When it comes to finding the right therapies for a healthy life, we have all the essential ingredients in our own homes. So have a natural spring clean and discover which fresh and fragrant items in your kitchen and bathroom cabinets can be turned to other uses
Centuries ago, we were apothecaries in own homes. We would regularly crush sweet smelling herbs underfoot to keep bugs and illness at bay. Women in particular had a wealth of knowledge about all sorts of remedies that were available simply by combining natural ingredients that were to hand in the home.
A natural Spring make-over
Until the 20th century women used what was around them to enhance their looks. This had its advantages - these days chemicals in modern products can be harsh and irritate our skin. We absorb about one kilogram of chemicals from cosmetics through our skin in a lifetime. So here's how you can make your own beauty products from what is readily available in your kitchen cupboard and fridge.
For tired or puffy eyes, make a compress by packing grated raw potato or cucumber in a piece of gauze. If you don't have gauze, just apply the vegetables slices straight over your closed eyelids, then lie back and rest for five minutes.
Avocados are rich in skin-nourishing oils and vitamin E. Enjoy eating half of one, and then use the other half to make a face pack. Mash it up with a little lemon juice to stop it going brown (lemon juice is great for the skin as well). The oil of the avocado penetrates the skin's outer layers to nourish the growth layer underneath. After using lemons in the kitchen Mediterranean women rub the inner surface over their elbows to soften and whiten the skin.
After a winter of central heating, dry itchy skin can be soothed by adding a couple of large handfuls of finely milled porridge oats to your bath (make sure you put a strainer over the plug when you let the water out). Oats are a traditional remedy for eczema, inflammation and sun damage. Camomile can be very soothing too - add two or three tea bags to your bath.
Almond oil makes the best hand and foot softener. Massage a few drops in daily. For a more intensive treatment add a tablespoon of almond oil to a tablespoon of honey. Honey is a natural moisturiser and hydrates skin wonderfully - just mix them together and apply the lotion thickly, and keep on overnight protected with cotton gloves with plastic bags secured over them. A popular honey is the Manuka honey, harvested in New Zealand - this is used in hospitals to heal infected skin and beat antibiotic-resistant bugs.
This iVillage Health service area is designed for educational
purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a
substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or
hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or
that of a child, please consult your family's health provider
immediately and do not wait for a response from our
professionals. For the full Disclaimer,
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