How to Grow Long, Healthy and Strong Hair Fast

Up until last year, I had hair that came to about my shoulders. It was relatively healthy, but it had been in the same style for years and it was time for a change. I thought of getting my hair cut short, but I had done that before and I wanted to try something different. I also wanted to grow my hair long so I could eventually donate it to a charity.

With these goals in mind, I set out to grow my hair long, strong and healthy. I also had a few requirements:

1. I wanted to use only natural products

2. I didn't want to spend a lot of money

3. I wanted the hair growth to happen fast

A tall order, for sure, but I was determined to make it happen. I am happy to report that after about one year, my hair has grown down to the middle of my back, and it is longer (and healthier) than it has ever been!

So how can you grow healthy, long hair quickly and easily?

Step 1: Get a haircut

I know what you're thinking, "But I'm trying to grow it long! Getting a haircut is the opposite of that." I know it seems counter-intuitive, but trust me, it improves the overall health of your hair and will allow you to grow long hair that looks and feels healthy. Think of it this way, if your ends are damaged or split, the damage will eventually travel up the hair shaft, making it break. Broken hair is shorter hair, and split hair is unhealthy and will look (and feel) damaged. Getting your hair ends trimmed will help your hair stay healthy, and will allow you to easily grow it long without having to battle broken hair.

Step 2: Don't over-style

Blow dryers, curling irons, hot rollers, flat irons, bleach, commercial color, perms, teasing brushes - they can all wreak havoc on your tresses. Try to significantly limit, or even eliminate, using these styling elements, and you will quickly notice a difference in the quality of your hair. Likewise, take precautions when swimming by applying conditioner to wet hair before even heading to the pool.

Step 3: Don't comb your hair when it is wet

One of the quickest ways to stretch, break and damage your hair is by dragging a brush through it while it is wet. If your hair tangles easily like mine did when it was wet, try running your fingers through it right out of the shower or bath. Then, either wrap it up in a microfiber towel (preferably not a terry cloth towel), or leave it hanging down to dry undisturbed. The trick here is leaving your hair alone until it is dry. Don't rub hair vigorously with a towel or twist it to wring it. If you need to, you can always gently pat it dry. Once your hair is completely dry, you can brush it without the damage.

Step 4: Switch to a cruelty-free boar's bristle brush

I used to have what I called pyramid hair. I had flat, oily hair at the roots, and a fuzzy poof of hair at the ends, leaving my hair looking like a pyramid. It was awful, and I would spend a lot of time every day slathering on anti-frizz products, washing my hair to get rid of the oils, and trying to style my hair so that it looked more normal. Now my pyramid hair is history! I picked myself up a cruelty-free 100 percent boar's hair brush, and I noticed a huge difference in my hair in only one week!

Boar's bristle brushes smooth the hair cuticle and massage the scalp, leading to healthy hair growth, plenty of shine, smooth hair, and well distributed natural hair oils (sebum). Now my morning routine consists of me waking up and brushing my hair with the boar's hair brush, that's it! No more expensive (and ineffective) products to tame the frizz, I have no frizz to tame. No more scrubbing the oil from my scalp, I simply redistribute the oils to the tips of my hair with my daily brushing. Using the boar's hair brush twice every day has made the biggest difference in my hair, and it is a difference I can both feel and see.

Step 5: Wash hair less often

By now you're probably already thinking, "Ew. No, I have to wash my hair every day." Trust me, I used to wash my hair every day, too, but now I wash my hair only a few times per week. Washing hair every day strips the natural oils from hair, leaving it dry and delicate. By going longer in between washings, you are allowing the hair oils to naturally distribute throughout your hair. This is especially true if you use the boar's hair brush mentioned in Step 4. Worried that hair will be dirty and stinky? No need to worry. My hair always smells fresh and is perfectly clean. When I exercise, if I am in between shampoos, I rinse my hair thoroughly with water to remove any sweat, and I allow the hair to dry naturally. I also use my boar's hair brush to remove pollutants, dirt, and pollens from my hair by brushing thoroughly a few times a day. Yes, there can be an adjustment period, but if you stick with it for a short while, you will notice an amazing difference in your hair.

Step 6: Switch to natural shampoos and conditioners

I used to spend a fortune on shampoos and conditioners that left my hair looking OK - not great, but OK. When I finally made the switch to a natural shampoo and conditioner, I couldn't believe the difference. My hair was shiny, full of body, manageable, smooth and smelled incredible! I have never gone back to the chemical concoctions that I used to use on my hair. If I can't pronounce it, I don't use it on my hair. For me, natural works best, and it allows my hair to kind of self-regulate, as strange as that may sound. My hair now cranks out an appropriate amount of oil, distributed by brushing, and it so silky that I often only need a tiny dollop of conditioner. Whenever I do shampoo, I apply a dime sized amount of conditioner or oil to the ends of my hair only, and my hair is more manageable and healthier than ever. If you can, ditch the chemicals, and switch to more gentle shampoos and conditioners. Some people even choose to go shampoo-free, which I think is very cool, I just haven't given it a try yet!

Step 7: Mind what you eat

A healthy diet means healthy hair. Eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, and other healthy foods will accelerate hair growth, and will help to make your long hair healthy. When I switched my dietary habits a year ago, I noticed a difference in my body immediately. It wasn't until a few months of hair growth had passed that I noticed the great effects my diet had on my hair. Also, add a multivitamin to your daily routine, and make sure that it includes biotin. Great hair starts with great nutrition!

Step 8: Be careful how you style your hair

Tight braids that pull hair, snugly wrapped coiled buns, or root tugging ponytails are all off limits as they can damage hair over time. Instead, opt for loose ponytails, loose French twists, loose buns, and other styles that don't put too much stress on your hair. After all, if you want to grow long, healthy hair, breaking it off during styling will definitely not help. Keep this in mind when you are buying hair accessories, as well. Avoid anything that looks damaging, or could get snagged in your locks.

It may also be a good idea to wear your hair with the ends tucked in as often as possible. There is a theory that not exposing hair ends to the air constantly will keep them from drying out, and will promote faster hair growth. It can't hurt to try it, and the styles are gorgeous.

Step 9: Deep condition

About once a month, treat your hair to a deep conditioning. This can be a homemade deep conditioner or a natural deep conditioner that you purchase. Either way, your hair will thank you for the extra love and moisture!

Step 10: Bedtime for your hair

Never sleep with loose hair. Put it into a loose style before going to bed so it does not become the victim of bedhead friction. If you can't sleep unless your hair is loose, pick yourself up a satin pillowcase to lessen the friction on your hair.

Follow these easy tips, and you'll see longer, healthier, stronger hair in no time. Good luck, and happy hair growing!

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Best Facial Cleanser and Lotion ... And It's Homemade

I have never grown out of the acne-prone skin I developed in high school. It's not as bad as it was back then, but I still have monthly breakouts that sometimes include very painful pimples across all layers of my skin. During the past two decades, I have experimented with every acne product in the drugstore: the cleansers, the scrubs, the lotions, the creams, the vitamins, the sponges, the soaps and the masks. I have tried multiple brands of each of these products, as well. In college, I even tried that expensive monthly club that charged $40 a month for a little bottle of cleanser and astringent that I could barely stretch over the 30 days. It didn't help, anyway.

So, here I am, with acne that isn't quite that bad, but skin that still breaks out and, worse, has pitted scars to remind me of the skin that plagued me in my teens and early 20s. My adequate drug-store skin regimen included a Buff Puff sponge with Noxema to exfoliate, wash with antibacterial Dial soap, and then moisturize with Cetaphil lotion. But I still wasn't happy with my skin.
 

The Recipes

I use two 2-ounce baby food jars: one for my face cleanser and the other for my homemade moisturizer. The cleanser lasts me about two weeks washing morning and night, and the lotion lasts for weeks. There is at least one night per week, however, that skip my cleanser and go straight for a pure baking soda scrub for a microdermabrasion effect. A regimen of one microdermabrasion a week is helping reduce the appearance of my pitted acne scars. After two months, people have started to notice that my skin is smoother and more even without any prodding from me whatsoever.

Face Cleanser

3 Tbsp ground oatmeal (not instant)

3 Tbsp baking soda

3 Tbsp of honey

3 Tbsp of water

1. Ground up your oatmeal in a blender. I have another container I use to store the unused portion so that, when it's time to make a new batch, my oatmeal is ready to go.

2. Add the oatmeal and the baking soda to the baby food jar.

3. Next, add the water. Put the lid on the jar and shake it vigorously. This helps shrink the mixture down and thin it out enough to mix it with the honey.

4. Add the honey to the jar and shake again. Really shake it so that all of the ingredients mix together well. The solution will likely be thin at first, but will thicken overnight as the oatmeal absorbs the water and honey.

5. When it's time to use the cleanser, you may need to reshake the jar or stir it with your finger first. The thinner the mixture is, the more the ingredients will separate with the heavier baking soda settling on the bottom.

Understanding that this recipe is the one that has been working wonders on my skin, you may require a slight adjustment. For example, one of the recipes I tried included a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil. This reduced the abrasion of the baking soda and thickened the solution into a paste-like texture. If you find that my recipe is too harsh for your skin, consider reducing the baking soda to 2 tablespoons and add a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil.

Moisturizing Lotion

2 Tbsp unrefined coconut oil

.5 Tbsp of honey

.5 Tbsp of water

Put everything in a jar and, if your coconut oil is soft enough, just shake the jar until everything is mixed; if not, use your finger to mix it together. It should be creamy when you're done, with a slight brown tint. For your morning moisturizing, use a small amount on the tip of your finger. A little bit of this lotion goes a long way. If you do a pure baking soda scrub at night, use a bit more and really coat your skin to protect it.

Since this lotion is oil-based, be aware that its texture is dependent upon the temperature in the room. If it gets too warm, it will liquify; if it gets too cold, it will be harder. Additionally, keep the lotion in an air-tight jar. The honey in it will crystallize if you leave the lid off. If this happens, simply put some on your finger, run it under water and rub your hands together to smooth it back out.

Pure Baking Soda Scrub

If you have scars that you want to treat, one or two nights per week, wet your face, add about half a tablespoon of baking soda to a damp washcloth, and massage it over your face for about a minute. Thoroughly rinse and put a generous amount of coconut oil over your skin to protect it overnight.

The Research

How did I come to these recipes? Well, first I spent some time researching homemade facial scrubs. I came across a lot of recipes online. Some mixed different combinations of these ingredients with oils, vinegar toners, citrus juices, and other household and food products. As I researched those products, I found that the four ingredients in this recipe had all the properties I needed in a skin-care regimen.

After selecting my ingredients, I experimented with different combinations until I found a texture that gave me that clean-skin feeling without being too abrasive, and there were a few days where I scrubbed off a bit too much skin. It's hard not to get a little zealous about a new scrub, but do start slow or you can do more harm than good, even with these all-natural, homemade recipes.

Let me share a summary of this research with you, including some cautions about using baking soda recipes on your skin as it can affect the pH of your skin.

• Oatmeal is not only a gentle exfoliant, it helps reduce swelling, dryness and itching in skin. Its starches, beta-glucan, saponins and phenols have been shown to not only help problem skin heal, but actually buffer and clean skin.

• Honey is both antiseptic and provides a layer of protection for wounds. It is also a natural preservative for your homemade recipes. It's also a great way to lighten scars, moisturize skin and treat eczema.

• Baking soda is an abrasive that exfoliates the skin. In addition to whitening teeth, baking soda can provide various levels of skin cleansing from light exfoliation to a microdermabrasion-like treatment.

• Unrefined coconut oil is a great natural moisturizer for hair and skin. Various studies suggest that coconut oil is effective at treating some skin conditions and conditioning hair. Remember, a little bit goes a long way.

Balancing the pH

In my research, I encountered some who caution against using baking soda on your skin. After all, some use this chemical to scrub their sinks and toilets. The main objection is that our skin has a natural acidic top layer, or an acid mantel, that protects us from bacteria. Scrubbing this layer away can cause worse breakouts, and do that is especially easy with baking soda, which is a base. The above recipes and skin care regimen works to keep your skin's pH at the right level and maintain a protective layer at all times.

If you find that you're breaking out too much, reduce how vigorously you scrub. I noticed, in the first couple weeks, that I was breaking out after doing my microdermabrasion treatments with baking soda. Of course, I was doing it two consecutive nights. When I cut that down to one night a week, I stopped breaking out. Your skin is unique so you'll need to use a little trial and error to find the right regimen for you, but err on the side of caution.

• Oatmeal pH is about 5.5 (weak acid) - about the same as black coffee or urine

• Honey has an average pH of about 3.9 (moderate acid) - about the same as tomato juice and acid rain

• Baking soda has a pH of about 9 (weak alkaline)

• Water is neutral

Using only the oatmeal and baking soda with water would create a slightly acidic, but close to neutral solution. Adding a bit of honey tips the scale toward the acidic side, which helps fend off bacteria and match the natural pH of your skin, which is about 4.5 to 5.

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Eco-Friendly Living: Uses for Lemon Juice and Lemon Peels

Going Green

Nearly every house has lemon juice or fresh lemons in the kitchen. Sure, you could use them to make lemonade; but sometimes you've got juice leftover, or of course, the rinds. Fortunately, lemon juice and lemon peels can be used as an eco-friendly alternative in several different areas of the home.

Plastic Food Container (such as Tupperware) Stains

Nothing is worse than finding out your new tupperware has a food stain, such as spaghetti. Using half a lemon, squeeze the juice into the container and rub thoroughly. Allow the container to sit for approximately 20 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.

Grease

Anywhere you've got grease, you can use lemon juice to clean: stove tops, pots and pans, even microwaves. Using a lemon half and some salt, rub the grease until gone and then wipe up with a clean towel.

Nothing is worse than finding out your tomato soup lunch tastes like your significant other's reheated bacon from breakfast. To prevent these issues, place lemon rinds into a bowl of water and microwave for 2 to 5 minutes (5 minutes for tougher food build-up.) Wipe away the steamed interior with a towel for a clean, fresh-scented microwave. This works especially well for food that's exploded and crusted onto the microwave's interior.

Ink Stains on Clothing

When applied directly, lemon juice can help remove ink stains. Pour directly onto the stain and wash in cold water.

Beauty Treatments: Age Spots, High Lights and Dry Elbows

If you're familiar with beauty tips that utilize lemon (think, lemon in your hair for natural summer high lights,) then perhaps you've heard of this one: lemon can be used to to lighten age spots. Simply take a small piece of lemon peel and apply it to the affected area. Leave the peel on for up to an hour. (Author's Note: this remedy will not necessarily remove all of the age spot and may not work for everyone.)

Not only that, but lemons can also be used to soften elbows. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle each half with baking soda. Then, use your elbow as if it were a juicer for several minutes; rinse and dry for softer elbows.

Clothing and Under Arm Stains

Combining equal parts lemon juice and white vinegar in the wash can help remove under arm stains on shirts.

Cat Box Odor

If you're like me, you've got a cat (or two) and you hate the smell of the litter box. Fortunately, a few slices of lemon in a small dish near the litter box can help deodorize the area.

Lemon Juice as a Polish

You can use lemon juice to polish chrome (such as your faucets or pots and pans.) Once you've used the juice up on the chrome, you can use the rind of the lemon (dipped in salt) on copper, brass and stainless steel items, such as pots and pans, faucets or kitchen sinks. Scrub down with the rind and salt mixture, allow to sit for approximately five minutes, rinse with warm water and allow to dry.

Cleaning Your Garbage Disposal

Instead of throwing out the used lemon peels once you've used them for these other issues, you can squeeze one last use out of them: deodorizing your garbage disposal. Just throw the rinds down the drain, run the water and turn on the garbage disposal and voila: your garbage disposal is fresh, clean and lemony-scented.

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Homemade Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acids Skincare

Do-it-yourself Beauty Products

Acids for skin care are all the rage right now. They are more effective exfoliants than manual exfoliators, as they pose less of a risk for irritating inflamed or sensitive skin. However, skin care products featuring such acids can be pricey sometimes. This doesn't mean that you can't experience their benefits. You can make masks and toners containing these acids right at home for a fraction of the price!

Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) which helps exfoliate your skin cells. Glycolic Acid is found in brown sugar, and you can make a great exfoliant by mixing brown sugar and your choice of a skin-friendly oil (such as jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil, castor oil, almond oil, etc.) and apply as a paste to your face. Leave it on up to 10 minutes and apply warm water to your face. Scrub gently (if you sensitive skin, just wipe it off) and make sure to rinse off completely.

Lactic acid is another type of alpha hydroxy acid that not only exfoliates superficial skin cells but is also used to hydrate and soothe flaky,dry skin. Lactic acid is found in milk and yogurt, and Cleopatra purportedly bathed in milk to keep her skin supple. To utilize this acid, mix powdered skim milk with honey for a mask that soothes and exfoliates simultaneously. Or, you can put milk in a spray bottle filled 3/4 of the way with water, and use it to hydrate your face anytime you need a pick-me-up, the way that Cindy Crawford does when she travels (this is to counter the drying effects of the dehydrating air within the airplane cabin, which can sometimes get drier than the Sahara Desert!) For acne, you can mix lemon juice, cucumber juice and yogurt and put it on as a mask for around 10 minutes. You'll find that your skin is brighter and pinker and more uniform in color.

Citric acid is often used in skin-creams, toners and face cleansers to balance the PH of your skin, and also, works as a natural preservative of the ingredients in the products. Citric acid is found in lemons, oranges and grapefruits. You can use lemon juice in your masks (great when mixed with egg whites) or you can grind the rind of an orange and mix it with oatmeal for a clarifying mask.

Malic Acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid and is found in apples. If you have never tried apple cider vinegar for your skin, you should try it. It's great for reducing the amount of oil your skin produces and also helps even out your skin tone. You certainly should try organic apple cider vinegar (such as the cult-favorite, Bragg's), as it isn't processed (it still contains the mother-web at the bottom of the bottle).

Tartaric acid is yet another type of alpha hydroxy acid that is found in grapes. Grape masks are great for rejuvenating aging skin and really makes the skin look brighter. Crush a few grapes and leave it on your face for 5-10 minutes. Wash off and make sure to apply a suitable moisturizer for your skin type.

Salicylic Acid (which is found in aspirin, and trace amounts can be found in aloe vera and strawberries) is a type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) which penetrates yours pores and gets beneath the sebum and dissolves and exfoliates dead skin cells. My favorite mask to use for my acne-prone skin is a mixture of honey, aloe vera and crushed and dissolved aspirin pills. When applied for 10-20 minutes, it works to exfoliate my skin and helps soothe any painful zits I have. This is great for reducing any cysts you might have, and also helps de-plug any blackheads and clogged pores. Also, you can make a great toner by mixing apple cider vinegar, green tea and a few aspirin pills. Let the pills dissolve, and make sure to use this up within a few days.

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DIY: Whiten Your Teeth Naturally

There are many ways to whiten your teeth naturally. This is good for a lot of us that can't afford the $45.00 whitening strips, or the expensive whitening care your cosmetic dentist might offer. The secret to whitening your teeth is malic acid. I learned in chemistry class that Malic acid acts like an astringent to remove discoloration from your teeth. Strawberries are your cheap cosmetic dentists! This sweet tooth-cleanser removes stains like OxyClean: coffee, red wine, dark sodas and teas. This is a great natural remedy, but you have to make sure not to use it too much because as it removes stains it could also remove your tooth's healthy enamel.

You Need:

1 super ripe strawberry

½ teaspoon of baking soda

Soft toothbrush

Directions to Strawberry Whitening:

Place your rips strawberry in a zip-tight bag, and then squish your strawberry with your hand. If you want you could take a can and gently press down onto the strawberry so that you don't break open the bag. After your strawberry is squished add the baking soda, and mix. When your mixture is nicely mixed, use your soft tooth-brush and spread the mixture on the toothbrush's head. Spread (don't brush) the mixture onto your teeth. Leave the mixture on your teeth for five minutes, then brush thoroughly with toothpaste to remove the bakingsoda/strawberry mixture. Rinse your teeth thoroughly to get all of the mixture out. Then if you have some seeds in your teeth use floss to extract the seeds from your teeth. I said the mixture was not good if you used it a lot. If you want to keep whitening your teeth this way you should do it not more than once a week.

I tried this and my teeth haven't been this white in a long time. The strawberries are very effective. Then again, everyone has different types of teeth structure. If you use it every once a week and your teeth feel sensitive, try once every two weeks, and if that doesn't work add another week until you get comfortable. If your teeth are really sensitive I would not recommend you using baking soda. I tried it with and without baking soda and both ways were effective it just took longer to work when I only used the strawberries. Both ways are effective.

Other Options:

Brush your teeth after each big meal

You can try salt

Put baking soda on your toothbrush

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Natural Tooth Whiteners Will Have You Smiling

Keep Your Teeth Sparkling Without Using Harsh Chemicals

Are you chagrined by your less-than-pearly whites, but concerned about what chemicals and abrasive whitening toothpastes might do to your gums and tooth enamel? Don't worry, mother nature has answers. Whether you prefer to buy prepared natural toothpaste or make your own tooth whitener at home, you can improve your smile without resorting to the use of harsh chemicals.

Know what to expect
Contrary to what ad agents would have us believe, the natural color of human teeth is not snow white. Even the healthiest teeth are slightly yellow or gray. Photos of models and celebrities have been usually touched up or the owners of those blinding white smiles have had porcelain veneers applied. Before you begin a whitening treatment, understand that you may only be able to lighten the color of your teeth by two or three shades. While light tea stains may go without much of a fight, grayness caused by the antibiotic tetracycline may be quite difficult to remove. What's more, if you continue the habits that stained your teeth, you'll have to redo the treatment a few months later.

Natural commercial products
The definition of "natural" is slippery, but whitening toothpastes marketed as natural usually are made only from herbs and minerals. This means no fluoride, aspartame, or other "unnatural chemicals." Be aware, though, that your definition of natural may differ from the manufacture's, so check the ingredients list before you buy. Some herbal pruducts available include:

Jason Natural Cosmetics Powersmile
Powersmile uses bamboo podwer, calcium carbonate, and silica to reverse dullness and discoloration. Another active ingredient, perilla seed, prevents sugars from bonding with minerals and forming tartar. The added peppermint oil leaves the mouth feeling fresh.

Vita-Myr
A unique toothpaste that combines cloves to kill germs, myrrh and folic acid to heal gums, and zinc to slow plaque growth. This herbal product is gentle, but effective enough to remove yellowing caused by plaque.

Nature's Gate Dental Therapy Whitening Gel
The silica, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), pineapple, and bamboo powder in this toothpaste help whiten teeth, while the antiseptic qualities of goldenseal, sage, and licorice extracts keep the mouth clean. The toothpaste's good taste comes from refreshing mint oils and sweet stevia extract.

Kiss My Face Whitening Certified Organic Aloe Vera Toothpaste
This toothpaste whitens teeth with silica and Icelandic moss, and keeps gums in shape with horse chestnut. The soothing aloe vera this toothpaste contains makes it a good choice for those with sensitive gums.

Homemade Tooth whiteners

If you'd rather know exactly what goes into your toothpaste, you can make your own at home. As an added benefit, doing so will
save you some money, too.

Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent and, used daily, can be as effective as chemical whiteners. Make a paste from one teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of salt and use this every time you brush.

Orange peels and Bay leaves
Powered bay leaves combined with ground orange peel can make an effective whitener. Simply rubbing the inner side of an orange peel over your teeth can also have a whitening effect.

Strawberries
Strawberries contains an enzyme that whitens teeth and can be used in place of toothpaste. You'll have to floss to get rid of the seeds, but the strawberry's taste makes up for that. Mash a large strawberry into a paste and either brush with this.

Hydrogen peroxide
Regularly rinsing your mouth with 3% hydrogen peroxide from the drugstore can also help lighten the color or your teeth. Be warned, though, that many find the taste and the foaming sensation of hydrogen peroxide unpleasant. Also, store-bought peroxide contains chemical stabilizers, so avoid swallowing any.

Keep them white
Strong teeth are stain-resistant teeth. Taking a multi-vitamin and drinking mineral water will help your teeth get the minerals they need to stay in top form. Needless to say, coffee, tea, and smoking will all discolor teeth, so avoiding these will help your teeth stay whiter. Many berries and some vegetables can also leave their mark on your teeth over time, so brush as soon as possible after eating or drinking anything likely to cause stains.

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Natural Skin Care: Homemade Honey Face Wash for Acne Prone Skin

I thought that once I entered my twenties, my fight with acne was over; boy was I wrong. As an adult, I have continued to fight intermittent breakouts that are both frustrating and embarrassing. While there are many companies that cater to the adult acne sufferer, I have found that homemade treatments work just as well for a fraction of the cost. Here are some healthier alternatives to chemical laden acne face washes that use honey and other natural ingredients.

The Bacteria Acne Connection

While bacteria don't specifically cause acne, bacteria can make acne prone skin worse. Natural bacteria that is found on the skin's surface can become trapped in pores and produce chemicals that can irritate skin, causing inflammation and leading to breakouts. In order to fight acne, it is important to kill the bacteria that can hinder your fresh faced look. One of the best natural ways to kill bacteria is by using honey.

Why Honey?

Honey is a great natural way to fight acne breakouts because it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Honey also has natural antioxidants that help get rid of harmful toxins from your skin. The antibacterial properties found in honey help to kill harmful bacteria that can make acne worse. Unlike over the counter acne face washes which can be harsh, irritating and overly drying to skin, honey is soothing and cleanses while also hydrating.

Tips for Buying Your Ingredients

There are a few tips to follow when you buy ingredients for a honey face wash. Make sure you use raw honey. Raw honey is the most effective at preventing acne as many of honey's antibacterial properties can be lost when it is processed. Manuka honey is all the rage right now and has been shown to be more effective than regular raw honey at fighting bacteria, but any raw honey will work well. Whatever type of honey you decide to use, you always want to make sure you purchase pure ingredients. I buy my honey and other ingredients for homemade beauty treatments at a health food store to ensure the best possible quality.

Here are two homemade honey facial treatments that are gentle enough to be used daily to stop acne in its tracks.

Homemade Honey Face Wash Recipe

To make natural homemade honey face wash for treating acne, mix together 1/4 cup of honey, 1/2 cup of water and two tablespoons of a natural mild soap. Two of my favorites are Dr. Bronner's Baby Mild Liquid Soap and Burt's Bees Baby Bee Shampoo and Wash. Put mixture into a clean bottle with a pour or squeeze spout. To use your homemade face wash, simply massage wash into damp skin. Rinse with warm water, then pat skin dry. Store honey wash in a cool dry place and it will keep for up to two weeks.

Honey Almond Oil Cleansing Mask

Another great homemade honey cleanser for acne prone skin can be made by mixing one tablespoon of almond oil and two tablespoons of honey. To use, apply a light layer to damp skin and massage using a circular motion. Allow mask to sit on skin for twenty minutes before removing with a warm cloth. If your skin is extra oily, add a few drops of lemon juice. Some rosewater added to the honey mixture will help lessen the appearance of scars and smooth skin. Store this mask in the fridge, as almond oil is highly perishable.

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How to Have Great Looking Skin the Natural Way

In todays world, clear and healthy skin however, is often something that is hard to accomplish. Pollutants in the air, foods and beverages we ingest and our own bodies chemical composition are just some of the things that can play a part in how our skin looks. Problem skin can basically be broken down into three areas. Acne, dry skin and oily skin. There are literally thousands of products on the market to help combat these problems, however many of them can be extremely harsh on your skin and many are just simply ineffective. What many people don't realize, is that there are also many natural products that can be used to help you skin that are far more gentle and less damaging.

For Acne

Acne is an inflammatory disorder of the skin. Acne is formed when oil becomes trapped in sebaceous glands. Bacteria then begins to multiply in the follicle causing the skin to become inflamed. Acne is not caused by your pores being dirty, but by over active oil glands. The pores become sticky due to excess oil which allows the bacteria to become trapped inside. Blackheads are also not caused by dirt, but form when sebum combines with skin pigment and plugs the pores. There are many, many factors that can contribute to acne. Hereditary conditions, oily skin, allergies, stress, certain medications, junk food and cosmetics are only some of the causes. There is however, one key factor behind many skin disorders. One of the skins functions is to remove a portion of the bodies waste products by sweating. As toxins escape through the skin, it disrupts the skins balance, and can cause break outs. As you can see, there are numerous reasons why we have break outs, which is why acne can be so difficult to overcome.

There are quite a few natural vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements that can be taken though that can help with acne. Some of the vitamin and mineral supplements are:

Chromium picolinate- Aids in reducing infections in the skin.

Essential Fatty Acids (flaxseed oil, primrose oil, etc.)- Helps keep skin smooth and soft, repairs damaged skin cells and dissolves fatty deposits that block pores.

Vitamin B Complex- Needed for healthy skin tone. Improves blood flow to the surface of the skin.

Zinc- Aids in the healing of tissues and helps prevent scarring.

Colloidal silver- Is a natural antibiotic and disinfectant.

Vitamin A- Strengthens the protective skin tissue.

Vitamin E- An antioxidant that enhances healing.

Some herbal supplements and remedies that can be used for acne are:

Burdock root and Red clover teas- Are strong blood cleansers which aids in having healthy skin.

Green clay powder and Raw Honey- Can be mixed and used as a facial mask. Green clay powder can be found in most health food stores. Mix 1 tsp. green clay powder with 1 tsp. raw honey. Apply to face avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca) oil- A wonderful natural antibiotic and antiseptic for the skin. Add 1 dropperful of tea tree oil to 1/4 cup warm water and apply to face with a clean cotton ball. You can also find soaps that contain tea tree oil. One body wash that works very well for acne is called Body Essence Ultra Moisturizing Tea Tree Oil Body Wash with Olive Oil proteins. This product is available at Wal-Mart and is great to use on your entire body.

Witch Hazel- A wonderful cleanser and astringent for your skin. Helps reduce excess oil and tones the skin. Is extremely mild and non irritating. Apply with a clean cotton ball once or twice daily.

For Dry Skin

The correct balance of oil and moisture is essential to healthy, clear skin. Contrary to the popular phrase "Oil and water don't mix," oil and water work together to keep your skin healthy. Your skin must have enough moisture in the skin cells, but there also has to be the proper amount of oil to prevent excessive evaporation of moisture from the skins top layers. There are actually two different types of dry skin. Simple dry skin and complex dry skin. Simple dry skin comes from an insufficient amount of natural oils. Complex dry skin is lacking in both oil and moisture. Dry skin is often dull looking, scaly and flaky. Complex dry skin is often shown by signs of fine lines, discoloration, enlarged pores, brown spots and sagging skin. Chapping and cracking are also signs of dehydrated and dry skin. Dry skin is most often found on areas of the body that are most exposed to the elements, although in areas where the air is quite dry, it can be a problem on the whole body. It can also be aggravated by environmental factors, chemicals and detergents, poor diet habits and bathing with harsh soaps. Nutritional deficiencies can also cause dry skin.

Some vitamins and minerals that can help with dry skin are:

Primrose oil- Contains linoleic acid, which is an essential fatty acid needed by the skin.

Vitamin A- Strengthens and protects the skin tissues.

Kelp- Supplies balanced minerals and helps to provide a good skin tone.

Vitamin E- Applied topically, can help to minimize wrinkling.

Zinc- Is necessary for the proper functioning of the oil-producing glands of the skin.

Collagen- A cream that can restore a healthy tone to dry and damaged skin.

Some herbal supplements and remedies that can be used for dry skin are:

Aloe Vera- when used topically, Aloe Vera has healing and moisturizing properties.

Calendula, Comfrey and Lavender- Can be made into herbal or floral water mists and sprayed onto the skin to help moisturize and soften skin and sooth irritation. Add a few drops of essential oil to 4-5 ounces of water or make an infusion with fresh leaves and flowers. Use to mist your skin throughout the day.

Other ways to help with dry skin are:

Drink plenty of water to help keep skin well hydrated.

Do not use harsh soaps, cold cream or cleansing cream made from hydrogenated oils.

Use a loofah sponge to improve circulation and remove dead skin cells.

Soak in a warm bath with 2 tablespoons pure olive oil added to the water.

Use a moisturizer after cleansing. Use a liquid moisturizer. Do not use solid or waxy moisturizing creams.

Oily Skin

Oily skin is caused by the bodies sebaceous glands producing more oil than is needed for lubrication of the skin. This can clog pores and cause blemishes. Doctors presumably think that oily skin is mainly heredity, but other factors such as hormone levels and diet can cause excess oil as well. Hot weather and humidity can also stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Negative aspects of oily skin include break outs, enlarged pores and a constant shiny, greasy appearance. Oily skin however, does have a few positive points. It helps to slow the process of fine lines and wrinkles as well as age spots.

Some vitamins and minerals that can be used for oily skin are:

Flaxseed oil and Primrose oil capsules- Supplies necessary fatty acids.

Vitamin A- Necessary for healing and for building new skin tissue.
 

Vitamin B Complex- Are important for healthy skin tone.
 

Kelp- Supplies balanced minerals that are needed for good skin tone.

Some herbal supplements and remedies that are good for oily skin are:

Aloe Vera- Applied topically, helps to heal skin problems.
 

Burdock root and Chamomile- Help provide essential nutrients to the skin.
 

Witch Hazel- Has astringent properties and helps to tone the skin.

Other ways to help oily skin are:

Keep your skin clean. Use gentle soaps with no artificial additives. Wash 2-3 times daily.

Do not use cleansers or lotions that contain alcohol.

After cleansing, use an oil free moisturizer.

Use a loofah sponge to improve circulation and help remove dead skin cells.

Use a clay mask to help clear away excess oil.

With so many different types of skin problems, it can often be difficult to achieve clear, healthy looking skin. With a little persistence and experimentation though, there is bound to be something out there that will help you. Even if you have combination skin, a mixture of dry and oily skin, it can still be fixed. Simply treat the dry skin for dry skin, and the oily skin for oily skin. Please also note that some of these vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements are meant to be taken orally. I highly recommend that before starting to take any new regimen, you check with your family physician as some natural substances can have adverse affects when mixed with prescription medication. Also, it is always best to take any new supplement under a doctors supervision, as anyone can have an allergic reaction to anything they may ingest. Good luck to all in your quest for clear, beautiful and healthy skin.

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Natural Remedies for Chlorine Damaged Hair

While swimming in the pool may be great for your body, it is horrible for your hair. A few days in the pool can lead to dry, damaged and brittle hair. While you can buy products to help your hair they are often expensive and made out of the same ingredients you can find in your own home. The best cure is prevention, a swimming cap will prevent most damage from occurring. Swimming caps aren't always practical so try adding some olive oil to your hair before swimming, the oil will coat your hair and help prevent the chlorine from penetrating the hair strands. If the damage is already done, this guide will detail 8 natural remedies for fixing your chlorine damaged hair.

1. Eggs
Eggs are full of proteins that can strengthen chlorine damaged hair. Crack and egg or two into a bowl, add a tablespoon of water per egg and whip with a fork. Apply to your hair and let the eggs soak in for fifteen minutes. Then simply rinse out.

2. Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is made of eggs and oil, both of which are great for your hair. Heat the mayonnaise in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Apply the mixture to your hair and let soak for ten to fifteen minutes.

3. Vinegar

Vinegar not only cleanses your hair, but it conditions it too. Add some vinegar to a spray bottle and spray it onto your hair before shampooing. This will help remove the chlorine from your damaged hair.

4. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been used for centuries as a natural hair and skin conditioner. It has a low melting point so it will turn from solid to oil in your hands. Apply liberally to your hair and give it time to soak in. Rinse out.

5. Beer

Beer doesn't only taste good, it is great for your hair. Put some in a spray bottle and spray a small amount onto your hair before styling. Don't worry the smell goes away in a few minutes.

6. Olive Oil

Apply a few tablespoons of olive oil to your chlorine damaged hair before styling it. You can also apply the oil to your hair in the shower before shampooing, the heat of the shower will help the oil penetrate your hair.

7. Aspirin

Aspirin can not only help with your headache, it can help remove the green tint chlorine damaged blondes can get. Crush about ten aspirin tablets and add them into a small glass of water. Apply to your hair and let it set in for about ten minutes. Rinse out.

8. Banana and Avocado

Smash together a very ripe banana with a very ripe avocado. Apply it to your hair and as with the other remedies let it set in before rinsing. Both banana and avocado are great for conditioning chlorine damaged dry hair.

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Natural Remedies for Acne

There are many individuals around the world who suffer from bad skin flare ups on a regular basis. Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, blotches, acne, cuts, burns and under eye circles can be cause for much embarrassment and hassle for anyone who has to deal with them. But before you run out and buy the most expensive creams, lotions and prescriptions to treat your skin condition, you should know that there are natural ways to alleviate your skin problems.

Though it's always best for you to go to your doctor for traditional medicine, it's also a good idea to treat yourself naturally between costly prescriptions and for good health. So before you start a natural skin cleansing routine, you should first clear it with your doctor. Here are a few natural remedies found around the house that can help to treat skin problems:

String or Snap Beans: If you are plagued with acne, you may just want to brew your bumps away. Boil a tablespoon of string or snap beans in water and allow it to cool completely. When it is cool to the touch, use the tea to wash your face morning, noon and night. Also, for the best results you can brew and additional tea and drink it.

If you suffer from chronic eczema, just add three tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers to the snap beans after it has been removed from the stove. Cover the pot and let the tea leaves steep until tea cools. Strain and bottle the tea. Use the tea to wash the face every three hours if possible or at least three times a day.

Horseradish and Vinegar: Vinegar is good at lightening the tone and texture of the skin; horseradish clears up the skin beautifully. So if you suffer from spots and blemishes, a horseradish vinegar mix is perfect for you. Grate a horseradish root into some apple cider vinegar and allow the mixture to sit in the sun for 10 days (on a window sill). Strain the vinegar and place it in an airtight jar. When you are about to use the mixture, you should dilute the vinegar with water or milk by 50% and use it to wash the face. Diluting the mixture with milk really helps to relieve eczema itch.

Olive Oil: Olive oil is one of those natural ingredients that work many wonders for the skin. It provides the skin with sheen, nourishment and healing. But if you suffer from regular skin lesions from psoriasis or acne or you would like to help cuts to the skin heal faster, then look no further than olive oil. Mix two cups of virgin olive oil with six egg whites. Sterilize a basting brush and apply the egg/olive oil mixture to the wound. Gauze and bandage the wound for healing. You should change the bandage regularly to keep the area hygienic.

Cucumber: Cucumber slices are excellent to use to fight off under eye puffiness and dark circles under eyes. The ascorbic and caffeic acids found in cucumber make them potent against sunburn, swollen eyes, and dermatitis and make cucumber good for smoothing out the skin. You may also grate cucumber and use it as a facial mask to help clear the skin of blemishes, spots, bumps and acne.

Honey: Honey is a great natural ingredient that helps to heal wounds. So if you have psoriasis and eczema outbreak that leaves your skin damaged and cut a treatment from honey is what you need to undo the damage of these skin ailments. You can mix 80% honey with 20% Vaseline or Crisco shortening and apply it to your wounds and cuts. This mixture is also effective for people who have minor burns. Get a sterilized basting brush and apply the honey/Vaseline mixture to the affected area and bandage.

Amaranth: Amaranth is a natural herb/flower that is also used as a whole grain cereal and as a vegetable in different parts of the world. Amaranth contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C and iron. Amaranth is good for treating many skin problems such as psoriasis, hives, acne and eczema. Just steep a cup of dried amaranth into some boiling water and use it on the affected area for results. Also, you can but amaranth scrubs or amaranth oils if you cannot but amaranth anywhere.

Sea Salt: Sea salt is an amazing natural remedy for skin ailments such as psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. Sea salt has been shown in studies to relieve the itch, burning and sores associated with these skin problems. Just add some sea salts to the bath water and apply the remedy generously over the body at bath time for relief.

Natural, inexpensive and effective is the way to go to heal your skin conditions. You can get rid of your acnes, bumps, blemishes, dark circles, sores all with nature's very own help.

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Natural Skincare Regimen for Oily Skin

Skincare Remedies You Can Find in Your Kitchen

Do you struggle with trying to keep your oily skin under control? If your face looks shinier than ever, maybe you are overdoing your skincare regimen in an attempt to dry up the grease. Switching to a gentle, natural routine might be more beneficial in the long run. The last thing you want to do is dry out your face - it will only cause your skin to produce more oil.

Cleanse: Try washing with a natural oil

Washing your face with oil seems like it would do just the opposite of what you want. Oil cleansing is a method of breaking down oil with natural oils to achieve perfectly balanced skin. Read this post on oil cleansing to learn more. On days that you use the oil cleansing method, there is no need to scrub, tone, or hydrate. Another option is to simply use an oil (coconut, for example) as you would a normal cleanser.

Scrub: Mix up a honey and sugar scrub

Mix honey and sugar together to create a scrub in your desired consistency; rub it onto your skin in a circular motion, then rinse. Honey will keep your face from drying out while the sugar exfoliates to remove loose skin cells to prevent clogged pores. Clogged pores cause breakouts, after all - especially with skin that is naturally oily.

Tone: Try a gentle, homemade astringent

Make your own gentle facial toner using ingredients found in your kitchen. Brew a cup of tea and let a packet of green tea steep for about five minutes. Let the tea cool, then apply it to your face with a cotton pad and let dry. Or, mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts distilled or filtered water. You may need to experiment with the recipe to find what works for you. Let dry and moisturize.

Hydrate: Use a natural moisturizer

Even if you have naturally oily skin, it's a good idea to keep it hydrated; attempting to dry out skin will actually have the reverse effect, and you will produce excess oil to compensate. A small amount of a natural oil will keep your face moisturized. Experiment to find out which type works best for you; I tried coconut oil and found that, even after a couple months, my face felt greasy while using it. Not every product works for everyone, so play around to find what works for you.

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Top 10 Ways to Use Coconut Oil as a Beauty Product

You might already use coconut oil as a healthy fat in your cooking--but did you know it also has many uses as a natural beauty product? To be honest, there are way more than ten ways to use coconut oil as a beauty product. It wasn't easy, but I finally narrowed it down to the top ten.

1. Facial cleanser. I have heard many people swear by coconut oil as a cleanser and makeup remover. Simply massage it into your skin and remove with a damp washcloth. Pamper yourself further by letting it absorb for a few minutes while placing a warm, damp washcloth over your face, then remove the oil with warm water.

2. Moisturizer and body lotion. Coconut oil is a safe and effective, natural body lotion. You can use coconut oil to moisturize virtually any area of the body. I mainly use it as a facial hydrator, but you can use it on dry knees and elbows, hands...even on your lips and as an anti-wrinkle eye cream.

3. Sunscreen. Coconut oil can help filter the sun's harmful rays to keep your skin from burning. Of course, as this solid oil will melt in the sun, it can be somewhat messy to take to the beach, but it is all-natural and doesn't contain the chemicals that are in most commercial sunscreens.

4. Scalp treatment. I haven't personally tried coconut oil in my hair (yet), but in doing some research, I have found that coconut oil can be used either alone or combined with other natural products to treat a dry, itchy scalp and dandruff. Simply massage it in, allow to absorb for twenty minutes and follow up with shampoo and conditioner.

5. Frizz tamer. It can also be used to tame dry, frizzy hair. After shampooing, simply massage the coconut oil into the ends of your hair, let it absorb while you do the rest of your shower tasks and rinse well.

6. Cuticle cream. Who needs fancy cuticle creams when you have a natural alternative at home? As you are rubbing coconut oil into your hands, massage a little extra into your cuticles for pretty nails. You can do the same with your feet and the skin around your toenails.

7. Heel softener. Soften dry, cracked heels with a coconut oil treatment. Simply rub it into your feet before bedtime and put some socks on to keep the oil on your feet (and not the sheets!) then take them off in the morning for soft, summer-ready feet.

8. Deodorant. I haven't used coconut oil as a deodorant yet, but I have found several different ways to do so. The first option is to simply rub it on with your fingers. You can also make a paste using coconut oil and baking soda. Optionally, you could also add your favorite essential oil for a scented deodorant.

9. Shaving cream. Coconut oil may not lather up like commercial shaving cream, but it will soak into your skin, leaving you with smooth, soft legs. While in the shower, make sure to stay out of the stream of water while shaving and rinse the razor often.

10. Oral hygiene. You will find numerous toothpaste recipes that include coconut oil as an ingredient. Personally, I like to use coconut oil for "oil pulling", during which you swish the oil for twenty minutes then rinse with water. It has many health benefits in addition to healthy teeth, but that is an article for another time.

How do you use coconut oil in your beauty regimen?

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What is Natural Health?

Natural Healing Involves Moving from a State of Non-health into Health Using Only Natural Means

Quite simply, natural health means maintaining good health naturally through the air we breathe, the water we drink, the foods and fluids we consume, our daily physical movement and activities, rest and sleep, and interactions with other people. In summary, it is how we live in our bodies on a daily basis.

Natural healing involves moving from a state of non-health into health using only natural means. If we fast to cleanse the body of mucous, seek massage therapy to ease aching muscles, or take herbal formulas to soothe an irritated throat, we are using a natural healing modality.

Natural health modalities such as homeopathy, herbology, iridology, bioenergetic methods, and nutrition, are non-invasive methods of health practice, which are designed to stimulate and maintain the body's intrinsic self-healing processes. Let's take a brief look at each of these modalities.

Homeopathy - Homeopathy, as founded by Samuel Hahnemann, is based on the concept of "like cures like" with the idea that remedies and symptoms sharing certain similar characteristics work together to aid the healing process.

Iridology - Iridology is the study of the colored part of the eye, the iris. According to Iridology, the iris contains fibers and pigmentations, which possibly indicate states of physical and psychological health. By determining the placement of fibers and variations in pigmentation in the iris, physical strengths and weaknesses due to environmental reactions, past physical reactions, emotional patterns, and inherited physiological qualities can be used to maintain and improve general health.

Herbology - This is a health practice, which utilizes the therapeutic applications of herbs and other botanical substances, such as roots, leaves, bark or berries of plants. These substances can be made into various forms of tablets, capsules, teas, lozenges, or poultices, and are generally sold over-the-counter in health food stores and neighborhood pharmacies.

Holistic Nutrition - Holistic Nutrition is the science of using natural, whole foods and nutritional supplements to detoxify, rebuild, and balance the whole person, with an awareness of how these dietary choices are interrelated with the condition of our body, emotions, spirit and the environment.

Energy - Energy work is a general term, which includes several healing modalities, including Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, and other similar methods. Commonly known as "laying on of hands" in some traditions, energy work may be used to assist in the balancing of physical, emotional, and spiritual energies. It may help the body as it balances or heals itself from the challenges of our everyday lives, stress, and disease, and as it strives to maintain a healthy homeostasis. Our bodies are imbued with life energy, life force, chi, ki, or prana, connecting us to universal life force, or divine life energy. Energy work can also be used as a path to help us remain more connected to our inner selves, our spirits, and support us in our growing, healing, and transformative paths as we evolve physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are therapies considered by mainstream Western medicine to be nontraditional measures used as complements to allopathic (conventional) medicine.

Traditional Western medicine excels in the treatment of infectious disease, acute illnesses, and trauma. However, this system does not adequately address prevention, optimal wellness, or chronic disease.

Certain systems of CAM such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine surpass conventional medicine in these areas. Other systems address the energy of our body in a gentle manner, such as homeopathy, rather than harsh energy medicine such as radiation oncology. CAM embraces such mind/body techniques as hypnotherapy, yoga, and biofeedback.

Acupuncture is an example of a nonbiomedical system of healing that has few complications or adverse reactions.

We live in a fast-paced society filled with stress and environmental pollution. We have been conditioned to expect fast results and told it is acceptable to pop a pill whenever we have the slightest amount of discomfort. Marketing companies have spent billions in advertising to convince us to eat junk food.

Incorporating natural health modalities into your life can assist you in achieving radiant health, balance of body, and emotional stability, but internal and external changes will need to be made. Good health begins by obtaining and applying knowledge. You can take charge of your health and begin living a healthy lifestyle.

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Make Your Own Hair Care Treatments and Shampoo

Have you ever considered going strictly natural? Are you tired of paying for hair care products that have so many different and foreign ingredients that it's beginning to make freak you out? Are you ready to use what God has already provided you with to make your own reliable hair care products? Well if you answered yes to any of these questions than this article is for you.

Often times we put harmful products into our hair because we like and trust the bright colored commercial on television. However, we don't realize that the women that use the products on the commercial didn't just slap the product on their hair; however, they sat down for hours with a professional beautician to make their hair beautiful for the commercial. I cannot count the numerous amount of times that I have seen people try out a new product and then loose a great amount of their hair. Sometimes the products that we may attempt to use can cause allergic reactions due to some foreign ingredient that may be present in the product.

It is time to wake up and realize that the best way to take care of our hair is to use nature's own remedies. That is why I have put together a recipe collection of hair care products that you can easily make at home and for reasonable prices. Not only can you start using these safe products for yourself but you can also share these great recipes with family and friends.

However, if any products, in a given recipe, does cause you to have an allergic reaction please discontinue use or do not use at all.

My Avocado Deep Conditioner

1 small jar of mayonnaise

1/2 avocado

Peel avocado and remove pit. Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl with your hands until it's a consistent pretty green color. Smooth into hair being careful to work it to the ends. Use shower cap or plastic wrap to hold the body heat in. Leave on hair for 20 minutes. For deeper conditioning wrap a hot, damp towel around your head over the plastic, or use a hair dryer set to a low to medium heat setting.

Paradise Conditioner




1 avocado

Coconut milk

Peel and pit avocado. Mash avocado and slowly add coconut milk until smooth and the consistency of hair conditioner. Work through hair to ends. Rinse after 15 minutes and shampoo and rinse.

My Nettle Hair Lotion

1 cup nettle tops

Simmer nettles in three cups of water. Strain. Rub into hair and scalp every other night for soft, shiny hair. Keep refrigerated.

My Dry End Treatment

2 ounces beeswax

8 ounces safflower or vegetable oil

22 ounces distilled water

1/2 ounce Triethanolamine (Triethanolamine is a liquid available at drugstores.)

Mix safflower oil, beeswax and stearic acid. Heat to boiling. At the same time, in another pot, heat distilled water and Triethanolamine. After heating, add the distilled water solution to the oil mixture and stir continuously until the solution has cooled.

To use this concoction, put a small amount on palms, rub hands together, and apply to dry ends, massaging in gently.

Note: Eggs are a great way to condition your hair. Eggs are very good at making your hair shiny also. Here is a brief group of hair products that require the egg.

Simple Cholesterol Hair Treatment

2 egg yolks

1/2-teaspoon shampoo

1-cup warm (not hot) water

Beat all together. Apply to wet hair; massage in hair; leave on for 5-30 minutes and rinse. For deep hair conditioning, put on a shower cap and sit under a hair dryer for up to 45mins and then rinse.

My Egg Shampoo

1 egg

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup your favorite shampoo

1 tsp vegetable oil

Whisk the egg until frothy and then add the remaining ingredients. Pour into an old (clean) shampoo bottle and then store in the refrigerator for obvious reason. Share with the family as "shelf life" is only about two weeks.

Super Egg Cider Shampoo

1 large egg

2 oz mineral water

1 T cider vinegar

Using a wire whisk, whip up all three ingredients until well combined and then massage into the scalp. Rinse with warm water. Because of the egg content, the use of warm water is essential.

I hope that God-willing this article will be very helpful for you. Please consider using natural hair care products in order to maintain a healthy head of hair.

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Natural Recipes to Lighten or Color Your Hair

Dye Your Hair the Natural Way Precautions to Consider Before Using Home Remedies to Color or Lighten Hair

Dark hair is difficult to lighten using home remedies, and home remedies including lemon juice are not recommended for brown, black, or red hair. Darker hair should be professionally lightened to achieve the best results.

Permanents, hair relaxers, dyes, and other chemical treatments can open the hair shafts and make them vulnerable to further damage. If your hair is chemically treated or damaged, seek professional advice and assistance before using any home remedies for coloring or lightening the hair.

If you have sensitive skin or could be allergic to the ingredients in following home remedies, preform a simple allergy test before using them. Place a dab of questionable ingredients on the inside of the elbow or wrist. If several minutes pass without redness or irritation, the ingredients should be safe to use. If ever in doubt, seek another option for lightening or coloring your hair.

Naturally Lightening Dishwater Blonde Hair

Dishwater blonde is a phrase used to describe blonde hair that isn't entirely blonde. Dishwater blonde hair has varying shades of darker and lighter blonde. People who consider their hair dishwater blonde can make their blonde hair evenly blonde and beautifully highlighted with a natural home remedy. This home remedy will make already blonde hair lighter, shinier, and more attractive without the use of strong chemicals, peroxide, or damaging bleach.

Lemon juice is a well-known hair lightener that is natural and effective, but the acid in lemon juice can be very hard on the skin and hair. If you want to lighten dishwater blonde hair with lemon juice, rinse the hair daily with a tablespoon of lemon juice mixed with a gallon of warm water until the desired color is achieved. Although this hair lightening method will take time, it is effective, and it isn't as damaging as full-strength lemon juice or other hair lightening methods.

Natural Home Remedy for Darkening Gray Hair

Gray hair can be very beautiful, but not all people with gray hair embrace their gray hair with love and acceptance. If you have naturally dark hair and gray hair is taking over, consider hiding your gray hair with the following natural home remedy.

Boil two cups of water, and add ½ cup of dried sage. Let this herbal combination steep for seven or eight hours. Apply it to dry hair, and allow your hair to dry before rinsing out this natural homemade dye. Repeat this home remedy for hiding gray hair until you achieve the color and level of coverage you desire. Maintain the color by applying this natural herbal brew once a month.

Naturally Darken Light Hair

The grass always seems to be greener on the other side, and sometimes those with light hair want dark hair. If you have light hair and want to naturally darken it with a home remedy, try natural dye. Coffee and tea contain natural dye. We all know how coffee and tea can stain counter tops and clothing. Strong black coffee or black tea is great for darkening light hair. Simply rinse light hair with strong black coffee or black tea, and repeat this process until the desired color is achieved.

Natural Red Highlights

Natural red highlights are beautiful, and you can give you hair natural red highlights with the following home remedy. Simply brew strong rosehip tea or tea brewed from cloves. After the tea cools, rinse this natural home remedy through your hair. If red highlights aren't apparent enough, repeat this process until the desired color is achieved.

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Try Homemade Beauty Treatments that Work

Make homemade beauty treatments right in your own home, with products found in your kitchen for beautiful skin and hair. Homemade beauty treatments are fast and easy and can save you a lot of money. My daughter and I have found that these treatments, show wonderful results, without the hefty price of expensive pre made lotions. We all have items on hand in our kitchens that can provide wonderful textures and ingredients for treating our skin on the outside. Why pay high store prices for creams and lotions that can be made simply and cheaply at home.

Of course the best thing to looking and feeling beautiful is getting enough sleep, exercise, and eating right, to make you feel great and your body feel beautiful. Try some of these simple recipes and tips I'm going to list based on staples that you are likely to have in your kitchen. Pamper yourself with hair and skin homemade treatments. I do because it does help me to look and feel better after a refreshing treatment.

I had just started experiencing dry skin patches on my face. I tried all kinds of facial creams nothing was helping. My teenage daughter loves trying homemade beauty treatments. Since she does have beautiful skin from these treatments, I asked her if she knew anything that would help me get rid of dry skin. This is what she applied on my face. First she used two egg whites which she put all over my face including forehead and neck with a napkin. I had to wait until it dried, it was left it on for 15 minutes. Then she removed the egg white with warm water and washcloth. Next she dipped a napkin into virgin olive oil and applied this to my face. Last she opened a vitamin E capsule and applied the liquid under my eyes. This was left on overnight. In the morning I washed my face with warm water. My skin felt as soft as a babies! The dry patches were gone! When I applied my face makeup it went on smoothly. I even look younger!

For relieving puffy, tired eyes my daughter does this home beauty remedy. She steeps two chamomile tea bags in boiling water, then removes them, puts the tea bags in the freezer until frozen. Next she lays down with the frozen tea bags on her eyes. She leaves them on for 15 minutes. Her puffy, tired eyes are revived until she stays up late the next time!

(Tips)
* For glowing skin mix one teaspoon of sugar with your face wash and massage gently on your skin for few seconds before you wash it off.

* Fight dandruff, after shampooing, rinse with a mix of 1/2 cup vinegar and 2 cups of warm water.

* For quick relief for dry, cracked skin, put a vinegar-soaked cloth over the dry area for about 30 minutes to soothe the skin and prevent peeling.

* For hair that damaged and dry, use 2 whole eggs, 2 tablespoon of yogurt and 3 tablespoon of olive oil. Put it all over your hair and roots and leave it for 30 minutes. Shampoo as usual.

* For puffy or tired eyes, put cold tea bags on them. Leave on for 5-10 minutes ,your eyes will feel bright and refreshed!

* To remove a tan, mix equal parts of milk and lemon juice. Put this mixture all over your face and keep it on for ten minutes then rinse off.

* For lip gloss, use pure Vitamin E oil, it stays on long, provides a healthy shine and moisturizes your lips.

* Rub an apple on your face to reduce wrinkles.

* When your in the shower, pour some corn meal on a wet washcloth, rub the corn meal all over your body for silky smooth skin.

(Home made Beauty Recipes)

Homemade Face Mask for Oily Skin

1 tsp lemon juice

2 egg white

2 tsp honey

1 cup strawberries

Blend the above ingredients, apply and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse Off

Hair Rinse For Shine Using Mouthwash

Mix 1/4 cup of your favorite mouthwash with a cup of water and then pour through your hair. Massage for a minute or two and then rinse. Your hair should gleam.

Rosemary Hot Oil Treatment (For Dry Hair)

1/2 cup of dried rosemary leaves

1/2 cup olive oil

Combine ingredients then heat up until warm. Strain. Coat the entire scalp and ends of hair with the oil mixture. Wrap hair in saran wrap and a towel over that, leave on for 15 minutes. Wash hair twice to remove the oil. Use this treatment twice a month or when your hair needs a deep conditioning.

Egg HairConditioner

1 teaspoon baby oil

1 egg yolk

1 cup water

Beat the egg yolk until its frothy, add the oil then beat again. Add to the water. Massage into the scalp and throughout your hair. Rinse well.

Mayonnaise Conditioner

Comb the mayonnaise through your damp hair, then wrap your head in a towel, let it penetrate for 20 minutes. Shampoo.

Cucumber Face Mask

1/4 of a cucumber

1 egg white

5 fresh mint leaves

water Mash the cucumber to a paste and whisk in the egg white, chopped mint leaves and water. Apply to face and relax for 15-20 minutes before taking it off with warm water.

Honey Cleansing Scrub

1 Tablespoon honey

2 Tablespoons finely ground almonds

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Mix all ingredients. Rub gently onto face. Rinse off with warm water.

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Guide to Picking Personal Care Products Without Harmful Chemicals

Personal Care Products Addiction's Guide

Are you confused about what personal care products you should choose? With so many product brand name, knock-off, natural vs. organic, scents and so on it is no wonder our bathrooms are filled with various products enough for an army to use.

Being a woman, I have to admit that my collection has gotten a little out of control also; I am just as bad as anyone else. It is hard walking into a store and not knowing what to look for in a product to assure your purchase is top quality while also not breaking your bank account. Here are the things that everyone should be cautious of when buying products:

1. Avoid Phthalates: Phthalates are usually found in synthetic fragrances. Try finding products with essential oil fragrances or unscented products to keep away from phthalates. Products that contain phthalates should be thrown away from your current stash of products because studies have shown that this chemical (which is a chemical compound usually found in plastics) can cause liver damage, damage to the lungs and even ones kidneys.

2. Safe Preservatives: All products must contain a certain amount of preservatives to allow the product to keep its shelf life. Without any preservatives all our personal care products would need to be placed in a refrigerator. I am not sure about you however I am not about to place a fridge in my bathroom anytime soon. In addition, a product without preservatives will prevent bacteria, fungi and most types of yeasts from forming in the products. A healthy alternative to preservatives is sodium benzoate which is a natural preservative found in cinnamon, apples, cranberries and so on.

3. Use Cleansing Alternatives: Many products can irritate or cause SLS (a health risk) even for those skin types that are not usually sensitive. There are gentle forms of cleansing and foaming agents so why not take advantage of them. Look for sodium myreth sulfate for body washes, soaps and hair products; sodium lauryl sarcosinate, decyl glucoside, or cocamido propyl hydroxysultaine in shampoos; and sodium cocoyl glutamate in dental products for safe usage.

4. Gentle Foam Products: Foam products are what give your personal care products those tiny bubbles that everyone enjoys. Look for in the product label for products with ingredients that end in MEA instead of DEA. These two types of ingredients have coconut oil as a natural base which is safe for the body however DEA is harsh to the skin and hair. These DEA products are what make your hair and skin dry and flaky. So go with the MEA ingredients such as lauramide MEA.

5. Plant Ingredients: Keeping products as natural as possible is always the best plan for shopping. My usual plan of attack that I teach to others I if you can pronounce it- most likely it's a plant product. Products that have active compounds are roots, plants, flowers, herbs, minerals, enzymes and other vitamins from the earth. Going natural takes the guess work out of shopping.

6. Natural Moisturizers: Natural moisturizers usually come in the form of cocoa butter, shea butter, aloe and panthenol. All of these natural ingredients help increase NaPCA which is what gets your skin to retain moisture.

7. No Animal Testing: Look for products that do not contain animal by-products or ones that are not tested on animals. Many non-testing companies are joining along with the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics. These products will show a leaping bunny logo on the package.

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Review: The Best Organic Skin Care Products for Your Face

All Natural Skin Care

Not only do most regular non-organic skin care products have an adverse effect on the environment, but they're awfully unhealthy for you. Most contain many harmful chemicals. Your skin is the largest organ you have and absorbs everything it comes in contact with. You want your skin care products to be safe and non-toxic. Otherwise, you may be doing more harm than good. Here are some really great organic skin care products to consider.

sumBody Coconut & Cream Face Mask - Mix with one teaspoon of liquid, apply to your face and leave on for 15 - 20 minutes to moisturize your skin. Natural ingredients include coconut milk, banana and egg! ($22.95 1oz or $39.95 2.5oz)

Certified Golden Organic Jojoba Seed Oil - This product by Sea Chi controls acne and moisturizes your skin leaving a soft, healthy glow. It also acts as a light, natural sunscreen (10 SPF). If you have wrinkles or stretch marks, this is a great choice. ($23.50 4oz)

NaturOli Exfoliating Sugar Scrub - Renew your skin by washing with this product nightly. It will get rid of all the dead skin cells while still being gentle with your face. Sugar is excellent for exfoliating because it starts dissolving once it becomes in contact with water. This scrub is infused with essential oils and natural sea kelp.($19)

Dr. Alkaitis Organic Eye Cream - If you're tired of looking tired all the time, this cream will make your eyes less swollen and puffy if used regularly. It's made of natural ingredients, vitamins and herbs that make your eyes look more refreshed and awake. A bottle with a half an ounce will last about two months. ($49)

Rituals Organic Skin Renewal Cream - Natural anti-aging. This cream combines ingredients such as acai and pomegranate with antioxidants - ideal for all skin types without becoming irritated. If your skin is dry or sun damaged, try this product to renew moisture levels. ($38 2oz)

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The Sesame Seed

Tasty and Good for You The Sesame Seed (Sesamum indicum)

America's introduction to the sesame seed came in the form of fast food. The sesame seed bun is a staple of McDonald's and Burger King. However, the sesame seed has a long history of use going back to ancient times - -3000 BC. History tells us that the sesame seed is the first recorded seasoning. In the Middle East, in the early civilization of Assyria, sesame oil was born. It was probably the first vegetable oil-well ahead of olive oil. It is known that the Egyptians ground sesame seeds to make flour. The Romans used the sesame seed in making bread. The Chinese have been using the sesame seed for thousands of years.

Sesame plants can be found in Asia, North Africa, Central America, China, India, Japan, Mexico, and the United States. The seed arrived in the U.S. when African slaves carried them here. Sesame seeds are produced in relatively hot and dry regions because the plants are adaptable and drought resistant. The sesame seed is full of nutrition and contain no cholesterol. Sesame seeds contain high quantities of methionine and tryptophan, which are amino acids missing from other vegetable protein sources that are important for healthy liver and kidneys and the utilization of B-complex vitamins.

Sesame seeds, also known as benni-seed, sim sim and til, are used by people around the world in many ways. Cooking oil, which is extracted from sesame seeds is the seed's main use, especially in Asia. In North American and Europe, raw sesame seeds are mostly used as a topping on breads such as hamburger buns, bagels, bread sticks, and the like. Middle Eastern countries use sesame seeds for tahini paste, halvah, and oil.

Sesame oil comes in two basic types. One is light in color and flavor and has a delicious nutty suggestion. The darker, Asian sesame oil has a much stronger flavor and fragrance and is used as a flavor accent for some Asian dishes. Sesame oil is high in polyunsaturated fats ranking fourth behind safflower, soybean, and corn oil. The average smokepoint for sesame oil is 420 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it excellent for frying.

Sesame seeds come in black, white, brown, and red. Here in the United States, we use more white seeds than black, mostly in bread and bread products. In Asian countries, the opposite is true. The main use of black sesame seed is to encrust fish or meat dishes. This serves many purposes; it flavors the meat or fish with a pleasant nuttiness, and also helps to seal in the juices during cooking. Black sesame seeds are also tossed into stir-fry and used as seasoning in rice, vegetables, and salads.

You can purchase sesame seeds packaged in a grocery store or in bulk at a middle-eastern grocer or health food store. They should be stored in an airtight container and will last up to 6 months in a refrigerator and a full year if frozen.

RECIPES

Corn with Sesame Seeds

4 Ears of Corn

3 Tablespoons of Butter

3 Tablespoons of Sesame Seed

1 Clove of Garlic (crushed)

3 Tablespoons of Chopped Bell Pepper

1 Teaspoon of salt

¼ Teaspoon of pepper

1 Teaspoon of chopped fresh Basil

Take the corn and cut off the equivalent of 2 cups of kernels for the ears. Combine the i9ngredients in a 2-quart saucepan. Cover and cook on medium heat 15-20 minutes or until tender. Makes 4-5 servings.

Tahini

5 cups of sesame seeds

½ cup of vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread the sesame seeds on a shallow baking tray. Bake 8-1- minutes until the seeds are aromatic. Be sure to shake the seeds frequently while baking making sure that they do not brown. Remove from oven and let cool. Put the sesame seeds into a food processor with a metal blade. Add the vegetable oil. Process until you have a smooth paste (5-6 minutes). If necessary, add more oil to bring the paste into a thick consistency suitable for pouring. Tahini is excellent as a dip. It will keep for 3 months if kept in the refrigerator in a tightly covered container. This recipe makes 3-1/2 to 4 cups.

Halvah

1 cup Tahini

2 Tablespoons of Butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

Place tahini into a bowl. Add the honey and vanilla to the tahini. Mix well until you have a sticky consistency. Place mixture onto a sheet pan lined with wax paper and flatten to desired thickness. Put into refrigerator for 2 hours to chill. Remove and slice into cubes.

Sesame Fried Chicken Breasts

1 Pound of Chicken Breasts

1 Whole egg, lightly beaten

½ cup sesame seeds

¾ cup all-purpose flour

Heat ½ inch of oil in a large heavy skillet (medium heat). Rinse chicken breasts and pat dry with paper towels. Place flour, egg, and sesame seeds each in separate shallow dishes. Dredge chicken breasts lightly in flour. Dip chicken breasts in egg, and then coat thoroughly with sesame seeds. Carefully place chicken breasts in hot oil and cook for 3 minutes on each side or until chicken is cooked thoroughly. Drain on paper towels. Serve with your favorite side dishes.

Sesame Salad Dressing

11/2 Tablespoons rice vinegar

1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

3 tablespoons orange juice

½ teaspoon dry mustard

½ teaspoon paprika

2 Teaspoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

7 tablespoons vegetable oil

4 scallions finely chopped

Salt and pepper (ground fresh)

3 Tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Combine in a bowl all the ingredients except the oils, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper. Whisk the oils into the mixture until well blended. Add the salt and pepper (as desired). Prior to serving add the sesame seeds to the mixture. Makes ½-3/4 cup.

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