[Nfb-krafters-korner] notes from chat on 10/10; homemade health and beauty products

Wed Oct 19 23:58:47 UTC 2016

Annette thanks for bringing that up.  Also I forgot to put in the notes that if people have nut allergies they can have reactions to almond and coconut oils.

Nella

-----Original Message-----
From: Nfb-krafters-korner [mailto:nfb-krafters-korner-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Annette Carr via Nfb-krafters-korner
Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 6:20 PM
To: 'List for blind crafters and artists'
Cc: Annette Carr
Subject: Re: [Nfb-krafters-korner] notes from chat on 10/10; home made health and beauty products

If you decide to make any of these items that use Glycerin to give as a gift, make sure the recipient of the gift is not allergic to the glycerin.  Many people do have an allergy to it.

Annette

-----Original Message-----
From: Nfb-krafters-korner [mailto:nfb-krafters-korner-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Nella Foster via Nfb-krafters-korner
Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 5:46 PM
To: 'List for blind crafters and artists'
Cc: Nella Foster
Subject: Re: [Nfb-krafters-korner] notes from chat on 10/10; home made health and beauty products

Yes, Henry they are and they don't have harmful chemicals that we really shouldn't be putting on our skin either.

Also you can use the same containers over and over.

Nella

-----Original Message-----
From: Nfb-krafters-korner [mailto:nfb-krafters-korner-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Henry Osborne via Nfb-krafters-korner
Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 1:33 PM
To: List for blind crafters and artists
Cc: Henry Osborne
Subject: Re: [Nfb-krafters-korner] notes from chat on 10/10; home made health and beauty products

Hi Nella, thank you for this.
These items are also environmentally friendly too I would think.
henry

-----Original Message-----
From: Nella Foster via Nfb-krafters-korner
Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 11:07 AM
To: nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org
Cc: Nella Foster
Subject: [Nfb-krafters-korner] notes from chat on 10/10; home made health and beauty products

Here is the information I promised to send out covering the chat for Monday, October 10.  Sorry it has taken me so long to get all the information together and out to you.  I will be sending out some more recipes as well.
If any of you have questions or would like a specific recipe let me know and I will do my best to help.

Making your own beauty products can be as easy as laying cucumber slices on tired eyes or brushing your teeth with baking soda.  Some people may choose to use coconut oil or other oils instead of lotions.  Other products may be made with several ingredients and complicated preparations.  I prefer to make products that are relatively easy to prepare and contain easy to obtain ingredients.

Some advantages of making your own health and beauty products are, it can be less expensive, it can be a good option for those with lots of allergies and harmful chemicals can be avoided.  You can make products with your favorite fragrances.  Many of the products also make nice gifts and can be put in attractive containers.

If you’re interested in trying your hand at this craft I suggest starting out with a simple recipe that requires just a few ingredients.  Most supplies can be purchased at your local grocery, drug store, health food store or craft store.

Body scrubs are an excellent starting project.  Most body scrubs just need an oil, and exfoliate and some fragrance.  You can use any oil, coconut, olive, grape seed or almond are good.  Your exfoliates can be different types of salt, different types of sugar or chopped oatmeal.  Salts tend to be more abrasive while the oat meal is less.  Choose which one is best for your skin.  All you have to do is mix the oil and exfoliate to the desired consistency and then add the fragrance of your choice.

Here are some easy to make recipes from the author Susan Wittig Albert.  I really like the Cucumber Mint Cleanser; it’s very refreshing in the summer.
The carrot face mask is nice and will leave your skin feeling great.

Cucumber Mint Cleanser

3 tbsp. chopped fresh mint leaves

1 cup water

3 tbsp. fresh cucumber juice

2 tbsp. aloe Vera jell

1 tbsp. glycerin

Brew mint leaves in water for 5 to 8 minutes.  When tea cools add other ingredients and mix well.  Put cleanser on soft cloth and gently wipe face.
Store mixture in refrigerator.

Honey Facial Cleanser

½ C honey

2 TBSP. mild shampoo or liquid soap

1 C glycerin

Mix everything together and store in covered container.  It does not have to be refrigerated.

Bath Powder

1 C corn starch

½ C baking soda

You can add fragrance by using ground spices or ground flowers or herbs.
You can also use essential oils, but this can cause clumping.

Mix everything in a bowl and store in a covered container.  Shake the powder before using.  This can also be used in your shoes.

Banana Hair Conditioner

1 mashed banana

1 TBSP honey

1 egg

Mix everything together until it is nice and creamy.  Before you shampoo, wet hair and scalp.  Massage mixture on scalp and through hair.  Wrap a towel around your head for about 20 minutes.  Then thoroughly rinse hair and shampoo as usual.  Do not save left overs.

Fig Facial Mask

1 ripe fig

1 TBSP honey

Cut the fig in half and scrape out inside.  Mash fig, add honey and mix well.  Gently spread on face and leave for about 10 minutes.  Gently rinse from face.

Mashed Potato Hand Cream

2 potatoes cooked and mashed

1 TBSP cream

1 TBSP glycerin

1 TBSP aloe Vera gel

Blend everything into a smooth paste.  Massage into your hands and leave on for 10 minutes.  Thoroughly rinse mixture from hands.  This mixture can also be used on the feet.  Any left overs can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.

Carrot Egg Facial Mask

3 large carrots cooked and mashed

1 egg

1 TSP cider vinegar

4 TBSP honey

Mix all ingredients together and apply to the skin.  Leave on for 10 minutes and then gently rinse from face.

Molasses Nail Soak

2 TBSP molasses

1 TBSP cider vinegar

1/4 C warm water

Mix together and soak ends of fingers for 5 to 10 minutes.

Here are some resources to find information, recipes and supplies.

www.wellness mama.com

www.sraxe.com

www.brambleberry.com

www.bulkapothecary.com

www.mountainroseherbs.com

Here are some books that I’ve used from BARD.  There are many, many more books out there.

<https://nlsbard.loc.gov:443/nlsbardprod/download/detail/srch/DB67684>
Homemade: how to make hundreds of everyday products fast, fresh, and more naturally DB67684

Earnest, Don; Reader's Digest Association. Reading time: 21 hours, 10 minutes.
Read by Kerry Dukin.

Cooking
Home Management

Recipes for making more than seven hundred common food, household, and pet products. Offers tips on saving money and creating healthier, more natural items that replace store-bought pantry staples, toiletries, cleaning supplies, pet food, and garden helpers. 2007.
<https://nlsbard.loc.gov:443/nlsbardprod/download/book/srch/DB67684>
Download Homemade: how to make hundreds of everyday products fast, fresh, and more naturally

This book has lots of wonderful recipes.  I keep it saved on a flash drive so I can easily access it.

<https://nlsbard.loc.gov:443/nlsbardprod/download/detail/srch/DB57954>
Makeup: things to make and do DB57954

Traig, Jennifer. Reading time: 1 hour, 58 minutes.
Read by Kristin Allison.

Hobbies and Crafts

Explains beauty and skin basics, makeup techniques and tools, and different styles for teens. Provides recipes for making one's own potions and creams.
For grades 6-9. 2003.
<https://nlsbard.loc.gov:443/nlsbardprod/download/book/srch/DB57954>
Download Makeup: things to make and do

This book is really for younger women, but there are some good lip balm recipes in it.  If you’re into makeup there are a few recipes for that as well.

Earl Mindell's Herb bible DB36037

Mindell, Earl. Reading time: 6 hours, 7 minutes.

Read by Kerry Dukin.

Health and Medicine

In a companion volume to Earl Mindell's Vitamin Bible (BR 4849, RC 16768), herbalist and pharmacist Mindell, who has a Ph.D. in nutrition, discusses the benefits, cautions, and dosages for various herbs. In addition to his "hot hundred" herbs, Mindell includes traditional favorites, herbs from around the world, and herb teas. Chapters also cover aromatherapy, herbal beauty techniques, and answers to specific health problems.

Download Earl Mindell's Herb bible

This is another book I keep on my flash drive and frequently refer to.
There is a whole chapter devoted to skin care that contains several easy to make recipes.

<https://nlsbard.loc.gov:443/nlsbardprod/download/detail/srch/DB20438> Mary Ellen's 1,000 new helpful hints DB20438

Pinkham, Mary Ellen. Reading time: 4 hours, 6 minutes.
Read by Ann Hodapp.

Home Management

The popular household tipster's hints on auto maintenance, beauty and health, children, cleaning, cooking, gardening, laundry, and crafts. She tells how to dispose of flourescent bulbs safely, improve the flavor of bottled salad dressings, sharpen knives, and store various and sundry items.
<https://nlsbard.loc.gov:443/nlsbardprod/download/book/srch/DB20438>
Download Mary Ellen's 1,000 new helpful hints

<https://nlsbard.loc.gov:443/nlsbardprod/download/detail/srch/DB14348> Mary Ellen's best of helpful hints DB14348

Pinkham, Mary Ellen; Higginbotham, Pearl. Reading time: 2 hours, 52 minutes.

Read by J. Michael McCullough.

Home Management

Fast and easy ways of solving household problems. Hints are readily adaptable and employ items usually found in most kitchen cupboards, workshop shelves, and drug or hardware store. Includes tips on plant care, beauty aids, childraising, and cooking. Bestseller.
<https://nlsbard.loc.gov:443/nlsbardprod/download/book/srch/DB14348>
Download Mary Ellen's best of helpful hints

I also keep both of the Mary Ellen books on my flash drive.  Both of these books contain a chapter on beauty aids.  There’s lots of other great information in her books.

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