Blemishes
Almond oil
Before a big date, ancient Egyptian teens suffering a rampant case of acne blended a mask of almond oil and liquid honey to clear up their faces. According to a University of Sydney study, when honey's enzymes and glucose react to water in a wound or blemish, it produces hydrogen peroxide, an antibacterial agent that kills germs. To make an Egyptian honey mask, mix a tablespoon (15 millilitres) each of almond oil (or wheat germ oil) and raw honey. Apply to your face away from your eyes) and wait a few minutes, then wash it off with warm water.
Rosemary and lavender
More fragrant and less messy is an old folk recipe the women of Barcelona used to keep their skin fresh-looking. It contained rosemary and lavender, both of which act as astringents, antibacterials and antifungals. In a sunny spot, place a jar with 28 grams each of lavender and rosemary flowers in a half cup (125 millilitres) of apple cider vinegar. Discard the flowers after 20 days. To use as a cleanser, dilute the solution with eight parts fresh water and wipe on with cotton balls.
Sunburn and bug bites
Witch hazel
Traditionally used by East Coast Native Americans to reduce swelling, witch hazel is considered the panacea of home remedies. Hemorrhoids, burns, bug bites, diaper rash, puffy eyes, headaches and varicose veins -- there's not much this versatile plant can't treat. It's loaded with tannins -- a super-strength antioxidant -- and a numbing astringent. Witch hazel is widely available in health food stores and pharmacies, but a lotion is simple to make, too. Simmer one teaspoon (five millilitres) of twigs or powder from a health food store in one cup (250 millilitres) of water for about 10 minutes. Strain, discard the leaves and cool. Either apply directly or mix with petroleum jelly to make an ointment.
Aloe vera
Once only available from the Sultan of the Socotra, whose isolated island realm in the Indian Ocean held a monopoly on the plant for centuries, aloe vera is now a common treatment for everything from burns to constipation. One of its best uses is to soothe and heal sunburn, says Torkos. “Have a bath with lavender in it, then rub your skin with split aloe leaves,” she suggests. Keep a fresh supply by growing an attractive aloe in a pot at home.
Planning to bask in the sun? Check out our sun protection guide first!
Painkiller
Vodka and rosemary
Hungary Water is a bit of a misnomer -- the ointment made famous by the 13th century's Queen Elizabeth of Hungary was based on vodka -- not water. Still, she is said to have used it to stimulate her paralyzed legs, and it later became known as a painkiller and for healing wounds. That it worked at all is not surprising: rosemary is not only a powerful astringent that numbs pain, but it also acts as a digestive aid, an antifungal and an antibacterial. To make Hungary Water, fill a three-cup 750 millilitres) bottle two-thirds full of rosemary leaves and one-third full of apple cider vinegar. Seal and leave in a sunny spot. Shake the bottle several times over three days. Strain and discard the leaves. Gently rub onto affected area.
Page 2 of 3 – on page three: how to heal wrinkles, colds and stomach problems.
