Starting the New Year with the Basics

We often spend so much time and money seeking the Fountain of Youth in expensive lotions, potions and treatments, yet overlook the most essential and simple beauty treatment of all: water. Considering that the human body consists of about 70% water, this is clearly the most important component towards maintaining optimal health and beauty. Simply put, without water our cells collapse and the basic bodily functions that keep us alive shut down entirely.

The basic minimum requirement is 8-10 eight ounce glasses of water per day, though more is needed in times of illness, hot weather and demanding exercise.

Water is essential for healthy hair, skin, nails and body. Drinking ample amounts of water will combat dry skin, dull and limp hair and brittle, cracked nails.

So before you go out and spend a small fortune on bottled beauty products, remember to invest first on this simplest of natural ingredients.

Honey Face Lotion

The cold winter temperatures and dry indoor heat wreak havoc on our skin. Here is an easy-to-make moisturizer to help soften your skin.

1 T. honey
1/2 c. cold water
1/2 t. apple cider vinegar

Combine the above ingredients and spread all over face and neck right after showering. Leave this on your skin to dry naturally so the honey can penetrate and nourish.

The Lowly Onion

Now that we are in the thick of cold & flu season, you may wish to avail yourself to the curative properties of the lowly onion. Along with garlic and leeks, onions can help to combat infections, improve digestion and ease coughs. A popular traditional recipe for homemade cough syrup was to layer slices of onion with honey and leave overnight. In the morning you may begin to ingest the syrup. While the taste may leave a bit to be desired, it is an effective remedy for stubborn coughs.

Dealing with Allergies

Many of us suffer from allergies, be they seasonal or food-related. Changing your lifestyle can either help or worsen your symptoms.

What can you do to alleviate allergy symptoms?
Drink cumin/coriander/fennel tea; keep your house free of dust and mold, do a cleanse 2-4 times a year, eat simple food combinations (do not mix fruit or dairy with meat and fish), ingest anti-acid herbs.

What makes allergies worse?
Dairy products in your diet; oily, rich and sweet foods; hot spices; fatigue; complicated food combinations.

Rose & Chamomile Face Mask

This Natural Health & Beauty Tip comes to us from Mexico, where it is used to help soften the skin and prevent premature aging. It is especially beneficial for treating dry skin.

Combine the following:
1 mashed avocado
2 T. jojoba oil
2 capsules evening primrose oil
2 T. heavy cream
1 drop rose oil
1 drop chamomile oil

Spread this mixture on your face, leaving it on until the paste is fully dried. Then rinse off with warm (not hot!) water.

Oats for Optimal Health this Winter

Oats are one of the world's most important crops - sweet, nutritious and warming, they are also rich in iron, zinc and manganese and so help combat winter colds.

In addition, oats are an anti-depressant. That morning bowl of oatmeal not only warms your belly, it also provides a helpful emotional boost during the dark and dreary days of winter.

If you or anyone you know suffers from eczema and dry skin, try the following home remedy: Add a tablespoon of oatmeal to a bowl of warm water and wash your skin with this mixture before showering.

Soothing Foot Pedicure at Home

Add 2 T. organic almond oil to 3 quarts of warm water. Soak your feet for up to 15 minutes to soften the skin. While soaking, use a pumice stone to gently scrub away any hard skin build-up.

Wipe your feet with a towel and then cut your toenails in a straight line across. This will prevent ingrown toenails from occurring. Use an emery board to smooth out any rough edges.

Next, soften cuticles with almond oil and then gently push them back using an orangewood stick.

Use a leather buffer to buff nails to a shine, which will also help increase circulation and aid in healthy nail growth.

Finally, gently massage your feet with a soothing lotion - ideally one containing tea tree oil. Happiness with every step.

Multi-Purpose Evening Primose Oil

Many of you are already taking evening primrose oil to treat everything from eczema to acne, osteoporosis to rheumatoid arthritis, but it is also a wonderfully nourishing oil for the face. You will find it is very effective in treating chronically dry skin, and a bottle of Evening Primrose Oil capsules is far less expensive than most packaged facial oils on the market.

After cleansing your skin, simply puncture a capsule and spread the oil evenly over your face and neck. You will notice the difference in a matter of days, with skin a reduction in visible wrinkles and skin that feels more elastic.

Yogurt and Polenta Scrub

Ingredients:
1 T. polenta (ground corn meal)
2 T. organic plain yogurt

Mix ingredients to form a paste. Gently rub the mixture into your skin, in small circles. Leave on for about five minutes so your pores can drink in the nourishing qualities of the yogurt. Rinse and enjoy your newly invigorated and glowing skin.

Cellulite Melter Massage

You don't always have to go to a professional for a massage, though it is hard to match the talents of our staff of master-level therapists! In between your treatments at Absolute Nirvana Spa, you may want to do some massage of your own at home.

The following combination of essential oils is effective in both detoxification and the reduction of cellulite. Geranium oil will help reduce retention of fluids, while rosemary helps to break down fat.

2 T. safflower oil
2 T. olive oil
5-10 drops rosemary oil
5-10 drops geranium oil

Combine the oils and massage deeply into problem areas. Of course the addition of exercise and healthy eating, combined with lots of water consumption, will also help tremendously.

Rosemary Shampoo

Rosemary is especially good for dark hair, bringing out its natural highlights and color. For a different twist on this recipe, use sage or lavender instead of the rosemary.

4 T. dried rosemary
3 pints boiling water
1/2 c. liquid castile soap
2 egg yolks, beaten

Bring the water to a boil, stir in rosemary and remove from the heat. Cover and let steep for 2 hours. After straining, add the castile soap and stir until thickened. When cool, whisk in the yolks. Let sit overnight. Shake well before using. Store in refrigerator, in glass receptacle if possible.

Herbal Immune Boosters

Most of us experience more stress than we would like, and don't eat as healthfully as we care to admit. This makes it harder for our bodies to fight viruses, bacteria and fungi. With cold & flu season right around the corner, now is the time to boost your immune system. Try adding more garlic to your cooking, take your echinacea, or take maitake and shiitake mushrooms, which are available in many forms. For best results, take these tonics for three to four weeks at a time, then a break of a couple of weeks.

Honey Cucumber Facial

This simple yet effective facial uses ingredients found in your own kitchen to heal, soften and moisturize your skin.

1 cup organic honey
10 drops fresh lime juice
1 medium-size cucumber, thinly sliced

After cleansing your face, mix the honey and lime juice together and massage into your face for a good 10-15 minutes. The lime will peel away surface cells, while the honey will soften your skin.

After wiping away as much honey as possible, cover your face with a layer of cucumber slices. Relax and enjoy the refreshing sensation as your skin is tightened and moisture is replenished.