Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Edible Skin Care Recipes, Part 1

Ever visit a lovely, tranquil farm and see the beautiful vitamin-pill trees growing in the orchard down by the brook? Of course not! We're so busy these days that we've become a nation of pill poppers. We swallow our "once-a-day" in an effort to ensure that we get a nutritious and balanced diet - instead of paying close attention to what we actually eat. We consume so much fast food and junk food that many of us seem to think that a fractionated, synthetically-derived pill will fill the gaps in our diets. Not so!

Sure, laboratory-made vitamin and mineral supplements have their rightful place in certain disease conditions and deficiencies - for short-term usage only - but for general health and well-being and the prevention of disease, consumption of whole, unprocessed foods as Mother Nature presents them is the way to go. Additionally, naturally-derived supplements such as herbal capsules, tinctures, teas, and herbal syrups, plus brewer's yeast, spirulina, blue-green algae, chlorella, and barley and alfalfa grasses,to name a few, are wonderful, nutrient-dense foods to include in your beautiful-skin regimen.

The recipe that follows and the future edible skin care recipes that I will share with you in the next few weeks, are chock-full of easily absorbable vitamins and minerals. They'll also provide you with a delicious way to boost your energy level as well as your natural immunity.


Recipe: SKIN-SATIONAL HERB TEA

This herb tea, also referred to as a herbal infusion, is a tasty blend that, hot or cold, helps replenish a deficient system and restores lackluster skin, hair, and nails. All herbs in this formula are in dried form. Please purchase organically-grown herbs whenever possible.

2 tablespoons lemon balm leaves
1 tablespoon lavender flowers
1 tablespoon peppermint leaves
1 tablespoon chamomile flowers
1 tablespoon rose petals
1 tablespoon nettle leaves
1 tablespoon alfalfa leaves
1 tablespoon rose hips
2 teaspoons dandelion leaves
2 teaspoons raspberry leaves
1/2 teaspoon ginger root

To Make: Combine all herbs in a medium-size bowl and stir to blend. Store in a tightly-sealed tin, jar, or plastic tub or bag away from light in a cool, dry location. Best if used within 6 months.

To Use: Bring a cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon of dried tea blend. Cover and allow to steep for 10-15 minutes or longer. The longer it steeps, the more nutrients will be infused into the water. Strain before drinking. Add honey, cream, or lemon if desired. Drink 1-2 cups daily.

Yield: Approximately 30 cups of tea


Disclaimer: This article was adapted from the book, "Naturally Healthy Skin" by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 1999. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author. The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist if you have any questions regarding herb usage.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Herbal Treatments For Toenail Fungus - Part III

Today, I will give you another herbal remedy for treating toenail fungus. You can use this recipe in conjunction with the "Antifungal Toenail Liniment" recipe previously given. Apply this oil after the liniment has dried. Use this oil consistently for at least six months or longer or until the fungus has disappeared.

"Tough On Fungus Toenail Drops"

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons tea tree essential oil
2 teaspoons thyme essential oil
2 teaspoons clove or thyme essential oil
4 teaspoons jojoba oil (used for dilution of essential oils)

To Make:
Combine all ingredients and pour into a 2-ounce glass bottle. Shake well.

To Use:
Place a drop or two on each toenail morning and night and rub in well, then dress as you normally do.

Storage:
Store bottle in a cool, dry, dark cabinet. Do not refrigerate as the jojoba oil will harden.

NOTE: This information was adapted from the book, "Natural Foot Care - Herbal Treatments, Massage, And Exercises For Healthy Feet", by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing 1998. The information in this article is for educational purposes only and any recommendations for health care are made without guarantee on the part of the author. The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. Please use common sense when self-treating with herbs and essential oils and consult a professional herbalist/aromatherapist when appropriate.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Herbal Treatments For Toenail Fungus, Part II

As promised in Part I of this topic on natural toenail fungus treatments, the following is a recipe for herbal treatment of this problem:

AntiFungal Toenail Liniment

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons dried black walnut hulls or 8 tablespoons fresh and chopped fine
2 tablespoons dried, chopped goldenseal root or Oregon grape root
1 tablespoon powdered myrrh gum
40 drops tea tree essential oil
40 drops thyme essential oil
40 drops tincture of iodine
2 cups vodka (must be at least 80-proof or 40% alcohol by volume)

Yield: Will make approx. 1.5 cups of liniment

To make:
1) In a quart-sized (liter-sized), wide-mouthed canning jar, add the black walnut hulls, goldenseal or Oregon grape root, myrrh gum, essential oils, and iodine, then pour in the alcohol. Cap jar with plastic wrap first, then screw on the metal lid. Shake daily.
2) After at least 14 days have passed (I really recommend 4 to 12 weeks; it makes for a stronger formula), you may strain the mixture through hosiery-lined cheese cloth or through a coffee filter, then squeeze and twist the cloth or squeeze the filter to wring out all of the liquid.
3) Pour the finished formula into two, 8-ounce bottles or four, 4-ounce bottles with dropper tops (if available).

To use:
Morning, noon, and night, if possible, apply a few drops to all toenails, rub in thoroughly, and allow to dry before putting on hosiery, socks, or footwear. Repeat this procedure daily for as long as it takes to rid your toenails of fungus. The herbs in this recipe have potent antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Remember that toenail fungus can be difficult to eradicate whether using herbal treatments or conventional medications. Please be consistent and persistent with your treatments in order to obtain success.

Storage:
Refrigeration is not necessary. This product will keep for up to 5 years, easily. Do store bottles in a dark, cool, cabinet, though.

NOTE: This recipe was adapted from the book, "Natural Foot Care: Herbal Treatments, Massage, and Exercises for Healthy Feet", by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 1998. All recommendations are made without guarantee on part of the author. The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. Please use common sense when working with natural healing therapies and ask questions from qualified professionals when need be.