic container of white vinegar. Change vinarger 2 to 3 times if needed.

companion planting #1
Marigolds help repel leaf eating pest in the garden. Grow on the edge.

companion planting #2
Mint & Tansy will discourage ants. Tansy is also known to help keep borers away from fruit trees.

companion planting #3
Chamomile with cabbages and onions will help keep cabbage moth away.

companion planting #4
Dandelions and valerian will encourage earthworms.

companion planting #5
Growing lavender, garlic, parsley, nasturtiums or chives will help protect against aphids.

companion planting #6
Basil helps repel whiteflys. Should be planted around tomatos to keep flies and tomato worm away.

compost hint #1
Make sure when you compost that you get a good mix of green material and brown material. Insufficient green waste means less nitrogen to activate micro organisms which do all the decomposing, and if brown wastes are not in sufficient quantity then nitrogen will be lost to the atmosphere and perhaps a sludgy smelly compost will result.

Dog Flies

Soak a rope collar in pennyroyal essential oil and loop it around the dogs neck. Repeat every two weeks if needed. Also you could spray him or her with a mixer of rosemary and sage tea.

tooth powder and whitener

Mix and Brush

tooth powder 2

Mix and brush

tooth powder 3 Whiten teeth

Mix and brush

tooth charcoal powder

Burn a piece of bread
Pound into powder
Add 2 drops of cloves or peppermint oil for flavour
Mix and brush

tooth herb

Rub sage leaves on teeth and wash away with warm water.

bath salts

In a glass bowl, mix the dry ingredients Use a wooden, non-metallic spoon to mix. Add essential oil and mix again.

dusting powder

In a glass bowl, mix the ingredients well. Pass through a sieve to remove lumps. Store in a used talcum powder dispenser or salt shaker.

lavender water

In a glass container, mix the distilled water and vodka. Add the lavender oil and stir. Makes 2 1/2 cups.

coconut citrus bath oil

In a saucepan, slowly heat all ingredients until warm, paying special attention to the coconut oil. Stir frequently until all ingredients are homogeneous. Remove from heat and pour directly into the bath under the water faucet. Be careful not to burn yourself. Mixture will float on top of bath water. Use twice weekly. Makes 1 bath. Clean bathtub with vinegar after bath.

minty bath

For oily skin omit the coconut oil and almond oil. Replace with 1 teaspoon lemon juice.

In a bowl, mix all ingredients together and stir well. Place mixture in a 30cm (12 inch) square cheesecloth and tie into a pouch with a string. Submerge the pouch in very hot running water so that the herbs infuse properly. AFTER THE WATER COOLS TO A COMFORTABLE TEMPERATURE, climb in and bathe for at least 30 minutes. Makes pouch for one bath. Discard after 1 use.

orange flower water

In a glass bottle, add the distilled water, vodka and oils. Seal and store the bottle in a cool, dark place for 1 -2 weeks, gently swirling the product every few days. Shake well before using.

"A smell (of lavender) hidden in the green pour'd back into my empty soul and frame the times when I remembered to have been joyful and free from blame"

Alfred lord Tennyson, 19th century

1. Keep a small sachet of dried lavender against your bare skin to attract a lover.
2. Rub the flowers off lavender heads to use as confetti at a wedding for to release true romance.
3. Make a fragrant bag of lavender flowers and rosemary, then add 4 drops of peppermint essential oil and 2 drops of lavender essential oil if and when traveling to a new place. A celtic blessing of luck and good fortune. Helps with travel sickness a little.
4. Use this ancient floral sent that was cultivated by the Egyptians in the sacred walled garden at Thebes. A relaxing aroma of all times.
5. Love cookies; Add lavender flowers to your cookies. About a tablespoon to every 100 grams ( 4 oz) of flour. Feed your loved one.

fly repellent

Place a equal amount of sliced onion into liquid and simmer for five minutes.
DO not boil.
Strain an