All natural summer remedies!

Here are some great natural home remedies to deal with whatever the season may bring.

Sunburn- to treat make a cold compress by soaking a washcloth in whole milk. "The fatty acids in milk are calming and it contains lactic acid, a natural anti- inflammatory".

Razor Bumps- to minimize bumps and redness, dab skin with a cotton ball soaked in witch hazel, an anti- inflammatory, immediately after shaving The same treatment will soothe post waxing redness too.

Acne Breakouts- dab a drop of Brazil nut oil on the blemish. It might sound counter intuitive to use oil on a pimple but this one is rich in the minerals selenium and zinc. Together their antibacterial and anti- inflammatory properties can help heal existing zits, prevent new ones and reduce any irritation or redness.

Scrapes and Scratches- pull a leaf off an aloe plant, dab gel directly on the wound and over with a gauze bandage. Repeat 2x a day. "Aloe reduces inflammation and swelling and it activates immune cells that fight bacterial infections".

Frizz- fill a spray bottle with distilled water and a few drops each of hair calming grape seed and lavender oils. Spritz mixture on your palms, then run hands over your hair smoothing it and calming frizz instantly.

Sun damaged hair- olive oil is an excellent moisturizer for dry hair. Mix a tablespoon of olive oil and one drop of jasmine oil. Work the mixture thoroughly through hair, leave for one hour and wash out.

Source: July/August 2011 Whole Living

Aveda founder speaks out!

Are you eating all organic and local foods but putting chemicals on your skin? Check out this great mission from Aveda's founder.

Natural Cane Glimmer Sugar Scrub

This homemade sugar scrub is so easy to make and looks beautiful sitting out in a bathroom. Not only is this a relaxing gift your yourself that leaves you with tight, soft skin but its also the perfect stocking stuffer for friends and family or a great hostess gift for an upcoming holiday party.

Ingredients
1 cup of Florida's Crystals Natural or Organic Sugar
1 cup of vegetable oil
Oil from 1 vitamin E capsule
1 or 2 drops of essential oil, lavender or orange
1 16-oz glass container with lid

Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl until well blended. Using a spatula transfer into the container and secure lid. Contents will settle. Mix before using. Scoop a teaspoon or two of the scrub on your hands and gently massage in a circular motion onto wet skin. Leave on for 3-4 minutes before thoroughly rinsing with warm water. The scrub will tighten your skin.