Beauty is really basic

I’ve recently found some natural skin and beauty ideas.  The include a great green clay face mask, facial toners and washes, and a few other things that claim to beat the bloat. I hate to talk about the awful topic of bloating, but it is a reality.

Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) - Use olive oil or sunflower oil with castor oil to make a face cleansing oil.  Click link to find out why this works so well and then try it for yourself.

Strawberry-Leaf Toner

Strawberry leaves

It has been written the leaves of the strawberry plant contain four times more vitamin C than oranges.  Apparently you may use the leaves year round as they keeping your skin clean and clear and you may dry the leaves easily.  Here’s how you put it together:

2 T. dried strawberry leaves or 1/3 c. fresh

1/4 c. apple cider vinegar

1/4 c. water

Put the leaves and vinegar in a glass container and let them sit overnight.  Strain the mixture into cheese cloth and throw out any solids. Add the water and stir well.

To use the toner:  Apply to skin with clean cotton after cleansing.  If you feel it is too strong, add more water.  Will make 4 ounces.  Good containers for these type of things are leftover spice containers or you can purchase rather inexpensive bottles and jars at natural food stores.

Lavender Skin Freshener

You can either make lavender oil from lavender flowers (see this demonstration) or find essential oil of lavender found in most natural food stores.  Lavender has long been known as a calming ingredient and this skin freshener may be used all over the body as a splash or before bed, etc.

Here’s what you need:

3 T. water

2 T. witch hazel

2-3 drops essential oil of lavender

1/2 tsp. honey

Mix all ingredients and stir well.  Pour into a clean container.  Apply to your face using clean cotton or spray and splash onto your skin after bathing.  This recipe makes two ounces.

Green Clay Skin Detoxifier

Green Clay

In a small bowl mix 1 T raw honey, 1 tsp. pineapple juice and 1 tsp. green clay (can be purchased at Whole Foods or natural food stores).  Whisk paste into a smooth consistency then stir in 1 tsp. sesame seeds.  Apply to face and neck; leave on for 5-15 minutes then rinse with warm water.

Balancing Facial Mask

The recipe includes moisturizing avocado, inflammation-fighting cucumber, and mineral-rich green clay, which helps to deep clean pores. A splash of lemon juice adds alpha-hydroxy acids to break down dead cells, and a quick chill in the fridge ensures that the mask will reduce redness and irritation.

Now for the bloating -

It is said Dandelion root works as a natural diuretic.  You can either drink dandelion root tea or take dandelion root extract (3 capsules @400 mg. each) until feeling better.  Oh joy – a way to use the leftover dandelions in our yards.  It makes sense because Dandelion root is a source of potassium.  I have heard potassium reduces bloat, so bananas help also.

Let me know if you have any great beauty recipes or any bloating remedies.  Any comments or questions?  Send me all your comments!