Rose Hip Seed Oil: The oil derived from the seed of rose hips is terrific
for decreasing the signs of aging, scars and uneven coloration of the skin. Look for commercial products made with the oil, or purchase
the oil itself online and mix it with olive oil for a nightly facial treatment.
Chaparral and White Sage: These two herbs are antioxidants that have the
effect of inhibiting free radicals and destroying the ones that have already formed. You can mix one tablespoon of chaparral and one
tablespoon of white sage together in one cup of cold water, and let it steep overnight. In the morning, add a tablespoon of sunflower
oil to the herbal solution and shake it thoroughly. Apply the solution with a cotton ball before bed for free radical control.
Acacia: Acacia is an herbal antibacterial and astringent. Crush the dried
herbs into a powder and mix it with water to make an antibacterial wash to treat skin outbreaks. Mix the powdered herbs with honey to
make a healing solution that can be applied for 20 minutes at a time.
Cliffrose Bark: This ancient Mayan herb is used for a variety of medicinal
applications, including skin problems. If you have a rash or skin disorder and nothing seems to work, take some of the bark and add it
to just boiled water. Steep the bark for 15-20 minutes and apply it to the affected area and wait for relief.
China
Sesame Oil: Sesame oil can be used as a lubricant and moisturizer for dry,
cracked skin. Simply apply the oil to the cracked skin several times a day. You can also use sesame oil on the skin before it becomes
cracked to hydrate and protect it.
Marjoram: This common herb, found in most spice racks, can be made into a
wash using one cup of the fresh herb in one cup of hot water. Use the marjoram wash if you have an itchy skin rash. It is believed
that marjoram relieves water retention and makes the body sweat which helps the circulation.
Cucumber: Chinese medicine prescribes eating cool, fresh cucumber for the
symptoms of common acne. Cucumber is also excellent for hydrating the skin and reducing puffiness around the eyes. Shave thin slices
of cucumber and layer them over the face to moisturize, refresh and reduce puffiness and swelling.
Pumpkin: You can seed and blend the flesh of a pumpkin into a pulp.
Refrigerate the pulp and use it to treat sunburned skin, or burning underneath the skin.
Peppermint: The menthol found in peppermint is used to cool hot itchy
eruptions on the skin. Use peppermint oil topically, to treat skin eruptions to help stop the itch and replace it with a cool, numbing sensation.
Ginger: This herb is used in a wide range of food remedies in Chinese
medicinal cooking. Use the juice from a piece of fresh ginger on minor burns, and use the juice of ginger root for burning and itching
on the skin by rubbing the juice directly on the affected areas, or rub the fresh root directly on the skin.
All of these commonly found ingredients (well, commonly found for the most part) can help you
to achieve natural solutions to your most common hair and skin care problems. These beauty and health tips come with centuries of
tradition behind them and can help you have a healthy, more beautiful you – naturally.
