Beauty Preparations
Beauty products are important to our physical and mental health. Many commercial beauty products contain artificial chemicals and these chemical substances do penetrate the skin. Every time we apply commercial products to our body, we are absorbing substances through our skin that we would never dream of putting in our mouth.
By keeping well-groomed, we are also helping our self-esteem and mental health. Mental health is extremely important for physical health. By using natural products we are protecting our health.
The natural recipes are simple to make. Try different ones to find the one that works for you. Just keep in mind that if your skin has a tendency to be dry, you would not want to use too many astringents. And, keep in mind any allergies you might have. Before making any remedy, try each of the herbs in a skin test. You may not be aware of some of the allergies that you have. Each person in your family has different needs, so be aware of this as you make different recipes and preparations that members of your home will be using.
Soap can be harsh to your skin, taking away necessary natural oils, so try bathing without commercial soaps. I know it doesn’t sound like very good advice, but try it for one week and see the difference for yourself. I shower most of the time using only a washcloth to scrub the skin and when I do use soap, it is an herbal soap.
Remember, there is beauty and majesty in natural simplicity.
These recipes will make you look ten years younger. (The beeswax and lanolin called for are available at your pharmacy.)
Basic Cleansing Cream
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons beeswax, 4 tablespoons lanolin, 2 tablespoons herbal infusion water (instructions follow), 3⁄8 cup olive oil, and 1⁄8 ounce scented oil (if desired). Melt lanolin and beeswax in a double boiler over low heat. When melted, add the olive oil. Remove from heat and stir in scented oil. Stir continuously until cool. It will thicken and become creamy. Store in a screw-top jar.
Use this cream to clean your face. Apply a small amount, massage into face. Place a hot cloth over face. As the cloth cools, rinse it in hot water to heat it up again. Do this several times. Remove all traces of cleanser with a clean tissue. Use the herbal infusion to pat on as a skin toner.
Basic Herbal Infusion
Pour 11⁄2 cups boiling water over herb of your choice. Use 3–4 tablespoons fresh herb or 1 teaspoon dried herb. Use chinaware or earthenware container. Steep 30 minutes and strain. Bottle the mixture in a screw-top container and refrigerate. It keeps about a week. Use cold. This tonic has many beneficial effects, depending on the herb used.
chamomile: tones up relaxed muscles
fennel: an infusion of the leaves and seeds clears up spots
lemon balm: smoothes wrinkles
mints: all mints are excellent astringents
rosemary: tightens sagging skin
comfrey: mix with witch hazel as an excellent tonic to smooth wrinkles
thyme: an excellent astringent, it helps to clear acne
Use the infusion at least twice weekly to get best results. You will notice the effects on the first application.
The next few recipes are good for clearing up skin problems.
Acne Treatments
Baking Soda for Acne Treatment
Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply to the face and leave on for 5 minutes. Rinse off with apple cider vinegar. Rinse again with clear water. Apply a coating of vitamin E oil to your face and leave on overnight.
Blemish Treatment with Strawberries
Rub the face with a crushed strawberry. Leave it on for about 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm, then cold water. This will help to clear blemishes. Caution: Many people are allergic to strawberries. Try a patch test before proceeding to use the facial treatment.
Burdock (Artium lappa) Acne Treatment
Burdock is a great astringent, removing excess oil from the skin. Use it faithfully every day if your skin is oily. It may take several weeks before you notice an improvement. Put 2 handfuls of burdock roots and leaves in 2 cups of water. Bring to a quick boil using a stainless steel or glass pot. Lower heat and simmer 10 minutes. Dip clean cloth into liquid and use as a compress until the cloth cools. Repeat this, keeping the liquid hot, for about 15 minutes.
Clogged Pores
Put a large handful of chopped parsley into an earthenware bowl. Pour 1 cup boiling water over the parsley. Cover, and let steep until it reaches room temperature. Strain and apply the liquid to the face as a compress for about 15 minutes. Use daily. This really clears up the complexion.
Onion Juice for Acne Treatment
Clean face thoroughly. Apply fresh onion juice to the area. Leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse well. Use daily.
Soap for Acne Treatment
Dilute some liquid hand soap and apply a thin layer to the face. Leave on overnight and it will help to dry up eruptions. Caution: This can dry the skin out pretty fast, so I wouldn’t use it more than once a week. Extra-dry skin can aggravate acne and you do not want to add to the problem.
Thyme for Acne Treatment
Because thyme is such a good astringent, it can be used to help clear up acne. Pour 11/2 cups of boiling water over 3–4 tablespoons of dried thyme. Let steep 30 minutes. Strain and bottle the liquid. Keep refrigerated. Teenagers with acne problems could use this daily as a facial rinse.
After-Shaves
After-Shave Lotion
Add 2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers and 2 tablespoons of sage to 2 cups of witch hazel. Place in a tightly closed jar and let sit for 1 week in a very warm area. Strain and rebottle. Very invigorating and has a nice clean scent.
After-Winter Pickup
Steam the face with peppermint.(Add peppermint leaves to boiling water and make a towel tent over your head to trap the steam.) Then gently massage the face with the following mixture. Mix 1 unbeaten egg white with a few drops of spirit of camphor. Add enough warm milk to make a paste. Put on the face and let dry. Rinse well and blot skin to dry.
Stimulating After-Shave
Mix 1 cup each of peppermint, yarrow flowers, fresh or dried lavender flowers, and 3 cups of sage leaves. Place in a large jar and cover mixture with rubbing alcohol. Let steep for 2 weeks. Strain and add 1 cup of water (distilled is best, but use what you have). If the skin is dry, add 2 tablespoons of glycerin or almond oil. This also makes a wonderful massage for aching muscles.
Styptic Lotion for Shaving Nicks
Mix 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 teaspoon of alum, and 1/2 teaspoon glycerin. Shake well each time you use the lotion. Apply to nicks after shaving to stop bleeding.
Bath Preparations
Apple Bath Addition
Pour 3 cups of boiling water over 1/2 cup of dried apple slices, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of whole cloves. Steep for 30 minutes. Use in bath water for a very refreshing bath.
Bath for Men—Scented
Mix equal parts of lavender and pine needles. Boil and steep for 15 minutes. Strain and add to bath water. Lavender, verbena, nutmeg, geranium, lemon balm, and thyme are all good to add for a manly scent. If desired, you may add 1 tablespoon (or more) of the herb mixture to enhance the scent.
Bath Powders
Simply add a few drops of scented oil to cornstarch or arrowroot. Apply after bath. Add the same scent that you use to make your perfume. (See page 71 for perfume recipes).
Bath Salts
Mix together 1/2 cup of salt, 1/2 cup epsom salts, and 1/2 cup baking soda. Mix well, adding food coloring and scented oil if desired. Keep tightly closed. Add to bath water by tablespoons to desired strength. It makes a very soothing and relaxing bath, as well as being good for your skin.
Herbal Love Bath
This is to pamper yourself when you’re down. Mix 7 cups of lavender, 6 cups of rosemary, 5 cups rose petals, 4 cups of lovage, 3 cups verbena leaves, 1 cup each of thyme, mint, marjoram, and orris powder. Put in a container and keep tightly closed. To use, put ⁄ ․cup of the mixture in a muslin bag and tie securely. Boil the bath ball in 4 cups of water for 10 minutes. Add to bath water and scrub with the bath ball. Makes a really nice gift.
Lavender Bath Mixture
Crush and mix 2 tablespoons of dried lavender flowers, 2 tablespoons of dried basil, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Add to 2 cups of witch hazel. Steep for 2 weeks and strain. Add 1/2 cup to bath water or use as an after-bath splash.
Medicine Wheel Bath Salts
The medicine wheel zodiac lists certain flowers and colors that bring good luck to the person of each sign. What better way to give good luck than in something that is used often. I make this to give as a gift and I also use often myself because it is so helpful and relaxing. Many people tell me that they mix the salts to add to a gift bath basket with other bath aids that they have prepared. They grow the luffa sponge and add that along with soap they have prepared as well as bath powders and deodorants. The bath salts not only smell good, but are good for you. Following is a list of the zodiac signs and their corresponding flowers and colors that you can use to make your own mixtures.
Capricorn: daisy, green or yellow
Aquarius: orchid, gold or red
Pisces: narcissis, blue or green
Aries: corn flower, violet
Taurus: violet, blue
Gemini: magnolia, peach
Cancer: red rose, yellow
Leo: lily of the valley, green
Virgo: sunflower, gold
Libra: gardenia, red, or violet
Scorpio: carnation, all shades of red
Sagittarius: dahlia, pink
Even those who make their own essential oils may find it necessary to purchase some of the oils for certain zodiac signs. These can be found at most drug or health food stores. The ingredients can be mixed by hand or in a blender. Mix together 1 cup each of table or sea salt, baking soda, and epsom salt. The salt softens the water, the baking soda balances the natural pH of the skin and has healing properties for any skin disorder, and the epsom salt relaxes and soothes sore muscles.
If mixing by hand, use the back of a large spoon, mixing thoroughly. Add a few drops of food coloring to desired color and add essential oil to desired strength. Mix until the color is evenly distributed. Store in a plastic bag or airtight container as it has a tendency to harden if exposed to air. Because many of the flowers in the medicine wheel do not have appropriate scents for the bath salts, you may have to make a few compromises.
This is a very relaxing bath for those who suffer from arthritis or other disabling diseases. Many use the salts to treat skin disorders such as poison ivy, hives, and chicken pox.
Peppermint and spearmint scent is nice to use around the holidays. Children love peppermint, and men seem to really enjoy pine. This is a good way to use aromatherapy as an aid during times of stress or illness and it is a fun and relaxing bath aid to use any time.
Quick and Easy Potpourri for Your Bathroom
Mix dried rose buds and petals with basil, thyme, lavender, and other herbs of your choice. Add spices such as ground cinnamon, cloves, allspice, dried lemon or orange peel, ground orris root, and a few drops of scented oil. Age in a tightly closed jar 4–8 weeks. This also makes a nice gift.
Scented Bath Lotion
Use rubbing alcohol or witch hazel. Add 1/2 cup each of mint, lemon balm, rosemary, and lavender to 4 cups of alcohol or witch hazel. (Mix the herbs of your choice to make this bath lotion.) Let steep in the sun for 2 weeks, shaking every day. It will turn a nice herby green. Strain, place in a tightly closed container, and label. Use as a fragrant rub after bathing.
Scented Bath Powder
Mix 2 tablespoons of orris root, 1/2 tablespoon powdered cloves, and 2 tablespoons of powdered sage. Add 4 tablespoons of cornstarch and mix well. To make different scents, simply add the herb of your choice. Use powdered herbs if possible, otherwise grind as fine as you can. Keep tightly closed to retain scent.
Complexion Care
Astringent Using Peppermint
Peppermint tea applied to the face is a good astringent. Soak a clean cloth and apply to the face as a compress.
Beauty Bag with Elder Flowers
Gather and dry all the elder flowers you can. Make beauty bags of small terry wash cloths folded in a triangle and sewn on a machine. Stuff with dried elder flowers and use to wash face and hands. It will soften and whiten the skin.
Beauty Mask with Sweet Pepper
Puree 1 red or green sweet pepper in your blender. Apply the mixture to your face. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with cool water and apply vitamin E oil as an overnight help. The sweet pepper works as a good cleanser. Caution: Avoid eyes.
Beauty Pack with Sea Salt
Apply a paste made of sea salt and water. Keep on face for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Bleach Yellow-tinted Skin with Cranberries
Crush a handful of fresh cranberries to extract the juice. Rub into neck and face. Leave on overnight and rinse off in the morning.
Chicory Complexion Improvement
Chicory has long been used as a coffee substitute, but the beautiful blue flowers can be used as a tea to help clear the complexion and give it a healthy glow. Pour 1 cup boiling water over a small handful of chicory flowers. Cover and steep 15 minutes. Strain and sweeten. Drink at least 1 cup a day.
Dull Skin Color Improvement with Pineapple Juice.
This recipe dissolves the top layer of dry skin. Saturate a clean cloth with pineapple juice and place on the skin as a compress. Leave on at least 30 minutes. Rinse face gently. Break open a vitamin E capsule and apply to the face. Leave on overnight.
Caution: This recipe is not for everybody. My daughter is extremely allergic to pineapple and can not even touch the juice. Please try a skin patch test before applying to the face. It works well for those who can use it, but again, try the test before use.
Facial Cleaner with Carrots
Cook carrots in as little water as possible. When tender, mash thoroughly and apply to the face as a mask. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse. This is good for treating acne as well. This treatment adds vitamin A to the skin and that helps to prevent wrinkles.
Facial Pack with Fennel and Coltsfoot
This soothes, softens, closes pores, and tones the skin. It also helps to minimize wrinkles and to fight acne. Pour 1/2 cup of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of dried coltsfoot leaves and 1 tablespoon dried fennel leaves. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Strain well, keeping the liquid. Add the liquid to 1/2 cup of yogurt and a handful of oatmeal to make a paste. Wash face thoroughly and cover face with a hot cloth for a few minutes. Cover eyes with damp cotton pads and spread warmed paste over the face. Leave on for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water that has a little lemon juice added to it.
Facial Scrub with Cornmeal
To fight blackheads, moisten a handful of finely ground cornmeal and rub into face for about 5 minutes. Rinse the face and apply a moisturizer.
Lemon Balm Wrinkle Remover
Lemon balm is good for getting rid of wrinkles. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over a handful of fresh lemon balm. Let cool. Refrigerate any leftover rinse. Use as a rinse every morning. It tightens the skin if you use it after washing the face.
Oil for Complexion Care
To really improve your complexion, place 1 cup calendula leaves and/or flowers into 1 cup olive oil. You can also use any of the vegetable oils in place of the olive oil. Allow the herb to soak for several days. Strain off the herbs and flowers and smooth the oil gently into the skin at night. This can also be used to heal skin abrasions and cuts. It’s good for bruises too.
Skin Cleanser—Bracing (for men and women)
Squeeze 1 orange and 3 lemons. Add 1 cup of rose water, the juice of 1 cucumber, and 1 cup of vodka. Apply to the face as a rinse. Men use this as a bracing after-shave splash.
Foot Care
Birch Bark Foot Bath
Pour 4 cups of boiling water over 4–5 handfuls of silver birch bark and steep for 30 minutes. Strain off the bark and pour into the foot bath. This can also be used in your bath water as it helps to soothe aching muscles and helps the pain of arthritis.
Foot Bath with Herbs
Soak your tired and aching feet! It really does feel good if you throw in a handful of your favorite herb. Lavender, calendula leaves, and all the mints are very refreshing.
Freckles
Elder Flower Freckle Remover
To clear the skin and remove freckles, take 1 handful of elder flowers and leaves and add to 2 cups of boiling water. Let steep 11/2hours. Strain off the leaves/flowers and reheat the liquid. Dip clean cloth in the liquid and use as compress.
Lemon Juice Freckle Remover
Mix equal parts of lemon juice and buttermilk. Rub on the freckled area. Apply daily and leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse and apply almond or olive oil as a moisturizer. Leave the moisturizer on overnight. Repeat as needed until freckles are gone.
Lip Care
Gum Benzoin Lip Care
Bring 2 cups of white wine to boiling. Add a small piece of gum benzoin. Boil slowly for 30 minutes. Put 15 drops of this in a glass of water. It will turn milky and have a very good smell. Apply the liquid to the lips. The preparation will bring the blood to the surface and make your lips a natural red. This can also be used as a splash for the face. Splash on and allow it to dry. It gives color and a nice clear complexion. It’s also good for freckles, pimples, and skin eruptions.
Lip Balm
To make your own lip balm for chapped lips, simply melt 3 tablespoons of beeswax over hot water (you could use a double boiler). Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey. Beat in 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Continue stirring until cool. Put in a wide mouth jar. Apply as needed to prevent chapped lips.
Lip Gloss with Alkanet Root
Melt 1 tablespoon beeswax over hot water. Add 5 tablespoons olive oil. Add ⁄ teaspoon alkanet root. It makes a deep burgundy gloss. Strain and put in glass jar. You can leave out the alkanet root and add leftover commercial lipstick. Create your own colors by mixing several different shades of lipstick into the gloss.
Tasty Lip Balm
This is great to use to protect your lips during cold weather. Young girls like to wear it all the time. Put it in small tins to carry in your purse.
Mix together 1/2 cup almond oil, 1/2 cup cocoa butter, and 1/2 cup of coconut oil. Melt all the ingredients over a low fire. Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 ounces of beeswax. After the beeswax is melted, add 11/2 teaspoons of any natural flavoring. Vanilla, cherry, lemon, orange, coconut, or any of the flavorings you have in your spice cabinet will do fine. Mix completely and test for firmness. It needs to be firm, so you may have to add more melted beeswax to get the desired consistency.
Lotions
Dry Skin Lotion
Put 1 tablespoon castor oil, 1/2cup mineral oil, 1/2 tablespoon cod-liver oil, and 2 tablespoons lecithin in the blender. Now prepare a gelatin mix by dissolving 1 tablespoon gelatin in 1/2 cup cold water. Then add 1/2 cup boiling water to the gelatin and let it sit until cool. Add 1/2 cup of this gelatin to the blender mix. Blend until thoroughly mixed. (Keep the gelatin water you have left. You will want to make other lotions with it.) This lotion is good for thick, rough, flaking, and chapped skin.
For skin that is wrinkled, add the juice of 1 or 2 leaves of an aloe vera plant and 1 PABA tablet (1000 mg) to the blender mix. (If sensitive to PABA, omit it.) To clear the skin of freckles, add 1/2 cup of lemon juice. If desired, add scented oil to the mix.
Flax Seed Skin Lotion
Soak 4 tablespoons cracked flax seed for 24 hours in 2 cups of warm water. Bring to a boil and simmer 15 minutes. Strain off the flax seed and add 6 tablespoons of glycerin and 2 cups of vinegar. Bring just to boiling point and remove from heat. Several drops of scented oil may be added at this time, if desired. Beat extremely well as the glycerin has a tendency to separate. This is a very good lotion for treating dry skin.
Hand Lotion
I use this all over the body. Melt 1 cup solid vegetable shortening, 2 tablespoons anhydrous lanolin, and 1/2 ounce of beeswax. Remove from heat and add 1/2 cup of olive or almond oil and 1/2 ounce of scented oil. Mix well and let cool. When the mixture has cooled and is solid, stir it well. If too stiff, add more oil. If too soft, add more melted beeswax. One way to test the texture is to place one tablespoon of the lotion in the refrigerator. After the mixture has cooled completely, check for thickness. Put in attractive jar and use daily.
Caution: Please test for allergic reactions to the lanolin. If you have allergic reactions to wearing wool, chances are you will have a reaction to the use of lanolin. If you are sensitive to the lanolin, leave that out of the recipe and substitute almond oil for the olive oil.
Oily Skin Lotion
Take 1/2 cup of your gelatin mix liquid (see “dry skin lotion” recipe), 1 tablet of 500 mg vitamin C, 1 multiple vitamin tablet, 1 teaspoon of glycerin, 1 teaspoon of seaweed, and place in the blender. Add 1 aspirin if you have bags under the eyes. For sagging skin, add 1/2 teaspoon alum (it helps firm up the skin).
Rose Water Skin Lotion
Mix 1/2 cup of rose water, 1/2 cup glycerin, 1/2 cup lemon juice and shake well. Use after your bath. This will help to heal sun-damaged skin. This is a good lotion if you do a lot of outdoor chores.
Skin Moisturizer
Mix 1 egg yolk and 1 tablespoon glycerin. Smooth on face and let dry. Leave on for 5 minutes.
Violet Lotion
This lotion has lots of vitamin A, so you know how good it is for the skin. There is no better oil for our skins than almond oil. It smoothes, softens, and feeds the skin, and it’s great for under the eyes. Place 1/2cup of fresh violet leaves and 1/2cup violet flowers in a stainless steel pan. Cover the herbs with almond oil. Place the pan on very, very low heat and leave to steep for about 6 hours, covered. Strain off the flowers/leaves and add 1 ounce of melted beeswax to the almond oil. Stir until mixture is creamy. Test for firmness. If too stiff, add a little more almond oil. Pour into pretty jars and use daily.
MouthWash
Angelica Mouthwash
This freshens the mouth and sweetens the breath. Use twice daily for most effective action. Pour 2 cups boiling water over 3 tablespoons of angelica seeds. Add peppermint, lemon verbena, caraway, or rosemary for extra strength. Adding a little orris root will perfume the breath with the scent of violets. Cover and steep until cool. Strain and store in tightly closed container. Use as a gargle to rinse the mouth.
Basic Mouthwash
Mix 2 teaspoons sugar, 3 drops peppermint oil, 1/2 teaspoon of boric acid solution, and 4 cups of water. Add food coloring if desired. Put into a quart bottle. Shake to mix well. Use as a mouthwash and breath freshener. Caution: Do not drink.
Breath Freshener
Add 1 tablespoon allspice to 1 cup of hot water and use as a gargle.
Mouthwash with Lavender
Mix 1 teaspoon each of peppermint, rosemary, and lavender. Use 1 teaspoon of the mixture to 1 cup of boiling water. Steep 15 minutes. Strain and use as a mouthwash.
Spicy Mouthwash
Add 3 drops of cinnamon oil, 2 drops of clove oil, 2 teaspoons sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of boric acid solution to 4 cups of water. Put in quart container and shake well. Add coloring if desired.
Nail Care
Horsetail Nail Strengthener
This is a wonderful herbal way to strengthen brittle or splitting nails. Pour 21/2 cups of water over 6 tablespoons of dried horsetail stems. Using a stainless steel pan, allow to infuse for about 4 hours. Place on heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer. Simmer gently, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to steep another 30 minutes before straining off the horsetail stems. Every two days, soak fingernails in warm sunflower oil for 15 minutes, then in the horsetail mixture for another 15 minutes. Store the infusion in a tightly closed container. It really strengthens the nails.
Nail Splitting Prevention
Eating plenty of cucumbers or drinking the juice of cucumbers seems to help correct this problem.
Soften Cuticles with Honey
To soften cuticles and strengthen the nails, mix together 3 tablespoons of almond oil, 3 tablespoons raw linseed oil, and 3 tablespoons of honey. Massage into nails and cuticles.
Skin Care
Oily Skin Treatment with Coltsfoot
Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 tablespoon of coltsfoot. Allow to steep 30 minutes. Strain and use as a wash for oily skin. Use daily until improvement is noticed.
Oily Skin Treatment with White Yarrow
White yarrow is an excellent astringent. So, if you have oily skin try this. Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dried yarrow. Let steep for 15 minutes. Strain. Dip a cloth in the hot yarrow water and apply to the face. Let the cloth stay on your face until it is cool. Reapply as needed, depending on how oily your skin is. Apply up to four times for extremely oily skin. It is also a good cleanser, so you can pour it in your bath water if you like.
Sallow Skin Treatment
Mix 1 teaspoon soya powder and 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt. Apply to face and allow to stay on for about 30 minutes. Rinse well. If dryness occurs, pat on a thin layer of olive or almond oil.
Skin Conditioner
Pound 1/2 cup each pumpkin seeds, gourd seeds, and cucumber seeds until reduced to a powder. Add enough cream to make a thin paste. Add a few drops of lemon oil. Massage into skin and leave on overnight if possible. Wash off with warm water.
Skin Discolorations Cleared with Egg
Separate an egg. Take the egg white and mix it with an equal amount of lemon juice. Beat just until mixed. Place mixture in a custard cup and place in a pan of hot water. Place over low heat. Beat constantly until mixture forms a custard-like consistency. Cool and apply to clean face. Wear overnight.
Skin Discolorations Cleared with Yogurt
Yogurt will bleach the skin. Apply before bed and rinse off the following morning. Yogurt is good for almost everything, so keep plenty on hand to eat and use medicinally.
Skin Tightener
Mix together 2 tablespoons of unbeaten egg whites, 1 tablespoon powdered milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of honey. Beat until well-blended. Apply to face and allow to dry. Rinse with warm water and blot dry. Rinse face with herbal astringent.
Sun Spots
To remove sun spots, apply the juice of aloe vera. This could take several months of use before you get results. Aloe vera also removes old scars and helps prevent new scars if it is put on cuts or burns immediately.
Smelling Good
Deodorant Cream
Melt in a pan together 3 tablespoons each of baking soda, petroleum jelly, and orris root powder (or cornstarch). Add a few drops of scented oil. Apply for underarm protection.
Deodorant Spray
Put 1 tablespoon of powdered alum, 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol, and 1/2 ounce scented oil in 11/2 cups of water. Place in a spray bottle for use.
Essential Oils—Prepare Your Own
Place 3 tablespoons of your favorite chosen herbs, crushed, into 2 cups of vegetable oil in a quart container. Add 1 tablespoon of plain vinegar, not malt vinegar. Cap jar and try to place in the sun. If done during the winter, place in a very warm spot. Let steep 1 week, then strain and add additional dried herbs. Repeat for 2 more weeks. Strain and bottle. Store in a dark place.
Perfume—How to Make Your Own
Use 1/2 cup of essential oil (any scent or mix), 1/2 cup powdered orris root, 3 cups vodka, and mix well. Pour in pretty bottles and store in cool, dark place. It is really fun to mix scents for gifts. You can also mix a special one for yourself, one that everyone will come to associate only with you.
Some Other Beauty Recipes
Aphrodisiac Tea
This is a good tea to drink after you’ve thoroughly relaxed with your love bath. Make it out of any of the following herbs: orange blossoms, rose petals, chamomile, bee balm, fennel, licorice, ginseng, or any of the mints. To use, put 1 teaspoon of any of the herbs (or a mixture of these herbs) in 1 cup of boiling water. Let steep 15 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey. Ginger and lemon (to taste) may be added to the tea.
Eye Makeup Remover
If you feel it necessary to wear eye makeup, remove every day to avoid infection of the eyes. Use safflower oil for a non-allergenic aid.
Sage and Violet Cold Sore Cream
Use this to alleviate cold sores. It also soothes and protects chap-ped lips.
Put 2 tablespoons each of fresh violet leaves and fresh sage in 4 tablespoons of almond oil. Pour mixture into a jar that can be closed tightly. Close and place in a warm, sunny area for 1 month. Shake daily. After 1 month, strain the liquid into an earthenware or glass bowl and add 4 more tablespoons of almond oil. Melt 4 tablespoons of beeswax and add to the almond oil mixture, stirring until mixture is cool and has consistency. Store tightly closed, in a cool place. Apply as needed to treat cold sores or protect lips.