The life of a Mixtress

2008-01-13T19:20:00.000Z

Okra - Slime and All!

When I was a teenager my Mother used to cook Okra for dinner, at least 2 to 4 times a week. Okra was a staple in our home - my favourite was Salt Fish, Rice & Peas and Okra.

Okra was known as our "super food" but to be honest with you I just couldn't get my mouth round with the nutrient rich mucilage (aka: slime) of Okra.

My Mom knew this and would fry the Okra especially for me.

The variations of Okra is endless but the most common are:

Green Okra *or*

Purple Okra of Africa

More childhood memories:

When we were kids, my elder brother would take the thick slime from overcooked Okra and flick it at me - the sting, when it landed on my skin, left an everlasting tingle that I still remember to this day.

If I knew then that it had topical hair loving benefits I would have asked him to flick the slime in my hair and then massage it into my scalp.

Here's a lovely picture of a gorgeous child at a restaurant in New York called Khartoum
(Khartoum 1197 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, New York)

The heading underneath reads

"Hager is one of many diners at Khartoum who enjoys sliming herself with okra.
photo: Jay Muhlin"
Source:
Village Voice

Anyway, back to Okra (inci: Abelmoschus esculentus *or* Hibiscus esculentus)

aka - Quimgombo, bhindi, Gombo, Okro, bindi, bamia, Lady’s Fingers, Ochro, Okoro, bamiya, and bamieh all from the annual, herbaceous shrub cultivated and originating from Africa.

Okra belongs to the Malvaceae (mallow) family of plants, the same group as Blue Malva, Hibiscus and Marshmallow.

History in the mixing:

"Okra was discovered around Ethiopia during the 12th century B.C. and was cultivated by the ancient Egyptians.

This vegetable soon flourished throughout North Africa and the Middle East where the seed pods were consumed cooked and the seeds toasted, ground, and served as a coffee substitute. With the advent of the slave trade, it eventually came to North America and is now commonly grown in the southern United States. You'll now see okra in African, Middle Eastern, Greek, Turkish, Indian, Caribbean, and South American cuisines."

Source:
Belly Bytes

Good for you on the inside:
Okra has the X-Factor but it doesn't need to sing and dance about it!

Okra is a powerhouse of valuable nutrients.

A great source of vitamin C.
Low in calories (20 calories per one-half cup cooked, sliced okra)
Fat-free
A good source of vitamin a, calcium, fiber and vitamin c

Okra Nutrition (roughly half a cup of cooked Okra contains)
* Calories = 15
* Dietary Fiber = 2 grams
* Protein = 1.5 grams
* Carbohydrates = 5.8 grams
* Vitamin A = 460 IU
* Vitamin C = 13 mg
* Folic acid = 36.5 micrograms
* Calcium = 50 mg
* Iron = 0.4 mg
* Potassium = 256 mg
* Magnesium = 46 mg

If only I could get my hands on some more Okra Oil:
I was provided with a small sample of Okra oil by one of my fair trade suppliers (who is one of the entrepreneurs that my company loans to via KIVA) located in the Caribbean.

This lovely oil has a greenish yellow colour, a pleasant odour and is high in unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic and oleic. Unfortunately, my fair trade supplier informed me that Okra oil does not have a long shelf life and that it's hydrogenated so that the oil can be used as margarine. What a shame..because the Okra oil is truly lovely!

Yes, WAY!!!
Did you know that you can use Okra effectively as a setting lotion, final hair rinse, natural hair gel and to rid lice. (I was once utterly incensed by a BBC breakfast program on lice where they said that for naturally curly & Afro hair the lice should be hot pressed out of the hair - since then I worked with my chemist/toxicologist and we discovered that Okra can in fact rid your hair & scalp of lice)

Setting Lotion Recipe:

Get Mixing:

Slice 2 to 4 Okra
Add the Okra to 150ml of boiling water.
Add 1 teaspoon of Organic Blue Malva or Organic Marshmallow herbs
Let the mixture boil up really good
Turn off the heat once boiled
Leave it to cool until it forms a slimy and gelatinous liquid.
Remove the boiled Okra & herbs from the liquid
Smooth the nutrient rich slimy gel into a clean and sterilized jar
Store in the fridge when you're not using it
Use within 2 to 3 days or add a synthetic preservative to increase it's shelf life.

Optional:
Add a little freshly squeezed lemon juice or your favourite essential oil to the mix

Other tid-bits I found whilst perusing the net:
Written by Rosy Vohra

"For adding bounce to your hair, boil horizontally sliced okra until the brew becomes maximally slimy.
Cool it and add a few drops of lemon and use this as the last rinse and see your hair spring back to youthfulness and jump. It also leaves hair very soft and moisturized for days!"

My next blog entry will be all about CHOCOLATE!!!

My favourite hair and skin care ingredient - like as if you didn't know - all you have to do is look at the home page of my website.

..but why CHOCOLATE!!!

February is the month of Valentines and March is the month of Easter.
I thought that it would be a perfect excuse to dribble a little choc-love around the World (wide-web).

Until next time Happy Mixing all!

2008-01-01T19:07:00.000Z

Come Gel or High Water!

Oooohhhh OK.... I just couldn't wait to start blogging again so here's my New Year's gift to you all.

My version of what I consider to be the BEST (and most cost effective) peel off face mask and foot spa gelly bath EVER!

Manufacturers:
Super Cook

Make your own nourishing Peel Off Face Mask OR have a Spa gelly foot bath for under £1.60 GBP/$3.20 USD with VegeGel

OR

You COULD buy seaweed powder for £3.85GBP/$8.70USD BUT it's not easy to use that much I can assure you..

Vege-Gel is easy to use and even easier to get!
It's available at Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury, Asda and most UK grocery shops.

Vege-gel is BRILLIANT!
Not just for cooking but for your skin.

Ingredients are as follows:
Carrageenan, Locust Bean Gum, Dextrose, Potassium, Calcium Acetate.

Carrageenan (seaweed)
"carrageenan interacts with human carotene to give soft skin and silky hair. In hand lotions and shampoos, carrageenan not only thickens the product but also promotes healthy skin and hair. In addition, carrageenan is a natural product and can be incorporated into formulations which rely on natural ingredients for their promotion."
See previous blog entry on Irish Moss

Locust bean gum
(ceratonia siliqua)

"Derived from the seed of the carob tree; humectant, moisturizer and smoothing. Locust bean gum: Locust bean gum is obtained from the seeds of the carob tree, an evergreen species indigenous to semi-arid areas of Spain, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. It acts as a thickener and water-control agent in various foods. "

Dextrose
"Another name for glucose, a simple sugar (monosaccharide) generally obtained by the hydrolysis of starch. Dextrose has water-binding properties for the skin and forms an important component of the cell's membranes and ceramides. Ceramides are naturally occurring skin lipids (fats) - major structural components of the skin's outer structure."
Source:
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2001, pages 1126–1136

"Ceramides are necessary for the skin's water-retention capacity as well as cell regulation"
Source:
Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, September-October 2001, pages 261–271

Potassium

A mineral found in many of the foods you eat.

Calcium Acetate
"E263 Calcium acetate [Preservative] [Acidity regulator]"
Occurs naturally
Source:
http://www.ukfoodguide.net/e263.htm

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Recipe Time:

Peel-Off Face Mask
1 packet Vege-Gel gelatin (£1.60 per box of 4 x 25g sachets (prices may vary from Tesco))
150 ml of an cold water infusion (free from the tap)

Your choice of herbs to infuse in the hot water:

Organic Hibiscus

Rich in AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) great for ageing or damaged skin.
Excellent for the restructure of the top layer of skin giving it a healthier appearance.

Organic Lavender Buds

Great for all skin types because it balances sebum secretion, helps
to soothe and regenerate tissue cells. Used as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, cleanser, toner and detoxifier.

Organic Rose Buds

Rejuvenates tissue cells & cools the body leaving a lovely floral scent.

Organic Chamomile flowers & buds

Strengthens skin tissue. Reduces swelling & pain of the skin & mucous membranes. An effective herb for the treatment of eczema, skin rashes, acne, excessive acne, rosacea & allergic reactions.

Organic Nettle

An astringent used to soothe itchy, irritated skin. Also purported to increase circulation and deliver nutrients to skin cells.

Organic Burdock Root

A very effective treatment for the relief of acne, dry skin and eczema.

Method of the mixture:

For the herbal infusion
Add up to 10grams of herbs
Boil hot water
Pour over the herbs
Let cool in the fridge until extremely cold.
Strain the herbs from the liquid and discard/chuck the used herbs in the compost heap.
(Mother nature will love you for it)

For the Vege-gel
Add one (1) Vege-gel sachet to the cold liquid herbal infusion
Bring to the boil to thicken up - you can do this in the microwave in 10 second intervals or on the stove top for two to five minutes max.
Allow the Vege-Gel-Herbal-Infusion mixture to cool to a temperature that is suitable for your face and neck.
Apply to face and/or neck with clean hands.
Let dry completely, then peel off.

Suggestions:
Rinse face with warm water
Apply a little Organic Andiroba Oil to face and neck to seal in moisture.

Organic Andiroba Oil (15ml sample - £3.25)
A very light but rich oil that contains a group of natural alpha hydroxy acids (a collagen booster and skin conditioner). Currently being used as a natural oil base for many anti-wrinkle creams like Aveda & Oil of Olay.

Other suggestions:
The Cleopatra Treatment
Variations of the Vege-Gel face mask
Instead of an herbal infusion you could add Organic Coconut Milk (less than £1.50 from Tesco or Waitrose)

The Essentials
In addition to the herbal infusion you can add your favourite Organic Essential Oils to the mixture.

Spa Gelly Foot Bath
4 packets of Vege-Gel gelatin (£1.60 per box of 4 x 25g sachets (prices may vary from Tesco))
750 ml of an cold water
Bring to the boil to thicken it up - you can do this in the microwave in 10 second intervals or on the stove top for two to five minutes max.
Allow the Vege-Gel mixture to cool to a temperature that is suitable for your tootsies
Apply your tootsies to the mixture and chill.. no..no.. wait a minute.. wiggle those tootsies in the mixture..go on... you know you want to..

Next Entry - my favourite home made hair setting lotion for naturally curly hair.

Have a Happy Home-Made-Mixing New Year everybody!!!

2007-12-07T09:51:00.000Z

Hello all!
Just to let you all know that Ingredient Junkie will be returning to Blogger in 2008 - so keep on checking in OR simply go to https://anitagrant.com and check out the Free Tips & Tricks section!
Happy Holiday Mixing!

2006-10-24T12:06:00.000+01:00

Apologies for extra long, long, long, delay but I've been really busy hard at work making Yummy hair & skin care goodies.

The Mixtress's life is never dull that's for sure!

I just wanted to let you all know that:
1) I haven't forgotten you.
2) The Life of a Mixtress will be relocating to a new site at the end of November 2006 (more details closer to the time)

WHY?
..because it's easier to share all my recipes with you from the new site AND it will give you all a chance to see what I've been up to over the past couple of months..

When is the next blog entry?
The next blog entry will be from the new location !!!

In the meantime:
Keep on mixing everyone and have fun!!!

2006-08-21T22:02:00.000+01:00

As I walked into my village Fish & Chip shop, the owner said ..
"Hello Love... what can I get you?"
...
my reply..
"A bottle of your finest Malt vinegar, please, it's for my hair."

Oh the shock - horror expression on his face was.... PRICELESS!!!

Obviously he didn't know that vinegar has been dubbed a "Beauty Bargain in a Bottle".

Vinegar contains minerals & trace elements like potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, copper, iron, silicon, fluorine, phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, vitamins C, E, A, B1, B2 and B6, beta-carotene and Vitamin P (bioflavonoids).

Acetic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid, enzymes, amino acids and roughage (made up of potash, starch or apple pectin - in the case of Apple Cider Vinegar).

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It's ALL good!

Apple Cider Vinegar (aka: ACV or cider vinegar) made from - yup you guessed it - cider apples. It's often unfiltered and has a brownish-yellow coloured liquid.

Coconut and Cane Vinegars which are very common in India, the Phillipines and Indonesia.
Coconut Vinegar is made from the sap of the coconut whereas Cane Vinegar is made from the sap of the sugar cane. Both are used in cooking, both have a cloudy white appearance and a sharp acidic taste.
Honey Vinegar also known as honeygar, it's a blend of apple cider vinegar & anti-bacterial Manuka honey.

Beer Vinegar created from beer brewed in the Netherlands, Germany & Austria. The flavour depends on the type of beer, hops & barley used and of course where & how it's made.

Chinese black vinegar which is made from a combination of rice, wheat, sorghum and/or millet with an inky black colour.

Fruit vinegar which is an infusion of whole raspberries, blueberries, figs, blood red oranges & pears added to red wine vinegar.

Sweet & Savoury Herb vinegars are an infusion of whole herbs, such as thyme, basil, chamomile, rose buds, lavender, rosemary or oregano.

These vinegars can be made at home all you have to do is add a couple of sprigs of fresh or dried herbs to store-bought wine or white distilled vinegars. This will usually leave you with a light colour.

Malt vinegar which is the result of grain, softened by steeping in water and then allowed to germinate. Germination causes the natural enzymes to become active.

White Wine Vinegar created through the acetous fermentation of a selected blend of white wines. It's clear and goldish with a distinctly acidic taste and an aroma.

Rice or Rice Wine Vinegar obtained from the fermentation of sugars derived from rice.

Red wine vinegar, which is created by the fermentation of a selected blend of red wines.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST IS..

Balsamic Vinegar of Modena in Italy which are made from the white sugary Trebbiano grapes. The grapes are cooked and then matured by a long and slow vinegarization process of natural fermentation and aging. This process takes place in a series of casks made from different types of wood from around the region. Balsamic Vinegar has a dark brown colour, with a distinct, complex and sharp acidic flavour.

I have yet to use Balsamic Vinegar in my hair or on my skin but when I do I will provide an update and more importantly a recipe!

.. and I'm sure there's more..

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Tried & Tested:

1. Use either Apple Cider Vinegar OR Coconut Vinegar as a final hair rinse to get rid of scalp build up to help remove the sticky stuff that commercial (SLES or SLS layden) shampoos can leave behind.

2. Use undilluted Beer Vinegar to cure toe nail fungus (eeekkk!!! - I know but it worked for a friend of mine)

3. Add one-half cup of Sweet & Savoury herb vinegar to warm bath water for softer skin and a cleaner bath tub!

4. To relieve dandruff add a few tablespoons of Honey Vinegar or Honeygar, a dash of Organic Nettle or Horsetail herbs and half a cup of warm water to a bowl.
Stir well for 10 minutes, strain and pour the liquid on your hair.
Massage it well into your scalp
Wait a few minutes, then rinse & wash hair as normal.
After a few days you'll notice the dandruff disappear.

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Here are some more hints, tips & recipes:

My favourite blast from the past is the Honey Rose & Vinegar Hair Rinse - which can be used as a pre OR post rinse to restore the natural pH balance & rejuvenate your scalp.

Suitable for all hair types.

60ml of Apple Cider Vinegar OR Coconut Vinegar
945ml of Water
10g of Dried Pink Rose Petals & Buds (add more if you wish)
1 drop of honey (add a few drops more if you wish)

Prep Time: 20 mins

What you will need:
* 1 Large Pyrex jar or bowl
* Cling film
* 1 Clean & dry glass Jar with lid
* 1 Strainer
* Kettle to boil the water

1. Put the Dried Pink Rose Petals & Buds into the bowl & add Honey
2. Boil the kettle. Once boiled pour the hot water over the Rose & Honey mix, then add the Apple Cider Vinegar.
3. Stir the mixture, cover the bowl with cling film and let steep for 10 minutes or until cool.
4. When the mixture has cooled sufficiently strain the herb from the liquid into the jar.
5. Pour the liquid over the scalp allowing the mixture to saturate your hair, message gently for 2 minutes
6. Rinse with cold water to seal the cuticles
Only make enough for 1 rinse and use it FRESH on the day you make it.

NOTE:
Keep your eyes closed when using the Honey Rose & Vinegar Hair Rinse also do not use if you have broken skin.

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You're healed!

Smooth a little Honeygar on cracked, dried skin to help it heal.

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Dishwasher Love..

Just put one cup of vinegar in your dishwasher and let it run for one cycle. Do this monthly to reduce soap build-up on glassware.

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A spot of Tea or Coffee, perhaps?

If you're a tea or coffee drinker and you have a dirty tea or coffee pot simply boil 1 part water and 1 part vinegar in your tea or coffee pot and while the liquid is warm wipe away the stains.

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Don't make a spectacle of yourself..

Use a drop of vinegar on a cotton cloth to clean your eye glasses.

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Antz and I don't mean the movie!

Last month we were over-run with Ants. So in the morning before hanging the clothes out to dry I poured vinegar all around the back garden doors and the results were brilliant. I just bent over and watched those pesky critters approach the house and then retreat.

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Laundry duty..

To brighten those whites add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle.

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Grease just ain't the WORD!

To remove grease from clothing just dip a toothbrush in vinegar and gently brush over the greasy spot.

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Tights or Hose?

For longer-lasting pantyhose or tights (as we called them over here) add one tablespoon of vinegar to the rinse cycle.

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Get Fresh!

Make your own airspray by mixing two cups of White Wine vinegar with one cupful of your favourite crushed herbs like lavender, cloves, pine needles, ginger, cinnamon etc.. Place the ingredients in a saucepan and boil gently for 10 minutes then leave to cool.
Pour into a large jar with a close fitting lid.
Leave to stand for three weeks. Strain and add the mixture to a spray bottle or atomiser
Use it in the same way as you would with any other commercial air spray.

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Treat your achy, breaky feet!

Dilute one part ACV to five parts water and use it as an antiseptic to soothe achy blistered feet or better yet - use the same combination as a foot soak.

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Out of the sun..

Cool down a painful sunburn by gently applying full strength vinegar to your skin.

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Flower Power!

Excellent for fresh cut flowers
add 2 tablespoons of vinegar & 1 teaspoon sugar to 150 ml of water.

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Listen up..!

For clean ears dip a cotton cloth in a mixture of ACV and distilled water and wipe around your ears and you're sqeaky clean again.

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THE best Steam Clean you'll ever have!
Loosen the daily dirt and grime.
Suitable for Oily skin types

Floral Facial Steam & Tone
Enough boiled water to fill half of a large Pyrex bowl
10g / 0.35oz of Organic Rose Petals & Buds
10g / 0.35oz of Organic Chamomile Flowers
10g / 0.35oz of Organic Lavender Buds
1 teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar

Prep Time: 20 mins

What you will need:

* 1 Large Pyrex jar or bowl (3 litre bowl if possible)
* 2 Big cotton balls
* 1 medium to large towel
* 2 small plates
* Kettle to boil the water

1. Place 2 cotton balls in a little Apple Cider Vinegar & cold water leave one out and place the other in the fridge or freezer
2. Take a teaspoon of dried Organic Chamomile & Organic Rose OR dried Organic Lavender & Organic Rose
3. Put it into the Pyrex bowl.
4. Boil some water
5. Carefully pour the hot water over the herbs
6. Hold your head over the bowl & drape a towel over your head. Allow the herbal steam to open your pores to loosen oil & dirt.
7. Lightly pat your skin with the Apple Cider Vinegar cotton ball that was left out, making sure that you avoid the eye area.
8. Then take the Apple Cider Vinegar cotton ball that was chilling in the fridge or freezer and pat your skin to close the pores avoiding the eye area.

Overtime this natural toner will even out your complexion and prevent unsightly breakouts.

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I'm on holiday but I'll be back with some more recipes as we look at the benefits of milk & honey on your skin and in your hair. In the meantime don't forget to visit our sponsors & get mixing!

2006-08-06T14:13:00.000+01:00

OK Let's SPARTY!

..here are my top 5 homemade spa recipes for August..
(or until I mix up some more yumminess ;O) )

Chocolate Milk Bath Soak - Decadence for your body

Ingredients:

235 grams of Either Dried milk powder OR Coconut milk powder
145 grams of 100% Pure Organic Cocoa Powder
145 grams of Bicarbonate of Soda
100 grams of Cornstarch 5 drops of Essential oil(s) of choice (Optional)
An old glass milk bottle or glass jar.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Pour all the ingredients in a bottle or jar & cover
Shake the dry ingredients.
Add the Essential Oils and shake again
Cover and let sit for 30 mins.
Add 100 to 200 grams of your Chocolate Milk to your hot bath water & enjoy.
As your skin just drinks in the moisture leaving you feeling soft and smooth.

Cleopatra move over!!!

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Detox Seaweed Wrap:

This is a great way to replenish lost nutrients like calcium, magnesium, potassium, iodine, protein, vitamins, amino acids, and more.

Seaweed is a great detoxifier - try and use fresh seaweed but powdered and dried are just as good.

Ingredients:
225 grams of seaweed (either powdered Kelp or dried Irish Moss)
An infusion of:
3 stalks of Fresh Lemongrass
14 grams of Fresh Ginger root (grated)
475 grams of water (spring or distilled)
These 2 herbs have invigorating and antiseptic properties that are great for skin and both have a pleasant spicy-citrus scent. Large beach towel(s) Plastic wrap or cling film

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Method:
* Take the Fresh Lemongrass & Ginger root & put it in a big ol' mug or Pyrex jug boil some water
* Pour the hot water over the Fresh Lemongrass & Ginger root and cover
* Let it brew for at least a few minutes
* Strain Lemongrass & Ginger with a strainer so that you only have the nourishing infused liquid
* Pour the strained infusion over the dried seaweed
* Use enough water to make a thick paste.

Fill your bath tub with hot water this is to heat the bath tub, leave the water in the tub for at least 15 minutes.
Drain the bath tub.
Place the large beach towel(s) inside the tub.
Place the cling film inside the large beach towel(s)
Place yourself in the bath & begin to cover your body with the seaweed mixture. Wrap the cling film & large beach towel(s) around you, then cover with an additional large beach towel(s).
Close your eyes & relax for 20 to 25 minutes.
Unwrap & rinse with warm water.

Dry yourself & enjoy the silky soft feeling!

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Eucalyptus & Rose Bud Bath

If you've had a hard day or a grueling work-out, this bath will help to relieve sore muscles, headaches and/or the first stages of the common cold.

Prep Time: 10 mins or less

Ingredients:
Drizzle 14 grams of Baking Soda to your bath water.

Then sprinkle a pinch of each of the following herbs into your bath:
Dried Organic Rose Buds
Dried Organic Eucalyptus
Dried Organic Peppermint
Dried Organic Sage
Add 5 drops each of Eucalyptus & Lavendar essential oils

Slide in & relax for as long as you want!

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Pineapple Face Mask for dry skin

The active enzyme in Pineapples, cleanses and rejuvenates dull, dry skin while the Papaya gently exfoliates dead skin cells.

Ingredients:
1 Slice of pineapple cut into chunks & with the skin on
28 grams of Organic Papaya oil
1 drop of Honey (optional)

Prep Time: 15 mins

Blend the ingredients until smooth.
Spread the mask with your finger tips over your face & neck area using upward strokes.
Avoid the eye area.
Relax from 15-30 minutes - preferably lying down. Remember don't fall asleep! When the mask has dried, rinse off with warm water.

Then say HELLO to the youthful glow sealed with the fruit scent of Pineapple.

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Cool as a Cucumber Face Peel

To help heal sunburn & puffy, irritated skin.

Ingredients:
1/2 small Juiced Cucumber
10 grams of Dried Organic Chamomile Flower
10 grams Dried Organic Lavender Flower
1 packet Unflavored Gelatin
or
5 grams of Arrowroot
255 grams of water

Prep Time: 15 mins

Boil the water over a low heat Combine dried Organic Chamomile & Lavender
Let it brew for at least a few minutes Strain with a strainer Stir in the juiced cucumber
Add the gelatin or arrowroot until it's dissolved.
Refrigerate for 25 to 30 minutes or until it starts to thicken.
Spread over your face with your finger tips (avoiding the eye area) & allow it to dry for 20 minutes.
Peel off and rinse with warm water then seal in the pores with a splash of cold water
Pat dry and enjoy!

On Monday the 21st of August we'll be getting down right vinegary...
By the time I'm done you'll be looking at vinegar in a whole new light...
See ya then & Happy Mixing!

2006-07-24T11:25:00.000+01:00

Going to the pool for a swim this summer?

Well before you take a dip here's a tip

As a child, I remember my Mother (retired Nurse) saying to me, "Now, remember to take some Club Soda with you & rinse your hair with it real good before & after your swim, ya hear!"

Yes, it is best to wet your hair before swimming to slow down chlorine absorption but instead of using tap water - get some Club Soda and rinse your hair with that before and after your swim - regardless of your hair type, straight, short, colour treated, curly, coily, wavy etc...

Why? ... The Chlorine used in swimming pools forms a copper-rich bleach, Club soda neutralizes this bleach and washes it out of your hair before it can turn greenish, dry & brittle. Not just that but it is also best to avoid products that contain metallic salts as this mixed with the Chlorine can disturb the natural oil (sebum) production of the scalp and may lead to instant dryness, itchy scalp & coarse split ends.

For further information about copper in swimming pool water click here

Enjoy your dip & don't forget our Spa date in a weeks time!
(see previous blog entry for details)

2006-07-22T12:46:00.000+01:00

SORRY...

Please accept my sincere apologies for taking so long with this blog entry but I found a treasure trove of interesting stuff about the humble Irish Moss (aka: Carrageen/Carrageenan).

Way-WAY back in the bad ol' days
During the potato famine, of the mid 19th century, this humble seaweed saved hundreds of thousands of Irish from starvation. It's believed that Irish Moss/Carrageen or Carrageenan Moss/Chondrus crispus originated from the Gaelic word Carraigín.Irish Moss grows among the rocks just off the coast of Ireland & the shores of the North Atlantic & varies in colour from reddish-brown to purplish-green.
It's a naturally hydrating topical skin & hair food composed of a variety of nutrients like chlorophyll, carotene, potassium, sodium, calcium, manganese, iron, iodine, copper, sulphur, vitamins & protein.
Because they don't have roots, water & nutrients are transported directly through their cell walls.

In the THICK of IT!
Irish Moss (Carrageen or Rock Moss as it's known in Ireland) belongs to the Red Algae family. It's commercial importance is due to its use as a natural thickening agent & emulsifier in food & personal care products.

Carrageen algae (phycocolloids) form gelatin like suspensions when water is added. Bonds are created between the carrageenan & molecules in the water so when you heat them both, it forms a gel.

Say for instance - you were to use hot coconut milk (instead of water) & add it to dried Carrageen/Irish Moss you'll find that the protein molecules in the Coconut milk will bond with the carrageenan & you'll have a really nice thick Coconut Milk Gel type cream which can be used in cooking as well as in your hair as a final rinse OR daily conditioner OR a setting gel.

By the way - Carrageenan/Irish Moss is used in all of those over priced anti-wrinkle skin creams & hair care products - ask next time you're at the beauty counter for products that contain Carrageenan OR better yet - make it yourself!

Dry as a bone!
To dry Irish Moss you would need to it harvest it by hand, spread it onto a sun drenched open-air drying area & check regularly for debris.

You'll know when it's fully dry as it will take on a natural beige-brown-creamy colour and be really hard-crispy-crunchy. Once dried you can either grind it into small pieces or use as is.
Most major processing companies grind it into powder to make it more versatile to use.

Food-Glorious-Food!
Seaweed like Irish Moss (carrageenan) has been dubbed "the miracle-make-you-skinny" food because of it's thickening properties which makes you feel full faster & eat less - it's all the rage in Japan.

Irish Moss is also used to clear Light Beers of excess malt proten and to refine wines.

Carrageenan has even made it into THE poshest of the posh restaurants around the globe. In addition to that it can be found in all sorts of stuff like ice cream, coconut milk, biscuits, milk shakes, puddings, natural toothpastes & air freshener gels.

In Europe carrageenan is listed as E number E407 - pop into your local grocer and see how many E407's you can find in the food you buy.
Who ever said that E numbers were bad for you didn't know about Irish Moss...

Healthy, Wealthy & Wise
Medicinally, Irish Moss is said to reduce:
a) Peptic and duodenal ulcers
b) Gastric (acid) secretions
AND can be taken internally as a laxative, cough suppressant, expectorant & to relieve sore throats.

Rich in iodine & sulphur, Irish Moss is one of many herbs used to balance and/or provide nourishment to thyroid(s)

May da Luck of the Irish be wid ya! - According to folklore, Irish Moss was used for safety & protection.

Legend has it that dried Irish Moss was placed beneath rugs to bring WEALTH, good luck & prosperity.

A word to the WISE!
Always seek medical advice when using this herb to treat any and all medical conditions.
Irish Moss contains blood thinning properties and as such it *should not* be taken at the same time with aspirin or Ibruprophen. Also because of it's ability to absorb minerals it may induce gastro-intestinal discomfort when taken internally.

Things that make you go ...mmmmmmm!!!
In Jamaica, to "safeguard" a man's libido there are certain "stamina" drinks made from the humble Irish Moss.... no joke ... seriously!!!
AND...in Barbados, Irish Moss is used as an aphrodisiac.
(this is what I've read - no actual research has been conducted........... yet ;o) )

Recipe time

To soften even the driest of curly-coily hair

Setting lotion and/or a styling gel
5 to 10 grams of dried Irish Moss
40 grams of water (add more water if you wish)
1 gram of Organic dried Chamomile herb
1 gram of Organic dried Rose Petals & Buds
1 gram of Virgin Coconut Oil
1 or 2 drops of Vegetable Glycerin (optional)

Prep time: 10 mins

Method:
Bring water to a boil then turn off the heat
Add the dried herbs & the Irish Moss to the boiled water
Cover and let it set for 5 minutes or until it turns thick
Strain the herbs from the water
Add the Virgin Coconut Oil & Vegetable Glycerin
Stir until thick in consistency - if the consistency is thin add more Irish Moss
Allow to cool in the fridge
Use as a setting lotion and/or a styling gel

Store unused portion in the fridge for 3 days - discard after 3 days.

Protein Conditioner:
5 grams of dried Irish Moss
300 grams of water (add more water if you wish)
3 drops of Ylang-Ylang essential oil
2 drops of Lavender essential oil

Prep time: 15 mins

Method:
Bring water to a light simmer
Add the Irish Moss to the water
Cover and let it set for 5 minutes or until it turns thick
Allow it to cool
Strain the Irish Moss from the water
Add the essential oils
Shampoo hair as normal and instead of using a commercial conditioner just rinse your hair with the mixture
Use as you would your commercial conditioner.

Make your own inexpensive anti-wrinkle gel to tighten pores, reduce inflammation & help skin appear smoother.

Hand & Face Gel:
3 grams of dried Irish Moss
30 grams of water (add more water if you wish)
2 gram of Organic dried Lavender herb
1 gram of Organic dried Chamomile
0.5 grams of Organic Papaya Oil
0.5 grams of Vegetable Glycerin (optional)

Prep time: 10 mins

Method:
Soak the Irish moss, Organic dried Rose petals & buds & Organic dried Lavender herb in water for 10 minutes.
Bring water to a simmer then turn off the heat
Remove from the heat and let it cool.
Strain the herbs from the water into a bowl, pressing the gel through the strainer with a spoon
Stir in the Organic Papaya Oil & Vegetable Glycerin until it has emulsified
Pour the gel into a screw-top jar.

Store unused portion in the fridge for 3 days - discard after 3 days.

Oh yeah - if you plan on having a nice hot soak in the bath toss a little Irish Moss in there your skin will thank you for it!

Bath Soak - skin - so much - softer
Toss about 10 grams of Irish Moss into your bath. Add a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil
OH - NICE!!!

We've done head & shoulder now it's nails & toes!
Sometimes what I like to do is soak 5 grams of dried Irish Moss & 5 grams of dried Organic Rose Petals in 400 grams of warm water, cover with cling film and place it in the fridge overnight.
Take a third of the mixture, strain the herbs away, pour it into a spray botte, add some more water, a couple of drops of my favourite essential oil, put the spray cap on the bottle and spritz my hair with it on a hot Summers day.
I use the other half of the mixture, with the dried herbs still in it, as a fingers & toes soak. Doing this prevents hang nails and softens the cuticles & nail beds making it easier to trim. So when I'm done both my hands and my feet look, feel and smell GREAT!!!

aha-aha-aha-SPA-SPA-SPA!!!
For those of you who have always wanted to go to the SPA but your moo-laa says "nah!!!"
All you need is a bit of seaweed, honey, yoghurt, sugar and some other kitchen-y ingredients and create your own at home SPA.
Now that you have the low-down on Irish Moss the next step is to make seaweed wraps, face packs & hair muds!
Simple to do and I will show & tell all NEXT WEEK.

See you then...

2006-07-09T19:08:00.000+01:00

Another Fresh & Fruity Slice of Wholesome Goodness!

...because you're blooming well worth a whole lot more!!!

Watermelon
Great for removing blemishes, rich in vitamins A, B and C, the acids in Watermelon acts as an exfoliatant.

Watermelon seed oil
Contains omega 6 & 9 essential fatty acids, has a very good absorption level, readily penetrates the skin & gently dissolves sebum buildup upon application.
It can be used as a massage oil, baby oil, in facials, salt scrubs, after shower bath oil as well as a hair oil.

Watermelon Fruit Toner
3 Large Watermelon pieces - pitted
5 grams of Witch Hazel
5 grams of Spring water

Mix the Witch Hazel and water
Blend the Watermelon
Strain the Watermelon liquid
Add the Watermelon liquid to the Witch Hazel & water mix
Dab the mixture on your face using a clean towel.
Your face will be left feeling soft & ever so toned.

Moisturize with a little Watermelon seed oil if required.

Peaches
Can be used to soothe even the driest skin.

Peel and mash the pulp of a fresh Peach, add a lickle-ickle dab of Honey, tablespoon of yoghurt and a drop of Organic Papaya Oil. Mix until you get a smooth paste, then spread over damp skin. Leave it to sit on your skin for 10 minutes and then rinse with cold water.
Your skin will be silky soft to the touch.

Strawberry:
i) Rich in salicylic acid the same ingredient used in a lot of VERY EXPENSIVE acne treatment creams.
ii) To keep your teeth white and breath fresh eat your recommended daily amount of Strawberries.
iii) For a monthly facial acrub mash up 3 or 4 strawberries, mix it with a teaspoon of single cream or yoghurt & a teaspoon of Demarara Sugar.
Message your face for 1 minute then rinse with cold water.

Banana:
Protein rich with natural fats.
Here's another simple facial mask.
Take 1 banana, add a drop of honey, mash it up and apply it on your face.
Let sit for 15 minutes, rinse off with warm water and moisturize with Organic Papaya Oil .
Use the same recipe as a nourishing deep conditioner for your hair - however - only leave it in for 5 to 10 minutes then rinse really well.

Tomatoes:
There are a variety of uses for this humble fruit (yes, it has been classified as a fruit but if you beg to differ leave me a comment and tell me why...)

i) For Your Eyes
Eating a fresh tomato in the morning before breakfast will relieve bloodshot eyes.
It is said that the flavonoids & vitamin C in the tomatoes helps to strengthen the blood.

ii) Skin-Oh-So-Soft
Wash face as normal
Take 1 tomato
Slice it into 5
Rub the slices onto your clean skin for about 1 minute
Wipe off the excess tomato
Leave the residue on your skin as the mild acidity of the tomato restores the pH balance of your skin, removes dead skin cells & unblocks your pores.
Leaving your skin soft and radiant.

To remove tough-rough dry skin from around your ankles & toes just pulverize 1 tomato with 2 teaspoons of Sea Salt, scoop up and rub around the back of the feet, around your toes and over the nail beds for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and dry.

Note: The salt may be very abrasive so be gentle.

iii) For sunburns

Peel 2 tomatoes
Place both in buttermilk
Let it soak for 1 hour
Apply it directly to the affected area to close the pores & relieve the pain

You can also pulverize it into a puree and apply to the effected area.

Next week we'll be looking at the wonderful world of Irish Moss!
Yes, that's right, a whole blog entry dedicated to this wonderful seaweed!

2006-07-03T19:18:00.000+01:00

FRESH & FRUITY!

If you can't bear to even look at one more over-engineered, over-marketed, over-paid celebrity telling you "you're worth it" when you know that you're blooming-well worth MORE!

If you're fed up of department store ladies trying to sell you those “all natural” lotions & potions that contain a myriad of BOZWELLOX – then breathe a sigh of relief & think of fresh Strawberries, yummy Papaya and juicy Watermelons.

Fruits contain beneficial Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) & Enzymes.

AHAs are organic acids derived from:

Sugar Cane (Glycolic Acid)
Milk (powdered & liquid), Yogurt, Sour Cream, Blackberries, Tomatoes (Lactic Acid)
Fruits and Cream of Tartar (Malic & Citric & Tartaric Acids)

They help to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, brown marks, dry spots (solar keratoses) & acne.

Whereas, fruit enzymes found in:

Papaya (papin)
Pineapple (bromelain)
Watermelon (ubiquitous polyamines)
Pumpkin (ubiquitous polyamines)

Dissolves hard & dry dead skin cells leaving the surface soft and supple.

Here are a few examples of my fruity-favourite-beauty classics.

Lemons :
i) Can be used to soften rough spots such as dry elbows & heels.

ii) Deodorise and deep clean your hands after digging around in the garden.

iii) Lemon juice added to your favourite shampoo refreshes & tones your scalp.

iv) Place a few slices of Lemon in your tub & start your day off with a little zesty zing.

Apples used for centuries:
i) It makes a great mouth rinse, leaving your breath fresh & sweet smelling.

ii) As a skin toner

iii) Add a cup of pure apple juice to your bath to soften your skin. The malic acid in apple juice will protect your skin against free radical damage.

iv) Use fresh apple juice as a hair rinse to control dandruff and restore the natural pH acid mantle to your tresses.

Papayas are rich in natural enzymes called papins:
i) To exfoliate dead skin cells from your face take the skin of the Papaya fruit and gently-gently message it onto your freshly washed face (this should take no more than 1 minute) then rinse with cold water.
DO NOT GET IT INTO YOUR EYES.
Remember - the greener the Papaya the higher the natural enzyme content.

ii) Don’t just stop there - why not exfoliate your whole body.
Peel 1 Papaya, mash or blend it up (include the black seeds); add 2 teaspoons of honey, 1 teaspoon of Marula Oil, blend again for 10 seconds, scoop the mixture into your hands and massage all over your body. Do this once a month for no more than five minutes and rinse thoroughly - your skin will feel smooth & smell great!

iii) If you can't be bothered with all of the mashing and messaging, simply take some Organic Papaya Oil and use it:

* As a face oil,
* A Hair Oil (apply on wet or damp hair),
* In the bath,
* After your shower to lock in moisture,
* As a nourishing make up remover,
* As a pre-shampoo conditioner,
* As a Hot Oil treatment,
* With bath salts,
* As a nail oil (when infused with Horsetail herb)

Pineapples are similar to Papaya in that Pineapples are great skin softeners
i) Especially around those rough spots like:

Knees
Heels
Elbows

Bromelain, the active enzyme in Pineapples, cleanses and rejuvenates dull, dry skin. Scrub your body with a slice of Pineapple when you're taking a bath or in the shower. You'll notice the instant softness and the lovely scent.

ii) Give yourself a 100% pure Pineapple Juice footbath.
Just soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes, rinse with cool water, towel dry then add a light dab of Unrefined Shea in a Jar OR Virgin Mango Coconut Whip.

Note:
Malic, Citric & Tartaric Acids are known to cause sunburn so use a vitamin rich sun cream afterwards like Unrefined Shea Butter.

This is the first of two fruity slices that I have to offer you as we continue to get even fruitier with even more recipes on Monday the 10th of July 2006.

2006-06-24T09:31:00.000+01:00

Yes, it's the holiday season and as such we'll be getting fresh & fruity next Monday the 3rd of July 2006.
So until then.. Happy Mixing!

2006-06-17T16:16:00.000+01:00

The White Stuff - ooohhh yeah gimme some MORE!!!

Who would have thought that this fine, white powder would be so very versatile, in your body, on your body and around the home.

The following are a few of my personal favourites.
So, without further ado I present to you "The Best of Baking Soda"

Recipe:
Bliss Bath
Prep Time - 10 mins

Transform an ordinary bath into a luxurious haven.

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Baking Soda into your warm bath water.
Toss a handful of your favourite Organic Dried Herbs*

Ease yourself ever so slowly into your bath.

Allow the stimulating natural fragrance to relax your mind with blissful thoughts of peace.

*Organic Rose Petals & Buds
(Has a fresh, floral, light, powdery sweet scent that will fill the bath & refresh your skin.)

and/or

*Organic Blue Malva Flowers
(Contains a huge amount of mucilage, tannins & an antioxidant called anthocyanins (malvidin & delphinidin). It also has a complex carbohydrate, a polysaccharide called arabinogalactose (a natural emulsifying, binding and/or bulking agent), which is purported to have immune stimulant properties.)

and/or

*Organic Chamomile Flower
(Strengthens skin tissue & reduces inflammation [excellent for eczema, skin rashes, acne, excessive acne, rosacea & allergic reactions])

and/or

*Organic Lavender Buds
(Great for all skin types because it balances sebum secretion, helps to soothe and regenerate tissue cells. Used as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, cleanser, toner and detoxifier.)

Turn off the lights, surround yourself with candles, a glass of your favourite refreshment and relax!

~Singing~ I gots the "Hard water blues":
Hard water, especially in the chalky Chilterns of Buckinghamshire where I dwell, is made up of calcium and magnesium ions.
The addition of Baking Soda/Bicarbonate of Soda to your bath water neutralises the "hard" calcium and exchanges the magnesium ions in the water for oh so "soft" sodium ions. The sodium ions are lovely and won't cause any problems to your skin. In fact, it is used to soften your skin and could help to restore the pH balance especially if your skin is alkaline
ie: hot & sweaty & funky.

Scalp Cleaning Tip:
Do you use Shampoo Bars and want a little more Bubble Action?!
... if so, and you are a lather junkie (like me) and NEED big frothy suds with each shampoo?
Just add a teeny weeny teaspoon of baking soda to the shampoo bar suds already in your hair - add a little more water - then see the bubble action appear.

Recipe:
Rid your scalp of build up:
Baking Soda is great when mixed with water and may be used as a final rinse to clarify your hair & scalp of build up, pollution and restore pH balance as well.

Add 1 drop of your favourite essential oil to 1 cup of water & half a teaspoon of Baking soda, stir well and pour over your freshly washed hair & scalp.

Not suitable for acne prone skin types and/or those with an overly sensitive scalp as you may find it to be a bit drying.

Your Tooties:
Brushing your teeth with Baking Soda will reduce the acidity in your mouth & make it a less than friendly place for the bacteria & other yuckinesses.

Don't sweat it!
How Baking Soda can help with odour.
Perspiration/sweat, is one of the most important cooling systems a body can have. If you exercise a lot are ill or get excited about something this can raise the body's temperature - causing you to over heat & the body to produce moisture drawing heat out.

Sweat comes from 2 glands:
1. Odoriferous which:
a) Which covers specific areas like the underarm and the groin.
b) Kicks-in at puberty & is responsible for BO/body odour.

2. Sudoriferous - which covers the whole human body.

Had enough of that funky stuff:
That funky smell DOES NOT happen right after working up a sweat it happens a little later because the bacteria on our skin feeds on the sweat. It is the waste from the bacteria's feed that causes us to smell a bit funky.
What's the difference between Deos & Antiperspirants?
The aim of a Deodorant is to mask the odour produced by the sweat feeding bacteria.
Antiperspirants are chemical astringents that block the pores of the skin stopping the sweat from surfacing, therefore blocking the opening to the sebaceous glands in the armpit. However it slowly prevents the secretion of sebum which builds up in the glands while the antiperspirant does it's thing. (It's kind of like going 24 hours without going to the loo...)

...when the sebum build up is blocked, over a long period of time the underarm may get infected and cysts may develop.

In my humble opinion - this is why deodorants are MUCH more effective than antiperspirants.
Baking Soda/Bicarbonate of Soda neutralizes the odour of sweat ie: the bacteria that feeds on the sweat - I wouldn't call it an antiperspirant as it does NOT block the pores it just neutralizes the odour.
For a simple recipe see number 51. below taken from "126 Uses of Baking Soda"

PLEASE NOTE:
Baking Soda/Bicarbonate of Soda is NOT suitable for acne prone skin types and/or those with broken or overly sensitive skin. Do Not apply any type of deodorant after shaving. As with anything you put on your skin and/or scalp always perform a patch test first!

Courtesy of Frugal Living
Here are 126 Uses for Baking Soda

1. I got the low-down on using baking soda as a deodorant! Here's how, from a reader:
Mix a cup of baking soda and 2 T. of cornstarch (to keep baking soda from clumping) and put it in a plastic container with a short-handled blush brush. Then after your shower you just brush on your deodorant. Since you're still a little moist, it doesn't have a problem sticking.
(The reader says, 'My husband says he got better results out of that than the natural herbal deodorants we use now.')

2. Toothpaste - it's a mildly abrasive tooth cleaner and mouthwash in one. ('Dentist approved')

3. Pot scrubber - make it into a paste and scrub stainless steel, iron or copper pots and bottoms with it.

4. Clean porcelain sinks and tubs.

5. The old one - put an opened box in the refrigerator to absorb odours.

6. Use instead of powder in your shoes to absorb moisture and odours

7. Neutralize battery acid quickly in case of spills.

8. Use gently as an exfoliating facial scrub.

9. Soothe bee stings, and other insect bites by spreading a paste of baking soda and vinegar on it.

10. Use in bath water to relieve irritated skin. (Good for baby, too)

11. Anti-acid, mix 1/2 teaspoon in about 4 ounces of water, and drink all at one time. It will cause you to 'burp', as it neutralizes stomach acid the same way it does other acids.

12. Use in diaper pails to keep them fresh.

13. Also use in garbage cans, and wherever odour is a problem.

14. Test your garden soil for acidity by mixing one cup soil with two cups water, then stirring in 1/4 cup of baking soda. If you have a volcano erupting in your container, your soil is very acid. If you just have a little fizz around the edges, you have a minimally acidic soil.

15. Carpet deodorizer - sprinkle on carpet, and leave overnight, then vacuum it up in the morning. Offending odours will be gone.

16. Put a generous amount of baking soda in a dish. After using steel wool, wring out, and store it in the dish of baking soda. Cuts down on rust, and is ready to scour away!

17. If you have severe allergies to laundry products, try using baking soda to wash your clothing and especially bedding.

18. This reader uses baking soda to scrub crayon off of her white no wax floor. It works wonderfully, and best of all is non-toxic so the 2 year old 'scribbler' can help clean up his artistic endeavours. No other cleaning product gets the crayon off with such ease! Just wet a sponge and sprinkle some baking soda on the area to be scrubbed or directly to the sponge and rub the crayon right off! Wipe up the excess baking soda and you are done!

19. Dump onto acid spills/stains such as vomit (after you've picked up any solid matter). The baking soda will 'wick' the liquid up out of the carpet as well as neutralize the acid. Pick up the wet 'clumps' before vacuuming, though, or it gets all gross in the beater bar of your machine.

20. Put sunburned kids (or yourself) in a cool (not cold) baking soda bath for half an hour. This also works well for chicken pox and mosquito bites.

21. Use it with warm water to wash the inside of the refrigerator.

22. Clean stainless steel sinks - a paste made of dishwashing liquid and a generous amount of baking soda takes brown stains out!

23. Add it to your toothpaste so it won't taste too bad. Put the toothpaste on brush then simply sprinkle on top.

24. Another reader wrote this: I found that pouring a little baking soda into my cat's litter box helps keep the odours out longer. Also my cat had a little accident on the carpet. Getting rid of the urine smell was awful.
Nothing worked until I mixed in Lemon Essential Oil with the Baking Soda. Now you can't even tell.

25. Sprinkle directly on coffee or tea stains in cups and mugs, rub gently with sponge or washcloth and rinse.
Stains are gone!

26. Add a small handful to dish water, it softens hands and makes dishes squeaky clean.

27. Put about 1/4 cup in laundry. It helps soften and boosts cleaning power.

28. A reader writes: I use baking soda to clean my stove and tile behind it. It does a great job on grease!!

29. This reader says: I use it to relieve the itch from poison ivy by making a paste with water and spreading it on the affected area and letting it dry. This also promotes healing by drawing out the poison.

30. Kills Fleas! Mix equal parts of table salt and baking soda together and sprinkle over the carpets. Instruct several children (or volunteers) to run all around on the carpets until the soda and salt is no longer visible.
Let set overnight. Vacuum carpets carefully, going over it more than once. All adult fleas should be dead or too thirsty to breed. Fleas go through at least one life cycle in which they are impervious to nuclear devices, so you will need to salt and soda your carpets two more times to kill all the fleas and potential fleas. Dusting your dog with baking soda several hours before a bath will kill a lot of fleas and a lot of odour. But be sure to wash or rinse the baking soda off the dog or the dog could be at some risk of skin trouble.
Caution! Do not try this on a rainy day! You will wake up to wet carpets as the salt pulls the moisture out of the air. If you live in a damp climate, sprinkle soda and salt in the morning. Vacuum 3 - 5 hours later.

31. It's used widely in B and C rated fire extinguishers and is an excellent grease fire stopper. It will mix with the grease to cause it not to combust further and put the fire out quickly.

32. A reader says: When I worked with model gliders in a Radio Control Model Club I learned that small amounts of baking soda used with SUPER GLUE works as a filler for cracks, and makes for an excellent bond with balsa as well as many porcelain BUT ... glue the pieces together, then apply the dusting of baking soda, and then apply the glue to smooth things out.

33. This reader says: I add a little baking soda to my facial cleanser instead of using facial scrubs. The little 'grains' are round and tiny, so are very gentle. It's wonderful!

34. In your hand, mix hair shampoo with a small amount of baking soda. Shampooing with this mixture easily removes old and heavy hair spray/spritz, etc., residue.

35. From another reader: I put some in my dishwasher to help eliminate streaks and spots from the extremely hard water.

36. Some on a damp cloth removes dust from the plastic parts of my electronic equipment.

37. Its excellent for cleaning shower curtains - on or out of the washing machine.

38. Sprinkle some on the mattress before making the bed - removes all odours!

39. Sprinkle on the pages of books that have become damp. Will remove mildew if rubbed gently and left in the sun for a while. Brush off or 'fan' the pages of the book in a light breeze.

40. Cleans tea stains from plastic glassware.

41. Put some in a sachet and put in drawers or closets that tend to get musty.

42. Mix with oatmeal in your blender and it makes a marvellous facial scrub.

43. From another reader: When my son was a baby he got heat rash on his little face - my doctor told me to sprinkle baking soda on his sheets because it would keep him from lying in his drool - worked!!

44. From the same reader: The doctor also told me it was better than baby powder to use on baby's - keeps them drier and cuts out any sour smells from burps.

45. Baking soda mixed with a little water works great for removing bugs from car paint, headlights, and windshields, and does not damage the paint.

46. It's said that if you put a small amount of baking soda in an 8 oz. glass of water and drink it, it will clean out your kidneys.
(Note Be aware that if your diet is salt restricted, you should not use baking soda for any internal reason, other than normal cooking. --Pat )

47. Another reader says: Whenever I see ants in my kitchen, (or any room), after cleaning the floor, I just sprinkle a thin line of baking soda along the ant trail, and along the moulding on the floor, very close to the wall, and ants disappear for good. Also works when sprinkled on the front door threshold or saddle, preventing ants entering the house that way.

48. Add 1 T. of baking soda to 1 gal. of homemade organic rose/garden spray. Works as an excellent fungicide.

49. Make a cream deodorant by mixing 2 tablespoons baking soda, 2 tablespoons of petroleum jelly and 2 tablespoons talcum or baby powder. Heat in a double boiler or over very low heat, stirring constantly until it becomes smooth and creamy. Store in a container with tight lid.

50. This reader says: For smooth top ranges, there's a product for keeping it clean. I know there is, I've been told. Fortunately, I've never found it, but a dampened cloth dipped in baking soda does the job. Be sure to clean up sugary spills faster than anything else, for some reason it will pit the glass surface.

51. This reader has another idea about using it as a deodorant: I mix equal parts baking soda and cornstarch, and then add water until it can be poured into a mould. After it dries I have a ball of deodorant that I moisten and apply. Be careful though, because baking soda IS caustic, and if you apply it to raw or tender skin (i.e. after shaving your armpits) it will burn.

52. My optometrist asked me to gently rub my soft contact lenses with a cream made with baking soda and
water. I do this every other month. It "sweetens" them removing all the impurities.

53. Cover you sterling silver jewellery with baking soda. Rub the jewellery with your bare fingers or a soft cotton cloth. I saw this done in an open silver market in Mexico.

54. Pouring about 1 cup of baking soda down any drain or toilet will help maintain a healthy septic tank. It keeps the PH from going out of wack and helps maintain a good environment for the bacteria. It is also good for freshening a drain and toilet.

55. It gets scuff marks off of the kitchen floor as well as off of shoes!

56. A reader writes this: When my children were young (40 years ago!) a crayon got all over the clothes from being left in a pocket and then dried in the dryer and I remember the hint to dump a box of baking soda in the washing machine and wash the clothes over. I don't remember if it took more than one washing, but I know it finally got the crayon out of the clothes. Of course, don't put them in the dryer again until you are sure they are crayon-free.

57. For daily wear contacts that have protein build-up that enzyme cleaners don't take care of, make a wet paste of baking soda and saline solution. Clean lenses in your hand with this paste, then follow your regular lens care routine. The mild abrasive will remove the deposits without harming the lenses, and they will feel like new.

58. We have an artificial grass carpet in our garden, which we put on the play area for our young son. This artificial lawn dries quickly after rain, so the kids can play even when the rest of the garden is too wet. After some years, moss started to grow on this carpet, and guess what: I sprinkled baking soda on the entire area. The moss turned brown and decayed - the carpet was nice again.

59. We use baking soda, flushed down with white vinegar to clean and deodorize the drains in our travel trailer... this method works well, and eliminates the need for harsh, possibly damaging chemicals.

60. My two year old ran through a huge Fire Ant nest, ants covered her feet. Both feet turned bright red, I grabbed a bowl of water and box of soda, we soaked her feet in it for a while, you couldn't tell she had ever been stung.

61. While at an antique fair I came across someone selling a product that cleans silver. It was a sheet of white perforated metal that one put in a glass bowl, added some baking soda and boiling water. Well, I looked at that metal and a little voice inside my head said that's aluminium. Went home, put some aluminium foil in a glass bowl, (heat resistant) added about 1/2 cup baking soda, the hot water and a piece of tarnished sterling. It fizzed up and in a few minutes the aluminium turned darker and the silver turned shiny. I then rinsed the piece, buffed it dry and never spent a cent on silver cleaner again.

62. If you mix baking soda and hair conditioner in your hand and only condition the ends of your hair it will give your hair more volume, body, and health.

63. This reader says: My son wanted a ferret so bad, but he had a hard time keeping the cage clean. The smell alone from the ferret is bad enough. I suggested to him that he put a layer of baking soda under the bedding after every cleaning. He tried it and it worked great!

64. My toddling twins got a hold of Vaseline and decided to use it as hair gel. My husband mixed equal parts of baking soda and Dawn dish soap (to the consistency of a creamy soup), and scrubbed the twins heads with it being very careful not to get it in their eyes It took two shampoo sessions but it did the trick !!!!

65. Apply baking soda and water paste to jellyfish or sea nettle stings to remove the burn.

66. I inherited an antique ivory carving that hadn't been cleaned in decades. My aunt told me to use baking soda on an old toothbrush dipped in warm water. Worked like a charm!

67. Great in laundry to remove cigar/cigarette smells and stains.

68. Put a half cup of water with two tablespoons of baking soda in the microwave on high for one minute. Then wipe with a damp paper towel. Cleans and eliminates old odours.

69. For those who live in the northwest or other damp areas where moss builds up on your shingles, just take baking soda and sprinkle it all over your roof. It's not necessary to put it on thick and you don't need to brush it in. You should see results the following day. Give it a try; it sure saves your roof and your neighbours don't comment on how nice and green your roof is.

70. Use Baking Soda if your hair is oily and you don't have time to wash it. Sprinkle a little on your hair, comb it through and do a quick blow-dry and it works perfectly! It is great if you are in a hurry.

71. Somebody hit my wife's car and left a big scuff mark on the bumper. A damp cloth with a little baking soda on it took it right off!

72. I have an old, stained porcelain sink and the only way to clean it is with Soft Scrub, but I have found I can get the same effect of Soft Scrub using baking soda and bleach. I simply sprinkle the baking soda all over the bottom of the sink (or anywhere I want to concentrate the bleach), squirt some bleach all over the baking soda, let sit and then wipe clean. The baking soda soaks up the bleach, keeping it from dripping away. Use an old bottle of Soft Scrub to hold the bleach, instead of trying to pour it straight from the gallon jug (the bleach will splash and move too much of the baking soda around), or find a bleach spray bottle from a science
surplus store (do NOT put bleach in a container that isn't designed for it).

73. I use a scrub brush with baking soda and table salt and then rinse thoroughly with hot water to clean my wood cutting boards. Baking soda cuts grease but doesn't dry out the wood and salt has been used for centuries as a disinfectant and also brings up the protecting oils of the wood. The wooden decks of old ships were scrubbed daily with salt water. And I use baking soda on my plastic cutting boards before washing with dishwashing soap and hot water.

74. If your hair turns green from chlorine in swimming pools, just shampoo as usual but add 1/4 cup baking soda to your shampoo.

75. I put a pinch of baking soda in my spaghetti sauce. It removes the acid taste from the tomatoes.

76. I soak thermoses with about 3 Tblsp. of baking soda and hot water. It takes out coffee and tea stains.

77. I also sprinkle some into the dry thermos before put the cover back on and store it. It keeps it fresh. JUST make sure to rinse out the baking soda before you fill it next time.

78. My daughter is incontinent.... I found that if I mixed half and half baking soda and talcum powder and put it in the special bin in the bathroom we have for her used incontinence pads it takes all the smell of urine out of my bathroom.

79. I use it to unclog my 1920s kitchen sink. I pour about 1/4 cup on the drain and run boiling water over it.
Repeat if needed. It's much more effective and eco-friendly than Drano and the like.

80. I have found that if I put a tablespoon of baking soda in a large pot of beans while soaking them, the 'flatulence' caused by the beans is kept to a minimum.

81. I have used a paste of baking soda to clean the bottom of my iron. Haven't found anything else that works as well.

82. Instead of buying expensive cat litter, I buy the cheapest and add a box of baking soda. The box is easier to clean and there is little smell!!

83. I use baking soda on a damp sponge to wash off water spots from spigots. I spray bleach water in my toilet, sprinkle with baking soda, scrub as usual...sparkling clean.

84. Baking soda paste will have your drip pans shining. If they are really bad, dissolve about a cup in warm water in a large pot. Place drip pans in solution and boil for about 3 mins. Let cool and then scrub the drip pans. Sparkle!

85. To clean your kitty's pan, soak for 10 mins. half filled with water and about a cup of vinegar. Dump the water and scrub pan with baking soda and a damp paper towel. Dry with a new paper towel and it is fresh and ready to fill.

86. Use it to clean your coffee pot, run dissolved through coffee maker and two more runs with fresh water.

87. For room deodorizer, you might prefer some scent. To do this, put some baking soda in a bowl, add 1-2 drops of fragrance oil, then stir, using the back of the spoon to distribute well. Now you can use it the same way you would potpourri, and cost much, much less to do it!

88. I pour baking soda on anything that overflows onto the oven floor and leave it be. When I have time, about twice a year, I use a spatula (pancake turner) to lift the gunk and the baking soda off the bottom of the oven and than wipe it out with a damp cloth. Lots less work that "cleaning the oven" and the baking soda makes all the nasty stuff lift out so easily.

89. I mix a teaspoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of Epsom salt in a glass of water to alkalinize my entire body and clean my blood stream.

90. To relieve an upset stomach put a pinch of baking soda and a pinch of salt into a cup of mint tea. It's not the best tasting thing in the world but it will ease and relieve an upset stomach.

91. 90% of all Asian restaurants tenderize their inferior grades (less tender cuts) of beef and pork used in Chinese dishes, etc. with baking soda. It can be applied several ways. You can mix some baking soda and water and let the meat soak in it for several hours in the refrigerator. Later, you must rinse the meat thoroughly to get rid of the soda residue and taste. The meat will become very tender, but you must ensure
the soda taste or residue is removed. You can also sprinkle baking soda directly on the meat. Let it set for several hours in the refrigerator. Next, rinse the meat thoroughly to get rid of the soda taste and residue.

92. It also takes kool-aid stains out of counter tops.

93. I even clean windows with it. I just take a damp cloth and touch the cloth to baking soda in a bowl. Then scrub the window. Wipe with vinegar.

94. It works great to defeat feminine odour problems. Just sprinkle a bit on a panty liner and wear as usual.

95. Takes permanent marker off of sneaky 2 year olds skin.... and fridge... and washer... and dryer.... and dishwasher.... and floor..... and....

96. When you are washing your car add some baking soda to a wet sponge and apply it to the dead bugs on your windshield and front end. Also do the same to tar spots.

97. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on my hands after chopping onions, then rinse with cool water.
Takes the odour away immediately! I also sprinkle it over my cutting boards to remove onion odour.

98. My 6-year-old son LOVES to play lab and make "formula". I mix baking soda with vinegar and food colouring. It sizzles and foams you can mix a little dish soap for more foam. It's a cheap way to entertain kids on rainy days.

99. My husband uses it as an alkalinity increaser for our swimming pool... it is exactly the same thing as the speciality product sold for that purpose, and is much cheaper.

100. You can age copper to a brown penny look by putting a Hot Water and Baking Soda mixture into a spray bottle and applying for several days and wiping. Eventually it will age the copper 10 to 50 years. Be sure that the mixture is such that when you add more baking soda to the hot water it no longer dissolves.

101. One pint of peroxide to two tablespoons of baking soda and one tablespoon of dish soap will take skunk smell off your pet. It works fantastically.

102. I learned this from a make-up artist when I suffered from bad acne. For boils and large pimples make a paste out of baking soda and water. Pack it on the infected spot and it works to draw the infection.

103. Use a generous sprinkling of dry baking soda in your shoes to keep them smelling fresh.

104. Give teddy bears and other stuffed animals a "shower" with baking soda. Sprinkle on, wait a while, brush off excess. Keeps them from getting so grungy!

105. When I get a minor burn (1st degree burns) from ironing or from my oven while baking. Take baking soda and water make a thick paste that I apply to the burn; leave one until it dries. It takes the pain away.

106. Another excellent use for baking soda is for mouth ulcers and cold sores. Simply mix a teaspoon of baking soda with 100ml of water and use as a gargle. For cold sores use the same solution however dab directly onto the cold sore using a cotton bud. Do this at least twice a day. Good luck.

107. No need to buy a new chalkboard or repaint it when your young one colours on it with crayon. Use baking soda with a damp sponge and rub. This restores it to new condition in seconds. Rinse it clean and dry.

108. Sprinkle small amount of Baking Soda onto palm, add a little water, and wash face. Leaves the skin feeling as though you had used a moisturiser. Test the difference by only washing one side of face, rinse, towel dry... then check the difference in skin softness.

109. I've always had a really hard time getting a close shave. I've found that using a bit of baking soda mixed with water and scrubbing my face immediately before shaving helps remove oil from whiskers, making it easier for the razor to 'grab' them. It also works well to leave the soda on the face and apply shaving cream on top (although if you take your time shaving, it may start to sting a little before you finish).

110. I use baking soda to remove splinters. Make a paste of baking soda and water, and place the paste on a Band-Aid. Apply the Band-Aid to the affected area and leave for about 24 h. When you remove the Band-Aid, the splinter will be sticking out above the skin and can be pulled out easily. I once got a shard of glass in my toe that was so deeply imbedded that I couldn't even see it. It took three days and three changes of the baking soda Band-Aid, but it came out. I was amazed to see that the shard was about 1 cm long!
I can't remember if I got this idea out of a book or if I discovered it myself, but it works every time. It is great with kids, who for some reason regard splinter removal with terror.

111. I use it to clean vases with narrow necks. Fill the vase halfway with part water, part vinegar. Add baking soda and watch it fizzle the inside clean.

112. Automatic dishwasher detergent: Fill the cup with baking soda and pour in bleach on top of it. Your dishes will sparkle.

113. I use baking soda in the washer when washing my clothes for deer hunting. It takes away any unwanted scent out of your clothes. I've been using it for this purpose for years with great success, and it's much cheaper than paying 10 dollars and up for other hunting clothes detergent.

114. I got this tip from reading Little House On The Prairie! Add a teaspoon or so to your pot of dried beans while boiling. Beans will cook in record time.

115. Baking soda paste mixed with the same amount of ashes make hard backed hazy glass fireplace doors clean and brand new looking wipe off with newspaper.

116. When brewing tea, add a generous pinch of soda for each 2-quart pitcher of tea to take out any bitterness. Drop the soda directly in the brewed tea before you combine it with water in the pitcher. Make sure the pot isn't still on the burner brewing. Makes a great brew!

117. I use Baking Soda to help clean unglazed ceramic stoneware, i.e. pizza stones. Directions say not to use soap or detergent when cleaning because it will flavour foods. I sprinkle baking soda on, add water, and rub with a cloth. It removes odours, grease, and keeps it looking like new.

118. I have very oily skin. I like to mix Noxzema and a little Baking Soda. Mix it together so that it is evenly distributed and place it on your face. Let it dry and it makes your skin feel fabulous--while on your face and after you wash it off. It takes out the oil and makes your skin look wonderful!

119. I'd left a couple of blankets in the trunk of my car for a year...along with some rotting wood, an old tire and other nasty car stuff. I washed the blankets with detergent and bleach but the musty/funky smell wouldn't go away. Then I tried Baking-Soda and Vinegar (unmeasured...just desperate pouring), and they came out smelling new. I'm never using bleach again.

120. Another way to keep cool is to baking soda in your bed before you go to sleep. I don't know what this does but I do it quite often in the summer months and I keep quite cool.

121. I use baking soda to clean my wood decks every year. Wet the deck, sprinkle on the baking soda and scrub with a soft brush to work up a foam. Let set 10-15 min, then rinse. Kills green mould well and won't damage the wood. I use a brush on a pole that is used for car washing.

122. Dissolve baking soda in water, soak dog scarves, hang outside on line to dry. Tie dried scarf around dogs' neck. Almost eliminates doggy odour entirely. I do up a bunch all at once and change as needed.

123. If you have a small fire you need to put out baking soda with vinegar around the fire will do the job.

124. Substitute 1/4 tsp. baking soda, 1/4 tsp. cornstarch plus 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar for 1 tsp. baking powder.

125. In the same manner it can be applied to acne, the paste made from baking soda and a little water also works nicely applied to problem areas such as rosacea and viral or herpes-related pus modules (but do not scrub; the damaged skin is too sensitive for even baking soda's gentle abrasion); it helps dry out the pus much better than any expensive medication and feels gentler.

126. Baking soda paste, when used as a scrub, also seems to help nail fungus for sweeter feet. I had this problem and was told to soak my feet in a solution of Clorox and water. I found out baking soda works better anyway; I skip the Clorox altogether and my feet feel much better for it.

PLEASE NOTE:
Baking Soda/Bicarbonate of Soda is NOT suitable for acne prone skin types and/or those with broken or overly sensitive skin. Do Not apply any type of deodorant after shaving. As with anything you put on your skin and/or scalp always perform a patch test first!

Next week we get a little FRUITY!!!
Yes... I mean Bananas, Lemons, Strawberries, Papayas & Blueberries with a little Sugar & Spice...

2006-06-10T21:17:00.000+01:00

Yoghurt - not just for eating anymore:
Why purchase all those expensive, high priced, high street AHA creams when you can get wholesome benefits & nutrients at a fraction of the cost by using fresh yoghurt mixed with FRESH fruit and/or Honey?

What's in it for you?
Yoghurt contains zinc, calcium, Vitamins B1, B2, B6 & B12, protein, yeast and AHA (alpha hydroxyacid). An example of an AHA is lactic acid/sodium lactate which some use to soften their lovely locs & tresses and smooth dry skin. AHAs are also a natural exfoliant, too. Lactic acid is found naturally in milk products & fruit.
Adding a tablespoon of fresh citrus fruit to your yoghurt mixture will help to restore the normal pH balance of skin & hair.

Yoghurt is:
1. Effective at drawing out impurities.
2. A natural way to exfoliate & reduce the size of your pores.
3. Great at reviving dull looking skin - especially after a good night out on the tiles.

Recipe time
Face mask recipe for Normal skin

Prep time required = 10 minutes

1. Take a small pot of plain or bio yoghurt
2. Add a quarter teaspoon of lemon or lime or orange or grapefruit juice.
3. For Dry Skin - Add a little dollop of honey or a teaspoon of brown sugar.

For Combination and Oily skin mix in a quarter teaspoon of either bentonite clay or rhassoul clay

4. Apply the mask to clean, dry skin (avoiding the eye area)
5. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes during this time prepare a bowl of warm water and add 2 drops of
Lavender Essential Oil or Chamomile Essential Oil
6. Remove the yoghurt with a face towel soaked in the warm water that contains essential oil
OR
Simply rinse with warm water.
Your face will feel nice and soft.
Do this once a week for supple soft smooth skin.

Dry skin facial

Prep time required = 10 minutes

1. ½ cup plain or Bio Yoghurt
2. 1 tbsp Marula Oil or Watermelon Oil
3. 1 ½ tsp fresh Papaya fruit.

Mix all ingredients together.
Apply to face (avoiding the eye area) & neck area.
Leave it on for up to 10 minutes
Rinse off with warm water.
Say bye to the dry & enjoy the softness.
Repeat every other week to maintain your skin's softness.

Recipe for Cute Cuticles and Strong nail beds

Prep time required = 10 minutes

1. Half a cup of plain or Bio yoghurt
2. Juice of one very cold Lemon or 4 drops of Lemon Essential Oil
3. Half a teaspoon of Papaya Oil

Wash hands.
Mix the ingredients together.
Massage your hands and nails with the mixture.
Rinse and pat dry.
Do this every day for 2 weeks & you will notice how soft and supple your hands feel and how strong your nails are.

Yoghurt & Rhassoul Deep Conditioning Hair Mud Treatment
(relief for an itchy dry scalp)

What you will need:
* 2 Rhassoul condish cubes
* Plain or Bio Yoghurt
* 30 ml of hot water per cube

Prep time = 10 minutes

How to mix in 3 easy steps:
1. Place Rhassoul condish cube(s) in a heat resistant bowl
Be very careful when adding hot liquid.
Use the fork to break up the cube(s) & let it sit in the hot liquid for a minute.

2. As the mix starts to break up stir with fork until the cube(s) dissolves into a thick melted milk chocolate consistency. Use hand blender or whisk should you require a thicker texture.

3. Add 2 tablespoons of Yoghurt to the mix and stir

4. Ta-Da! Your mud is now ready.

Apply to your hair and scalp, cover with a disposable shower cap or cling film or nothing - it's your choice because it will not drip.

Leave the conditioning mud on:
15 - 20 mins for regular deep conditioning.
45 minutes for maximum deep conditioning.

Rinse thoroughly with warm water, dry & style as usual.
Your hair will be soft & fluffy for days!

Yoghurt in your hair as a prewash conditioner

Hair Mask Recipe - suitable for all hair types

Prep time required = 10 minutes

1. Take a small pot of natural or bio yoghurt
2. Add a quarter teaspoon of honey.
3. Add a couple of drops of your favourite hair loving essential oil
4. Put the mixture on your dry, clean hair
5. Cover with Cling Film
6. Leave on for 15 to 20 mins.
7. Rinse
8. Enjoy the softness

Not suitable for those with milk intolerance or Ovo-Lacto Vegetarians

Next week we will look at Baking Soda for the home, hair, skin, practically EVERYTHING!

2006-06-05T13:58:00.000+01:00

Aspirin - Not just for headaches anymore!

100% pure aspirin - YES - pure aspirin can effectively relieve and/or clear dandruff and skin blemishes.

Why & what is it made of?
White Willow bark (INCI: Salix alba) was the original source of aspirin back in the day. Then it changed to Black Willow Bark (INCI: Salix nigra) they took the Salicylic Acid out of the Willow Barks and synthesized it to form Aspirin - Bayer is the only commercial company to still use a large percentage of Salicylic Acid in their Aspirins meanwhile others have a 50/50 of Talc & Salicylic Acid.

According to "Preservatives for Cosmetics" by David Steinberg, Salicylic Acid also has anti microbial & fungicidal properties.

Used as a preservative:
A derivative of Salicylic Acid called Sodium salicylate is actually used as a food preservative. It doesn't stop there as it is also used as an antiseptic in mouthwashes and toothpastes.

Read the label - you'll find that Aspirin is already in commercial Shampoos - why?
In some commercial anti-dandruff shampoos Salicylic Acid (a beta hydroxy acid - lipophylic (oil loving) ingredient) is usually added as an active ingredient to exfoliate the scalp. Some shampoos add a small percentage of Salicylic Acid and some add a higher percentage. However, it really depends on how high the commercial shampoo's pH is for the Salicylic Acid to really be effective against dandruff.

You only need to use a little to get rid of dandruff:
Crush ONE 100% pure aspirin tablet and add it to your shampoo then wash your hair as normal. Do this for 2 shampoos sessions and your dandruff will start to clear up.

Blemishes:
Beta hydroxy acid (or BHA) contains Salicylic Acid and has been proven to be effective against bacteria that cause blemishes. All blemishes occur inside the skin, which disrupts normal oil production (sebum excretion), blocks pores causing inflammation - forming an active breeding ground for bacteria.
Salicylic acid's anti-inflammatory properties penetrates into the pores, "cuts" through the oil & keeps the oil production flowing.

Easy Peasy Recipes:

For Dandruff:
Prep time = 5 minutes
Crush two 100% pure aspirin tablets until they form a powder and add it to your shampoo. (as stated above)

Insect Bites:
Prep Time = 10 minutes

* Crush one 100% pure aspirin tablets until they form a powder
* Mix a dab of honey with a little water and a couple of drops of Lemon Grass Essential Oil
* Apply to the insect bites and stings

This mixture helps to control the inflammation.

For instant insect bite relief:
Prep Time = 5 minutes

* Wet the affected area
* Rub an aspirin over the affected area.

If the affected area gets worse or you suffer shortness of breath seek medical attention at once!

Calluses:
Prep Time = 15 minutes

* Crush six 100% pure aspirin tablets until they form a powder.
* Squeeze equal amounts of the juice of 1 Lemon with distilled water.
* Mix the crushed aspirin powder with the liquid to form a paste.
* Apply to the affected area(s)
* Wrap your foot/feet in a warm towel
* Cover with a plastic bag.
* Relax for 10 to 15 minutes
* Remove the bag & towel
* File with a pumice stone.

Pimples/Blemishes/Spots:
Prep Time = 15 minutes

* Crush one 100% pure aspirin tablets until it forms a powder.
* Mix with a teaspoon of water to form a paste (if it's really persistent then substitute the water for Yoghurt or Honey)
* Mix into a paste.
* Apply the paste to the affected area(s)
* Let it sit for a couple of minutes
* Rinse off with warm water to reduce the redness and soothe the skin.
* Repeat this once every other day or until the blemish dries and forms a hard layer which will eventually fall off.

Say bye-bye to Razor Bumps & Lumps:
Aspirin dislodges ingrown hairs & soothes bumps of all kinds like magic!
Inbetween waxing or shaving douse a cotton ball in a mixture of:
* One crushed aspirin (Crush until it forms a powder.)
* One teaspoon of water
Apply it to the area .
You won't believe the results.
Remember aspirin is an anti-inflammatory.

Aspirin Concerns:
Do not apply aspirin externally if you are allergic to taking it internally.
Do not over use aspirin aka: Salicylic Acid because what it does is break up the cellular bonds on the surface of the scalp. If used TOO often it will penetrate straight through to the epidermal skin layers and cause way too much damage - too much of a good thing and all of that.
Use it in minimal amounts and you should be fine.

Next week Saturday we're going to be using yummy yoghurt to exfoliate from top to toe.

2006-05-27T19:08:00.000+01:00

"a little of what you fancy does you good"

My first ever lipstick was 72% pure Dark Chocolate.
At the tender age of 8, I used my pocket money to buy chocolate - not just any old chocolate it had to be plain dark chocolate - the best that my meagre allowance could buy.

I would break off a small bit, use the pointy corners as a lip liner, and then smother my lips with the rest to make it look as if I were actually wearing lipstick.

To this day I still use dark chocolate in my cosmetics. It's still difficult to find natural face powders that match my skin tone, won't make me break out in acne spots, or look "off colour" around the jaw line. So I make it myself!

Nourishing Homemade Face Powder
Just mix a little 100% organic Cocoa Powder (an anti-oxidant) with pure cornstarch (to absorb any excess oil) and TA-DA - the perfect couture face powder for my dark skin. It's more beneficial than using synthetic powders full of titanium dioxide and other skin-clogging ingredients. This mixture sinks straight into my skin providing an even skin tone and when I remove it my skin is left soft & supple.

Happy Days!
There's a well known “feel good” chemical called Anandamide which has been found and isolated in pure dark chocolate. All humans produce Anandamide in the brain (for females higher concentrations of Anandamide are found in the uterus). When you eat and/or smell chocolate it triggers even more “feel good” chemicals into your body.

Source: Neurosciences Institute, San Diego, California, USA (1996)

But..why?
Chocolate, Cacao, Cocoa (aka: Fruit of Gods or Theobroma [name of the tree], cabosse [name of the actual fruit]) is one of the most nourishing food known to man. It contains calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, vitamins A1, B1, B2, C, D, E, phosphorous & chromium.

In addition to this, it also contains a polyphenol called epicatechin which is a natural antiseptic, anti-inflammatory & anti-oxidant that helps to guard cells from free radical damage which causes skin to age.

Basically - the higher the cocoa content (72 to 100%) the more polyphenol, the healthier it is for you on the inside and out.

Cocoa concerns
Chocolate is not for everyone - there are those who either don't like it and/or are allergic to it. Although the cocoa bean allergen is destroyed through processing the cocoa bean into chocolate it still remains unknown as to how much of the allergen remains in the chocolate.

From Cocoa Pod to Cocoa Butter
All dark chocolate contains a natural fat that is present in cocoa beans. This fat is called Cocoa Butter.
Once the Cacao Pod is ripe the beans are extracted, sun dried, the husk separated from the nib & ground into Cocoa liquor which contains approx. 53% Cocoa Butter and 47% Cocoa Solids. The Cocoa liquor is then compressed to obtain Cocoa butter &/or Cocoa solids. (Note: Cocoa liquor contains NO alcohol).

<- This is what pure unrefined cocoa butter looks like. It's hard, yellow to brownish in colour, melts at 34C and has a rich chocolate scent. Pure Unrefined Cocoa powder is the result of extracting the Cocoa Butter from the Cocoa liquor to produce a very bitter unsweetened cocoa powder.

Recipes:
Chocolate Honey Face Scrub
Increases circulation and softens dry skin.
Not suitable for oily skin.

Prep Time: 15 mins.

10 grams of 100% Pure Cocoa Powder
1 dollop of Honey
5 grams of Demerara Sugar
3 grams of Grapeseed oil or Sweet Almond Oil

Directions:
Combine all the ingredients until it forms a paste.
Gently apply to freshly washed skin & lightly massage with your finger tips for 30 seconds.
Rinse with warm water and you're left with soft detoxified skin that smells wonderful.

Cocoa Bath Soak
To soften your skin and restore the pH balance especially if your skin is alkaline ie: hot & sweaty.

Prep Time: 20 mins.

100 grams of Baking Soda
(The addition of Baking Soda/Bicarbonate of Soda to your bath water neutralises the "hard" calcium water.)
25 grams of 100% Pure Cocoa Powder
10 grams of Rose Petals (optional)

Directions
Combine all the ingredients until it’s a lightish brown colour.
Pour the entire mixture into the bathwater and soak for at least 30 mins.

Chocolate & Coconut Milk Hair Rinse
Suitable for those with dark, curly, frizzy hair.
Detoxifies your scalp and leaves your hair soft & fluffy.

Prep Time: 15 mins

200ml carton of UHT Coconut Cream
(Coconut milk is able to penetrate deep inside the hair shaft and carry nourishment, in the form of Cocoa, directly into the hair.)
25 grams of 100% Pure Cocoa Powder

Mix both ingredients in a Pyrex jar and use as you would do a commercial conditioner.

Use once a month or as often as necessary.

My next entry will be on Monday the 5th of June - as I will have to take stock of my business's inventory on Saturday & Sunday.

On Monday we are going to do away with dandruff & skin blemishes using 100% pure & natural aspirin.

2006-05-20T21:22:00.000+01:00

OH HONEY!!!
I know this is not entirely appropriate for my first ever blog about natural cosmetic ingredients but I just wanted to share this with you.

A couple of weeks ago my fiancé caught his "tackle" in the zipper of his suit trousers which left a bit of a scar. The first thing I said to him was "wash your "tackle" under some cool water, dry it & put some Acacia Honey on it before you go to bed." He tried it. The very next day he said that it healed up rather nicely.

Why was I *not* surprised...

About:
Honey is one of the most naturally hydrating, acid balanced skin & hair food. It's composed of a variety of sugars or glucose (also known as dextrose), lactic acid, beta carotene & trace levels of amino acids, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, sulphur, vitamins & enzymes.

Note:
The nutrients contained within honey is dependant on the nectar that the bees collect.

Honey's humectant properties nourishes & moisturises everything it touches. In Thailand honey is used on open wounds to soften the scar tissue and encourage new skin growth. This may be due to the fact that there is a high concentration of sugars in honey that prevents the growth of bacteria on open wounds but it has never been scientifically proven.

Honey concerns:
i) Honey should not be used on infants under the age of 12 months for fear of infant botulism.
Clostridium bacteria may be one of the causes of infant botulism. This bacteria is said to be found in certain types of foods like honey. Infant botulism may occur in children from the age of six months or under.

ii) If you're allergic to pollen then you may be allergic to honey - a patch test is always recommended.

Well I'll Bee!:
All honey bees belong to the Apis gene regardless of whether the bee is from Sunny Africa or Bonny Scotland. Some bees have access to particular areas of fields where ONLY one kind of flower grows.
For example:
- Clover
- Goldenrod
- Heather
- Basswood
- Chamomile
- Lavender
etc...

It is the flowering plant (nectar or plant sap) that gives honey it's distinct flavour, colour, extra nourishment and/or individual beneficial properties.
Bees can also create their own blends of honey from various flowering plants in any one particular field.

Bees add a lot of moisture & enzyme compounds to nectar, the sugars of the honey nectar are broken down to form simple sugars - some of which are converted into a naturally occuring acid called gluconic acid. This is what gives each particular type of honey it's rich distinctiveness & flavour from mild to bland to full on powerful to sickly pungent.
(Note: There are synthetically made gluconic acids available too, so read the label & ask questions if you're unsure).

The colour of the honeys can range from deep black to beige or white. Each of the colours are created in the nectar of the plant, it is then transported back by the bee to the hive, then the bees do their natural stuff by reducing the moisture level. When the honey is darker it means that it has come from a nectar source where the flowering plant produces a darker plant sap.

Recipes
For Treating Dandruff:
Honey is a natural anti inflammatory - mix a dab of honey with a little water and a couple of drops of Lavender or Ylang-Ylang and apply directly to the itchy, flaky area(s). Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse off or not - it's your choice.

Honey Rose Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse:
An easy recipe that will help to remove build up, restore the natural pH balance & rejuvenate your scalp.
Suitable for all hair types.
60ml of Apple Cider Vinegar
945ml of Water
10g of Dried Pink Rose Petals & Buds (add more if you wish)
1 drop of honey (add a few drops more if you wish)

Prep Time: 20 mins

What you will need:
* 1 Large Pyrex jar or bowl
* Cling film
* 1 Clean & dry glass Jar with lid
* 1 Strainer
* Kettle to boil the water

1. Put the Dried Pink Rose Petals & Buds into the bowl & add Honey
2. Boil the kettle. Once boiled pour the hot water over the Rose & Honey mix, then add the Apple Cider Vinegar.
3. Stir the mixture, cover the bowl with cling film and let steep for 10 minutes or until cool.
4. When the mixture has cooled sufficiently strain the herb from the liquid into the jar.
5. Pour the liquid over the scalp allowing the mixture to saturate your hair, message gently for 2 minutes
6. Rinse with cold water to seal the cuticles
Only make enough for 1 rinse and use it FRESH on the day you make it.

NOTE:
Keep your eyes closed when using the Honey Rose Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse also do not use if you have broken skin.

Yoghurt & Honey Conditioner:
Yoghurt contains AHA (alpha hydroxyacid) an example of an AHA is lactic acid/sodium lactate. Lactic acid is found naturally in milk products & fruit. When used on skin or hair it does leave a very nice silky soft feeling. AHAs are also a natural exfoliant too - so instead of using those expensive AHA products why not reach for yoghurt.
Prep time required = 10 minutes
1. Take a small pot of all natural yoghurt
2. Add a quarter teaspoon of honey.
3. Add a couple of drops of your favourite hair loving essential oil
4. Put the mixture on your dry, clean hair
5. Cover with Cling Film
6. Leave on for 15 to 20 mins.
7. Rinse
8. Enjoy the softness
Not suitable for those with milk intolerance or Ovo-Lacto Vegetarians

Next week it's Organic Chocolate to soften your tresses & moisturise your skin - mmm mmm goodness!