Lotions and Potions

Those recipes sound wonderful!

: )
Mzzchief

Here's a simple lotion: 1 cup fractionated coconut oil mixed with 10 drops each frankincense, lavender and lemon essential oils. I like Young Living oils, but as long as you're using a therapeutic grade oil you should be fine.

Hi, Harmony. You could make a simple scrub using peppermint essential oil and sugar. There are a bunch of Pinterest recipes out there too. I hope that helps!

Harmony

Purrs isn't very active on this team anymore.
You might have better luck sparkmailing her directly.

A homemade recipe for a scrub that I have used it just taking Triphala, adding a bit of water, mixing it as a paste. Wash your face first, then apply to damp skin, use circular motions and avoid the eye area. Let dry on your skin, then rinse. Pat dry and apply your face oil.

Not only does it remove dead skin, but it also adds vitamin C and tightens.
Its great to use all over the body at the end of a shower, after you have been outside sweating.

You can getTriphala as a loose powder or just open a capsule.
I prefer the loose powder bc its not mixed with any incipients or fillers.

Another choice would be to use a lotion that has some form of acid, one of the hydroxys, glycolic, lactic, etc.

Don't forget that moisturizer/oils are an important part in moisture retention of your skin... if you are exfoliating you must moisturize/oil afterwards.

Once you start exfoliating your skin,either mechanically with a scrub, or chemically with acids, you have be more conscious of protecting it from the sun since you are exposing a layer of fresh skin that was previously occluded by dead skin cells.

: )
Mzzchief

Purrs,
I'm looking for a recipe for a face scrub. I have various patches of dryer skin (some near my eyes/upper nose) that need some exfoliating ever so often.
Thanks!

I have been using Bio Oil for my skin. Will try the Masticha when I go to Greece
later this year. Thanks for the link ANTIGONAKI.
Seems like coconut oil is good for lots of things. Good to know. Thanks everybody.

I still have to but it's not as much. I have noticed the dry skin everywhere and in some areas I will use a natural bee wax bar...it's great for my hands which is where I needed the most cuz I'm constantly wasking them.....it's all those diapers I have to change and noses to wipe haha

Edited by: TONI501 at: 4/23/2015 (09:18)

Oh! That's why I haven't shaved or feel like I need deodorant either! I thought maybe it was a thyroid thing. But it is one positive thing to being older!

Recently I've been using a glycerin heavy and urea product called Happy Feet and Working Hands made by Okeefe.... all over my legs and arms, not just my feet and hands.

My skin is so dry, its crazy, even coconut oil doesn't do it for me.
Frankly I think its bc of menopause and that my body isn't making any testosterone, since I no longer require a razor or deoderant.

: )
Mzzchief

Coconut oil is my best friend lol. Soooo good for so any things:)

Hi

I got coconut oil from my local supermarket here in uk also ebay sells them,good luck. Its also good for your stomach too ie inside it lol

Thank you! that lotion sounds delightful!
I also went online to find out what masticha is exactly, and its something I've heard of before... a gum/resin from the mastic tree! Aparently they use it to flavor a beverage, too. Saw some cool pics of the trees and raw resin.


: )
Mzzchief

http://wwww.mastihashopny.com/default.php?
pname=ItemView&prod_id=64&cat_id=15&la=2

if you click this link, it's close to what I get, but in the pharmacies back home, they sell for 10-18 euro or so, depending on how luxe the brand is.

Masticha is an ingredient used in foods, skin care and spirits that is found in Greece on the island of Chios. It's great when used in moisturizers for people with adult acne or rosacea, it will calm the skin, but it won't get rid of the rosacea, and it has a sweet, distinctive smell between licorice and marshmallow.

I also buy it in powdered form and add it to dry rubs for chicken, if someone asks me what the interesting flavor is, I tell them LOVE.

Good point, Purrs!

AntiG~
Tell us about Masticha? I've never used that. What is it good for specifically?

I use a variety of oils on my skin and hair... have been doing oil pulling recently, too!
One oil which is just amazing on leather to soften it is castor oil. But before you try it, test on a small area to make sure it doesn't darken the leather.

: )
Mzzchief

A note. ..jojoba oil is the closest chemically to our own sebum.

I like olive oil for hair ... sure, you'll smell a little like a salad for a bit, but it's the best warm oil treatment. PLUS, I am super allergic to coconut... as for face, when I go back to Greece (every 6 months or so for either work or family matters), I usually bring back face creams (drug store ones with masticha and ... yes, olive oil.

Here's something you can try for skin as well as aching muscles...

2.5 cups of Epsom Salts ($2.99 at Walmart for 6 pounds)
Cap full (about a 1/4 teaspoon) of Lavender oil (online... Rose Mountain Herbs is a good site, but there are plenty of others)
Once or two of Glycerin (pharmacy area of drug stores or Walmart)
Teaspoon of crystallized ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C, available online)

As your tub is filling, add vitamin C. This takes out the chlorine and chloramines. Let sit for about 5 minutes before adding other ingredients.

Get in and soak. Minimum 20 minutes. You can angle your TV so that you can see it from your tub if you're interested in making the time go faster.

When you get out use a small amount of organic food grade oil to seal in the moisture or use Purrs excellent recipe.

: )
Mzzchief

This sounds like a great idea. My hair has been really dry and frizzy since since my thyroid was taken out.

started using coconut oil about a week ago.i mix it in my smoothies in the morning or mix it with peanut butter to put on rice cakes(a little messy as it melts) but it tastes good.also cook with it for frying.Thanks for the idea of rubbing it on your neck.i went to get a haircut this week and the hair dresser asked waht i used on my hair.i told her i condition it with cocnut oil.

Make sure your water is clean.
Lots of water has a bunch of chlorine and chloramines in it, which you really want to avoid.
You can clean these out of your tap water by adding a bit of pure vitamin C.

Also much of our water supply has fluoride in it, which is a thyroid antagonist... it was used back in the day to damp down hyper thyroids.

Ive taken to drinking distilled water to which I've added some diatomaceous earth for the silica content... great for hair, nails and taking out aluminum from the water supply.

Have a fun day
: )
Mzzchief

The best moisturizer that I have found is -- drum roll --

MOISTURE in the form of drinking water. Yup, consistently drinking those 6 to 8 glasses of water will do wonders (even for hypothyroids.) I know it is hard to get all that water down. I struggle. But, since when is anything easy with hypothyroidism?

Thanks for all the tips!

thanks for the coconut oil tips

And do you know when you take coconut oil (either dermal or internally) you are "warming" up your thyroid? Taking coconut oil internally is faster because the liver metabolizes it, but rubbing it on your skin (especially the neck) helps your thyroid function (according to some studies)

Stacy

lips getting a little chapped?

Take some solid oil (I prefer cocoa butter) mix in some sugar and then use it as a scrub. it tastes pretty good too!

The oil will seal them and it works like a charm.

Thanks MAVIEPOOH. Do you get the essential oils from a health food shop or pharmacist?

facial oil mix for phytonutrients and antiaging!

I recently made this mix for my skin and am very impressed with how it is working!
Filled small baby food jar with coconut oil melted added 15 drops of frankinsense essential oil. (I use young living because their oils are organic and supposedly medicinal quality)
10 drops of citrus, 10 drops of lemon grass. Stir and let solidify. Then put on skin whenever
The coconut oil is supposed ot have sunscreening properties but i don't know how much.
The affect on my skin has been good

And note...the main ingredients are SALTS! Salt is actually a humectant...it will draw moisture to your skin. I'm not saying soak in a ton of it for long periods of time but it is a good thing to use.

I mixed up virgin coconut oil and shea butter (half and half) after reading this thread. I added a tiny bit of virgin sesame oil to mix better. I'm not much of a chemist but this was simple enough for me. This is so nice. I was so tired of the itchy dry skin! It's lovely after a bath! Thank you for your expertise!

Thanks for the lovely recipe.

An oil property quiz is great idea...
Looking forward to seeing it!

I really think that the only way of truly knowing if Lecithin is a good substitute for Polysorbate 80 though, is to make up two batches, one with Polysorbate 80 and one with Lecithin and see what the differences/similiarities are.

: )
Mzzchief

probably so....will work on an oil property quiz to see what y'all know or don't know. :) And share some other ideas as I have time to do.

Its a Purr-fect idea for holiday giving, too!
Placed in a decorative glass bottle or just tied up in a square of tulle and tied with a ribbon.

I wonder if soy lecithin could be used in place of the polysorbate 80, since lecithin is an emulsifier, too?

: )
Mzzchief

For the SOFTEST skin ever!!!!!!!! You don't have to make soap to make these. The reason to use polysorbate 80? It's not a preservative....it's to prevent the bathtub from becoming one slick mess! It's an emulsifier.

1 C. baking soda
1/2 C. citric acid
1/3 c. epsom salts
1/4 t borax
2 1/2 T. oil or butter
3/4 T water, or aloe vera juice, or witch hazel
1/4 t. fragrance if desired
polysorbate 80

Mix the dry ingredients. Add the oils and mix well. SLOWLY drizzle in the water and mix while doing so...if it's foaming slow down adding the water. Drizzle in a few tablespoons of polysorbate 80. Mix, mix, mix. When you can pack like a snowball it's time to mold. Use a big mold if you want like the rose shaped cupcake pans or just your hands. Let dry completely before using.

To use place under running water for a bath and watch it fizz. Seriously....soft as you've never imagined it could be.

We're here to help, and happy to do it, Treesa!
Thx!
: )
Mzzchief

Tree, if she knows her stuff she can tell you alot about oils. If she does.....keep her!

Thanks tons ladies, I am calling a lady in town who makes soaps to sell at craft shows. I will ask her about these oils. I am excited. I will do the patch test too Mizz, that is always a good idea for me. I have weird reactions to a lot of things. You guys are the berries!

Another idea is to get something with emu oil in it. Emu is the most healing oil out there. I made a body butter with shea butter and emu in it....butters are always going to be better. Avoid lotions with alcohol in them...read labels. Find a local soap maker. One thing to remember is if you aren't using REAL soap...you'll dry your skin. If the label says beauty bar, bath bar or anything other than soap....it's NOT soap. It's detergent. I superfat my soap a good percentage to keep moisture in meaning I have too many oils to saponify. Another good oil to get and use is jojoba. It's the closest thing in chemical composition to our own natural sebum. The commercials saying something isn't oily? Well, that is actually a bad thing.....oils DO soak in.

HI Treesa~
Yes the coconut oil should work just fine on your skin.
I would suggest using it after you get out of the shower, to seal in moisture.
You don't need very much, a little goes a long way.

I have found that a downside to using the oil straight is that it takes about 20 minutes before it sinks into my skin and I can dress. Not everyone will have that problem, I'm simply mentioning it in case you have a similiar experience.

I think since you are having a problem with itchiness, you may want to do a patch test on your inner arm first, to make sure you don't have an allergy to coconut oil. It would surprise me if you did, but better safe then sorry... I'd rather you had an itchy red rash on one small part of your body than all over it!

Another idea might be for you to invest in a shower head that filters your water and removes minerals and chlorine. Sometimes people have a problem with that.

There are several on the market at various price ranges.

Best of luck with this!
: )
Mzzchief

Will the cocoanut oil work on just super dry skin too? I have the most dry itchy skin in the world and am scratching myself raw in my sleep. I have tried a million products and am seriously looking for something natural.

Mslady, hi!

Coconut oil can be obtained at health food stores and online. Its becoming more popular, I've found it at the Walmarts here in the Dallas area.

You'd want to get the virgin oil that is expeller expressed so that there are not solvents used in its extraction. The virgin oil has a lovely coconut smell and a mild coconut taste.

But I think you might be commenting on Purrballs original recipe post... she'll have to letcha know where she gets her supplies... also check out her Soapers Team, you can find that on her Sparkpage.

: )
Mzzchief

Edited by: MZZCHIEF at: 10/21/2011 (11:18)

Where can you find the ingredients for this, I too suffer from eczema.

I love coconut oil too, a little goes a long way on my skin... I use it after showers or washing my face.

: )
Mzzchief

I love coconut oil for many things. When I was tanning regularly (20 min a day, 7 days a week), I used coconut oil exclusively on my skin and got tons of comments on how great my skin looked! It's amazing what happens when you aren't baking chemicals into your skin.

I love using triphala as a scrub in the shower or to exfoliate my face.

Triphala is a mix of 3 astringent fruits that are dried, ground, and taken internally.

Its been used in India's Aryuvedic Medicine for centuries for its intestinal toning properties, to treat diabetes and eye diseases. But I like to use it topically on the skin!

Here's a link that gives you a brief overview of Triphala:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triphala

Shake some of it into your hand, add a bit of water until its a paste, apply to skin and rubin using a circular motion. The ground fruit will physically exfoliate dead skin and the beneficial acids in the fruits help to loosen any dead skin and provide anti-bacterial action.

Once you're covered, you can either let it dry and feel the tightening as it does, then wash it off and apply your body oil. Or if you're in a rush, simply skip the drying step rinse it off your face.

I usually do this in the shower, as it can be messy and discolor bath mats. Who needs that aggrevation? ha Make sure you rinse your shower out well.

I would suggest trying it out on your forearm 24 hours before you try it on your face or body, on the rare chance that you may have allergy to Triphala.

Me... I test EVERY new lotion or potion for several days using the forearm test, before applying it all over. Just to be on the safe side.

As for safety, I've been exfoliating with Triphala since 2007, when I first discovered it.
Its also helpful for constipation...which is one of its traditional uses.... if you run a search you can prolly find some old posts about it.

Triphala comes in both a loose powder and capsules.
It has an extremely astringent, bitter taste.

I love what it does for my complexion, but everyone is different, so try it for yourself and see if it works as well for you as it does for me!


: )
Mzzchief

Want a GREAT CHEAP way to refresh your skin? Mix a tablespoon or two of oil (olive is good) with the same of liquid soap and mix in enough sugar or salt (fine only! not coarse) to become a thick paste. Use this to buff your skin in the shower to be very soft! I use my hands or a soft washrag.

Mine contains Cetearyl Alcohol and that is all. You can buy all kinds on soapers suppliers but I only ever looked for the good ole standard. I get mine at

www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com

Purrs what type of emulsifying wax do you use?

: )
Mzzchief

LOTION!

REMEMBER ANYTIME you use water or milk in a lotion to add a preservative. Body butters do not need preservative since there is no water. Water is the conduit for germs in these things and it's essential to use a good preservative. Remember that breast cancer survivors are told to not use parabens so find one paraben free if you can. Optiphen is a good one that is paraben free.

6 oz emulsifying wax
7 oz stearic acid
4 oz avocado oil
4 oz cocoa butter
6 oz rice bran oil
11 oz olive oil
touch emu oil I use about an ounce or two
12 oz hydrovance
112 oz water or goats milk
preservative to directions
vitamin e
fragrance

Melt hard oils, pour in remainder and blend. You may need to chill in fridge off and on and blend with a stick blender until it is nice and thick. Add E and fragrance as desired at end. Bottle--this makes about 20 8 ounce bottles so adjust as needed to make what you want.

This stuff is thick and is the one thing with my soap and body butter that prevents my eczema from ever rearing it's ugly head. I use store bought stuff and I'm sunk.

www.soaperschoice.com/cgi-soaperscho
ic
e/Web_store/web_store.cgi?query_pricR>e_low_range=0&cart_id=

That is where I get my ingredients most of the time. They are the cheapest out there and their stuff is fresh because almost every soaper I know uses them. They are initially a company that sells food stuff but the manager of the warehouse found out soapers were buying his oils so he decided to expand and specialize. We love him for this! There are a few things I don't get here but not many. Emu is one of them but we have plenty of co-ops on the soapers that I tend to buy there...same with Shea.

Chib? I make a lip scrub with cocoa butter and sugar. No need to rinse and it tastes chocolatey. Best of both worlds.

For those that use coconut oil as a massage oil, consider buying FRACTIONATED coconut oil instead. It's the ONLY oil that will not stain sheets.

Anyone want to know the specific properties of oils feel free to ask me.

i use honey and sugar on my lips rub around for 1-2 min the rynce it works great lol

Edited by: CHIBIKARATE at: 6/19/2011 (01:27)

Great recipes. Yes, it would be helpful to know where you get the exotic ingredients, Purr. I'm looking forward to trying something homemade because my skin is so dry and nothing much out there seems to help all that much.

Saundrella

Whoops I posted on the wrong thread. Sorry! I should have read farther into my emails. My lotions and potions is on gadgets!

tj

Great recipe purrs!
I want some NOW ha.
Would like to know where you get some of your more exotic ingredients.

Laurapud, I use cystalline vitamin C to get the chlorine out of the water... I posted a bit on it in the supplements sticky.

I like to rub a bit of the C powder into my skin after bathing before applying a moisturizer to which I've added vitamin E. I pop open and empty a few vitamin E capsules into my bottle of Curel extra healing body lotion... to keep the C from oxidation.

C is good for keeping your skin bright and its necessary for collagen production.
You only need a dusting and you do need a lotion with E to keep the C working on your skin.

These are the same ingredients used in uber expensive face serums costing $40 for an ounce or two.
Only you will know that they're fresh and they're in there, because YOU will be putting them there!

Some people may worry about putting C directly on the skin since it is an acid. If so you'll have to check it out on your forearm and give it 24 hours before using it on your whole body. A little goes a long way.

Something to remember is that the skin is protected by an "acid mantle"... its why children tend to get things like ring worm, a fungus that thrives in an aklaline environment. A child's skin doesn't develop an acidic ph on their skin.. their "acid mantle" until they reach puberty.

FitArtist I love coconut oil for massages. Extra nice when there's a little essential oil added.

: )
Mzzchief

Coconut oil for skin and hair. I use it as is.

OOO- Thanks PURR!! I'm hoping to get a Kitchenaid this year, too!

MZZCHIEF- What is the crystallized stuff you use to de-chlorinate your water with again? I can't seem to keep it in my head!

Best ever thing for dry skin or eczema? Body butter! Using organic, unrefined items keeps all the healing qualities of that oil in there and maximum benefit for you!

Whipped Body Butter A la Purr

Do NOT try this with too little or it won't whip right. A pound is about what I would do, less is risky.

1 lb Butter of choice (shea, mowrah, babassu) I prefer unrefined shea because refining removes the good things that heal!

4 oz monoi de tahiti or coconut oil

4 oz oil. I use a combination of calendula infused olive, rice bran, emu oil, jojoba, and sweet almond--best if you do use emu because it is nature's greatest healer

fragrance

Soften butter and coconut/monoi in oven at low or 170 degrees. Do not completely melt or you can cause it to become grainy. You want it soft only. Use a hand or stand mixer and put the butter in the bowl to be beaten in. Add your liquid oil mix it in. I place the bowl in the freezer. When it starts to harden along the sides I start beating it. You can take breaks in between but beat this until it is stiff and fluffy. A kitchenaid is great...you turn it on and walk away! Fragrance as desired and jar up. You do not need a preservative with this because there is no water. This is a texture like whipped butter you get in the store, or marshmallow cream. It is the most healing thing and is beyond belief! Put on at night and put on socks or gloves and even my hands which are always wet because I work in kitchens never crack...even in winter.

Hey Team!

Welcome to the Healthy Stuff We Like Forum!
We felt that we needed a forum to pool the collective wisdom of the team, a positive happy place to share things that make our lives more enjoyable.

Since we expect a large response, initially we'll have three sticky threads.
Yes, this is my misguided attempt to impose some sort of order on chaos.
ha

NOTE: if you've got some healthy tip that does not fit within these 3 catagories, OR you'd just like to start a thread of your own, please feel free to do so!

The 3 stickies are:

1. Lotions and Potions... at home beauty recipes you concocted, additions you've made to existing commercial formulas, commercial beauty products you've used and liked... AND those that didn't meet your expectations. Okay so that may not be positive. But its positive if you warn someone else off a bad product.

2. Supplements, Herbals and Teas... Just like it says. Also valuable is where you got the best deal... cuz there's no such thing as "extra money".

3. Gadgets ... this would be anything from blenders to gym equipment/workout clothes and everything in between. Keep it G-rated, please!

As for the rest of the Health Stuff We Like forum, individual threads can be used for healthy foods you enjoy... and ways to prepare them... tips or tricks you use to make life more enjoyable... or anything that won't go under a specific sticky thread heading.

You know you have a healthy tip you're just dying to share.
So what are you waiting for?

: )
Mzzchief