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The Witch's Library - Your Source for Pagan Information

Beauty

Hair | Eyes | Lips | Hands | Feet | Skin | Baths & Bath Oils | Perfume

This is a collection of beauty products you can make at home. Some are very easy to make and others are harder, but you can make a lot of this stuff yourself. On this page is the whole collection of recipes, but the menu above has them separated into categories.

Herbal Beauty

Foot bath

  • Cedar oil - soothing for sore feet
  • Epsom salt - helps tired, aching feet
  • Lavender - helps sweating (mixed with rosemary) and tired, aching feet
  • Apple cider vinegar - Regular foot baths with 1 part vinegar and 8 parts water removes smell.

Start by putting your feet in a bath with 5-10 drops of aroma oil in 3 l of water. Rest for 15 minutes. Rub hard areas and dead skin with a pumice stone or a brush. Massage the top of your feet and kneed the underside to relieve tensions and help the circulation.

Athlete's foot

Dry thoroughly between the toes, walk barefoot as often as possible and avoid nylons and tight shoes. Apply tea tree oil morning and night.

Tired feet

If your feet get tired when you're walking, put some ferns in your shoes. Form what old wife's remedies say, it should help.

Foot talcum

If you use a natural powder after you've taken a bath, the shoes won't chafe as much. This powder is especially effective when it's hot outside.

1 1⁄2 dl (~5.1 fl oz) of talcum powder
2 tbsp of pulverized boric acid
1 1⁄2 dl (~5.1 fl oz) of corn flour
1⁄2 tsp of Peppermint extract
1 tsp of alcohol

Cold feet

Some cayenne pepper in your socks makes the feet feel warm soon. If you want to make a foot powder to use outdoors, just add something neutralizing, for example pulverized fuller's earth or talcum powder.

Hand cream with cocoa butter

Melt equal parts of cocoa butter, Almond oil and white bees wax, stir until it's cold and store in dark jars.

Easily made hand cream

2 tbsp lanolin
2 tbsp Almond or Wheat germ oil
4 drops soothing aroma oil

Warm the lanolin over a water bath while you stir constantly. Remove it from the heat when the lanolin is liquefied, add the oils and stir until it's cold. Store in jars in a dark and cool place.

Herbs that are beneficial for the hands

An infusion on Fennel, Yarrow, Marigold petals, Lady's Mantle, Roman Chamomile, Comfrey or High Mallow is good for coarse, grooved hands.

Chapped cuticles

Rub some Tea Tree or Thyme oil on them.

Cuticle cream

Mix 2 tbsp fresh Pineapple juice (use a juicer) or the same amount of Papaya juice with 2 tbsp egg yolk and 1⁄2 tsp apple cider vinegar. Wet your nails and let it work for half an hour. Pineapple and Papaya contain an enzyme that softens tissues with high protein content.

Nail bath

Five minutes in warm Olive oil, infusion on Horsetail or in Apple cider vinegar strengthens the nails. If you rub your nails with lemon peel, they don't just get stronger, but also clean and white.

Nail cream

Take equal parts of honey, Avocado oil and egg yolk, and a pinch of sea salt. Rub your nails with it, and let it work for half an hour. Rinse it off.

Coloring your nails with henna

Make a mush from henna powder and warm water, spread it on your nails with a brush and let them dry, preferably in the sun. When they're completely dry, you rinse them in lukewarm water. The nails get a soft pink hue with a hint of amber, and it lasts.

Sun protection

1 small Cucumber
1⁄2 tsp of glycerin
1⁄2 tsp of Rose water

Peel the Cucumber and crush it, press the juice out of it and mix it with rose water and glycerin.

Sun oil I

3⁄4 dl (~2.5 fl oz) of water free lanolin
3⁄4 dl (~2.5 fl oz) of Sesame oil
2 1⁄4; dl (~7.6 fl oz) of water

Melt the lanolin over a water bath and mix in the rest immediately. Pour it in a dark box and keep it in the refrigerator. If you're planning on bathing, it's better to only use Sesame oil because it's water resistant.

Sun oil II

1 1⁄2 dl (~5.1 fl oz) of Sesame seed oil
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Olive oil
1⁄2 dl (~1.7 fl oz) of Apple vinegar
10 drops of Lavender oil

Shake well.

Sun oil III

2 dl (~6.8 fl oz) of Sesame seed oil
1⁄2 dl (~1.7 fl oz) of Nettle
1⁄2 dl (~1.7 fl oz) of Lavender
1⁄2 dl (~1.7 fl oz) of Sage
1⁄2 dl (~1.7 fl oz) of High Mallow

Place the herbs in a bottle and pour the oil over. Let it sit in a warm place for 7-14 days. Strain through gauze, squeeze to get the most out of it.

Sun oil IV

1 1⁄2 dl (~5.1 fl oz) of Sunflower oil
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Almond oil
3 tbsp of Apple vinegar
10-15 drops of your favorite aroma oil.

Mix it all together. This oil is silky smooth, it's easy to apply and gets absorbed quickly.

Body oil I

1 1⁄2 dl (~5.1 fl oz) of Almond oil
1⁄2 dl (~1.7 fl oz) of Sunflower oil
4 drops of Jasmine oil
8 drops of Rose oil

Body oil II

1 1⁄2 dl (~5.1 fl oz) of Safflor oil
1⁄2 dl (~1.7 fl oz) of Sunflower oil
10 drops of Lavender oil
2 drops of Camphor

Flower oil

1 1⁄2 dl (~5.1 fl oz) of Almond oil
1⁄2 dl (~1.7 fl oz) of Olive oil
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Rose petals
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Heather flowers

Strawberry agent for the whole body

2 tbsp of Cocoa butter
6 tbsp of Sesame seed oil
2 tbsp of Strawberry juice (directly from the berries)
5 drops of Benzoic tincture

Shake well before use.

Fragrant massage oil

1 tsp of Avocado oil
1 tsp of Wheat germ oil
5 tbsp of Sunflower oil
5 drops of Lavender oil
5 drops of Jasmine oil
5 drops of Eucalyptus oil

Massage oil against nervous tensions I

1 tsp of Avocado oil
1 tsp of Wheat germ oil
5 tbsp of Sunflower oil
5 drops of Lavender oil
5 drops of Sandal Wood oil
5 drops of Neroli oil

Massage oil against nervous tensions II

1 tsp of Avocado oil
1 tsp of Wheat germ oil
5 tbsp of Sunflower oil
5 drops of Bergamot oil
5 drops of Sandal Wood oil
5 drops of Cedar oil

Refreshing and strengthening massage oil

1 tsp of Avocado oil
1 tsp of Wheat germ oil
5 tbsp of Sunflower oil
8 drops of Bergamot oil
4 drops of Jasmine oil
4 drops of Rose oil

Cleansing cream I

This kind of crème was used over 2000 years ago in Greece .

1 tbsp of white bees wax
2 tbsp of lanolin
6 tbsp of Almond/Avocado oil or 3 tbsp of each
2 tbsp of Rose water
(2 drops of aroma oil to your own taste)

If you're allergic you should exclude the aroma oil. Pour the cream in a ceramic box. Appropriate for dry skin.

Relaxing massage oil

1 tsp of Avocado oil
1 tsp of Wheat germ oil
5 tbsp of Sunflower oil
5 drops of Rose oil
5 drops of Chamomile oil
5 drops of Geranium oil

Romanian cleansing emulsion

2 1⁄2 dl (~8.5 fl oz) of natural yoghurt
5 tbsp of dried Elder flowers
2 tbsp of honey

Warm the yoghurt slowly and mix in the flowers. Let it boil gently for about 30 minutes. Take it off the heat and let it sit under a lid for 3 hours. Warm it up again, strain and add honey. Keep chilled.

Cleansing cream II

1 tbsp of Cocoa butter
1 tbsp of lanolin
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Avocado, Almond or Sunflower oil

Cleansing lotion with milk and honey

2 tsp of honey
2 tbsp of milk

Warm milk and honey to approx. 37 degrees Celsius, mix thoroughly. Use your fingertips to massage it in over your face and neck with light circular motions. Avoid the area around the eyes. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.

Cleansing cream III

1 tbsp of white bees wax
2 tbsp of water free lanolin
Scarcely 1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Almond- or Avocado oil
2 tbsp of Rose water.
2 drops of aroma oil

Melt the wax over a water bath, carefully add the Almond oil, bit by bit and then mix inn the Rose water while you stir continuously. Remove it from the heat and add any aroma oil. Pour the cream into a transparent box, and label it.

Liquid cleansing agent with coconut fat

1 tbsp of coconut fat
1 tbsp of water free lanolin
1 1⁄2 dl (~5.1 fl oz) of Avocado, Almond or Sunflower oil

Melt the coconut fat, lanolin and oil until they're completely dissolved and blended. Use an electric hand mixer until it's cooled off. Pour the liquid in a box and label it.

Cleansing with honey

Warm 4 tbsp of honey and pat it gently on your skin, either only where you have blackheads, or over the entire facial area. If you have a lot of spots, you can add a couple of wheat germs, they draw the spots to the surface. A mask with wheat germs is antiseptic and gives you good-looking skin. Leave it on for fifteen minutes or a bit longer, relax. Wash it off with lukewarm water and close the pores with an astringent agent.

Nourishing cream with Avocado

2 whole eggs
1 tsp of glycerin
1⁄2 tsp of lemon juice
Avocado oil (enough to thicken the mixture)
1 pinch of sea salt
A few drops of apple cider vinegar
3 egg yolks
2 tbsp of water

Mix eggs, glycerin and lemon juice, add the Avocado oil one drop at a time until the mixture thickens, and then the salt and vinegar. When it's thickened to a cream, add the whisked egg yolks and the water. Pour in a labeled box and keep refrigerated.

Nourishing cream with Orris-root and lanoline

3 dl (~10.1 fl oz) of water
2 tbsp of powdered Orris-root
1 tbsp of honey
2 tbsp of water free lanolin
1⁄2 tsp of Rose water

Put the powder in the water and let it sit under a lid for half an hour. Strain and add honey. Warm the lanolin over a water bath and add it. Add the Rose water.

Face-lotion I

Take some thin slices of Cucumber, rub them gently over your face. Avoid the area around the eyes. Cucumber tightens the skin and stimulates the circulation.

Face-lotion II

1 small, fresh Cucumber
2 tsp of strained Lemon juice or Witch Hazel

Press the juice out of the Cucumber, mix it with Lemon juice/Witch Hazel. Shake and use cotton to apply it with.

Flower face-lotion for all skin types

1 tsp of Marigold
1 tsp of Roman Chamomile
1 tsp of Red Clover flowers
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of distilled water or spring water
5 drops of Almond oil

Face-lotion with Roses

2 tsp of Rose petals
1 tsp of Violet
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of distilled water or spring water
5 drops of Almond oil
(3 drops of Rose oil)

Astringent face-lotion I

1 tsp of Lavender
1 tsp of Lady's Mantle
1 tsp of Mint
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of distilled water or spring water
5 drops of Almond oil
(2 drops of Peppermint oil)

Pour boiling water over the herbs and let them sit for about 30 minutes. Strain the mixture and add the Almond oil. If you want more fragrance, add the Peppermint oil. Appropriate for impure skin with large pores.

Astringent face-lotion II

1 tsp of Yarrow
1 tsp of Colt's Foot
1 tsp of Horsetail
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of distilled water or spring water
5 drops of Almond oil
5 drops of apple cider vinegar

Pour boiling water over the herbs and let them sit for about 30 minutes. Strain the mixture and add the Almond oil and the vinegar. Appropriate for oily and impure skin.

Face-lotion III

1 tsp of Lemon juice
2 tbsp of water

Pat gently into the skin, avoid the area around the eyes. Let it work for 1 minute, rinse with lukewarm water or let it be if you want.

Tonic I

1 tsp of dried Parsley
1 tsp of Fennel seeds
1 tsp of Roman Chamomile
6 dl (~20.3 fl oz) of water

Boil the water in a rust free kettle, place the herbs in a bowl and pour the water over them. Cover with a lid and leave for 10-20 minutes, strain. Lasts for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. Rinse the cleansed skin with the herbal water, or use a piece of cotton. Let it dry.

Tonic II

1 tsp of Mint
1 tsp of Thyme
1 tsp of Fennel seeds
6 dl (~20.3 fl oz) of water

Boil the water in a rust free kettle, place the herbs in a bowl and pour the water over them. Cover with a lid and leave for 10-20 minutes, strain. Lasts for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. Rinse the cleansed skin with the herbal water, or use a piece of cotton. Let it dry. Perfect to use if you have problems with blackheads or acne.

Vinegar

If you dilute apple cider vinegar with 8 part of water, you can use it as a face-lotion

Fragrant face-lotion with vinegar

30 g (~1.1 oz) fragrant Rose petals
1 1⁄2 dl (~5.1 fl oz) of white wine vinegar

Let the petals and the vinegar sit over a boiling water bath. Pour it in a box and cover with a cloth or paper, leave warm for 2 weeks. Strain and store the liquid in a bottle with a tight top.

Witch Hazel foam

1 tsp of honey
2 1⁄2 dl (~8.5 fl oz) of Rose water
3⁄4 dl (~2.5 fl oz) of Witch Hazel water
1⁄2 tsp of apple cider vinegar
1⁄2 tsp of glycerin
1⁄2 tsp of camphor alcohol
1 tsp of Mint extract or 5-10 drops of Peppermint oil
5 drops of simple Benzoic tincture or 1 pinch of Alum
A few drops of green color

Mix honey and Rose water well, add de other ingredients, the green color last. The mixture won't get completely smooth. This is a good astringent agent that can be used on a daily basis, especially on winter tired skin. Avoid the area around the eyes. Can be used instead of shaving water. It works best if it's ice cold.

Flower steam bath for dry and sensitive skin

a handful of Roman Chamomile
a handful of Marigold
a handful of Red Clover

Super steam bath for oily skin

a handful of Lavender
a handful of Yarrow
a handful of Thyme

Steam bath for all skin types

a handful of Roman Chamomile
a handful of Rosemary
a handful of Lavender
a handful of Comfrey leaves

Green steam bath for gray and tired skin

a handful of Rosemary
a handful of Mint
a handful of Nettle

Refreshing steam bath

1 tsp of dried Parsley
1 tsp of dried Rosemary
1 tsp of dried Mint
1 tsp of dried Marigold leaves
1 tsp of dried Roman Chamomile
1 1⁄2 l (~50.7 fl oz) of boiling water

Steam bath with hips

1 tsp of Marjoram
1 tsp of dried hips
1 tsp of dried Laurel
1 tsp of Roman Chamomile
1 tsp of Linden tea or Linden flowers
1 thin slice of Lemon
1 thin slice of Orange
1 1⁄4 l (~47.3 fl oz) of boiling water

Face mask for hot days

1 peeled Cucumber
1 ice cube
1⁄2 tsp of honey
2 tbsp of milk (if you want it thicker, you can add 1⁄2 tsp of dry milk)
5 drops of Peppermint extract or 2 drops of Peppermint oil

Crush the ice and mix it with the other ingredients. Pat the mask onto your face, let it work for 15 minutes or longer. Wash it off with lukewarm water. Pat your skin dry with a towel and use an astringent face-lotion to close the pores.

Nourishing face mask

1 egg
1 tsp of warmed honey
1⁄2 tsp of beer yeast (3 crushed tablets)

Whisk the egg and mix it with the rest. Use a brush to apply the mask evenly over the face. Avoid the area around the eyes. Let it work for 15 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.

Apple face mask

You can either put a large compress wet in apple juice over your face, or spread crushed apple over a wet face. Avoid the area around the eyes. Let it work for 15 minutes.

Papaya face mask

This mask has a lot of minerals, removes dead skin and is astringent.

30 g (~1.1 oz) of crushed Papaya
1 tsp of natural yoghurt

Mix until even, pat onto your face and neck. Avoid the area around the eyes. Let it work for 10-15 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water and let the skin dry.

Herbal flour face mask

1⁄2 tbsp of herbal flour
1 tbsp of China clay, Arrowroot flour, corn flour or oatmeal
ca. 1 tbsp of natural yoghurt, cream or similar
(1 tsp of honey or 2 drops of Almond oil)

Mix the ingredients to a thick gruel, that doesn't run, and spread it over your clean face, except around the eyes. Let it work for 10-20 minutes or until the mask has dried. Rinse it off with lukewarm water and close the pores with a face-lotion that is appropriate for your skin type.

Strawberry face mask for normal skin

4 strawberries
1 tbsp of oatmeal

Aloe Vera face mask against spots

1 tbsp of China clay
1 tbsp of aloe gel

Peeling mask

Rub some of the aroma oil you like best on your face and neck. Immediately after, pat in some drops of warm water, and then a layer of pure Lemon juice. Wait a couple of minutes, but not so long that it dries. Use your fingertips to work the emulsion with circular motions until you get a small ball that you throw away. Continue until the skin looks fresh and "peeled". Cool the skin with 1⁄2 tsp of Witch Hazel water.

Astringent face mask

Whisk an egg white and pat it on your face, it stiffens right away. Let it dry for 15 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water and a piece of cotton.

Face mask against big pores

Yarrow, Horsetail and Sage helps against big pores. For a face mask you boil 3 dl (~10.1 fl oz) of water and pour it over 2 tbsp of dried herbs. Let it sit 15 minutes and strain. The infusion can be combined with milk, honey, Lemon or apple cider vinegar.

Deep cleansing

1 tbsp of semi-coarsely ground Sunflower seeds
1 tbsp of semi-coarsely ground Oats
1 tbsp of Elder flowers or Yarrow
1 tbsp of Wheat germs
1 tbsp of Almond flour
1 tbsp of Bran
1 tbsp of China clay

Deep cleansing mask I

4 tbsp of honey
1 tbsp of Wheat germs
1⁄2 tbsp of Almond flour
1⁄2 tbsp of China clay

Warm the honey so that it's lukewarm and mix in the rest of the ingredients.

Deep cleansing mask II

1 tbsp of semi-coarse Oats
1 tbsp of dried Orange peel
1 tbsp of Almond flour
natural yoghurt

Mix the dry ingredients and add yoghurt so that it gets the right consistency.

Clay mask

1⁄2 tsp of bees wax
2 tbsp of lanolin
5 tbsp of Rose water
120 g (~4.2 oz) of China clay

If you want, you can add 1 tsp of soaked linseed, Quince seeds (Cydonia oblonga/vulgaris), Carragen Moss (Chondrus crispus) or 1 tsp of odorless gelatin.

Aloe Vera cream

6 capsules of vitamin E oil or 1⁄2 tsp of Wheat germ oil
4 tsp of Aloe Vera gel
125 ml (~4.2 fl oz) of Almond oil
1 tbsp of lanolin

Pierce the capsules, mix the oil with Aloe Vera and Almond oil. Whisk hard or use an electric hand mixer, pour in a small bowl. Melt the lanolin over a water bath, add the oil mixture while you whisk the lanolin, and continue whisking until it's cooled off. Store in jars.

Quickly made moisturizing cream

2 tbsp of Almond oil
2 tbsp of Rose water

Whisk or use a blender. Shake before use.

Peppermint cream

2 tbsp of Coconut oil
1 tbsp of Almond oil
2 drops of apple cider vinegar
1 drop of Peppermint oil

Has a fresh smell and refreshes the skin. Appropriate for all skin types.

Chamomile cream

1 1⁄2 tbsp of yellow bees wax
1 tbsp of white bees wax
1 tbsp of lanolin
6 tbsp of Almond oil
2 tbsp of distilled water
1⁄2 tsp of borax ([[Herbs/Warnings#borax|Warning!]])
2 tbsp of Roman Chamomile extract
3 drops of benzoic tincture

Warm the distilled water and borax in a separate kettle until the borax is completely dissolved. Finally, add the extract and the benzoic tincture. Appropriate for dry, sensitive and aging skin.

Rose cream I

1 tbsp of bees wax
4 tbsp of Olive oil
1 tbsp of Almond oil
1 tbsp of Rose water
(1 drop of Rose oil)
Appropriate for dry and normal skin.

Rose cream II

1⁄2 tsp of bees wax
2 tsp of Cocoa butter
2 tsp of Apricot kernel oil
1 tbsp of Almond oil
1⁄2 tsp of honey
1 tbsp of Rose extract or Rose water
(1 drop of Rose oil or similar)
Appropriate for dry skin.

Acne tea

30 g (~1.1 oz) of finely cut Nettle
30 g (~1.1 oz) of finely cut Horsetail
30 g (~1.1 oz) of finely cut Quince root

Pour 2 1⁄2 dl (~8.5 fl oz) of boiling water over 2 tsp of the mixture. Let it sit for 10 minutes, strain. Drink 1 cup 3 times a day.

Prevents spots

Take the juice of one red onion and rub it on the areas where the spots occur.

Remove wrinkles with cream

On well cleansed skin. Pat in a mixture of one whisked egg white and 1 tsp of cream. Let it work for 20 minutes, wash it off with lukewarm water.

Wrinkle cream with red onion

The juice of 1 red onion
2 tsp of honey
1 tbsp of white bees wax

Bleach freckles

Freckles can be bleached with either a mixture of equal parts of Lemon juice and Rose water or 2 tbsp of grated Horse Radish and some apple cider vinegar mixed to a paste.

Decoction for better growth

50 g (~1.8 oz) of dried Nettle
1 l (~33.8 fl oz) of water

Boil for 15 minutes, strain. Massage into the scalp once a day.

Hair wash against dandruff I

Make a strong infusion by pouring 1⁄2 l (~16.9 fl oz) of boiling water over 4 tbsp of Nettle. Leave for several hours, add 3⁄4 dl (~2.5 fl oz) of apple cider vinegar and 3⁄4 dl (~2.5 fl oz) of eau de cologne to the strained juice, this makes it last longer. Massage into the scalp every night. If the hair is oily, the amount of eau de cologne can be increased to 1 1⁄2 dl (~5.1 fl oz).

Tincture for hair wash

20 g (~0.7 oz) of dried Nettle
2 dl (~6.8 fl oz) of 70 % alcohol

Mix in a bottle, leave for 5 days. Stir often, strain and filter.

Hair wash against dandruff II

20 ml (~0.7 fl oz) of tincture
80 ml (~2.7 fl oz) of distilled water
20 ml (~0.7 fl oz) of 96 % alcohol

Mix thoroughly. Massage into the scalp once a day.

Apple cider vinegar against dandruff

Use cotton balls to apply warm vinegar to the scalp. Wrap your head in a towel and let it work for 30 minutes. Wash it out with shampoo. You can also make hair wash from 1 part vinegar and 6 parts water. Dampen your hair every morning and night using a comb. Let it dry on its own. Helps against irritated and itchy scalp.

Rosemary hair wash

1 tsp of dried or 2 tsp of fresh Rosemary
6 dl (~20.3 fl oz) of boiling water

Put the herbs in the water, remove the kettle from the heat and let it sit for 15 minutes-2 hours. Strain and use as the last rinse water after you've washed your hair. Makes the hair shinier and less flying.

Strong herbal agent for dry and frayed hair

1 tbsp of finely ground Rosemary buds
1 tbsp of Roman Chamomile flowers
1 tbsp of colorless henna flour
the juice from 1⁄2 Lemon
3⁄4 dl (~2.5 fl oz) of boiling water

Mix all the ingredients to a thick paste, massage it into newly washed hair. Put a plastic bag (or similar) over the hair and cover it with a towel. Let it work for half an hour and rinse thoroughly.

Clearing for fair hair

1⁄2 dl (~1.7 fl oz) of Roman Chamomile
1⁄2 dl (~1.7 fl oz) of Marigold
3 dl (~10.1 fl oz) of boiling water

Place the herbs in a bowl pour the water over them. Cover with a towel and leave it for 3 hours. Strain through gauze, pour into bottles and store in a dark place. Use it in the last rinse. This is the secret behind many shimmering blond hairs.

Against oily hair

1 tbsp of Lemon juice
2 1⁄2 dl (~8.5 fl oz) of water

Mix and massage it in. Wash the hair with shampoo afterwards.

Sage and Rosemary rinse

1 tbsp of Sage
2 tbsp of Rosemary
1 tbsp of Tea leaves
1 l (~33.8 fl oz) of boiling water

Mix Sage, Rosemary and Tea leaves in a bowl and pour the water over them. Leave it for 3 hours, strain and use in the last rinse. Makes gray hair darker.

Old style shampoo

2 fresh eggs
1 tsp of strained Lemon juice
1 1⁄4 dl of cooled off, boiled water
(1 tsp of Almond oil)

If you add Almond oil you get shampoo and conditioner at the same time. All ingredients must be at room temperature, or the eggs will stiffen. Run in a blender until the mixture is smooth. Massage into wet hair for 10 minutes, distribute it evenly throughout the whole hair. Rinse with semi-cold water until everything's gone. Finish with a Rosemary hair wash.

Herbal shampoo

You get a herbal shampoo by adding a strong infusion of herbs to the Avocado or Coconut shampoo you like best. You can also use the herbs together with natures own soap ingredient; saponin. If you have fair hair, you make an infusion on Roman Chamomile, it makes the hair lighter and softer. You can also add an infusion on Mullein flowers, Nettle or a decoction on Rhubarb root. If you've got normal or oily hair you can add an egg white. Those who have dry, fair hair use an egg yolk. If you want darker hair, add an infusion on Rosemary, Sage or Rosemary oil. Both herbs are good for the hair.

Dry shampooing

Instead of washing your hair with water and shampoo, you can brush it with some kind of absorbing flour or powder. The advantage here is that the protective acid layer doesn't get washed away all the time. The hair becomes shiny and springier. Ground Orris root from Florence, has been used as a dry shampoo for several hundred years. Fuller's earth can also be used. Divide the hair into sections and spray on the absorbent until the whole scalp is covered. After five minutes, start to brush the hair powerfully. Brush through the whole hair.

In a crisis

Tread a piece of straining cloth or a nylon stocking over a brush, and force the brush trough the fabric. Spray some eau de cologne on it and brush your hair. Repeat if necessary. A surprising amount of dirt disappears using this method. This makes you able to go where you're supposed to, even though you didn't have time to wash your hair.

Against dandruff and oily hair

4 tbsp of Almond oil
3 drops of Juniper oil
3 drops of Cedar Tree oil

Mix well and distribute in you hair after washing it. Leave it in for an hour or until the hair is dry. If you add the shampoo to dry hair afterwards, it's easier to get the oil out. Wash and rinse your hair.

Aroma therapy for the scalp

4 tbsp of Almond oil
3 drops of Rosemary oil
3 drops of Lavender oil

Mix well and distribute in you hair after washing it. Wash and rinse your hair again. Stimulates the scalp, reduces hair loss and makes the hair stronger.

Intense treatment for dry hair

3 tsp of Almond oil
3 drops of aroma oil

Warm the oils carefully and mix them. Massage the oils into the scalp and then distribute them in the whole hair. Make sure you get the parts that are dry. Wrap your hair in warm towels and let it work for 20 minutes. Rinse and shampoo thoroughly.

Coloring with henna

Henna is a non-toxic agent that doesn't irritate the skin. It's hard to stabilize the color if you're not used to working with henna. The color lasts for months at a time.

Wash your hair and protect your scalp with a layer of Safflor oil or Corn oil. Don't forget to use rubber gloves.

6 dl (~20.3 fl oz) of Henna powder
3 dl (~10.1 fl oz) of warm water
1 tsp of vinegar

Stir the Henna powder into the water until it's a thick mush. Add the vinegar to make the color better. Leave the paste to rest for one hour. Warm it over a water bath until the water bath boils powerfully. Stir the mush the entire time. Remove the water bath from the heat and leave it for another hour. Warm it up again and massage it into your hair. Don't forget the gloves! If you a Chestnut brown tint or even darker, leave it in for up to 6 hours. Wash you hair and rinse until the water is completely clear. Use a comb during the rinse. To prevent drying, massage some oil into the scalp.

Other plants that give red nuances

A strong infusion on vinegar and Privet makes the hair red, if you wash it with the liquid. Saffron gives the hair a reddish tint, as well as Marigold petals.

Coloring your hair brown or black

Walnut shells give a safe coloring agent that gradually makes the hair darker. Before the nuts are matured, you crush and rub the outer shells in a mortar and cover them with water. Add a bit of salt, leave them for 3 days. Add 1 l (~33.8 fl oz) of boiling water and let it boil gently for 5 hours. Replace the water that disappears (make a mark in the kettle). Press the dark fluid out of the shells with a press or wring it out with a straining cloth. Pour all the liquid back into the kettle, and let it boil down to a fourth of the original amount. Add about ten drops of perfume if you want, some alum as a fixing agent and bit of glycerin to make the hair softer. Use the color on newly washed hair. First the hair gets a yellowish color, which then changes to a deep black.

Other things that make the hair darker

Colors that are used to make the hair darker are often made from infusions of Wild Wine, Fig Tree, Raspberry bush, Sage, Marjoram, Betony, Laurel or Myrtle. Decoction on roots from Holm Oak (Quercus ilex) and Caper wood, decoction on Willow bark, Walnut wood and Pomegranate, Bean shells, Gallnut, Cypress roots, Beetroot seeds, Poppy flowers and alum.

Cashew wood, Kampesh wood, Kvebracho wood, Sandal wood and some Sequoias are other examples. Make a decoction on one of these and 5dl water. Let it boil gently for 20-30 minutes, strain and brush the liquid through your hair several times. You can also rinse your hair with it. The color will gradually get darker and it won't look good until you've done it a couple of times. Hair that is washed with Elder berries boiled in wine gets black.

Make your hair lighter

You can use Rhubarb root to give dark blond hair a golden yellow color, and brown hair a beautiful golden hue.

4 tbsp of Rhubarb root
3⁄4 dl (~2.5 fl oz) of water or white wine

Let the root boil gently in water or wine for 20 minutes. Leave it for several hours. Wet your hair with the liquid several time, or make a pack to increase the effect, especially near the roots. Take 1 1⁄2 dl (~5.1 fl oz) of powdered China clay to 3 dl (~10.1 fl oz) of the decoction. To prevent any drying, you can add a whisked egg yolk, 1⁄2 tsp of apple cider vinegar and 1 tsp of glycerin. Wine gives the best result, but gets sticky and has to be washed out. If you use water you can leave it in.

Don't forget to use gloves. If you let your hair dry in the sun, the effect increases. The hair gets softer and the golden tone gets deeper with repeated treatments.

If you want to make your hair a golden yellow color, mix equal parts of Elder bark and Greenweed flowers with an egg yolk and boil it in water. Remove the foam that rises to the surface and use it as a coloring agent.

Herbs appropriate for eye compresses

  • Roman Chamomile
  • Borage
  • Colt's Foot
  • Elder
  • Horsetail
  • Comfrey
  • Cornflower
  • Hips
  • Eyebright

Eyebright compresses

1⁄2 tsp of dried Eyebright
2 dl (~6.8 fl oz) of water

Eyebright gives back the elasticity and refreshes. Try an ice cold compress after a hard day. It helps against dark areas under the eyes, which are caused by fatigue and other signs of strain. After the compress, your eyes are like stars again, and ready for any nightly pleasures.

Chamomile compress

1⁄2 tbsp of dried Roman Chamomile flowers
2 dl (~6.8 fl oz) of water

Reduces swelling, makes the skin softer and the look clearer.

Horsetail compress

1⁄2 tbsp of dried horsetail
2 dl (~6.8 fl oz) of water

Reduces swelling in the eyelids.

Hip compress I

1 tbsp of dried Hips
2 dl (~6.8 fl oz) of water

Hip compress II

Hip tea

Hips smooth out bags under the eyes.

French eye compresses

1 tbsp of Cornflower
2 dl (~6.8 fl oz) of water

Shimmer ointment

1⁄2 tsp of honey
2 drops of Almond oil

Mix honey and Almond oil, be thorough when you smear it around your eyes. Rest for 15 minutes so you feel the effect. Wash it away with chamomile compresses. Repeat the treatment for 2-3 days in a row.

Cream for the area around the eyes

3 tbsp of water free lanolin
1 tbsp of mineral oil
1 egg yolk
2 tbsp of bees wax
2 tbsp of Safflor oil
1 tbsp of cold water (can be excluded)

The mineral oil is in the recipe because it helps to remove make-up. If you want to skip it, you can use an extra tbsp of lanolin. Melt lanolin and mineral oil over a water bath until has a consistency similar to jelly. Add the whisked egg yolk. Over another water bath, melt bees wax and Safflor oil. Pour the two mixtures in the same bowl. Add water if you want. It helps to keep the skin moist, but it can make the cream sting. Whisk the mixture to a foam.

Against rings and bags under the eyes

Use raw, grated potato in gauze. Leave it on for 15 minutes.

For tired eyes

Do the same as with the potato, but use apple.

Against swollen eyes

Cucumber slices...

Soothing bath I

30 g (~1.1 oz) of dried Lemon Balm leaves
1 l (~33.8 fl oz) of boiling water

Let it sit for 10 minutes strain and pour in the bath water.

Marie Antoinette's bath

1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Thyme
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Marjoram
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of sea salt

Place the ingredients in a bag made out of gauze, and put the bag in the bath water.

Soothing bath II

Hops
Roman Chamomile
Heather
Linden
Meadowsweet
Hawthorne
Thyme

Skin stimulating bath

Marjoram
Comfrey
Rosemary
Sage
Lemon Balm
Thyme
Dandelion

Bath for sunburnt skin

Lavender
High Mallow
Nettle
Sage

Bath for softer skin

Roman Chamomile
Marigold
Birch
High Mallow
Elder
Wild Pansy
Lady's Mantle
Red Clover
Comfrey
Rose
Sage

Bath for oily skin

Witch Hazel
Lavender
Colt's Foot
Strawberry
Mint
Horsetail
Red Clover
Comfrey
Sage
Yarrow

Bath against stress

1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) Meadowsweet flowers
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) Thyme
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) Hawthorne

Sleeping Beauty's bath

1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Rose petals
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Wild Pansy leaves
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of High Mallow
5 drops of Rose oil

Relaxing bath

1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Roman Chamomile flowers
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Linden flowers
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Colt's Foot

Strawberry bath

1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Strawberry leaves
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Lady's Mantle
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of High Mallow
(5 drops of Strawberry oil)

The Sandman's evening bath

1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Hop cones
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Thyme
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Heather flowers

Flower bath

1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Roman Chamomile flowers
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Linden flowers
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Elder flowers

Refreshing bath

1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Lavender
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Rosemary
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Red Clover

Bath when dieting

1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Birch leaves
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Mint
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Rosemary
(1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Seaweed)

Rejuvenating bath

1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Nettle
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Rosemary
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) Linden flowers

Bath against sweating

1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Horsetail
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Lavender
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Colt's Foot

Bath for sensitive skin

1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Wild Pansy
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Lady's Mantle
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Marigold

Bath that contracts the pores

1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Yarrow
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Sage
1 dl (~3.4 fl oz) of Marigold

Different baths with apple cider vinegar

A large cup of apple cider vinegar in the bath water gives the acid layer back to the skin. If you're tired, you can dilute the vinegar with 8 parts of water and rub your body with it before you take a bath. It also removes itchy, peeling and dry skin.

Refreshing bath oil I

1 tbsp of Rosemary
1 tbsp of Nettle
1 tbsp of Mint
1 tbsp of Red Clover
1 tbsp of Lady's Mantle
3 dl (~10.1 fl oz) of Almond oil (or another cold pressed plant oil)

Flower bath oil

2 tbsp of Sunflower oil
12 drops of Rose oil
9 drops of Jasmine oil

Refreshing bath oil II

2 tbsp of Almond oil
3 drops of Lemon oil
6 drops of Rosemary oil
12 drops of Lavender oil

Bath oil from the Far East

2 tbsp of Almond oil
12 drops of Sandal Wood oil
4 drops of Musk oil
8 drops of Amber oil
10 drops of Jasmine oil

Bath oil that makes the skin fresh, elastic and smooth

7 1⁄2 dl of water
2 tsp of dried Mint
2 tsp of Rosemary
2 tsp of Sage
1 tbsp of Lavender flowers
1 tbsp of Witch Hazel
1 tbsp of Almond oil
The juice from half a Lemon.

Boil the water and add the herbs. Remove the kettle from the heat, put a lid on and let it sit for 12 hours. Strain through gauze and throw away the herbs. Mix the water with Witch Hazel and Almond oil. Store in tight jars. Use 2 1⁄2 dl (~8.5 fl oz) per bath and add the Lemon juice directly in the bath water.

Lavender perfume

15 g (~0.53 oz.) of dried Lavender flowers
1 1⁄2 l (~50.7 fl oz) of 70 % alcohol

Store for 6 weeks, filter and fill in small bottles.

Aromatic deodorant

If you dilute an aroma oil with Almond or Wheat germ oil, you get a mild agent, which you can use as a deodorant or a perfume. 5 drops of aroma oil to 1 1⁄4 dl (~4.2 fl oz) of oil or water.

Deodorant

1 tbsp of Rose water
30 drops of Geranium oil
30 drops of Lavender oil
1 1⁄4 dl (~4.2 fl oz) of Witch Hazel water
2 1⁄2 dl (~8.5 fl oz) of water

Mix well and store in an airtight bottle.

Deodorant with Witch Hazel

1⁄2 tsp of Rosemary
1⁄2 tsp of Lavender
1 1⁄4 dl (~4.2 fl oz) of Witch Hazel
1 1⁄2 dl (~5.1 fl oz) of water

Mix, leave it for 5 days and then sift off the herbs. Can also be used as a hair wash for dandruff.

Hungarian (from the 12th century)

1⁄2 l (~16.9 fl oz) of vodka
30 drops of Rosemary oil
12 drops of Lemon oil
5 drops of Rose oil
5 drops of Orange blossom oil
4 drops of Lemon Balm oil
1 drop of Peppermint oil

Pour the vodka into a dark glass bottle. Add the oils with a with pipette and shake well. Leave it for one week before you use it.

Rondolet

Rondolet was one of the most popular eau de colognes in the 17'^th^' century.

1⁄2 l (~16.9 fl oz) of vodka
25 drops of Lavender oil
10 drops of Clove oil
10 drops of Bergamot oil
2 drops of Vanilla oil
2 drops of Rose oil
4 drops of Sage oil

Mix it the same way as in the previous recipe.

Hoven

Hoven was also among the more popular scented waters in the 17 th century. Oscar Wilde, among others, has described it and said that it drives the men mad.

1⁄2 l (~16.9 fl oz) of vodka
24 drops of Lemon oil
2 drops of Neroli oil
4 drops of Clove oil
8 drops of Rose oil

Prepare it the same way as the previous two.

Strawberry lip ointment

1 tbsp of honey
1⁄2 tsp of melted bees wax
2 tsp of Almond oil
1⁄2-1 drop of Strawberry oil

Melt honey and bees wax in a water bath, add Almond oil and stir hard. Add the Strawberry oil and stir until it's cool. Pour on small boxes. The ointment heals and makes chapped lips softer.

Good ointment for chapped lips

2 tbsp of honey
a few drops of Lavender oil

Mix and pour in a box. Use on your lips every night before you go to bed.

Peppermint ointment

1⁄2 tsp of bees wax
1 tbsp of Cocoa butter
1⁄2-1 drop of Peppermint oil

Melt the bees waxen over a water bath, add the Cocoa butter and let it melt, mix in the oil. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir hard. If you have an empty lipstick cylinder, you can fill the mixture in it, and let it harden.

Lip gloss

1 tsp of Coconut oil
1⁄2 tsp of Cocoa butter
1⁄2 tsp of Almond oil
(1 drop of aroma oil to your own taste)

Melt all the ingredients over a water bath, mix well and pour into a box. Keep cold.

Smoother skin with Cabbage

Cabbage is rich in minerals and vitamins. Next time you're boiling cabbage, don't throw away the left over water. Wash your face with it and you will feel your skin growing smoother.

Face mask for oily skin and enlarged pores

Cabbage, cranberry or red currant

Clean the skin first. Soak a piece of cheesecloth in mashed fruit/vegetable or juice and leave it on your face for 10-15 minutes (cut out holes for eyes in the cheesecloth to avoid eye irritation caused by fruit acids). The mask can also be made with egg yolks, powdered oatmeal, or sour cream. For oily skin you mix fruits/vegetables with egg whites. If your mask has a thick consistency, you may not need cheesecloth.

Plantain leaf salve

3 cups of fresh plantain leaves finely chopped
4 ounces olive oil
1⁄2 ounce of vitamin E
2-4 ounces in beeswax

Antifungal/Antibacterial Salve

Use this for cuts, athlete's foot, diaper rash, infections, everything.

1⁄2 cup Comfrey root (healing and soothing)
2 cups Plantain leaf (healing and soothing)
2-3 Tablespoons Goldenseal Root powder (antibacterial/antifungal)

Make this into herbal oil. Then add to this oil:

2 Tablespoons Grapefruit seed extract (strong antibacterial/antifungal properties)
2 Tablespoons Tea Tree Oil (strong antifungal/antibacterial properties)

Now make the salve by melting beeswax into the warmed oil and pour into containers.

Baby Salve

2 part Calendula flowers
1 part Comfrey leaf
1 part Comfrey root
1 part Plantain
1 400 IU Vitamin E oil capsule (optional)
Lavender essential oil

Make an infused oil using the above herbs. Proceed as directed above, adding the lavender oil and vitamin E oil, if used, after removing from heat. To do this, poke the capsule with a sterile needle and squeeze the oil out. Adding the lavender oil gives additional healing benefits, but omit if an unscented salve is desired.

Lotion

Melt 2 tsp carrageen moss in hot water; add 2 tbsp glycerin, 4 tbsp alcohol, 2 tbsp strong infusion of Lady's Mantle; blend all ingredients well; pour into jar with a few drops of herb oil to scent.

Chickweed Salve

2 parts Chickweed
2 parts Plantain
1 part Comfrey Leaf
Olive oil
Beeswax
Vitamin E

Notes - If 1 part equals 1⁄3 cup then you will need 12 - 14 ounces of oil and about 1 ounce of beeswax.

Use this salve to soothe itching caused by insect bites and rashes, and to aid healing of minor skin irritations
If you want a small amount of salve you can choose one tablespoon as your part, if you want a large amount of salve you might choose 1⁄2 - 1 cup as your part. The amount of oil needed is enough to completely cover the herbs, plus an inch of oil above the level of the herbs. The tricky part of this is determining exactly how much beeswax is needed to harden the salve. You can approximate the proportions based on the following equivalents. One pint of oil will need about 1 1⁄2 ounces of beeswax, or one ounce of oil will need about 1⁄2 teaspoon of beeswax. There are about 5 teaspoons of beeswax in an ounce.

If you intend to make your salve using freshly collected plants, you will want to clean them. Do this by shaking them to remove dirt then spread the herbs out to allow them to air dry for several hours ( until wilted ) to reduce the moisture content. Fresh chickweed, for example, contains a lot of moisture and this water content could cause your salve to spoil quickly.

To begin your salve, measure the desired amount of herbs into an enamel or stainless steel pan, or into a crock pot.

Cover the herbs with oil. Use enough oil to cover the herbs plus another inch of oil above the level of herbs.

Heat the herbs and oil over a low heat for several hours ( about 3 hours). If you are using roots you should heat the oil longer( about 5 hours). I strongly encourage you to use a crock pot for heating your oil because it operates at a controlled low temperature which is less likely to be a fire hazard. If you don't use a crock pot then use a double boiler.

After heating, cool your oil for awhile. Set up a strainer lined with cheesecloth then pour the oil through to strain. When most of the oil has filtered through the cheesecloth, pick up the cheesecloth, keeping the herbs enclosed, and squeeze as much oil as possible from the herbs and cloth.

Add beeswax to the oil and heat it until all the wax is melted. To test to see if your salve is hard enough, put some on a spoon and set it in a cool place for a few minutes. If your salve is too soft, add more beeswax. If you are using essential oils or Vitamin E you can blend them in now. Finally, pour your salve into containers and label.

Acne

Mix mint juice with turmeric powder and apply on affected area. Leave for 15-30 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.

Turmeric face mask

Take gram flour (besan) and mix it with milk cream with a pinch of turmeric, make it into a paste. Apply this on face and wait till it dries. Scrub it off rubbing in circulation movements and then wash.

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