Beauty from the Garden

By AMNW Intern

Story Published: May 16, 2008 at 4:15 PM PDT

Janice Cox shared with us beauty solutions created from common household and garden items. For more information, visit her website, or read the tips below:

Soothing Muscle Soak: Baking soda, Epsom salts, kosher salt

Insect Repellents: Citronella, Mint, Lavender

Insect bites:  Baking soda, water, lemon juice

Clean Hands: Fresh Lemons

Sunburn Soothers: Aloe, Witch Hazel, Chamomile tea

Hand Cream:  sesame oil, coconut oil, honey, lavender oil, baking soda
 

Recipes:

Lavender Hand Cream

Ingredients:
  • 3 tablespoons grated beeswax
  • ½ cup dark sesame oil
  • 1-tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1-teaspoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons spring water 
  • 2-3 drops essential oil of lavender 
  • 1/8-teaspoon baking soda
Directions:

  Combine all ingredients in a heat-resistant container or double boiler.  Heat the mixture in the microwave or over medium heat until all the wax and oils are melted (do not boil), stirring well.  Pour the melted mixture into a container or jar and allow to cool completely.  Stir again when the mixture has cooled.  

To use: Massage into clean hands.

Yield: 4 ounces

 

Sunburn Soothers

Ingredients: (Choose one of the following)

  • Plain yogurt or sour cream
  • Buttermilk
  • Tomato juice
  • Witch hazel
  • Aloe Vera gel
  • Chamomile Tea 
  • Vinegar (dilute 1 tbsp in 1 cup water)
Directions:

  Apply any one of the above ingredients directly to your skin, using a cotton cloth or spray bottle.  You may also add or add to a tepid bath.  You do not want to leave any of the milk-based soothers on your skin as they may spoil.  Simply rinse well after twenty minutes.  Also remember bad sunburn is very drying to delicate skin so always keep it well hydrated with a rich cream or natural oil such as sunflower, light sesame or almond oil.

 

Garden Care Tips:

  The following simple tips will keep Gardeners looking and feeling their best: 
  • Soothe cuts and scrapes by making a strong tea from fresh calendula petals or lavender flowers.  Use the fragrant water to wash and soothe your hands.  To help your skin heal quickly, apply a bit of vitamin E oil or honey to the affected area.  
  • To keep your nails clean while gardening, scratch a bar of soap before going outdoors.  Let the soap get under your nails so dirt won’t. 
  • Use sun protection on all exposed areas even on cloudy or overcast days when working outdoors.
  • Wear the right gloves for the job to protect your hands. 
  • Wear a wide brimmed hat to protect your skin and hair from the elements.  Sun and wind are very drying to your skin and hair.
  • Treat your sore muscles to a relaxing soak after a day working in the garden.  Mix up equal parts baking soda, Epsom salts and kosher salt and add 1 /2 cup to a warm bath.
  • Pamper your complexion with a simple one ingredient fresh garden facial mask.  Chopped cucumbers, parsley and rose hips are all naturally cleansing and refreshing to your face.  Spread onto your face and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes, rinse well with warm then cool water.
 
For more tips and ideas check out the May issue of “Herb Companion “magazine and Natural Beauty from the Garden (Henry Holt) by Janice Cox

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