8 Great Beauty Uses for Plants
Those plants you’ve got growing on the balcony or in your backyard have an unlimited number of uses. And we’re not just talking ways to cook them: your skin and hair are just waiting to be pampered by these easy, DIY (do-it-yourself) home beauty recipes. They’ll save you money – not only can you use flowers, herbs and vegetables you’ve already got, but you can store the homemade products in old, washed-out containers. Plus, you’ll smell delightful, we promise.
HAIR
1. Shine Amplifier
Blend one egg, half a cup of olive oil, and half of a peeled, chopped cucumber. Spread evenly through your hair, leave on for 10 minutes, and rinse out.
2. Spray
Chop all of one lemon and add two cups of water. Simmer until the liquid has been reduced by half, then strain out the solids. Pour the liquid into a spray bottle, and add a bit more water if it’s too think for your liking. Use as you would any store-bought hairspray.
FACE
3. Astringent
Chop two sprigs of fresh thyme with two teaspoons of crushed fennel seeds. Cover with boiling water, and add the juice of a small lemon. Steep until cool, then strain out the solids. Apply mixture to a cotton pad, swipe on the face, and rinse. And be sure to keep it in the fridge, which is actually a good idea with all homemade spa treatments.
TEETH
4. Mouthwash
Mix two cups of water with a teaspoon each of mint and rosemary, chopped. Boil it for 15 minutes, strain, and use as mouthwash. Wait till it’s cooled, of course!
BODY
5. Exfoliator
Blend together 10 strawberries, two tablespoons olive oil, and a teaspoon of coarse salt. Apply to rough spots and rinse off in the shower.
6. Moisturizer
Boil one carrot until it’s soft enough to smoosh with a fork. Mix with three tablespoons of honey and 1/4 cup plain yogurt. Then, either apply it to your skin or add it directly to the bath. Have a good soak, then rinse and follow with lotion to keep the moisture in.
7. Scrub
Squeeze an orange into a small bowl of cornmeal until it reaches the consistency you want. Scrub onto skin for a few minutes, then rinse and follow with moisturizer.
FEET
8. Skin Softener
Combine 1/2 cup dried lavender with 1/2 cup finely chopped sage with two cups of water. Simmer the mixture for no more than 30 minutes, then strain and let cool. Add about eight drops of lavender essential oil (we have a great recipe for that). Shake before applying it to feet with a cotton pad.
(Image via jordanfischer)
