Health and Beauty -- Peppermint Hair Rinse

This is a nice rinse to follow the garlic conditioner.  Peppermint always makes everything smell so fresh. This is especially good for oily hair.

10 T. chopped peppermint leaves
2 pints soft water ( rain water works well)
2 pints cider vinegar

Put the peppermint leaves in a pan; pour in water and brig slowly to a boil.  Simmer for 15 minutes.
Remove from the heat and infuse for 1 hour.
Strain the infusion and stir in the vinegar.
Pour into bottles, cover, and label.
Use about 1/2 pt. of the rinse after shampooing.

Makes 1/2 gallon









You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Herbs and Beauty -- Garlic and Oil Conditioner

My mother went to beauty school when she was 18 years old back in 1945.  She never completed it because she met and married my father shortly after.  Since he had recently returned form World War II they decided to start a family right away. I was born 11 months later.  Mom was thrilled to have a girl so she could try out everything she knew about beauty.  I remember her putting "hot oil treatments" on my hair which was heated castor oil, then she wrapped my head with a towel. and 15 minutes later lathered my up with a good shampoo. She always followed with a vinegar rinse.   I must say I often got compliments for my shiny hair when I was about 8-10 years old, so I guess it worked. But mostly I loved that bonding time with my mother fussing over me for hours.
This conditioner recipe reminded me of that old fashioned, gentler time,  Mom never used the garlic which is great for healing an itchy scalp with its antiseptic qualities.

10 large cloves of garlic, crushed
1/2 c castor oil

Stir the garlic and castor oil thoroughly, cover and infuse for two days.  Strain into a bottle, cover and label.
Massage the oil into the scalp, wrap the head in a towel, and leave on for about 1 hour;  shampoo with an aromatic herbal shampoo.



You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Herbs and Beauty -- Steaming Facial

Give yourself a facial with steam; it's so relaxing and is good for your skin.
Choose your favorite herbs so the scent will be enjoyable.

2 cups fresh herbs or 1 cup dried herbs ( try lavender, or peppermint)
hot water ( not boiling)

Place the herbs in a bowl, and stir well.
Drape a towel over your head to trap the steam.
Steam your face for 5 minutes.
If your skin is extra dry, massage in a little moisturizing cream after the facial.


You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Herbs and Beauty -- Mint Astringent

After a gentle face washing with your new herbal soap in the morning, splash on some mint astringent to refresh your face and close the pours. And it smells so good!!!

2 T. chopped mint
4 T. cider vinegar
2 1/2 c. distilled water

Put the mint and vinegar in a jar with a lid; cover and infuse for seven days.
Strain out the mints leaves and pour in the distilled water.  Mix well.
Pour in a clean bottle, cover with lid, and label.
Shake well before using.
Makes 2 1/2 cups

You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com

Herbs and Beauty -- Rose Petal Cold Cream

There's no need to buy expensive night creams when you can easily make your own.  Yes, there's a bit of fuss with the double boilers, but it's worth it, not only for your face but in your pocketbook as well.  This mixture does not contain any herbs, but rather use roses. It might better be made in your gardening season when the rose petals are readily available, saving even more money. It's great for all skin types.

1 1/2 c. of scented rose petals
6 T. olive oil
1 1/2 T. purified beeswax
about 1 t. distilled water

Check the rose petals and discard any damaged ones.
Put the olive oil in the top of a double boiler and heat gently.
Stir in as many rose petals as the oil can take up.
Remove from heat. cover and infuse for seven days.
Strain the oil through a non-metallic strainer, pressing the petals against the sides to extract as much oil as possible .
Melt the beeswax in a bowl over simmering water, then gradually stir in the fragrant oil.
Remove from the heat and add the water, drop by drop, until the cream has the consistency you like.
Pour the cream into a clean jar; cover and label.
Makes 1/2 cup


You might also like to visit my cooking blog at An Herbal Bedfellow. http://anherbalbedfellow.com