Collagen creams. Collagen may be the ‘wonder’ ingredient in the cosmetic world’s coffers but it does not appear to do much for the skin.

Advertisements implying anything to the contrary are misleading. Collagen is a protein substance found in the connective tissue, cartilage, and bone of the body. While it is true that changes in collagen fibres contribute to wrinkles and the appearance of ageing skin, adding collagen to a cosmetic will not affect the collagen in the skin, nor in any way reverse the changes that have taken place.

Hormone creams. It has been claimed that hormone creams containing the female hormone oestrogen may cause thickening of the thinner skin of the elderly person. While such creams can be absorbed by the skin, there is however, no evidence of such thickening effects on facial skin. Nor is there any evidence that the addition of hormones will make skin creams more effective in relieving dryness. Indeed, there is no evidence to indicate that the thinner, less hydra ted dermis or subcutaneous fat layer of the elderly has any capacity to become thicker or more hydra ted with the addition of topical hormones. Furthermore, excessive use of such preparations may have harmful internal effects and therefore should be avoided.

Medicated creams. The practice of incorporating antibacterial agents into soap, cosmetics, and other toilet preparations has increased markedly in recent years. These medicated’ preparations in fact have the effect of limiting bacterial contamination of the product rather than of the user. Furthermore their potential harm often outweighs their benefits. People can become allergic to these anti-bacterials, and thereby allergic to many other commonly used products containing the same ingredients. As a result some of these people may develop a sensitivity to chemically related compounds, which is in itself a considerable disability.

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Lemon: (citrus limonum) oily and acne skin, open pores, sore throats, circulation, purifies blood, gall bladder, colds, flu, coughs, stimulates immune system, liver, boils, corns, warts, varicose veins, gout, rheumatism, high blood pressure.

Caution: Avoid direct sunlight and sensitive skin when using the oil. Lemongrass: (cymbopogon citrates) combination skin, clogged pores and sagging tissue, respiratory problems, headaches, digestion, tones muscles, vitalising quality, fevers.

Melissa or Balm: (melissa officinalis) eczema and dermatitis, is known for its many uses- particularly for its gently soothing action. It induces mild perspiration in feverish patients, for painful or suppressed menstruation, menopause, poor digestion, vomiting and nausea.

Marjoram: (origanum vulgare) arthritis, digestive disorders, bruises, flatulence and dyspepsia, bruises, coughs, chilblains, menstrual problems, stress, anxiety, diarrhoea, asthma, bronchitis, respiratory problems, colds, constipation, insomnia, muscular spasm, sprains, strains, rheumatic conditions, headaches, high blood pressure and heart conditions..

Caution: Oil should not be used during pregnancy and in cases of low blood pressure and may cause drowsiness.

Myrrh: (commiphora myrrh) damaged skin, softens wrinkles, athlete’s foot, heals weepy eczema, wounds, deep cracks in heels and hands, ulcers, herpes and thrush.

Caution: Not to be used in pregnancy.

Neroli: (citrus aurantium) sensitive, dry and mature skin, broken capillaries, all skin types, stimulates cellular activity and growth, aphrodisiac, chronic diarrhoea, menstruation, nervous tension, depression, anxiety, hysteria, palpitations, insomnia, rejuvenating effects.

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Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) when used in the bath or in massage oils can stimulate the circulation, relieve stiff joints and relax aching muscles. It is beneficial for hair care, as a deodorant, a mouthwash or to soften the skin.

Skin problems – Mix together 1 tsp. ground thyme, 1/2 tsp, lime juice, 1/2 tsp. onion juice with just enough honey to form a sticky paste. Apply directly on open, festering sores and boils, leave on for 12 hours. Wash affected areas with thyme solution then reapply paste, repeat until condition is healed.

Soapwort (saponaria officinallis) The value of this herb is in its cleansing qualities. It is effective to use as a shampoo, in the bath and as a wash for itchy skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema. St. John’s wort (hypericum perforatum) bums, bruises, eczema, pain, psoriasis, neuralgia, rheumatism, sciatica, scores, sprains, skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma) swelling, sunburn, skin problems, varicose veins, wounds.

The tea is then strained into the bath. It is used for general detoxification, for inflammation of the skin, varicose veins and haemorrhoids. The astringent properties will help to close open pores and refine a pores.

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Traditional herbal oils can be applied directly to the skin and used as a rub, skin lotion, in the bath, to massage the body, as a base for ointments, for creams and cosmetics, and also used for salves, plasters and liniments. Herbal oils are made through a process of hot or cold infusions, extracting the active plant ingredients from fresh or dried herbs in vegetable oils. Use any or a combination of cold pressed oils.

Cold Infusion

Fill a glass jar to three quarters with the yellow flowering tops of St. John’s wort, add olive oil, until the flowers are submerged then place in a sunny position for a full moon cycle. Strain through cheese cloth into bottles, label and store in a cool place. St. John’s wort oil should be in every house, not only for human use but for animals as well.

Hot Infusion

Place cut herbs into a saucepan, add a vegetable oil preferably olive oil, until the herbs are submerged. Simmer for 5 minutes and steep for 2 days.

Reheat and strain through cheese cloth into bottle, cool then label and store in a cool place.

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Peach

This has a soothing, anti-inflammatory effect and is beneficial for all skin types, particularly dry skin. It is also a valuable skin nourisher and refreshes tired skin.

Pears

These are an emollient and encourage elimination of waste, they are also beneficial for sensitive inflamed skin.

Pineapple

Makes an excellent astringent and exfoliate for oily and blemished skin. To intensify the exfoliating benefits, saturate a cotton cloth with fresh pineapple juice and apply as a 5-minute compress.

Potato

Is particularly beneficial for ageing, waterlogged and loose skin tone.lt is excellent for stopping itchiness and dryness. Raw potatoes are scathing, anti-inflammatory and reduce puffiness. They can take the dark colour out of bruises. The gypsies used raw potato internally to cure skin diseases.

Milk

Has been known as a beautifier for centuries. It is used as a beauty aid for skin disorders and has nourishing, cleansing, softening, moisturising and firming properties. Milk is also used as make up remover, as a setting lotion, hand cream and for a bath enricher. Washing hair with milk and egg yolk can promote hair growth and protect from scalp diseases. An effective skin dressing is made of milk mixed with a little vinegar and a pinch of turmeric can be used for eczema, boils, wounds and painful injuries.

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Fair hair: chamomile, cowslip, elder flower, fennel seeds, lime flowers, mullein flowers, myrtle, nettle, rhubarb root, turmeric and yarrow .

Dark hair: artichoke leaves, elderberries, elder leaves, fennel seeds, henna, lavender, nettle, raspberry leaves, rosemary, sage, southern wood, thyme and walnuts (green), shells, leaves and husks.

Brunettes: cloves, cinnamon, cherry bark, henna, parsley, privet, marjoram and sage.

Reddish Hair: henna, ginger, marigold, juniper berries, privet, myrtle, red hibiscus and radish leaves.

Darkening grey hair: thinly peel 6 green oranges, cover with olive oil and store for 3 months. Strain and massage oil into to scalp and comb through the hair. Cover with a shower cap and leave on for 2 hours.

Shampoo in the normal way and rinse with apple cider vinegar. Use oil at least once a week for best results.

Herbs: mix together 2 heaped tbsp. of dned sage and black tea, cover with 1 litre boiling water. Allow to steep over night, strain and add 3 tbsp of rum to preserve mixture. Apply to the roots of the hair 4-5 times a week, then once or twice a week for maintenance. It will also improve hair growth and tone and texture of the hair.

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