The use of the herbs for beauty solutions dates back to antiquity. Various testimonials inform us on the use of herbs in beauty treatments during the ancient period. The women of the ancient world used the grounded leaves and seeds of herbs on their hair, face and over-all body, drank herbal tonics and applied oils obtained from herbs for different body–massages. These treatments were used during that time in countries like Rome, China and Latin America. Indian Ayurveda too has been promoting the use of herbs for skin and beauty for over 5000 years.
Herbs can be used for beauty in original or compound form. They act against the internal impurities and external toxins of our body, add additional nutrients to it, make it glow and shine. Herbs provide natural, flawless treatment to our skin; nourish it from within, leading to its internal development.
beautycarebeautybody.blogspot.com lists some of the most popular herbs used in beauty care along with detailed information on their uses:
Turmeric:
Turmeric is mainly used to ensure glowing, bright skin. Turmeric face masks are extensively available in beauty parlors for their skin-friendly treatment that prevents bacterial infection. Turmeric pastes cure pigmentation, maintain the pH factor and are constantly applied on the neck, face and over-all body to enhance the complexion and brightness of skin.
Chandan:
Chandan is internally as well as externally applied to our body. Internal treatment is through chandan pills which are orally taken. The external application of chandan is through oil, stick, powder and paste derived from the herb. The aromatic essence of chandan has made it a favorite of the beauty industry. It possesses various soothing qualities that effectively work against skin ailments and allergies. Chandan herbal face pack and scrubs made from chandan powder cleanses our skin thoroughly and brings a healthy glow to it. Chandan is a principal cooling agent and comes to utmost use during the hot days Sandalwood (Chandan) Is most widely used for skin care in India, for its most aromatic fragrance and improving fairness of the skin.
Neem:
This herb is used as a skin cleanser, odor remover, against acne, psoriasis and eczema and to treat common hair problems like dandruff. Neem powder, neem oil and neem pills are the most common forms of neem available in the market. Crushed or grounded neem leaves are mixed with water and drunk for burnished skin. In Ayurveda the bitter neem leaves are used to counter body’s high sugar levels which are cited as a primary cause of various skin diseases. Neem oil is an essentially favored item for hair cleansing and nourishment.
Rosemary:
The uses of Rosemary in beauty care can be put under three categories: skin, scalp and hair treatment. This herb provides a refreshing look to our skin by revitalizing and energizing our dead cells. Rosemary oil comes to fullest use in scalp massage which is done to prevent premature hair loss. The shampoos, lotions and other hair care products of Rosemary takes adequate care of our hair nourishment. Other extracts of this herb include perfumes and soaps.
Chamomile:
Basically, Chamomile is used in skin remedies, eye treatment and hair care. Face masks, oil, body lotions, creams and stem of Chamomile are used in skin care. Chamomile oil is used to remove acne and other similar skin diseases. This herb is snit-oxidant as well as anti-inflammatory. As a measure against hair malnourishment Chamomile hair care products are frequently preferred above the rest. When a mild concentration of water and chamomile is applied to the eye the tired look quickly vanishes and eyes begin to glow and shine.
Basil:
Effective against scars and black spots on the body. Basil is greatly helpful for its antiseptic action on the face. Whenever our skin suffers from the lack of healthy nutrients dark spots arise in certain parts of our body. In such a situation a concoction prepared by mixing basil, turmeric powder and rose water comes in good use. It adds to the effect of curing the black marks and making our skin natural and healthy.
Leaves of holy basil are dried out in sun plus powdered as well as utilized for brushing the teeth. Leaves assist in sustaining dental hygiene as well as make teeth whiter. Aside from whitening features, holy basil is even utilized for the protection from troubles like pyorrhea (that is bleeding of the gums).
Aloe Vera:
Aloe Vera is used comprehensively in skin care. It heals skin irritations and scars. The primal effect of this herb comes from its sharp soothing properties. A face mask of this plant is prepared by mixing kelp, honey and Aloe Vera for effective skin treatment. It is used in various forms like shampoos, sunscreens, soaps, gels etc and has been approved by FDA as a non-poisonous herb to treat skin burns .This herb is also used in hair loss.
Seaweed:
Seaweed is actually algae that grow in the world's oceans. More and more skincare product manufacturers are now adding seaweed ranges to their product lines (Shahnaz Hussain and Biotique, to name just two). Opting for these products might be a good idea. This is because seaweed contains properties that can:
. Moisturize the skin
. Control oil production in skin
. Fight the effects of pollution on the skin and possibly protect against UV light.
The products that you could buy are bath additives or body washes containing seaweed as they help draw toxins to the surface of the skin. Using them would mean good skin care on a daily basis. In skin treatment this herb operates by drawing out impurities and cleaning the skin naturally. The minerals in seaweed also nourish our hair and take care of itchy scalps. For its profuse mineral vitamin sufficiency seaweed is used in different face masks. The gels of seaweed are used in various cosmetics and conditioners Other forms of seaweed application are creams, shampoos, mineral bath and power face wash.
Primrose:
This plant is thoroughly used in maintaining deep rooted, healthy hair. Evening Primrose oil is used in synthesizing skin care products. This herb has a wonderful track record for curing us of the commonly occurred skin diseases. Because of its herbal anti-irritant effects on the skin and anti-inflammatory properties it is highly used in moisturizers and other body care lotions. Evening Primrose is proved to be equally beneficial in nails and hair management.
Henna:
Though predominantly used in hair nourishment henna is also applied on the skin in various forms. For hair care henna paste (mehendi) is made from the powdery extract of henna plant. It is then mixed with egg white and thoroughly applied for thick, shiny hair. In combination with coffee powder, amla powder and onion peels henna makes a perfect hair conditioner. Henna is also used to color the body, primarily hands and feet and for making temporary tattoos on the skin.
Henna is a medium-sized shrub with numerous branches. It has small white or pinkish perfumed flowers in large terminal bunches, and small spherical fruits. The trade name henna is based on the word `hina`, the Arabic name of the drug.
The plant grows in various parts of India, principally in the drier parts of the peninsula, and is generally cultivated in hedges. It is also cultivated for mercantile purposes, in Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
The leaves contain a glucoside colouring matter and hennotanic acid. On petroleum ether extraction, the seeds of the plant produce glutinous oil containing behenic, arachidic, stearic, palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids.
Methods of usage
Henna is exceedingly beneficial for a number of disorders, like hairfall, dysentery, liver, headaches, stinging feet, skin infection and female diseases.
Healing Power and Medicinal Properties of henna
The leaves have curative properties, like checking secretion or blood loss and forestalling skin disorders. The bark and seeds of the plant are used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine.
Dysentery cured by henna
The seeds of henna plant are effectual in the curing of dysentery. They are fine-grained, blended with ghee and composed into tiny balls of the size of a betel nut. It is also very helpful in this condition, when consumed with water.
Liver Disorders healed by henna
The bark of the plant is effective in the healing of liver troubles like jaundice and expansion of the liver. Its powder is used both in 1.25 to 5 decigram dosages, or its decoction in 30 to 60 gram dosages in treating these disorders.
Baldness checked by henna
Henna helps in the arresting of baldness. Mustard oil boiled with henna leaves, boosts vigorous growth of hair. Two hundred and fifty grams of mustard oil is boiled in a tin basin. Sixty grams of the leaves are slowly added to the oil and heated. The oil is then sieved through a cloth and preserved in a bottle. Everyday massage with this oil furnishes abundant hair.
Prickly Heat healed by henna
Henna leaves are advantageous in the treatment of heat rash. The leaves powered with water are massaged over the affected portion.
Headaches cured by henna
Henna flower mends headaches caused by the scorching heat of the sun. Headache is alleviated by a poultice made of henna flowers in vinegar and administered on the forehead.
Burning Sensation on the Feet remedied by henna
A paste of the leaves applied on the soles eases the stinging sensation of the feet.
Skin Diseases cured by henna
Henna leaves are effective in the treatment of skin disorders, like boils and burns. They are locally administered in the affected area. Bruised leaves can be applied constructively in rheumatic joints, inflammatory swellings, wounds and leprosy.
Sore Throat cured by henna
A decoction of the leaves can be used as gargle, with favourable consequences, in case of throat pain.
Women`s Ailments healed by henna
Pessaries or vaginal suppositories made from the leaves and seeds can be used constructively in treating unnecessary menstruation, vaginal discharges and leucorrhoea, or excessive white discharge.
Other Uses of henna
Spermatorrhoea or Involuntary Ejaculation - The juice of fresh leaves is advantageous, in condition that it is given in dosages of 8 to 16 grams.
Henna is mainly used as a colouring agent. It is mixed with other natural dyes and is extensively used as hair dye and even for textiles. The oil obtained from its flowers is used in perfumery.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Be Beauty With Natural Herb
Be Girls of Summer
Summer Make Up :
beautyStaying cool but looking hot is the name of the game this summer. But, how do you pull this off? Here are some suggestions to at least make you look cool! Lets start with our makeup.
Summer makeup is minimal. You should be able to see your features at their best. We shouldn't see your makeup. Use cosmetics to play up your features.
If you really need to even out your skin tones, apply foundation with a damp sponge. It will go on evenly and no streaks to ruin the effect.
-Tinted moisturizer is another possibility for adding just a little color to that pale complexion.
Now lets move to the cheeks. There are so many colors to choose from, choosing the right one can be incredibly difficult. Here is a little trick that I learned a few years ago...
pull down your bottom lip and look at the color of the skin. That is your natural blush color.
Eye shadow is another one of my loves and the best colors for summer are warm shades. A touch of bronze or coral seems to work well for just a touch of "polish" to the lids.
Mascara is still a must for me but again, use it with care. We sometimes forget that the purpose of this product is to darken/thicken the lashline. Spidery looking lashes are out this summer. One coat should be enough.
Instead of a heavy lipstick, opt for a lip gloss with a smidgen of color. Nude lips look so much more natural. Coloring with a pencil and then applying a layer of lip gloss should do the trick.
Now that all of your makeup is in place, it is time to recheck your blush. Chances are you might need a little more.
So that's it, your summer makeup is perfect. In fact most people won't even realize that you are wearing any at all. They will simply think that you were born that way!
Summer Makeup Tips with Clinique Makeup Artist, Laura Mohberg
"After a day spent in the sun, skin takes on a richer, deeper appearance. Pinkish undertones can be seen in the cheek and lip area. It's you with a dash of colour. This is the Kiss of Bronze collection -a selection of sheers for lips and face that mimics natural sun-splashed skin tones."
1 CREATE A LIGHTWEIGHT BASE
Smooth on a sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer such as Clinique's Moisture Sheer Tints SPF 15 followed by a translucent powder to set foundation, and then add a dusting of powder bronzer.
2 BRING ON THE BRONZE
Concentrate bronzers where the sun would naturally hit the skin to warm up your face. These areas include the forehead, cheeks, chin and tip of the nose.
Insider Info:
a. Pressed powders such as Clinique's True Bronze Pressed Powder allow for a buildable application so you can apply as much or as little as you want to acquire the warmth or depth you are trying to achieve. **Bronzers should be sheer and not too heavy or obvious.
b. Use a brush, like Clinique's Bronzer / Blender Brush which is designed to be used with bronzers to ensure even application. The Technique: Dip the brush into the bronzer powder, swirl, knock off excess powder and apply.
3 HIGHLIGHTS
The Shimmering Tones Powder should be layered on next to add glowing highlights and pull the look together. Sweep over the eyelid, and highlight brow bone, bridge of nose and the top of your cheekbone.
4 SULTRY, SHINY LIPS
First, line lips and fill in with Clinique's Sheer Shaper for Lips to add natural definition. You don't want an obvious "lined" lip look. Next, apply one of the NEW Colour Surge Butter Shine sheer lipsticks and layer a coat of Glosswear for Lips for a super wet look.
Insider Info:
a Use the new Clinique Lip Brush to press and blend the lipstick and lip gloss onto the lip. This will result in a remarkably smooth and even look.
HELPFUL HINTS
a. A creamy sheer pink blush will give cheeks a natural fleshy undertone and add a little colour to your bronzed look.
b. If you are olive skinned, definitely use pinkish shades for lips and cheeks.
c. Darker skin tones that have more depth should concentrate on highlights to create dimension especially in areas like the top of the cheekbones.
Anti wrinkle tips
Experts say that, when it comes to getting wrinkles, 10% is genetics -- but the other 90% is environment and lifestyle. This is great news! Why? Because it means that you have A LOT of control over your skin and how badly - and quickly - it wrinkles. In fact, you can begin today to make lifestyle changes that will literally save your skin and prevent wrinkles as long as possible. Specifically, the following lifestyle tips are proven to protect and nurture your skin:
1. Protect your skin from the sun - Without a doubt, the sun is your skin's worst enemy. The ultraviolet radiation in sunlight causes the collagen and elastin in your skin to break down, which leads to premature wrinkles. One of the best lifestyle changes you can make is to wear a good sunscreen, everyday.
2. Don't smoke - The harmful toxins in cigarette smoke do all kinds of bad things to your skin, especially your facial skin. Not only does it break down collagen and elastin, just like sunlight does, but it also destroys your skin from the inside. You can't inhale toxins all day and expect your skin to be healthy. If you smoke, do whatever you have to do to quit. If you don't smoke, don't even think about starting!
3. Don't drink - Alcohol is not good for your skin. One or two drinks occasionally probably won't hurt. But if you're drinking every day, your skin definitely isn't going to be as healthy as it could be. Besides containing toxins, alcohol also dehydrates your body, which is never good for the skin. Old drinkers almost always have more wrinkles and "uglier" skin with more blotches than non-drinkers.
4. Get enough sleep - When you don't get enough sleep, for even one night, you look and feel horrible. But when you are chronically sleep-deprived your skin can literally begin to breakdown. Why? Because you aren't letting it repair itself. Your skin is your body's largest organ, and your body repairs its organs while your sleeping. Try going to bed earlier and at the same time every night. Also, you may want to try the natural supplement melatonin. Recent research shows that you only need about .3 mg to fall asleep and wake up without feeling groggy, much less than the 1 - 3 milligrams contained in most melatonin supplements.
5. Lower stress - Doctors have long known that stress has many negative effects on the body. Chronically high stress levels hurt the skin without a doubt. First, if you're always stressed out, you're probably not getting enough quality sleep (see above). Second, the stress hormones that are produced in a high-stress state are very damaging to your skin. Third, when you're stressed, your skin receives less blood flow because your body directs more of its blood to your internal organs, in an effort to prepare itself for "flight or fight" - the reason stress exists in the first place.
6. Eat antioxidants - Antioxidants boost your body's ability to fight free radicals and protect the skin from damage. Many of the new anti-wrinkle skin creams contain tons of antioxidant ingredients. Colorful fresh fruits and vegetables are some of your best sources of antioxidants. But you should also consider supplementing with extra vitamin C and vitamin E. Also, some people have gotten great "healthy skin" results with the new OPC dietary supplements.
Glowing skin at any age
How to look good not only today, but 20 years down the road, by stocking up on the right products!
Yes, you can grow old gracefully with nary a needle or scalpel in sight: you just have to fight back with the right products at the right time. Donna Paty say, she is national education manager for Kiehl's in Canada, for her top picks on what to stock your medicine cabinet with today to guarantee radiant, youthful skin tomorrow. Trust us, she knows what she's talking about - she's been in the beauty and skincare biz for over twenty years and, at 45+, she looks ah-mazing!
In your 20s
What's going on: Don't fool yourself into thinking the worries of aging skin are years down the road. "By our twenties, we're already starting to see visible changes such as slower cell renewal and dehydration," warns Paty. Skin type also plays a role here: drier skin ages faster than oilier skin.
How to fight back: Forget about "I love you," sun protection factor (SPF) are the three little words that should be on your lips, and your face, every single day. Eighty percent of sun damage has already accumulated by the time we hit our tumultuous twenties says Paty. Other fun environmental factors, such as smoking, staying up late and a not-so-healthy diet will also contribute to unflattering aging later in life. Now is a good time to take a pro-active approach with products packed with skin-friendly antioxidants.
Get glowing with: Ultra Facial Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15, 75 ml, $32; and Lycopene Facial Moisturizing Lotion, 50 ml, $50.
In your 30s
What's going on: Loss of elasticity, thinning around the eye area and dryness are the main troubles of a gal in her dirty thirties.
How to fight back: To remove dead skin cells and enhance the absorption of moisturizers, Paty suggests incorporating a twice-weekly exfoliation into your skincare routine. Either a physical or a chemical exfoliator will even out skin tone and texture. Protect and prevent your delicate eye area by religiously using an eye cream that addresses specific concerns, be they puffiness, dark circles or fine lines.
Get glowing with: Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub, 113 g, $36.50; and Abyssine Eye Cream, 50 ml, $43.
By Ingrie Williams
10 Basic Beauty Tips
Though, the market is stuffed with cosmetics and proclaims to combat the situation, there are effective basic tips that can be followed to have best results.
Spending couple of minutes costs less and is also one of the best natural treatments.
Everyone has the desire of looking beautiful and this is effective when the skin is healthy and beautiful. Instead of relying and chasing the artificial beauty products, it is best to explore the simple phenomenon of nature to become beautiful.
The basic tip for beauty care is to have a balanced diet with essential nutrients. Vitamin C and E help in averting premature wrinkling. Food items opulent in fatty acids such as almonds and papaya are highly beneficial in attaining radiant and glowing skin.
Exercise and diet are essential in terms of beauty and health. The other eminent beauty care basic tips are to never sleep with the makeup on the face. Protect your skin by applying sunscreen lotion. The other basic tips are:
a. Applying orange juice gives a soft texture to a rough skin.
b. Cabbage juice mixed with honey combats wrinkles
c. Applying honey and red sandalwood relieves scars.
d. Tomato juice with lemon juice can be applied to the face to give a radiant look.
e. Applying fresh garlic on acne and washing after 15 minutes erases the problem
f. Blackheads can be eliminated with a paste of oatmeal, honey and egg white. This should be rinsed with warm water.
g. Oily skin can be cured by applying wheat flour blend with water. This should be washed off with cold water.
h. Dry skin can be cured by taking a ripe banana and adding honey one teaspoon. Applying this on the face is found to be effective in making the skin moisturized and also in tightening the skin.
i. Apple skin is also of immense use in cleansing the skin
j. Rubbing ice cube on the face enhances blood circulation as well as revitalizes the skin.
k. Rinsing the hair with reetha mixed with tulsi and hibiscus leaves promotes hair growth and also helps in keeping the scalp dandruff free.
l. Cool cucumber puree applied is best as it is the best natural healer and decreases puffiness and redness.
m. Drinking plenty of water, especially 8 large glasses of water is a must to keep the skin from de-hydration.
