Absolute Nirvana Santa Fe

To promote healthy hair growth, mix up this natural elixir and spray on hair roots each evening at bedtime.

Ingredients:
1 cup distilled water
2 Tablespoons Dried Nettle Leaf
2 Tablespoons Horsetail Leaf (optional)
2 Tablespoons Natural Aloe Vera Gel
10 drops of Clary Sage Essential Oil
10 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil
10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil

To Make:
Boil the distilled water and add the dried nettle leaf and horsetail leaf.
Let the herbs sit in the water for at least 10 minutes or until water cools.
Strain the herbs out and pour the herb infused liquid in to a spray bottle.
Add the aloe vera and essential oils and shake well.
Store in the fridge for up to 3 months and shake well before us.

Combine the following in a one quart mason jar:

1/3 cup beef tallow (find a healthy source at your local Farmer's Market)
1/3 cup shea or cocoa butter
2-3 T. beeswax

Place jar in a small saucepan of water on the stove and simmer until ingredients are melted and smooth. Then remove from heat and add 20 drops of your favorite essential oil, or leave plain. Pour into molds (silicone baking molds work well, or you could use a plastic ice cube tray) and let harden. Remove from mold when completely cool. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

Why pay a small fortune for exfoliating sugar scrubs when you can make a yummy scrub at home for mere pennies? This recipe makes enough for several applications:

Mix 2 cups of organic brown sugar with 1 cup oil (almond, olive or coconut). Then add 1/2 teaspoon Vitamin E oil along with a few drops of your favorite essential oil.

Our signature Javanese Lulur Treatment, developed in the palaces of Java in the 17th century for brides-to-be, incorporates the sweet fragrance of jasmine oil, which symbolizes the sweetness of a woman. The heavenly scent of jasmine also acts to uplift the soul and bring a sense of euphoria. In addition, it will relieve pre-menstrual mood swings and pains as well as labor pains when used in a compress. Lastly, it acts to soften skin and reduce stretch marks. If you can't get in to Absolute Nirvana Spa for a jasmine oil massage, try using the oil in a burner or add a few drops to your bath.

As we get get older, the skin under our eyes begins to thin, and the exposed blood vessels give the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. To ameliorate this condition, put a small bunch of fresh parsley in a mini food processor with 2 tablespoons of plain, organic yogurt. Pulse until you have a smooth paste. Apply this mixture to your under-eye area and let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. The abundance of Vitamin K found in parsley will reduce blood flow to the eye area, thus reducing the appearance of blue rings under the eyes.

Clove oil has a myriad of healthful uses. A drop applied to the gums around a sore tooth will alleviate the pain. Relieve stomach pain and diarrhea by massaging the oil on your abdomen. Suck on a clove to reduce feelings of stress, or use it in an infuser to brighten your spirits.

Slough off dry winter skin with this Oriental Body Glow:

1. Mix together 1 cup of runny honey, 1/2 cup sesame seeds and a sprinkling of dried herbs (lavender leaf or mint work well).

2. Rub this paste over your body as vigorously as you can handle to exfoliate and buff your skin.

3. Shower off and enjoy your smooth, sweet-smelling skin.

This recipe is an effective alternative to high-priced cleansers, costing only pennies per use. As yogurt is full of protein, calcium and vitamins, it is also very nourishing.

For oily or normal skin, mix 1-3 Tablespoons of plain, organic yogurt with a pinch of salt. For dry skin, puncture a capsule of vitamin E and add to the mixture.

Slather onto your face, massaging into the skin. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

Utilize the abundance of vitamin A in carrots with this Cooked Carrot Facial. Combine 1 1/2 cups cooked and mashed carrots with 1/2 teaspoon wheat germ oil, 2 teaspoons of honey and 2 drops of geranium oil. Slather generously onto your face and rinse off after 20 minutes. Your skin will look and feel nourished and radiant.

We use brown rice powder in a number of our spa scrubs, as this plentiful and inexpensive plant makes an ideal moisturizer. Unlike silicone-based moisturizers which tend to clog the pores, rice allows moisture to move in and toxins to move out. It also promotes cell turnover and boosts collagen production. If you can't get in to Absolute Nirvana for a massage, brown rice-based scrub and steam, try making your own scrub at home. Simply grind up organic brown rice using a coffee grinder, mix with organic plain yogurt and gently massage into skin, including face. Leave on for five to ten minutes (ideally while sitting in a steam room) before rinsing off. Your skin will feel moisturized and rejuvenated.

The pulp of the sea buckthorn berry contains omega-7 fatty acids, high levels of vitamin C, polyphenols, and 'survival proteins', making it a king among super foods. From fighting off colds and flu to increasing the skin's elasticity, this berry has the ability to strengthen the body inside and out.

The Absolute Nirvana Spa Bliss Package, including a hot oil hair mask, is the ultimate way to restore luster to dry, brittle hair, but here are a few tips for healthy hair that cost little or nothing: massage your scalp 3-5 minutes a day to stimulate hair follicles, alternate between hot and cold water when rinsing your hair, exercise regularly to improve oxygen flow to hair follicles, add aloe vera to your shampoo, and lastly, brush hair with a natural-bristle brush for at least 5 minutes every day.

The flavonoids and saponins found in licorice root can help to balance hormones, act as an anti-inflammatory and ease indigestion. When used together with kojic acid, licorice can break down existing melanin and fade dark spots, acting as an effective skin brightener. This Halloween, pass on the Snickers and go for the licorice! Better yet, choose the healthiest versions possible, found at your local health food store.

Coconut Oil, a featured ingredient in our Coconut/Lemongrass Deluxe Treatment, has a wide range of health benefits. The fatty acids in coconut oil act as a heavy-duty moisturizer, while its lauric acid has an antiseptic effect. Use it as a nourishing make-up remover, lip balm, face mask, or even gargle the oil to fight a cold. Many people use coconut oil as a healthy cooking oil, as it has no trans-fats.

There are plenty of shampoos on the market labeled 'Chamomile', but honestly, how fresh and effective can they be? For optimal care and nourishment of light-colored hair, try this homemade Chamomile Shampoo.

1 cup boiling water
2 T. dried or fresh chamomile flowers
1/2 cup mild shampoo
2 T. glycerin
Juice of 1 lemon

Pour the boiling water over the chamomile flowers, stir and let steep for 30-60 minutes. After straining out the flowers, add shampoo, glycerin and lemon juice to the herbal water and combine thoroughly. Let the mixture stand for 24 hours to thicken. Store in the fridge. Shake well before using.

We use a lot of herbs and spices in our treatments at Absolute NIrvana Spa, knowing they provide a multitude of health and beauty benefits. Consider adding turmeric (found in our Javanese Lulur scrub) to your daily diet to support healthy joint function, promote radiant skin, strengthen your immune system and assist in healthy digestion. Turmeric is found in traditional Ayurvedic recipes, but can also be used in place of saffron in other more commonly-used recipes. For optimal results, only buy pure and organic turmeric.

Soak your hands in 1 to 2 cups of warm milk or buttermilk for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will soften and smooth your hands and cuticles. Then use an orangewood stick to push back your cuticles.

This conditioner can be applied all over the body and hair before showering for much-needed nourishment and hydration:

1 cup plain yogurt
1 T. honey
1 T. almond oil
1 T. wheat germ

Combine all of the above in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Slather all over hair and body, wait a few minutes, and then rinse with warm water.

Summer is a time to take advantage of all the fresh fruits and veggies available at your local farmer's market. Here are a couple of fun toners inspired by this bounty of produce. Your skin will be nourished and tightened, giving you more youthful radiance.

For Dry Skin
Rub a mashed up a peach, pear or cantaloupe into your skin and then rinse off with tepid (not hot!) water.

For Oily Skin
Mash a fresh cucumber, tomato, grapefruit or strawberries and gently rub all over your face. Rinse with warm water.

Not just for dainty finger sandwiches with tea, watercress is packed with antioxidants, calcium, iron and vitamin C. The mineral-rich plant is also known as a detox aid, especially noted for its ability to remove heavy metals from the body and brain. It can also help purify your blood and kidneys. Teatime anyone?

If you suffer from chapped and overworked hands, try this hand cream recipe - great for soothing rough skin and a frazzled mind.

Blend the following and massage into hands and nails:

1 T. unscented natural hand lotion
1 drop neroli essential oil
1 drop carrot essential oil

The perfect antidote to a stressful day at work is a warm bath with a few drops of your favorite essential oil. The steam and warmth of the water evaporate the oils and increase the aroma, while also allowing the oils to permeate your skin more deeply. For added relaxation, light some candles and put on your favorite soothing music.

Do you sometimes find it hard to turn off the constant chatter of your mind? Try massaging a few drops of pure essential sandalwood oil in a line running from the front of each ear toward your jaw. As you are massaging, close your eyes and take several deep breaths. This process will relax jaw tension and the stuck circulation that make it hard to still the mind.

This is a simple but effective cleanser for those with normal to oily skin. Yogurt, with its protein, calcium and vitamins, is very nourishing for your skin.

Combine 1-3 T. plain organic yogurt with a pinch of salt. Apply to face and massage into skin before rinsing off with warm (not hot!) water.

The same mixture will work for those with dry skin, though instead of adding salt to the yogurt, you will want to thoroughly mix in the oil from a Vitamin E capsule.

Here is an absolutely incredible moisturizer to help with dry winter skin. The oils will provide needed moisture as well as provide the nutrients your skin needs to be smooth and glowing. Simply mix the following ingredients in a glass jar and shake vigorously. The mixture can be stored in the fridge, so feel free to double or triple the amounts.

1 T. olive oil
2 T. avocado oil
2 T. almond oil
2 T. sesame oil
2-5 capsules vitamin E oil (400 I.U.)
2 capsules vitamin A oil (50,000 I.U.)
2-5 capsules evening primrose oil
2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil - lavender, ylang-ylang, jasmine (optional)

Joint pain can be relieved by ridding the body of toxins. Through diet you can stimulate digestion and circulation, thus cleansing your liver and reducing joint pain. Try a drink made from a slice of raw ginger along with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice, added to warm water. Let sit for a few minutes for ginger to permeate the water, then drink. The combination of hot and sour flavors provides a balanced cleanser. It's also a good remedy after a rich meal.

If you suffer from an under-active thyroid, you may also experience water retention, resulting in excess weight, cellulite, lethargy and fatigue. To help combat this, try adding seaweeds such as laminaria and sargassum to your diet. You can find packets of dried seaweed in all health food stores, and these can be eaten straight from the packet or steamed and added to rice and vegetable dishes. If the taste of seaweed is not for you, you may want to try a pill called Laminaria 4, made by Seven Forests.

We use jasmine oil here at Absolute Nirvana in our signature treatment, the Javanese Lulur. This two-hour long deluxe treatment was given to Javanese Princesses on each of the forty days leading up to their wedding. Not only is the scent sweet and euphoric, it is also uplifting to the soul - a perfect scent to combat the winter doldrums.

In addition, jasmine oil can relieve pre-menstrual mood swings and pains, as well as labor pains when applied as a compress. Along with softening dry skin, it will also help to minimize stretch marks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.