Skin
The Nature Cure For Acne
Acne is perhaps the most common chronic skin disease. It is an inflammatory condition of the sebaceous ( that is fat or grease) glands and hair follicles usually found on the face, the neck, chest and shoulders. Nearly eight out of ten young people between the ages of 12 and 24 suffer from some degree of acne. It is closely related to the disturbance in the hormones experienced at puberty.
The majority of patients recover between the ages 20 and 30 years. But it is still common in men over 30 years. In women, it rarely lasts beyond the early thirties and is normally worse before each menstrual period. This disease causes a great deal of embarrassment at an age when people tend to be sensitive about personal appearance.
The skin, covering the entire body, is a marvelous and intricate mechanism. It serves three main purposes ; namely, protection of the inner organism, regulation of body temperature and elimination of cell waste and systemic refuse. The skin is directly connected with and intimately bound up with the working of the whole system. All skin diseases, including acne, are the outcome of malfunctioning of the body as a whole.
Symptoms
Acne is characterized by the presence of blackheads, pimples, small superficial sebaceous cysts and scars. There are over half a dozen forms of acne. All of them are concerned with sebaceous glands or the glands connected with hair follicles. The most common form of acne is blackheads. The areas chiefly affected are the forehead, temples, cheeks, and chin, the chest and back. In rare cases, almost the entire body may be covered with black heads with extensive scarring.
Causes
All forms of acne have their origin in wrong feeding habits, such as irregular hours of eating, improper food, excess of starches and sugar, excess of fatty foods. Chronic constipation is another major cause of acne. If the bowels do not move properly, waste matter is not eliminated as quickly as it should be and the bloodstream becomes surcharged with toxic matter. The extra efforts of the skin to eliminate excess waste result in acne and other forms of skin disease.
Yet another important cause of acne is a devitalized condition of the skin resulting from unhygienic living habits. Other causes of the disorder are excessive use of tea, coffee, alcohol or tobacco, strenuous studies, masturbation and sedentary habits which lead to indigestion and general debility.
Treatment
The treatment of acne by the administration of salve or ointment does not serve any purpose. They only suppress the action of the sebaceous glands temporarily. In nature cure, the main emphasis is on diet and certain water applications.
To begin with the patient should resort to all fruit diet for about a week. In this regimen, there should be three meals a day, consisting of fresh juicy fruits, such as apples, pears, grapes, grape-fruit, pineapple and peaches. Citrus fruits, bananas, dried, stewed or tinned fruits should not be taken. Unsweetened lemon or plain water, either hot or cold, should be drunk and nothing else.
During this period, warm water enema should be taken daily to cleanse the bowels and all other measures adopted to eradicate constipation. After a week of all fruit diet, the patient can gradually adopt a well-balanced diet. Emphasis should be on raw foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, sprouted seeds, raw nuts and whole grain cereals, especially millet and brown rice.
Further shorter periods on the all-fruits for three days, or so may be necessary at a monthly interval till the condition of the skin improves. Strict attention to diet is essential for recovery. Starchy, protein and fatty foods, should be restricted. Meats, sugar, strong tea or coffee, condiments, pickles, refined and processed foods should all be avoided, as also soft drinks, candies, ice cream and products made with sugar and white flour.
Two vitamins, namely, niacin and vitamin A have been used successfully to treat acne. The vitamin therapy which may comprise a niacin, 100 mg. three times daily and vitamin A in large doses upto 1,50,000 units per day should not exceed one month. Vitamin E is also vitally important to prevent scarring from acne and in removing old scars.
Another effective remedy in the realm of nutrition that seems to offer new promise of help for acne is zinc. It has shown dramatic results in some cases. Zinc should be taken in therapeutic doses of 50 mg. three times a day. After noticeable improvement it can be gradually reduced.
Local Treatment
As regards local treatment, hot fomentation should be applied to open up the pores and squeeze the waste matter. Then rinse with cold water. Sun and air baths by exposing the whole body to sun and air are highly beneficial.
- Healing packs made of grated cucumber, oatmeal cooked in milk, and cooked, creamed carrots used externally, have been found to be effective.
- Orange peel is valuable in the treatment of acne. The peel, pounded well with water on a piece of stone, should be applied to the affected areas.
- Lemon has also proved beneficial in removing pimples and acne . It should be applied regularly.
- A teaspoonful of coriander juice, mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder, is another effective home remedy for pimples and blackheads. The mixture should be applied to the face after thoroughly washing it, every night before retiring.
- The juice of raw potatoes has also proved very valuable in clearing skin blemishes. This cleansing results from high content of potassium sulphur, phosphorous and chlorine in the potato. These elements are, however, of value only when the potato is raw as in this state they are composed of live organic atoms.
- A hot Epsom-salt bath twice a week will be highly beneficial in all cases of acne. This bath is prepared by adding one and a half kg. of Epsom -salt to 50 litres of water having a temperature of about 100 o F. The patient should remain in the bath from 25 to 35 minutes till he perspires freely. After the bath the patient should cool off gradually.
From: A Complete Handbook of Nature Cure
How to Make a Healing Salve
The best way to make a salve is to allow your herbs to solar infuse in your choice of carrier oil anywhere between 4 and 6 weeks. Fill (not stuff) a jar with herbs and pour the carrier oil over top.
- Be sure to cover all plant matter and poke out any trapped air bubbles.
- Be sure to use plant matter that has NO moisture on it at all!! (No rain, dew, etc.)
Cover the jar and let sit in a room that gets sunlight but do not place in direct sunlight. It’s a good idea to date the jar so you don’t forget when you started it.
A faster method is to place your herbs and the carrier oil into a Pyrex container over top of a large pot that is about ¼ full of water. Once the water is boiling turn the stove down to a simmer and allow the herb/oil mixture to infuse for about 40 minutes.
DO NOT SPLASH WATER INTO THE HERB/OIL INFUSION!
After either of the above methods, place three layers of cheesecloth over a large bowl. Pour the infused oil over the cheesecloth to strain and be sure to keep herbs out of the oil. Once drained ~ with your clean hands ~ squeeze out remaining oil. After measuring out what you will use to make salve store the remaining oil and again, be sure to date it.
Measure out 114 grams of infused oil (or 4 oz which is ½ cup) and set aside.
Weigh 8 grams of beeswax on a scale. Shave or cut into small pieces your beeswax. Place in a Bain Marie and melt.
Once melted add to the oil and stir well with a clean wooden stick. Test it for hardness by taking a small amount on a spoon and tip it – the mixture should adhere to it. If it is too soft add a tiny bit more melted beeswax.
Add 4 drops of Benzoin oil as a preservative and add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance if desired. Pour mixture into jars. Cap only when cooled. Store in a dark, cool location.
NOTE:
In addition to making salves for muscle aches, skin ailments, or other health ailments, make a health-nourishing salve for your skin. When infusing oil, use vegetables that are well-known for skin health such as broccoli, spinach, bell peppers, asparagus or carrots.
From: Edible Wild Food
Honey and Cinnamon Cure Alls
It is found that a mix of honey and cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also note honey as very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects which is also a plus. Today’s science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Researched by western scientists:
Arthritis:
Arthritis patients can benefit by taking one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken daily even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain — and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.
Bad Breath:
People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.
Bladder Infections:
Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder….who knew?
Cancer:
Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.
Cholesterol:
Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol-could be cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.
Colds:
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses, and it’s delicious too!
Diabetes:
Cinnamon reduces blood sugar levels and increases insulin sensitivity. It might help prevent diabetes altogether, and support diabetics in managing their blood sugar levels.
While honey still contains sugar (quick-burning carbs) it doesn’t affect blood sugar levels as much as regular sugar. Of course, the key is also to combine a small amount of honey with cinnamon. This way the cinnamon can work to keep your blood sugar levels steadier than if you ate honey alone.
Fatigue:
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.
Gas or Flatulence:
According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.
Hair loss:
Those suffering from hair loss or baldness, may apply a paste of hot olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tteaspoon of cinnamon powder before a bath and keep it on for approx 15 minutes and then wash the hair. It was found very effective if kept for 5 minutes also.
Hearing Loss:
Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing.
Heart Diseases:
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, put it on toast instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol and could potentially save one from heart attack. Also, even if you have already had an attack studies show you could be kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of cinnamon honey strengthens the heart beat.
In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.
Immune System:
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.
Indigestion:
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.
Infertility:
Yunani and Ayurvedic have been using honey for years in medicine to strengthen the semen of men. If impotent men regularly take 2 tablespoon of honey before sleeping their problem will be solved. In china, Japan and far-east countries, women who do not conceive may take a pinch of cinnamon powder in half tsp honey and apply it on the gums frequently throughout the day, so that it slowly mixes with the saliva and enters the body.
A couple in Maryland , America had no children for 14 years and had no hope of having a child of their own. When told about this process husband and wife started taking honey and cinnamon as stated, the wife conceived after a few months and had twins at full term.
Influenza:
A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ‘Ingredient’ which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.
Longevity:
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.
Pimples:
Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.
Raspy or Sore Throat:
When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.
Skin Infections:
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.
Toothache:
Make a paste of 1 tsp of cinnamon powder and 5 teaspoons honey and apply on the aching tooth. This may be done 3 times a day daily till such time the pain subsides.
Upset Stomach:
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also is said to clear stomach ulcers from its root.
Weight Loss:
Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.
Source: Jim Power
A Healing Herbal Balm
Herbs used:
- Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
- Plantain (Plantago major)
This sweet-smelling balm soothes and protects cuts and scrapes. And it’s so gentle you can even use it on diaper rash. Calendula and plantain are known for their ability to speed skin healing. Both soften skin, relieve pain, and are antibacterial.
First make an herb-infused oil. In a large glass jar, combine the following:
- 2 tablespoons crushed Calendula flowers
- 2 tablespoons dried Plantain leaves
- 1/3 c of extra-virgin olive oil
Leave uncovered, and place in a pan filled with enough water to cover the lower half of the jar. Set the burner on very low heat and simmer gently for about 4 hours. Check the oil periodically to be sure it’s not scorching; don’t let it boil. (You can also make the infused oil in a Crock-Pot set on very low without a lid.) After the allotted time, remove the oil from the heat and allow it to cool completely. Strain away the herbs through several layers of cheesecloth and discard.
To make the balm, combine the following:
- The oil you just infused
- 1 or 2 tablespoon of grated beeswax
Put it into a small stainless steel bowl; set the bowl into a pot of water and heat just until the beeswax melts, stirring gently to help the melting. To test the consistency, insert a cool metal spoon into the balm and check the balm that sticks to the spoon; it should be spreadable but firm. If it’s too oily, add another few shavings of beeswax.
At this point, you can add a natural preservative to your balm to prevent spoilage. Vitamin E, squeezed from capsules, works very well. Rosemary extracts or oil might improve the aroma and antiseptic properties as well. You’ll need about 1/4 tsp. (two capsules) to preserve this much balm. After you’ve blended in the vitamin E, transfer your final product to a sterile glass jar. Use a clean spoon or small spatula to transfer the balm to avoid introducing bacteria to the jar.
How to use it:
Apply the balm to rashes, scrapes, and other small or superficial abrasions (don’t use it on deep cuts). You can also apply it regularly to help heal chronically chapped skin. Stored in a cool, dark place, the balm should keep for up to a year. Discard if it smells rancid.
Pumpkin Facial Mask for Dry Skin
Combine:
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- t teaspoon honey
- a whole egg.
Mix the ingredients until smooth and apply to face. Leave on for 20 minutes, rinse, and pat dry.
Found at: Treehugger
Pumpkin Facial Mask For Oily Skin
Put pumpkin’s alpha hydroxy acids to work. Combine 1/4 cup pumpkin puree with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and a whole egg. Mix the ingredients until smooth and apply to face. Leave on for 20 minutes, rinse, and pat dry.
Found at: Treehugger
Pumpkin Sugar Scrub
If your skin is in need of exfoliation, pumpkin makes a bang-up base for a sugar scrub. Mix together equal parts pumpkin puree and olive oil and add enough sugar until you have a thick slurry. In the shower gently rub all over with a washcloth or loofah, rinse then dry as usual.
Found at: Treehugger
A Delicious Milk Bath
A milk bath is a bath taken in milk instead of water. Often other scents such as lavender, honey, and essential oils are added. Cleopatra, Elizabeth I of England, Elisabeth of Bavaria, and others have historically acclaimed the beautifying benefits of these baths.
Cleopatra was definitely onto something when she indulged in daily beauty treatment milk baths. It turns out the natural lactic acid found in milk is a form of alpha-hydroxy-acid (an ingredient which can be found in some of the most expensive exfoliating products). This type of acid gently dissolves proteins to exfoliate dead skin cells, which reveal fresh, younger looking skin underneath.
The lactic acid found in milk is extremely mild, so don’t worry, it won’t strip or irritate the skin. In fact, milk is quite soothing on dry skin.
Milk is also rich in vitamins and minerals — most notably Vitamin E and zinc — which help slow the process of aging and retain skin’s natural elasticity.
Milk baths seem to be making a comeback in modern times as well. Many upscale spas in major cities offer a number of milk treatments such as hot milk and almond pedicures! That sounds divine!
But you don’t have to spend a lot of money at a fancy spa (or travel back in time) to reap the benefits of milk in your beauty routine. Milk bath recipes are some of the quickest, easiest homemade bath products you can make.
A Simple Scented Milk Bath
Here is a simple recipe that you can mix up in minutes and add your own scent to as well.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole powdered milk
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (soothes and relieves dry, itchy skin)
- 1/2 cup baking soda (skin softener)
- Essential oil of your choice (I put in about 10 drops of lavender)
Directions
Combine the powdered milk, cornstarch and baking soda in a large glass container. Put the lid on and shake the jar until the powders are completely mixed.
Remove the cap and add the essential oil. Re-cap the jar and shake to combine. Let sit for 24 hours before using, to let the ingredients and the essential oil completely combine. Store in a cool, dark place.
To use, pour 1 to 2 cups of your milk bath under hot running water. Lie back and relax!
A couple of tips:
- This is one time when lowfat is NOT your best bet. The higher the fat content of the milk, the more nourishing it is for you skin.
- Goat’s milk and cow’s milk have higher amounts of fat which provides more conditioning, but you can also use rice, soy or coconut milk (great alternatives for vegans.)
- Also, lactose intolerant folks don’t have to worry about bathing in milk. The milk isn’t being drunk, so there won’t be any digestion problems.
Make up your own recipe:
It’s very simple to experiment with your own recipe, all you need is powdered or fresh milk. You could even experiment with a can or two of goats milk. From this base, you can branch out and add one or more of the following:
- Honey
- Oatmeal
- Essential Oils
- Herbs – fresh or dried
- Spices – nutmeg, allspice, etc
- Flowers – fresh or dried
- Seaweed
- Sea salt
Borrowed from: The Prosperity Project
Oatmeal Almond Facial Scrub
“If you wouldn’t eat it, then don’t put it on your face.” Skin is porous, and everything that goes onto it eventually makes its way inside. Since all conventional facial cleansers, scrubs, and moisturizers are full of toxic chemicals, it’s best to avoid them completely. By sticking with edible ingredients – items that you already have in your kitchen, or can buy easily – you’ll rest assured knowing that you are not harming your body over the long term.
Best of all, there are no nasty plastic microbeads to contaminate the local water supply.
This homemade facial scrub leaves your skin feeling refreshed and silky smooth. The oatmeal exfoliates, the almonds moisturize, and the lavender-chamomile combination is soothing.
Homemade Oatmeal Scrub with Almonds, Lavender, and Chamomile
- 1/4 cup raw almonds (or 2 tbsp almond flour)
- 4 tbsp oatmeal
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp chamomile flowers (I used the contents of chamomile tea packets)
- 2 tsp sweet almond oil + 5 drops lavender extract — OR — 2 tsp lavender oil
Chop raw almonds in a spice grinder or food processor until they are a fine meal. Skip this step if using almond flour. Add remaining ingredients and blend well until mixture is a soft granular powder. To use each morning, put half a tablespoon of this mixture in your palm and add just a couple of drops of water. Rub hands together to make a paste.
Gently rub and massage it onto damp skin in circular motions to exfoliate. Wash off with warm water and a warm, damp washcloth; end with a splash of cold. Keep the scrub in a well-sealed glass jar and it will stay fresh for months.
Borrowed from: The Prosperity Project
A Floral Facial
Facial steams can help improve circulation to the face and open pores, while this blend can help soothe skin. Plus, treating yourself to a facial steam can be incredibly relaxing. The petals of the calendula flower, also commonly called marigold or pot marigold, are anti-inflammatory. The chamomile has been shown to have calming properties.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup dried calendula petals
- 1/4 cup dried chamomile flowers
Instructions:
Boil 2 quarts of water and remove from heat. Add the flowers and let them steep for two minutes. Then, place your face at least 12 inches over the pot (getting too close can burn), and drape a towel over your head to create a tent over the pot.
For an even more relaxing experience, you can add a few drops of lavender or peppermint essential oil. Allow the steam to bathe your skin for a minute and then come out for a few breaths of fresh air. You can repeat this process about five times.
After the steam, you can rinse your face with cool (not cold) water or a mild cleanser, and follow with a moisturizer.
Borrowed from: The Prosperity Project
Saida: Salves To Heal Up Wounds
Brenda-Lee: Egg White Cough Cure
Pat Scott: Marsh Mallow Ointment
Sharon from Cleveland, Ohio: Egg White Cough Cure
Vagabond Witch: Soapwort Shampoo
I think it's time to go shopping... maybe even buy some really cool stuff at my online shops!!