homemade beauty remedies's topics - tribe.net

buying borax in canada

2008-08-20T07:43:49Z

i am from canada and i bought it at the grocery store :"Food Basics"

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 1 reply

Oils for your Face

2008-08-14T22:44:03Z

I use oil on my face, my skin is so dry. I am using apricot kernel oil, but want to make a blend that is finer/lighter (tho I don't have a problem with apricot oil being heavy.) Bobby Brown is marketing a face oil, that is really light, but it is scented and I dont' trust the purity of their ingrediants.

Ay suggestions for an oil blend?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 30 replies

Hair loss fix....no kidding!

2008-08-14T14:57:51Z

Ok divas....has anyone EVER heard of this before? I am 52 years old have been losing my hair for years and have tried everything, EVERYTHING, including a round of Rogaine for Women which, although it worked, is just nasty stuff. I have been reading up on inflamation in my body and foods that set it off and decided to just TRY not eating sugar to see what would happen. And guess what, my hair QUIT falling out. No kidding. I used to have a freakin' horses mane of hair and so I had plenty to loose before my scalp started to show. Pre-suagr consumption I would have my bathroom floor covered in hair and the shower would be full of hair every day. Now I have maybe 10 hairs int the shower and another 10 when I blow dry and get ready for work. No sugar. Unbelievable. I only wish I had known years ago. Now I'm going to wait to see if ilittle new hairs start to grow back and I'll keep all of you posted. BTW, my joints, particularly in my feet, have also quit hurting.

WHY DIDN'T SOMEONE TELL ME THIS YEARS AGO?????

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 14 replies

growing out hair

2008-08-12T08:12:31Z

wondering if anyone has any secrets - how to keep
hair extra strong and anything that helps the process
along...

my hair is growing normally, but i would love to speed it up
a bit...I know eating well is the most important, which I do,
but if anyone knows of specific foods that really help -
salmon I know is a great one, and avocados...but avocados
turn my stomach (I think the oil is very strong or something.)

just wondering if there's a secret ingredient...been a long time
since I wore my hair long. thank you in advance for any
comments.

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 12 replies

Not sure why this works, but...

2008-08-08T05:19:48Z

... it does! A friend of mine recently told me she uses her saliva as a spot treatment (for acne), and I was initally a tad skeptical. However, this morning I found one of those little buggers on my chin and decided to test her theory out, and licked my pinky and gave that ol' zit a good dab. Well, lo and behold that pesky pimple is hardly visible this evening. I have no idea why this would work, but it did. Ho hum.

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 17 replies

A question about yeast infections

2008-07-31T01:54:54Z

-my daughter and I seem to get them a lot. I always try to cure naturally and prevent but sometime I do go the prescription route. I am now pregnant with #2 and trying to avoid Diflucan at all costs (I have already tried the 3-day terconazole after a month of suffering and still they are there.) I eat lots of plain yogurt and take acidopholus and try to cut back on sugar etc. etc.

So I have been doing some more research about it and have come across a few confusing details.

#1 Yeast Infections are caused by an overly alkaline environment in the vagina.

#2 The doctor has always recommended baking soda baths which seems to contradict the above statement?

#3 Vinegar is good to bathe in but a good idea to avoid as food?

#4 Eating more alkalizing foods is recommended to people who suffer from chronic candida problems, but candida thrive in an alkaline environment?

#5 It is recommended to avoid dairy on an alkaline diet yet eating yogurt is supposed to heal a yeast infection?

I guess I am just a little confused. Maybe eating alkaline foods does not cause the environment down there to be alkaline. Maybe I am thinking too hard about this. I am just tired of dealing with these creatures and need some help!

I am pregnant so I am trying to stay away from herbs and essential oils (tea tree oils) and I also don't want to switch to some crazy diet. If anyone can clarify this that would be wonderful. If not maybe you could recommend a tribe where my question would be better directed.

Thanks

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 31 replies

Undereye circles

2008-07-29T20:20:40Z

They're genetic, but I'd still like to know some tips and tricks to make them lighter.

I eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water, I get lots of rest and exercise--what else can I do? Should I add burdock tea and other liver-cleansing things to my diet?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 9 replies

only 21 and horrible neck wrinkles...whats going on?

2008-07-29T20:16:14Z

i dont feel like i should be worrying about wrinkles yet but i have really disturbing lines on my neck and also at the creases in front of my elbows and behind the knees....what does this mean? i have experimented with various oils and creams but nothing has done the trick....anyone know possible causes/cures for this?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 5 replies

Oil infusion

2008-07-29T12:52:58Z

Hi does anyone know how much calendula or rosemary herbs to use with my 1 cup of olive oil for a 2 weeks cold oil infusion?.I'll be using a spaggetti glass jar for this.Is calendula and rosemary a good combo? I'll be using them for hair creams.

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 8 replies

Keliod scarring - driving me crazy- Help!!

2008-07-20T01:50:40Z

I have a half removed tatoo on my upper arm. I have stopped the process since I had got monsterous keliod scarring results. It looks terrible and itches like crazy. I've been to the dermotologist and he said that laser isnt going to work for me. Can anyone reccomend a remedy or CURE!!?? I was thinking about having a skin transplant but that is going to be super expensive.

Please give me any adice, I'd really apreciate it.

TaraXX

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 6 replies

natural bug repellant

2008-07-18T03:05:47Z

I was wondering if anyone knows how to make some?

I figured callendula, but I dont know what else.

I have managed 2 years w/o bug bites and this year alone I have had more than previous years all together.

I also want something that is safe for the kiddos.

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 7 replies

Is anyone in this tribe going....

2008-07-18T03:02:13Z

...to the Breitenbush Herbal Conference Sep 4th - 7th in Creswell, Oregon?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 2 replies

Monster Zit

2008-07-17T16:45:15Z

so i woke up yesterday with a monster zit from hell. its on my chin, on one side, so i've got this weird lop-sided thing going on.
i tried toothpaste, it didnt help.
i tried some "oxy extreme" zit stuff. didnt help.
i used a sulfur mask. it didnt help.
hot water to make it surface didnt bring it out.
so far all that has happened is that it has gotten bigger and its oozed clear stuff endlessly. oh, and i've been squeezing it so it is inflamed.

now here's my problem: i have a craft fair on saturday morning and i need to be confident and feelin good in order to sell stuff... does anybody have any idea for what i can do to make this thing shrink down, at least?
i'll be calling my esthetician later to make an appointment for thursday (she has a wonderful thing that helps with my rare monsters) but is there anything?

i know i should just leave it alone.. but its so hard not to poke at it. it taunts me. i can SEE it when i look down.. it's terrible!
help!?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 15 replies

Nag Champa Oil

2008-07-16T19:38:16Z

I just got some of this delicious-smelling oil! The shop owner told me it was too strong for my skin, so I'm trying to think of ways to use it! I was thinking along the lines of diluting to make homemade "Febreze." What else can I do with this oil?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 11 replies

Natural Cosmetic Base Products - San Francisco / USA

2008-07-08T01:55:25Z

Hi Everybody,

I was wondering if anyone could help me source base products such as cream / moisturiser base, shampoo / conditioner, etc. I have recently arrived in San Francisco from Australia and am finding it really difficult to get base products.

I ordered products from New Directions and they came from Canada and the shipping cost $90, I couldn't believe it. Then when I tried making products with the base creams I discovered I had wasted my time and money as the cream was so thick and oily it was useless.

If anyone out there can recommend a good supplier I would really appreciate it.

Thanks,

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 3 replies

rose water

2008-07-05T22:06:32Z

so i have been using rose water as a toner because i recently discovered i have sensitive skin(explains alot)
and i love how it makes my skin feel and everthing.. but... is there any other type of flower that i could make a toner out of? i really like my rose water.. but it smells like my great grandma's bathroom. i'd rather smell like cinnamon, or cloves, or sage, or rosemary. or almost any other flower(not geraniums.. i hate geraniums)

so does any body know? i am willing to go buy the flowers to make it myself, but i'd like to make sure somebody else has tried it first (i'm worried my skin will get really bad again)
i saw "orange flower water" but i was hesitant to buy that since i use orange oil cleaning stuff and to me oranges make me think of cleaning the toilet.

and,if i make my own flower water, will it last? if i, for example, make a ton of apple-blossom water this summer, will it be good until i can make it again next spring?
i considered adding things to my rose water- so far i've done witch hazel and lavender EO.. i cant help but think cinnamon or clove would be a mistake... i seem to remember the apothecary i bought the oil from telling me they were caustic.

any help is greatly appreciated!

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 8 replies

super-thick hair

2008-07-04T06:06:50Z

hey, everyone

i have exceptionally thick hair, it can be so time-consuming to manage it,

i know it's an oddball question but does anyone have any recipes for shampoo or treatments that de-volumize hair?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 3 replies

Soap Flakes Shampoo

2008-07-03T16:00:28Z

Hi! I've been experimenting with making shampoo out of soap flakes. I have very long (past hip length) oily hair and have had numerous problems with it falling out over the years. Since using the soap flakes shampoo, I haven't lost a strand more than what I should. It seems to leave a residue, however, and no amount of rinsing will take it out!

I've been using just soap flakes and water in my shampoo, and have tried both plain white mica and a bit of clay as an additive. The mica didn't make much difference, and the clay helped, but my hair felt a bit powdery after washing and there was still a slight residue. The first couple inches or so of my hair comes out clean, and the very tips are clean, but in between looks oily - as it dries it almost feels waxy.

Has anyone here experimented with soap flakes and had this happen? Any ideas for something I could add to make the shampoo work?

Thanks!

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 4 replies

homemade air deodorizer/ spray?

2008-07-01T08:35:32Z

I'm a teacher, and one of my parents suggested I make some kind of herbal room spray to help kill germs and prevent illness- I personally got sick way too many times this year. Any thoughts on ingredients to make something of this nature?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 10 replies

homemade toothpaste?

2008-06-30T12:45:51Z

I know you can make tooth powders of varying combinations of baking soda, salt, herbs, etc. But does anyone have a recipe for an actual paste that is nice and minty?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 4 replies

hemorrhoids from pregnancy

2008-06-25T12:03:17Z

hey there,
i got hemorrhoids from my pregnancy and am wondering if anyone here knows how to get rid of them? one of my girlfriends told me they don't go away, pls don't tell me this is true : (

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 12 replies

Shiny hair?

2008-06-19T15:43:43Z

What is the best way to get shiny hair?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 13 replies

aspirin facials

2008-06-16T03:37:24Z

I've run out and bought nearly everything you people have discussed for skincare, I have a shelf full of things I've read about in hmbr ( neem oil, emu oil, rosehip oil, grapeseed oil, tea tree shampoo, cleanser etc...)

I bought a bottle of plain white aspirin awhile ago to use for a peel but thought I needed a mortar and pestle to crush it up. Well tonight I just added some hot water and to my surprise, it dissolved instantly!

I have it on my face right now and will report back on results, although I've don't several tca peels and have put so many products on my skin that's it's sort of desensitized.

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 31 replies

Pregnancy Skin Care?

2008-06-10T23:32:56Z

So 10 weeks into my pregnancy I'm trying to find new, and more natural, skin care products... My skin alternates between the very oily (t-zone) and very dry (the rest of my face/body).

Any suggestions?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 5 replies

sunscreen

2008-06-06T14:24:36Z

is there any way to make a super healthy sunscreen from scratch?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 2 replies

hair like straw

2008-06-05T19:37:22Z

I've been following the "weening off shampoo" thread, and have cut back myself but my hair is in serious trouble now. It feels like straw. Or it is totally fly away.

I have very fine, thin hair (ear length) but someone told me it was course texture. And they recommended conditioner to help plump the strands.

Right now I use an organic shampoo(no foaming agent I don't think) by Jaason, and do an apple cider vinegar rinse every so often. My hair is brittle now. and completely fly away. But sometimes it feels like it has massive amounts of gunk on it too and gets flat.

I wonder if I should condition, but it seems like that would weigh it down even more??? I just don't know where the natural bounce went.?.

Any solutions?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 20 replies

Go Bananas

2008-06-05T17:42:06Z

I happened to be online checking my hotmail account
and usually I ignore the little newsy links
because they usually seem real dumb or irrelevant to me
but one caught my eye

Bananas are a good wrinkle reducer, it said
so I was like
HMMMM
that looks interesting
so I clicked and read more
and I did more searching on the Web and found out that banana is good for the hair too

so I thought
OK

I will try it

and it's real simple.
Just take a banana, the riper the better
like a banana bread ready banana is the best
and you just mush it into a paste
and then spread it over your fair and hair
and then you let it just sit for a half hour

(it feels kinda funny, but you will get used to it)

then, you just get the in shower
rinse it off
and wash your hair like normal

I have done this only 3 times in the space of like maybe 1.75 weeks, doing it about every four days or so

and I don't even wear foundation anymore because my skin looks GREAT
fine lines gone
looking fresh as a daisy
people even complimented me on my skin

and my hair looks great too
and I have baby fine hair that is bleached so it's not hard for it to look damaged or just blah and not good
but the bananas have made it look pretty fly!

so I say

GO BANANAS

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 20 replies

Deodorant

2008-05-29T05:07:29Z

Anyone have ideas for a natural deodorant that works? I've tried the natural brand at the store but they never seem to be effective.....

Thanks!

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 26 replies

Sunscreen and skin absorption

2008-05-28T07:06:58Z

A lot of people have mentioned how you shouldn't use stuff on your skin that you wouldn't eat, because it will absorb it. I had some questions about this and sunscreen.

Isn't skin supposed to act as a barrier against harmful substances and other stuff? I know there are still things that can be absorbed through our skin but it can't be that porous or it seems like it wouldn't be any protection at all. Is there a meaurement of some kind for the rate at which our skin aborbs stuff?

Also, I am an avid user of sunblock and sunscreen. But the chemicals and active ingredients in them kind of make me wonder if the benefits are outweighed by chemicals I'm getting into my system. Does anyone know anything about this? Maybe you can reccomend some healthier and effective sunblocks (that don't cost a fortune).

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 3 replies

BEESWAX WEBSITE

2008-05-26T20:58:50Z

i WISH YOU COULD ADVISE ME ABOUT SOME RELIABLE TRUSTED BEESWAX SELLER FOR COSMETICS WEBSITES...

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 4 replies

Cocoa Butter Body Cream

2008-05-26T17:08:18Z

With the right ingredients, cocoa butter can be used in a home-made body cream to create a creamy, smooth body cream. I have sold over 70 jars of my cream and the response I receive are always positive. I got tired of spending a fortune on lotions to ward off dry, ashy skin, and to fight cracked skin on my feet -- to no avail, they didn't live up to what they say they can do. So, I discovered a recipe, putting my own spin on it, to create the ultimate body cream that wouldn't leave my skin greasy or dry, and has done great wonders for my feet. I've shared this cream with friends and family and started selling it in 2006 and it continues to sell. To date there are three creams that I make...all with their own unigue purpose. One is for diabetics because it uses ingredients that is gentle to their skin, one is for dry skin (the one with cocoa butter), and one replenishes moisture made with aloe vera. The cocoa butter cream fights dry skin during seasonal weather, and works on rough, dry hands. The amount of money I would spend on buying lotion from a drug store, I spend less than that buying my ingredients.

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 8 replies

Percentage of using natural preservative in natural soap

2008-05-23T21:43:51Z

I want to make soaps from juices and I know that I have to use preservative to make the soap last longer. I am thinking to use vitamin E and citric acid for the preservative but I am not sure about the percentage of the preservative to use in the soap. I want to make a 4pound batch soap. Anybody could help me with this? Thx.

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 2 replies

Allergies allergies allergies....

2008-05-16T09:10:20Z

So that time of year is here.... ALLERGIES!!!! I have no idea what I'm allergic to, but since I got pregnant with my son it has been allergies at every season change. I just started using a squirt bottle to flush my sinuses with baking soda/water mix (I don't have anything else to rinse with right now) and it seems to help for a little while, but it comes back later. I've heard dried nettle in capsules is really good. Anyone try this?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 26 replies

Favorite body exfoliant

2008-05-14T21:45:54Z

My favorite body exfoliant is a mixture of sesame oil and baking soda lightly rubbed over the skin and rinsed with warm water. Whats yours?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 19 replies

oil or lortion to relax tense forehead muscles

2008-05-13T02:18:58Z

looking for something i could make to relax those muscles....guess i have been scowling a lot -3 kids- i do not want those permanent lines....much prefer the smile lines!

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 11 replies

Fire in the Hole - The Truth About Ear Candling

2008-05-12T19:47:51Z

Any comments? Horror stories? Great result stories?

http://doesitwork.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/01/17/585352.aspx

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 45 replies

razor burn!

2008-05-12T18:19:12Z

my skin is so sensitive that i break out with horrible and unsightly razor burn! what will calm it down or stop it completely, if anything? any tips are appreciated.

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 21 replies

want to distill some mint and lavender?

2008-05-11T21:26:35Z

I've got a huge trashbag of freshly harvested mint. The lavender will be ready in about 3 weeks.

Is anyone interested in making essential oils? Has a distiller and wants to split the harvest?

The best massage oil I've ever had was from these ingredients and homemade.

I think it would be fun to do this not only for the oil, but just learning to do something new and interesting.

I can do this during the week or a weekend before Memorial day. I have a super sweet place to do this with lots of wildlife around.... Just like going camping.... except I live here!

PM me for details.

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 0 replies

no-poo??

2008-05-10T15:50:31Z

I'm interested in maybe trying to go with the whole no-poo baking soda thing, but I'm not sure how to do it. I read the other discussion on here but some real directions (and lots of testimonials) would be appreciated. Also, how long will it be before I can safely and confidently go out in public again? lol

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 20 replies

Debranded Home

2008-05-08T17:30:28Z

I found this on a blog I'm addicted to (http://www.designspongeonline.com/)

Debranded Home is simply a set of labels costing $9 for you to put on reusable bottles to put your products in. The idea being that you won't have so my visual pollution in your home. But for those of you who like making your own lotions/body wash/shampoo, this sort of thing might be mighty useful!
http://debrandedhome.com

I don't see why you couldn't also make them yourself using clear labels and a printer, but I'm into supporting the person who is making a business of it. I just wish they sold containers too. I've gotten all into making my home pleasing to my eyes from every angle, and having a lot of pretty little bottles to put these things in would be awesome. Anyone know of a place to get containers?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 8 replies

DIY hair removal

2008-05-05T23:55:30Z

so i decided to give "NAD's" a try.
You know, that australian product that had the infomercial a few years back... well it's in the drug stores now. Was curious how it worked compared to waxing... and it was actually pretty awesome- easier to deal with than wax- water soluble, doesn't have to be heated.
read the ingredients and they go something like this:
glucose, fructose, honey, molasses, lemon juice, color.
Anyone made their own sticky concoction for hair removal?
Success stories? recipes?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 17 replies

simple massage oil recipe?

2008-05-04T15:41:11Z

Could I add some essential oils to mineral oil? Or is there something better? Also, any scents with aphrodisiac qualities? I'm looking to make a sexy massage oil for me and the boyfriend. :)

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 15 replies

Dry Skin Shower Lotion Recipe

2008-05-03T00:39:11Z

I made this on accident while trying to do something for my unbelievably flaky dry skin. It wasn't supposed to be a shower lotion. lol But I followed and (not liking texture) then fooled around with someone else's recipe. It was to ticky tacky sticky for me, so I rinsed it off with water and my hands felt great. I decided to try it in the shower after soaping and rinsing and was very happy with the results. Several friends and several of their friends have now tried it and liked it. I'm thinking of making a scrub out of it next.

1 C. Sweet Almond Oil
1/3 C. Honey
1 Tbsp. Stearic Acid
1 Tbsp. Emulsifier (I use lanette wax)
Preservative (I've been putting in 3-5 drops of Germaben when I give it to other people. I use the preservative because they're taking it into the shower and will probably get water into it)

Warm the oil and honey. Melt the stearic acid and emulsifier and then mix into the oil/honey. Blend like mad. The texture on mine has come out as a very thin lotion. You can make this with just the oil and honey, which I originally did and didn't like. Feel free to play with it and let me know what you think.

Danielle

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 1 reply

Watch out for Fraudulant Pagan store: Cybermoon.com

2008-04-25T01:55:39Z

I decided to go online and order a few items from Cybermoon.com- well maybe more than a few items almost $200 worth on March 23rd, was told my order would ship out that week and they took my money, I had ordered a kit and they said: "As soon as the boxes come in, we will ship kits. We are expecting our boxes to arrive literally any day."

I waited 2 weeks and got nothing, emailed again got an email saying:

+++

Mon, Apr 7, 2008 at 3:27 AM
Greetings!

Thank you for letting us know your order failed to arrive. We will check
with the warehouse and, if your order hasn't already shipped, make sure it
gets out asap. If you ordered more than one item, please be aware your
order may arrive in more than one package.

If your order included runes, please remember that runes are not made until
they are ordered. That way, you receive runes that were made just for you.

If your order included an altar kit, please be aware that the boxes for the
altar kits are late arriving. We are expecting the boxes literally any day
and will ship the kits as soon as the boxes arrive. We haven't forgotten
about you.

Our apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Blessings
Beth
****************************
CyberMoon Emporium
cybermoonemporium.com

****************************

Within 5 days of that email I got about $35 worth of my order, still missing arround $120 worth of product, not to count the $20 shipping fee. On top of that the OLOTA Anna Riva Oil that they sent me smells like nothing but Johnson & Johnson baby oil.

I have emailed and phoned them almost every day since and have not had once response. The 1 month anniversary of my order was the day that I promised them I'd go online and start spreading the word on what a horrible, fraudlant company they are.

I should have done my homework first though. Below is a list of complaints I found from others on:
www.complaintsboard.com/

Cybermoon Emporium (complaint)
Posted: 2008-03-08 by Keitha Shrremetis [send email]
Item order not received!
Ring was ordered on February 2, 2008. I have tried to contact at phone # 404-348-4477 as I had order the wrong ring size. But to this day I have not heard from them. I have left quiet a few messages and have tried to e-mail them, to no prevail. I will be contacting my credit card com, to ask...

cybermoon (complaint)
Posted: 2007-08-29 by jeanmarie Blache [send email]
Order never delivered
I placed an order in June 2007 for a charmed altar kit as a gift for a friend. My credit card was charged and no product was received. I have tried to contact CyberMoon but have gotten nowhere. Someone help resolve this matter. I am a single parent of two young daughters and can not afford to...

CyberMoon.com (complaint)
Posted: 2007-03-21 by Francine Conti [send email]
No product delivered!
I placed an order with CyberMoon.com on 2-1-07. I have called 2 XS and never received a call back and emailed them 4'XS with one email generating that their computers were down on 3-9-07. Still to this date no product delivered. I have asked them to credit my card back and cancel my order......

CyberMoon.com (complaint)
Posted: 2008-02-23 by Christina [send email]
ordered and paid online product never delivered
My mother placed an order with Cybermoon. com in Aug 2007 and never recieved the product, I ordered in Nov 2007 not knowing and still have not recieved any product either. Both her and I have left repeated emails and voicemails with no response to date. The entire websit is just a fraud, Both...

Consider yourself warned. If anyone knows who these ppl are or a better way to contact them and actually get some customer service please let me know!

Stephanie

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 2 replies

Simple facial moisturizer question

2008-04-22T00:18:07Z

I've used a face moisturizer recipe for years (Annie Berthold-Bond's recipe: 4 parts aloe vera gel to 1 part vegetable glycerin), but really hate that it melts on my finger as soon as I squeeze some out. I've wasted so much of this down the sink, because of that. Is there anything I can add to help it keep its gel consistency a bit longer?

Thanks!

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 3 replies

Lotion

2008-04-20T19:21:45Z

Anybody have a homemade lotion recipe?

Thanks!

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 1 reply

smelly shoe remedy

2008-04-18T02:31:16Z

I have shoes that are getting on the smelly side since you don't wear them with socks. I can't wear those slip on stockings because of the way the shoe is. I was thinking of putting them in the wash but am afraid they fall apart. Any ideas on how to wash shoes so they last?

Jenna :)

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 11 replies

making lipstick

2008-04-18T02:12:00Z

I hate to waste anything. Only about 75% of a lipstick is above the base, when I dig out at the end, I'm always surprised at how much color is left.
I've used a sterilized film can to save scraps, and use with a brush. But it's inconvenient to apply lipstick with a brush when I'm out. Is there any way to mold it, recycle the lipstick tube and make a new lipstick?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 22 replies

Anyone using Soapnuts?

2008-04-15T10:35:52Z

I'm wondering if anyone here uses Soapnuts, if you find it good for cleaning body, hair, clothes, etc.

A friend of mine turned me on to them, but she's wanting to use up her bulk items first and I'm too impatient.

Thanks in advance.

Here's one link if anyone wants more information:
http://www.lullwaterbrands.com/learn.htm

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 1 reply

Natural ways to get rid of a tan

2008-04-08T17:10:20Z

I have a farmer's tan - ie. tan on the face, neck, and the arms from above the elbow down - and rather than try to tan the rest of me (hello skin cancer) to match I would really love to find a way to help a tan fade. I don't want to bleach my skin but I live in the south so even with using sunscreen that tan is not going to fade by itself. Any suggestions would be appreciated thanks.

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 8 replies

need advice re haircolor

2008-04-06T19:36:30Z

ok I did it myself.
I used Lady Clairol to hide the grey roots.
It usaually works just fien and is ok.

This timew it came out darker and also reduced the curls from my old perm.
Any ideas what to do please?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 2 replies

White lumps on tonsils

2008-04-02T01:05:21Z

It is called tonsil stones. Little yellowish balls that cling to the tonsils (cryptes of tonsils) and smell so discusting! I use to get them only when I got sick because I'd get bad sore throats, but since the summer I get it on a regular basis. I was able to tell by the change of the taste in my mouth and breath, even after I'd brush my teeth really well.

I did a little research on what this nastiness is, just want to get rid of it!! These things hide in my tonsils and I have to use Qtips to search for them and remove them. It is so bad at times it makes the food I eat not taste as good, I can taste the tonsil stones ontop of the food :@{

Please help with how I can get rid of this.

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 78 replies

SD alcohol 40-B vs. high quality vodka vs. rubbing alcohol AND regular oils vs. essential oils?

2008-03-25T15:59:06Z

I just ran out of my Burt's Bees herbal deodorant. After reading the ingredient list, it looks like the only ingredients are alcohol, water, and oils.

Now I want to make my own using my own combinations of oils.

I did a little research and found that SD alcohol means "Specially Denatured", meaning that they add something to make it undrinkable. I assume this is so kids can't get into mommy's deodorant for a quick nip.
But besides the drinking issue, is there any reason not to use vodka instead? Or rubbing alcohol?

Here's my other question:
For the oils listed on the bottle, it says " salvia officinalis (sage) oil, lavandin oil, citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil"

So is there a difference between these oils and essential oils? Can I just use essential oils to the same effect?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 3 replies

Weening off've shampoo & conditioner

2008-03-23T16:49:21Z

Hey everyone :)

I've got to the point where I'm sick of the viscious cycle of using S&C. But I really don't wanna go 'cold turkey' because my hair will be wayyy to greasy to start with. I've got a natural remdies book with shampoos based on castile soap/rinses and conditioners that are very oily, which I haven't used yet, but perhaps I should just stop altogether :S . Anyone have any ideas on the matter?

Thanks

Ellie

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 81 replies

not tanning

2008-03-21T13:52:25Z

I do not like too tan but where I live, long periods in the sun are unavoidable. I already use sunblock religiosly and was wondering what else I can do to keep from tanning or getting really red. Most tan lighteners I've seen are actually very bad for your skin.

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 8 replies

dry lips

2008-03-20T18:37:36Z

are there any natural lip balms i can make for dry lips? my lips have been really dry and red lately. they also get kind of puffy and a little sore. i've been using burt's bees and chapstick brand moisturizing lip balm, but i was curious if there were any home remedies or something more soothing for my poor mouth.

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 28 replies

Toner for sensative skin?

2008-03-20T18:25:17Z

I tried searching to see if this topic has been covered, but couldn't find anything.
I looking to make a toner for my sensitive skin. I've got small pores, which sounds ideal, but actually get clogged easiliy and sometimes cause milia.
So dry sensitive skin, oilier t-zone, small pores which are hard to clean.
What do you think divas?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 9 replies

Soapwort Species

2008-03-20T12:20:20Z

Hi everyone just a quick question,
I have ordered some soapwort seeds, but they weren't saponaria officinalis I think they're called saponaria ocymoides.

Wil this have the same washing effect (saponins) as the 'normal' kind?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 0 replies

Remedy for cracked, split finger nails?

2008-03-17T16:23:22Z

Help!!! All my life I've had this problem with finger nails that crack and split, and I don't know what to do about it. They become worse when I work with my hands a lot, as is my current situation (working in a machine shop and doing handyman work.)

I've used Sally Hansen's "Advanced Hard as Nails" before, and while it works ok, it hasn't solved the problem entirely. I'm guessing that I'm missing some important minerals in my body, but don't really want to consume lots of calcium, because of the chance of over-calcification, which can lead to other problems.

So...anybody here with experience in this area that might be able to help me?

Thanks in advance...

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 18 replies

Codex Alimentarius - Control of all Food, Natural Products, etc Globally by 2009

2008-03-17T14:25:42Z

Codex Alimentarius” means “food rules” in Latin. The organization was born in 1962 when the UN established the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) as a “Trade Commission”. It was created to regulate, and thus control, every aspect of how food and nutritional supplements are produced and sold to the consumer. It is solely about trade and the profits of multi-national corporations.

The more natural health products people use, the fewer drugs they use. Millions are turning to natural health. Big Pharma fears this as it would diminish profits. Codex is designed to protect Big Pharma profits by eliminating natural health products and treatments. Health food stores and wellness companies would be hit hard.

Codex is unscientific because it classifies nutrients as toxins and uses “Risk Assessment” to set ultra low so-called “safe upper limits” for them. Risk Assessment is a branch of Toxicology, the science for assessing toxins. The proper science for assessing nutrients is Biochemistry. Codex does not use Biochemistry.

Codex is based on the Napoleonic Code, dating back to Bonaparte. Under this code, anything not explicitly permitted is automatically forbidden. Under Common Law (our system), something does not have to be explicitly permitted to be legal. The tyrannical Napoleonic Code allows the banning of natural health options by default.

Codex will go into global effect on December 31, 2009, unless we, the People, take action and avert it. Right now, we are like a frog boiled slowly, the heat raised gradually so we won’t jump out of the water. The media is used to make us believe that Codex is about “consumer protection”. Part of the media strategy is to tarnish the image of natural health options, through for-hire studies.

One-time defenders of supplements and nutritional products, such as the National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA) and Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), have fallen prey to new pharmaceutical members and are spreading disinformation saying that Codex is “consumer protection”. Their boards used to be run by health freedom fighters.

The U.S. has a powerful legal tool for health freedom: the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), passed in 1994 after massive grass-roots action. DSHEA scientifically classifies nutritional supplements as food and prevents dosage restrictions; Codex unscientifically classifies them as toxins and sets ultra-low doses. The VMG violates U.S. law because it violates DSHEA. We must unite to protect DSHEA, our best legal defense against Codex.

The pharmaceutical industry works through irresponsible/corrupt politicians to do their bidding. The path to institute Codex in America is to “influence” Congress to pass laws friendly to drugs and unfriendly to nutritional supplements, so that slowly everyone comes to believe that nutrients are “dangerous”, and drugs are “proper medicine”. Susan Davis (D, CA) and other politicians are helping Big Pharma by supporting bills designed to destroy DSHEA.

Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) has two committees which impact nutrition.

One of them, the “Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses” (CCNFSDU), is chaired by Dr. Rolf Grossklaus, a physician who believes that nutrition has no role in health. This is the “top-guy” for Codex nutritional policy, and he has stated that “nutrition is not relevant to health”.

As unbelievable as it may sound, Dr. Grossklaus actually declared nutrients to be toxins in 1994 and instituted the use of toxicology (Risk Assessment) to prevent nutrients from having any impact on humans who take supplements! It is worth mentioning that Dr. Grossklaus happens to own the Risk Assessment company advising CCNFSDU and Codex on this issue. This company makes money when its toxicology services are used for the “assessment” of nutrients. Here in the U.S. we call that a “conflict of interest”.

Codex is made up of thousands of standards and guidelines. One of them, the Vitamin and Mineral Guideline (VMG), is designed to permit only ultra low doses of vitamins and minerals (and make clinically effective nutrients illegal). How can the VMG restrict dosages of vitamins and minerals? By using Risk Assessment (toxicology) to assess nutrients.

While Risk Assessment is a legitimate science (it is a branch of toxicology), it is the wrong science for assessing nutrients! In fact, in this context, it is actually junk science. Biochemistry, the science of life processes, is the correct science for assessing nutrients. Codex Alimentarius treats nutrients as toxins, which is literally insane.

Nutrients are not toxins - they are essential for life!!

http://www.healthfreedomusa.org/index.php?page_id=155

Start saving Seeds!!!

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 3 replies

suggestions for shea butter?

2008-03-14T17:53:23Z

Shea butter has been amazing for my skin. Any recommendations for some good brands, particularly on the cheaper side?

I've been using J/A/S/O/N brand Shea Nut Butter which also has vitamin E in it. But at $10-12 for a hockey puck size container it's getting to be too expensive for as often as I'm using now. Plus, I'm sure there's a better place to buy this than Wild Oats (just bought out by Whole Foods). Like maybe another kind of health store or online somewhere.

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 8 replies

natural remedy for blackheads

2008-03-12T18:19:54Z

situated on a big schnoz

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 22 replies

Question: Making Rosewater.

2008-03-08T19:36:21Z

Hello. Hello!

I am preparing to make rosewater and I believe that I have my ratio's down (rose and water) to create the water itself. I have chosen my roses but -as this is my first time making rosewater- I am seeing that the water can go sour after 7-10 days. EEK! This rosewater is going to be mixed with small amounts of essential oils to make a personal blend.

My question is, what is a safe, effective preserving agent to add to the water to keep the rosewater from going bad? I have seen alcohol and grape seed oil mentioned. Alcohol? hmmm.... seems rather harsh for the skin. Grape seed oil? Never worked with it but it seems like it might not mix well with the rosewater. Quite the conundrum for me.

Do you have any suggestions? Maybe I am going about this the wrong way? Is there a way to make a rose oil with the grape seed? It would take away from the personal and environmental spray idea? I just don't know.

Thank you for your time.

Scott

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 11 replies

itching

2008-03-03T02:30:51Z

will consider any and all suggestions for homemade remedies
i'm done buying all manner of potions and lotions
however natural and pure their claims

i feel like burying myself underground in mud with only my head sticking up
or sitting in a bathrub of aloe vera gel until morning

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 2 replies

Buying emulsifiers( soy lecithin,polysorbate 20....)

2008-03-02T07:29:00Z

Does health stores really sell them? I check on a health store site and it doesn't seem to have them,but if you say health stores are suppose to have them then I'll check in every store untill I find them.=)

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 3 replies

Homemade Body Washes

2008-02-28T23:52:28Z

I have been desperately looking all over the internet for homemade body wash recipes and have found none! I found only one, actually, where you mix equal parts water and vegetable glycerin (infusing the water with whatever herbs you want--I used calendula, chamomile, and honeysuckle) but it was extremely oily and did not work well at all. I am trying to make homemade shampoo, conditioner, baby wash, and body wash. Any suggestions on what I should use? I am having trouble finding castile soap that is not scented as well, so if anyone could give me some suggestions on that, that'd be great!

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 5 replies

Homemade Lotion

2008-02-27T18:35:04Z

I have made my own lotion using 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup oil, and 1 tablespoon liquid lecithin. I use it on my baby and myself. My baby has eczema however, and I wanted to know if there were any particular herbs I could infuse into the water to help him with this. I will sometimes put oat flour into the water and make my own oatmeal lotion and it seems to help--but not enough.

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 16 replies

Under Codex all nutrients and herbs are labelled as toxic and will be illegal.(as illegal as heroin) Canada is required to comply with codex by DEC.31 2009

2008-02-21T18:24:03Z

I am very concerned about Codex and the implications it can have on our Canadians rights and freedom. Under Codex all nutrients and herbs are labelled as toxic and will be illegal.(as illegal as heroin) Canada is required to comply with codex by DEC.31 2009 or the WTO which implements Codex will put up trade sanctions against Canada. We must not let Codex get implemented. We need to start sending letters and getting petitions signed NOW to stop Codexs standards from being implemented here in Canada and the rest of the world. I have added a Video which outlines what we must do to stop codex. Please Help and get the Canadian public to be aware of Codex and the horrible implications it could have on our lives.

http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-5266884912495233634&q=health&total=122451&start=0num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0

Please watch this video it will inform you of exactly what Codex is and what it is trying to do and how we can fight it.

Again, we must stop this now before it's to late and our human rights to take nutritional supplements and herbs is taken away and our right to hormone free meat and milk and organic vegetables is taken away.

I need your help all Canadians need your help. Inform the Canadian Public about Codex and get the petitions started to stop them.

Sincerely,
Brittany

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 4 replies

hydrogen peroxide?

2008-02-18T00:59:08Z

do you think that if I mixed together some hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, lemon juice and essential oil and water it would work as a shampoo type thing that could subtly bleach my hair blonder???? and not damage it?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 5 replies

Ghassoul (Rhassoul) Clay for cleansing face, body and hair

2008-02-18T00:56:03Z

This is an amazing smooth mud. I especially love it for my face, but many use it all over, and on their hair for cleansing. Nothing like traditional methods from a beautiful country like Morocco.

Herbal Ghassoul (Rhassoul or Lavaerde) is a spa quality mineral-rich clay from Morocco. It is very gentle on the skin, and great for sensitve and dry skin. This clay is found deep beneath the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Use this for healthy hair and skin.

Ghassoul (Rhassoul) from Morocco.

Mixing ghassoul for healthy hair and skin:
-Place ghassoul into bowl and put warm to hot water over it. Allow to sit for 5 minutes.
-Mix ghassoul to make a muddy paste.
-Apply ghassoul to hair by sections starting from the back and moving forward.
-For dry hair, let sit for 5-10 minutes
-For normal hair, let sit 5-15 minutes
-For oily hair, let sit 10-20 minutes
-Rinse well.
-For your face or body, mix ghassoul mud as directed and rub into skin. Rinse well.
-For scent you can add rose water, orange blossom water or your choice of essential oils, when preparing your ghassoul mud.
How to store your clay: fridge or cool dark place.
How to store your mud: fridge for up to one week.

Khadija
www.hennasooq.com

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 7 replies

Home-made Biodegradable Laundry Detergent

2008-02-15T17:38:20Z

Okay, so this is more about washing the clothes on my body rather than my body itself, but I wondered if anyone had any experience with this. I've been trying to cut the more harsh cleansers not only out of my showering rituals, but out of my house all together. But biodegradable laundry detergent is so expensive? Does anyone have homemade recipes? I'm allergic to perfumes in most detergents, so I'd prefer one gentle on the scents, but I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts! Any ideas?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 30 replies

slight and short term mild acne remedy?

2008-02-12T17:43:47Z

So...my local grocery is out of the stuff that I usually use--a Burt's Bees mixture--until sometime next week, and I was just wondering what else I could use in the meantime?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 4 replies

quick question on essential oils

2008-02-12T17:22:33Z

i'm hoping there's an eo expert here ~ i'm helping a friend blend a flea spray and i'm trying to get an idea on what percentage (it's an oil-base) of the mix should be eo's....we were thinking around 2%, but i'm not sure if that's correct.

thanks,
eden

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 3 replies

Greetings From Yorkshire

2008-02-12T13:45:13Z

WOW...this tribe is soo cool!

Only just found it now, hope that listing I just posted was ok, if not just delete if its innapropriate!

Ive always had sensitive skin, I have a condition called polymorphic light erruption, which basically means Im light sensitive (can't go in sun) Ive had this since I was 13 years old, and also allergic to benzophenone-3 which is found in all sorts of cosmetics and lotions etc....

I have to be exrememly careful buying new products, and just tend to stick with Simple, as its the only one that I trust 100%

Will be great to get some recpies for cleansers and moistirisers etc...

Nicky x

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 1 reply

There's water, and then there's WATER

2008-02-11T14:38:05Z

Just had an epiphany in the shower...

For my birthday this year I was given a chlorine and flouride filtering showerhead. I'm guessing that everything we've written here about leaving off shampoo is altered by the quality of the water you're washing with. That probably goes double for your skin.

The water in my shower is now silky. I can use less shampoo. My skin isn't dry when I come out, either. Why didn't I do this YEARS AGO?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 15 replies

Any tips for canker sores?

2008-02-11T01:53:53Z

I have a bumper crop and can't really eat anything, and can only drink with discomfort. I'm taking lysine as well as an antiviral prescription, but in the interim would love to hear what ideas you guys have.

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 24 replies

What the best wrinkle reducer?

2008-02-09T17:37:53Z

Both the fine lines and deep wrinkles. I know some are just temporary but thats fine. I have always held my age well but seems like in the last 6 months the wrinkles have gone on fast pilot. Not sure why.

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 66 replies

Good Collection of Important Websites

2008-02-09T04:23:40Z

Dear Friends,

I found this important website which has links to all daily use Important Websites.

http://ihome.rapidmile.com

I recommend you to put it as your HOME PAGE and take use of it daily.

Also feel free to forward to your friends

Regards,
Namrata

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 3 replies

Acne scars...no brighteners

2008-02-06T16:42:12Z

Does anyone know how i can get rid of acne scars on my face without any lightners or brightners? I have tan skin and i don't want to end up with white dots on my face..lolol. ive also read about vitamin e..does that really work? Have you tried that personally instead of reading about it? The scars are the only thing that makes me hate the way i look and make me very self-conscious. I hate concealers and foundation, but i have to use them to hide the scars. If i could minimize them or get rid of them completely, id be a very happy peep.

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 6 replies

Homemade cleaning tribe?

2008-02-05T21:55:15Z

Is there a tribe dedicated to making environmentally friendly cleaners? I have the hardest time searching for tribes on this site. I want some suggestions on getting rid of black mold in-between our shower tiles- we live in Hawaii and the humidity just does a number. I looked up some info on line and have tried GSE mixed with water- let it sit for about an hour- worked ok but wouldn't do it regularly cause that stuff is expensive. On to straight vinegar. Any other thoughts?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 2 replies

Rose water

2008-02-04T16:13:17Z

hello!!

I wanted to ask, what does rose water do to the skin!?

I bought some for a receipie, and I started cleaning my face with it morning and evening, instead of a lotion, because I like the smell...
I have oily skin and I dont use make up at all...

is it ok to clean my face with it!?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 37 replies

Skin Breakouts!

2008-02-03T19:00:51Z

Hey guys...I've nearly perfect skin all my life and I quit taking the pill about a year ago after being on it for 2 years. I've gone completely organic...facial and hair products, but my skin is terrible. I am using a Healing Green Salve with Arnica, Comfrey, Hemp, Helichrysum and Lavender oils...and it seems to help heal my face faster, but I still breakout. Do you guys have any suggestions on how to make my skin go back to normal without being on the pill?? Thanks all!

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 7 replies

eczema

2008-02-03T09:00:39Z

I've been lurking and reading all the wonderful posts in this tribe and thought perhaps someone may be able to make some good suggestions for natural treatments for eczema. Can anyone help? It's very mild (compared to what I had as a kid) and not itchy but it is kind of red and on my face. I can hide it with concealer but I suspect that only aggravates it. It's something that only flares up in winter, so probably it has to do with dryness but since it's around the smile crease between my nose and my mouth there's only so much moisturizer I can slather on without getting pimply and it's impossible to protect it from outdoor weather totally (apart from wearing a ski mask!) It's a genetic thing that runs in my family that emerges during stressful times so it may just be something I have to live with (though I'm not particularly stressed right now). Still, it would be nice to heal it if possible :-)

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 8 replies

Any one here had any luck with raw apple cider vinegar for fading sunpots?

2008-01-30T07:07:29Z

I have mature skin(age 60)with few wrinkles(due to having a normal to oily skin type - not too oily though, and not acneic at all), but
with sunspots that I'd like to fade out. I've been using an ACV toner(half water, half raw apple cider vinegar)twice a day. My skin looks somewhat brighter and feels smoother due to the exfoliation, but will this work on spots too? I know that no matter what one uses,
aside from strong prescription stuff(that I'd rather avoid due to carcinogenity concerns)it takes time to fade sunspots. I do wear a good
photostable sunblock though, to keep them from worsening. My skin would look great without these spots. In my other thread about shea butter, my cream that I make takes care of the anti-wrinkling and moisturizing part of the equation.

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 10 replies

Whiny ....

2008-01-28T01:22:49Z

Ok so I have a cold and I'm whiny but that's beside the point - I have a super ouchy raw nose from blowing it eight billion times. Does anyone have a lovely recipe to soothe my bright red, aching schnoz? Thanks

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 13 replies

Be wary of "organic" beauty products...

2008-01-28T01:16:16Z

The Rise of Organic Makeup (reposted from Dr. Mercola's website)

Sales of organic personal care items reached $350 million in 2007, increasing 24 percent from 2005. Sales among the top three natural personal care brands -- Burt’s Bees, Jason Natural Cosmetics and Tom’s of Maine -- brought in $155 million alone.

But are organic and natural cosmetics any better than the others? Maybe, and maybe not.

Cosmetics and their ingredients do not have to undergo any type of government approval before hitting store shelves, and the terms “natural” and “organic” have no definitions. In other words, when it comes to cosmetics labeling, it’s a free for all.

Some products may include a few organic ingredients, for instance, along with several chemical ones -- and still claim to be natural or organic on the label.

Reading labels carefully can be an effective way to sort out which products are truly natural. Researchers recommend watching out for, and avoiding, at least the following three ingredients in your cosmetics:

* Parabens, preservatives that have been linked to cancer
* Phthalates, chemicals used in fragrances that are harmful to your reproductive system
* Talc, which has been linked to ovarian cancer

Dr. Mercola's Comments:
Many of you reading this probably realized long ago that the majority of personal care products sold in the United States are actually chemical cocktails that have no business being on your skin, hair or nails.

What you may not know is that some products that claim to be “organic” or “natural” may not be any better. I find this disturbing, don’t you?

Take a look under your bathroom sink or wherever you keep your toiletries. Now think about this: none of those products had to undergo any type of testing before they reached you. The companies that make the products are pretty much left to police themselves, and the end results are products that use the cheapest materials possible, at any cost to your health. Do you trust the marketing claims of these “natural” products?

For instance, Alba Body Lotion, a "natural" body product, contains ingredients such as octyl methoxycinnamate, benzophenone-3, and methyl/propylparaben. The EPA has linked methyl parabens to metabolic, developmental, hormonal, and neurological disorders, as well as various cancers.

Here is a list of chemicals that are common in personal care products from shampoo and lotions to mascara and perfumes:

* Paraben, a chemical found in underarm deodorants and other cosmetics that has been shown to mimic the action of the female hormone estrogen, which can drive the growth of human breast tumors.

* Phthalates, plasticizing ingredients (present in nearly three-quarters of 72 products tested by the Environmental Working Group), which have been linked to birth defects in the reproductive system of boys and lower sperm-motility in adult men, among other problems.

* Musks, used as fragrances, can accumulate in your body, and have been linked to skin irritation, hormone disruption, and cancer in laboratory studies.

* Artificial fragrances, which are among the top five known allergens, and can cause asthma and trigger asthma attacks.

* Methylisothiazolinone (MIT), a chemical used in shampoo to prevent bacteria from developing, which may have detrimental effects on your nervous system.

* Lead, a known toxin, was found in more than half (61 percent) of 33 name-brand lipsticks tested in September 2007.

So when you slather on lotion, apply lipstick or lather up your hair with shampoo, what do you think happens to the chemicals in the products? They get absorbed directly into your body. It is well-proven that when you apply these chemicals to your skin, they enter your bloodstream and become integrated into your body tissues, In fact, it is probably safer to eat these ingredients than to rub them on your skin (although I strongly recommend you don’t do either!).

If You Wouldn’t Eat it, Don’t Put it on Your Body

Would you take a taste of your mascara or shaving cream? Probably not. However, if you do happen to eat these chemicals, your digestive system can produce specific enzymes to break down these toxins and excrete them … something that doesn’t readily occur when you absorb them through your skin.

In general, you need to seek out personal care products that are so pure you could actually eat them. Coconut oil is a great example here, as it makes a great moisturizer that you can also eat. Olive oil is another one that you can use to deep condition your hair.

Additionally, I am proud to report that my team has been researching this topic extensively and we are getting very close to launching one of the best, most pure skin care product lines out there. It is truly effective, has absolutely no synthetic ingredients, and is packaged in brown glass bottles.

Until then, I suggest you scrutinize the labels on your personal care products and cosmetics just as closely as you do your food. If you’re not sure what an ingredient is, type it into the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database, and you’ll get all the information you need about whether or not it’s safe.

And remember, if you wouldn’t eat it, don’t use it.

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 14 replies

Exfoliation for feet

2008-01-27T11:46:45Z

I use a pumice stone for the bottoms of my feet and salt/sugar scrub for all over exfoliation, but I don't know what to use to replace an AHA/BHA cream to keep the toes/cuticles soft and exfoliated. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 16 replies

coffee grounds....

2008-01-23T23:47:30Z

ive read about it a few times on this tribe but never really questioned HOW it works?

do you really just take the grounds from the filter from your mornings coffee and rub it into your face? Can I get step by step instructions? lol

please?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 11 replies

acne

2008-01-17T07:50:21Z

Here is a tribe with the intention of addressing the issue of acne in a sustainable, organic way:
tribes.tribe.net/organicacnetreatments

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 0 replies

bubbles bubbles...everywhere but my bathtub

2008-01-16T19:24:55Z

I just got rid of all the SLS in my house. Anyone know where I can get a bubble bathe? Pleeeease???

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 18 replies

Beauty uses for fresh lemons and/or oranges

2008-01-15T20:21:26Z

The house I just moved into has a lemon tree and an orange tree in the back yard and both are producing like crazy. While both fruits are magically delicious all three of the people in my household are getting sick of eating citrus 4 times a day. So I figure there's gotta be some good beauty uses out there. Anyone got any good recipes or suggestions for the optimum beauty use of citrus???

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 3 replies

Making eye cosmetics & beauty product ideas! HELP

2008-01-14T19:33:05Z

Ok so I've found the perfect place to buy natural foundation, eye shadow, blush & bronzer etc. (lilylolo.co.uk if you're interested) But what about eye make up like mascara and eyeliner? I've figured I can use the eye shadow Witchypoo from lilylolo as my main colourant but how am I going to find an ingredient to make it the consistency of mascara? (AND that is all natural and safe for eye-use). I've tried using lecithin as an emulsifier with sesame oil and water but to no avail - this was for a cream I was trying. Any ideas out there?

Making this is all part of my plan to manufacture natural, affordable beauty products in the future so any ideas on that front would also be helpful e.g. natural preservatives (I know ess oils and GSE are all good) any amazing not widely known ingredients you've discovered. My current 'Everest' at the moment is finding a natural foaming agent to replace the SLS used in shop bought shampoost. I want to try Soapwort but I don't know of anywhere to buy it.

Any help for any of the above will be greatly appreciated! Cheers

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 4 replies

areolatte: perfect tool for whipping creams/lotions

2008-01-14T17:53:18Z

I've been making small batches of creams and realized I had Aerolatte, which is a frother for lattes. Battery operated. It whips up the ingredients really well!
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/601-4285882-4150548?ASIN=B000BI8EC2&AFID=Froogle&LNM=B000BI8EC2|Aerolatte_Milk_Frother&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B000BI8EC2&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 1 reply

Beauty site with some recipes for skin/hair

2008-01-13T01:37:16Z

I just found this, while looking for something else.
http://www.budget-beauty.com/

I don't know if it's been posted before.

Check out that front page for a couple recipes for eye gel and lip balm. Plus others. And head into The Archives (on the right side) and browse by month or alpha-sort topics.

Yes, they have store brand items too, so it's not all natural things. But maybe you will find something in there that you like.

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 1 reply

Wavy Hair

2008-01-11T17:48:22Z

I have wavy hair. This has not always been the case; it just became wavy little by little. My hair also has a forward orientation and it keeps falling on my face. I tuck it behind my ears, but than it keeps that shape, which is not very appealing. If I brush it, it becomes frizzy. If I put gel, which I don’t like to do because of the alcohol, it is wavy for a while, and within a few hours it “falls” into a weird, messy shape. I have been finger brushing it, but finger brushing takes too long. If I use an anti-frizz serum, my hair needs to be washed everyday. I currently wash it every other day. So, I am thinking of buying products, does anyone have any suggestions?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 13 replies

Slightly off-topic--ear piercing

2008-01-11T15:59:19Z

Okay, so I'm planning on piercing my ears a few more times and am wondering what the best way to go about it it--should I do it at home, and in this case what sorts of antiseptic things ought I use, or should I actually go to a parlour to have it done--is one safer than the other?

posted in homemade beauty remedies - 13 replies