All natural lotion recipe
Thursday, July 25, 2013
With all of the anti-aging, skin tightening, and cellulite reducing creams on the beauty aisle which one should you choose? None of them! All these products are sure to include ingredients that are toxic, which actually enhances your problem areas. When you quit placing toxins on your skin and replace those products with an all natural remedy, your skin will thank you for it!
This recipe is amazing! First of all yes, it is green. =] However, as you can see from the photo when you spread it, it becomes clear! Second, I can feel my skin soaking up this lotion almost as if it is drinking it and my skin is not left feeling oily, greasy, or stiff. My skin after I use this lotion feels smooth and silky. It is actually hard to explain how awesome this lotion feels and how amazing it is that a lotion actually hydrates my skin! So... for the recipe!
-Final Notes:
-If you are anti-hemp (the hemp oil is legal by the way) you can use grape-seed oil, jojoba oil, or extra virgin olive oil. Although I can't vouch that non-hemp oil in this recipe wouldn't leave your skin feeling greasy.
-For those of you who love hemp oil as much as I do you already know the amazing healing benefits of it, but for those of you who are skeptic let me share some insights:
-As far as usage instructions go, typically I put this on before bed or immediately after my shower if its close to my bed time. As with all of my natural recipes you will be surprised at how little you have to apply, you will not have to apply it the same way you do conventional lotion. Try a small amount the first time to see how much you will need and go from there!
-If you are planning to use on your face here are some tips; if you use it on your whole face avoid getting it in your eyes, make sure to keep a check on your pillow case if it seems a little oily change it (or sleep with a microfiber towel over your pillow to absorb any extra oils) or else you may develop acne, and when you apply it feel free to bask in how good it feels on your face... it's really like a breath of fresh air for the face!
-This lotion is safe for your whole body from head to toe, it even helps heal dry skin on your feet!
Let me know in the comments section what your experience with this recipe was like! Send me a personal e-mail if you want tips on how to change up the recipe to fit any personal issues not covered in this recipe: Kayla@healing-salve.com. Until next time... stay green! =]
1. http://www.veria.com/herbs-supplements/hemp-oil-good-for-so-many-things#ixzz2a5VVSDhE
2.http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2140435/The-hip-skin-balm-Its-secret-ingredient-supermodel-complexion-.html#ixzz2a5X2OUAA
This recipe is amazing! First of all yes, it is green. =] However, as you can see from the photo when you spread it, it becomes clear! Second, I can feel my skin soaking up this lotion almost as if it is drinking it and my skin is not left feeling oily, greasy, or stiff. My skin after I use this lotion feels smooth and silky. It is actually hard to explain how awesome this lotion feels and how amazing it is that a lotion actually hydrates my skin! So... for the recipe!
-Final Notes:
-If you are anti-hemp (the hemp oil is legal by the way) you can use grape-seed oil, jojoba oil, or extra virgin olive oil. Although I can't vouch that non-hemp oil in this recipe wouldn't leave your skin feeling greasy.
-For those of you who love hemp oil as much as I do you already know the amazing healing benefits of it, but for those of you who are skeptic let me share some insights:
- "Hemp oil is high in essential fatty acids. Omega 6 and Omega 3 are two main families of essential fatty acids that have therapeutic effects. Some use hemp oil to increase immune system strength, counteract aging, skin, and diseases such as cardiovascular disease. The essential fatty acids help correct oxygenation and skin hydration. Several studies indicate that the linoleic acid present in hemp oil can slow down the aging process of skin and fight psoriasis, a skin disease associated with dietary deficiency of fatty acids" (1).
- "Moisturizing, regenerating and revitalizing, hemp oil is especially useful for dry, tired or dehydrated skin. Skin regeneration and hydration of dry mature skin are enhanced through the use of hemp oil. It increases the skin elasticity and water retention capacity in tissues" (1).
"Not only is it rich in vitamin C and high in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, known to heal scar tissue, it’s also a great source of retinoic acid, which studies show reduces the appearance of wrinkles and brightens skin. This combination means that it’s particularly good for fine lines and pigmentation problems — two of our most common skin complaints" (2).-If you do not have any essential oils, or wish to forgo adding them to this lotion, don't worry about it. As long as you use the hemp oil and rose-hip oil you will still see your skin healing, however all essential oils I added promote healing, help to brighten skin, remove age spots, keep bacteria from forming which causes acne, and smell fantastic!
-As far as usage instructions go, typically I put this on before bed or immediately after my shower if its close to my bed time. As with all of my natural recipes you will be surprised at how little you have to apply, you will not have to apply it the same way you do conventional lotion. Try a small amount the first time to see how much you will need and go from there!
-If you are planning to use on your face here are some tips; if you use it on your whole face avoid getting it in your eyes, make sure to keep a check on your pillow case if it seems a little oily change it (or sleep with a microfiber towel over your pillow to absorb any extra oils) or else you may develop acne, and when you apply it feel free to bask in how good it feels on your face... it's really like a breath of fresh air for the face!
-This lotion is safe for your whole body from head to toe, it even helps heal dry skin on your feet!
Let me know in the comments section what your experience with this recipe was like! Send me a personal e-mail if you want tips on how to change up the recipe to fit any personal issues not covered in this recipe: Kayla@healing-salve.com. Until next time... stay green! =]
1. http://www.veria.com/herbs-supplements/hemp-oil-good-for-so-many-things#ixzz2a5VVSDhE
2.http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2140435/The-hip-skin-balm-Its-secret-ingredient-supermodel-complexion-.html#ixzz2a5X2OUAA
Body powder recipe
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
This is another amazingly simple recipe, using only three ingredients. If you are wondering why I am worried about making a body powder that doesn't contain cornstarch let me explain. When I was researching recipes for a friend who uses deodorizing body powder on a daily basis I found out that cornstarch promotes the growth of yeast. Every single baby powder or body powder on the market contains cornstarch. I asked the friend if she had ever noticed any problems with this (the yeast) and surprisingly enough she had regular occurrences of a yeast imbalance. I'm pleased to say she has been using this body powder recipe for several months and has not had any further problems.
You can use this powder as deodorant, feminine powder, baby powder, feet powder, or pretty much anyway you would use a regular body powder. Feel free to use any essential oil you wish to achieve the smell you like the best. Lavender has many healing properties so I used it in this specific recipe but you could also go without essential oils at all and just mix the powdered ingredients. I have really enjoyed studying the book Modern Essentials and learning about the proper way to mix essential oils.
Final Notes
-I used an old spice container that I found at a thrift store.
-Where do you find these ingredients? Email me for details Kayla@healing-salve.com
Please let me know how this recipe worked for you, share with friends/ family, and like ApotheKayla on Facebook to stay up to date with new posts! Namaste- Kayla
Simple Hair Serum
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Whether you have curly hair, wavy hair, straight hair, coarse, fine, or medium textured hair we all tend to experience damaged ends and frizz. How can you use two common ingredients to tame the madness? Check out my recipe!
(NOTE: The Essential oils in this recipe are totally optional depending on your hair care needs!)
Final Notes: I have only had to use this a few times, it is amazing how my hair seems to adapt to this mixture and not need the serum as often as I needed the store bought versions. I believe the difference here is that there are no harmful parabens or sulfates that strip the hair; instead you have all natural ingredients that nourish the hair even after you shampoo again. When you pair this Serum with a natural shampoo (like this), or the "no-poo" method you get amazing results!
-Where do you find these ingredients? Click here for more information!
Let me know in the comments section below how this Serum has helped you, and which essential oils you chose to use in your recipe! Share with those you care for, and as always.. Namaste- Kayla
All Natural Deodorant
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
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| Image Credit |
If the image above concerns you, it's okay. Actually it's quite normal to be concerned when you realize an everyday product that you shouldn't have to think twice about is laced with carcinogenics and heavy metals. When I started making my own health and beauty products deodorant was actually the very first product I made, simply because it was so simple and my recipe slowly progressed to the recipe below.
So.. for those of you who think you cannot live a day with out your name brand deodorant because you don't trust the power of natural ingredients, I felt the same way. However when I realized that for women particularly breast cancer and Alzheimer disease had a connection to our deodorant I had to quit using it. First I used baking soda on it's own. That actually worked, but was rather messy. Then I added coconut oil and cornstarch, because that was what I had on hand, and it worked also but didn't spread as well. Then I got my hands on some arrow root powder and played around with amounts and scents until I found the perfect blend. My personal experience with the deodorant is great, this may be too much information but, when I did notice a body odor it was NOTHING like the body odor I had with the store bought deodorant, in fact I didn't feel self conscious about it at all! It spreads on very smooth and melts as you put it on to absorb into your skin.
So.. for those of you who think you cannot live a day with out your name brand deodorant because you don't trust the power of natural ingredients, I felt the same way. However when I realized that for women particularly breast cancer and Alzheimer disease had a connection to our deodorant I had to quit using it. First I used baking soda on it's own. That actually worked, but was rather messy. Then I added coconut oil and cornstarch, because that was what I had on hand, and it worked also but didn't spread as well. Then I got my hands on some arrow root powder and played around with amounts and scents until I found the perfect blend. My personal experience with the deodorant is great, this may be too much information but, when I did notice a body odor it was NOTHING like the body odor I had with the store bought deodorant, in fact I didn't feel self conscious about it at all! It spreads on very smooth and melts as you put it on to absorb into your skin.
Final Notes:
You may want a small spoon to scoop the mixture out of the container with.
You can also keep the mixture in a regular deodorant tube, but if it gets too hot the coconut oil will melt.
Interestingly enough on a beach trip I found out that this mixture also works great on cracked heels!
-Where do you find these ingredients? Email me for the details Kayla@healing-salve.com
I hope you enjoy, please share if you do. Leave comments, questions, reviews, and let me know which essential oils you used for fragrance in the comments section below! Thanks -Kayla
Natural Sunscreen
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
My grandfather is a very important person to me, for the last few years he has been dealing with melanoma. When I started looking into natural treatments for myself I was convinced there was something I could make that would be useful to him for his skin. My grandfather enjoys spending time outdoors and uses sun screen every day, religiously!
As many of you know the chemicals in sunscreen are worse for our skin than if we wore no sun screen at all, and I figured I could find a way around that for him. The recipe I'm presenting you today is called "Paul-Screen" I named it after my grandfather, who seemed hesitant to try it, but now loves it. He said "I only have to use a tiny bit, and it lasts all day" he also said "I can tell a difference". After he had used if for a week he ate dinner with us for fathers day and I could really see a big difference in his skin. It wasn't inflamed or red like I'm used to seeing and it looked "youthful". For those who are interested in natural sun screen or would like the additional moisturizing benefits in Paul-screen please give this recipe a try, you wont regret it!
Final Notes:
-I actually used Hemp Oil in my recipe. "Hemp oil, which is widely regarded as a “super food,” contains omega 3, omega 6 and gamma linoleic acid. This concentration of gamma linoleic acid (GLA) is 5% higher than any other plant known to man. GLA is known to help with a wide variety of disorders, ailments and diseases, including breast and skin cancer. GLA helps promote healthy cell growth, thereby neutralizing cancer cells" (1).
-The beeswax acts as a water repellant, keeping the mixture on your skin so you do not have to re-apply it all day!Beeswax is known for its healing properties. "Beeswax locks in moisture, fosters cells and protects skin from damaging environmental factors. Beeswax is a naturally nourishing moisturizer as well as being anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-allergenic and a germicidal antioxidant. Beeswax has an irritation potential of zero and doesn't clog pores. Nonallergic, Beeswax sustains sunscreen action with its water repellent properties, combines well with multiple ingredients, and contains elasticity and provides greater permanence on skin or lip surfaces" (2).
-Coconut Oil has many amazing health benefits, including natural skin moisturizer and protector. Learn more about coconut here.
-Aloe Vera Gel helps wounds heal faster, and protect the skin. Aloe Vera has been a highly regarded plant in the medicinal world for many years and it's uses in the practice of medicine are still being discovered.
-Vitamin E oils destroy free radicals in the skin and encourage new healthy skin cell growth. It also acts as a natural preserver (since my grand-dad thinks the small jar I gave him will last a year). =]
-Frankincense is one of the many essential oils (unlike most big pharma medications) that can
break the blood-brain barrier. "They penetrate the Blood- Brain-Barrier, a network of blood vessels with closely spaced cells that makes it difficult for potentially toxic substances (such as anticancer drugs) to penetrate the blood vessel walls and enter the brain. This makes a convincing argument for the efficacy of aromatherapy. When diffused or used topically, essential oils enter through the olfactory system, cross the Blood-Brain-Barrier and work with the Central Nervous System to promote healing" (3).
I hope this recipe helps you or someone you know. Please share your thoughts, feelings, or experiences with this recipe in the comments section below. As always feel free to e-mail me if you would like a specific recipe, info about purchasing product I've made or product information. Thank you for reading! Namaste, Kayla
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Usually when you think of coconut do you think of the beach, or a mixed drink? Coconut was a word that wasn't part of my usual vocabulary until a few months ago. Coconut oil, milk, and shells are an amazing gift from nature! Why? There are many reasons, coconut oil is the main ingredients in most of my recipes, you can even use it alone as a moisturizer or eat it with a spoon for dietary needs. Here is a list from a fellow blogger about the many benefits of coconut oil:
Health Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil:
- Lowers cholesterol
- Improves thyroid function
- Aids with digestion
- Stabilizes blood sugar
- Suppresses the appetite
- Treats Irritable Bowl Syndrome
- Improves immune function
- Relieves stress
- Increases metabolism
- Works as a natural energy boost
- Moisturizes dry or chapped nostrils
- Soothes achy muscles
- Prevents dandruff- when used as a shampoo
- Treats eczema or psoriasis- by ingesting and using topically
- Treats ringworm
- Soothes sore throats- when gargled with
- Cures yeast infections- both internal and external
- Promotes weight loss
- Treats cold sores
- Treats pink eye
- Prevents hangnails- when rubbed into the cuticle
- Treats small cuts and scrapes
- Treats minor skin irritations
- Treats bee stings or insect bites
- Treats hemorrhoids
- Prevents and cures urinary tract infections
- Clears up acne
- Assists with menopausal dryness
- Eliminates congestion
- Prevents gingivitis
- Treats rosacea
- Removes warts
- Soothes dry/itchy eyes
- Treats jock itch
- Eliminates head lice
- Eliminates nausea- when rubbed on the inside of the wrist
- Relieves sunburn pain
- Works as a natural lubricant- not to be used with latex
- Treats athlete’s foot
- Prevents swimmer’s ear
- Eliminates bad breath
- Treats hives
Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil to New or Expectant Mothers:
- Helps to prevent gestational diabetes
- Assists in removing newborn meconium
- Soothes diaper rash
- Increases milk production
- Soothes chapped or cracked nipples due to nursing
- Soothes pain due to teething
- Cures Cradle Cap
Beauty and Hygiene Benefits
- Eliminates stretch marks
- Smooths wrinkles
- Works as a facial scrub- when mixed with baking soda
- Conditions lips as an ingredient in natural lip balm
- Works as a deep conditioner for hair
- Prevents natural body odor when rubbed under the arms
- Cleanses skin as a natural soap
- Removes makeup
- Moisturizes as a bath oil
- Eliminates dry or cracked heels
- Eliminates and fades ages spots
- Cleans mascara brushes
- Conditions eye lashes
- Moisturizes and firms the skin around the eye
- Works as a natural face wash
- Prevents hair dye from running onto the face when rubbed along the hairline
- Minimizes the appearance of pores
- Strengthens nails
- Improves skin tone
- Prevents sagging skin
Cooking Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil:
- A healthy addition to salad oils
- Substitutes for vegetable oils in baked goods
- Substitutes for frying oils
- Substitutes for butter
- Tenderizes roast meats
- Adds nutrients to soups and stews
- Sweetens teas and coffees
- Flavors ice cubes for cold drinks
Other Household Benefits of Coconut Oil:
- Conditions cutting boards
- Polishes metal
- Moisturizes leather
- Seasons cast iron skillets
- Replaces WD-40
- Creates a natural insect repellant when mixed with peppermint oil
- Prevents freezer burn
- Cleanses tubs and showers
- Polishes stainless steel
- Cleans barbecues
- Removes wax
- Removes insects from bumpers
- Removes sap
- Unsticks stubborn zippers
- Polishes shoes
- Lubricates bike chains
- Shines plant leaves
- Lubricates guitar strings
- Removes gum from hair and fabrics
- Replaces other oils in play dough and Goo recipes
Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil to Your Pet:
- Improves bad breath
- Shampoos and conditions fur
- Eliminates fleas and ticks
- Prevents kitty litter from sticking to the tray
Thank you to SkinnyMs for this awesome list! For those of you reading, tell me in the comments section how you use coconut oil in your daily life or which use from the list above you are excited to add to your daily routine! As always thank you for reading, feel free to share with those you love, and have a wonderful day!
Namaste, Kayla
Looking for an all natural lip balm recipe?
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
For example, if you like coconut lime scent instead of the essential oils I use add a few drops of Lime essential oil. There is already coconut oil in the recipe so wah-la you now how coconut lime.
Another option is to tint the mixture. Add a few drops of juice from an actual cranberry (not cranberry juice from concentrate), or if you like a brown lip tint add a small amount of cocoa powder. My general rule of thumb for cranberry juice is this: 5-10 drops of juice for barely visible light pink, 10-20 drops for medium pink, 20-40 (depending on the shade you like) drops for red. I would start small and if you desire a darker shade just melt the mixture down (if your lip balm is in a glass container like mine it is easy to sit the mixture in the oven on a cookie sheet and melt down). If you decide to go for the brown tint, I would personally add in an a tiny pinch until the shade you want is achieved while the mixture is still on the stove top.
Final Notes:
-Try to use local beeswax if possible.
-Please always make sure your essential oils are not aromatherapy oil, they need to be safe for your body as well. These are the only oils that I consider safe for my body.
-Vitamin E Oil is so beneficial to your lips for healing, but is totally optional. This will also increase the shelf life of your lip balm in case you do not plan to use it often.
-Tee Trea (Melaluca) Essential oil: Tea Tree is Melaluca, this can be confusing. Some companies label it as one or the other but it is the same thing. Tea Tree is soothing, repairs skin, it destroys germs and fights against unwanted bacteria and pathogens. The scent is super fresh.
-Lavender Essential oil: this may cause irritation for some people. I like it. It smells good, has relaxing properties, healing properties, and purifying properties.
-As noted earlier feel free to play around with this recipe, put in a small glass container or a chap-stick like tube. If you are looking for a glossier version add another tablespoon of coconut oil.
As always I hope you enjoy this recipe! Feel free to e-mail me and leave comments about your experience with this recipe or switching from contemporary products to all natural versions.
Namaste,
Kayla
Dandelions, to kill or not to kill?
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Why are so many people against this precious plant you ask? These people are on the hunt for a perfectly manicured lawn. With Dandelion's though you can have your cake and eat it too. I usually collect the dandelion heads before I mow the lawn, and because the dandelion will not die unless you remove the root from the ground, by the next time I am ready to mow I have many new dandelion heads to use.
If you use chemicals to kill dandelions, stop now! You will not want to use any dandelions that have been chemically treated or that are from a lawn that has been chemically treated. Don't worry though, dandelions know how useful they are to us and will keep coming back whether or not you want them to. A simple way to reap the benefits from Dandelion's is to make Dandelion Infused Oil. Dandelion infused oil is GREAT as a muscle rub. The heads of the dandelions relieve tension held in the muscles and is an amazing pain reliever. I use this any time I have a muscle ache or pain.
Final Note: Make sure the oil totally covers the dandelion heads while they are soaking, check on it after the first day to ensure the dandelion heads have not absorbed some oil. If the oil is not covering the top of the dandelion heads you may end up with mold in your jar.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do, and that you begin to love the sight of dandelions! Until next time, Namaste. Kayla
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