The Natural Beauty Workshop

Red & Yellow Illite Clay

I'm pleased to announce the addition of two new varieties of Cosmetic Clay on FromNatureWithLove.com.  Recently, we published an article on The Natural Beauty Workshop that highlighted the use of Cosmetic Clays in customized facials.  These two new Illite based clays are also great choices for use in natural facials.  They can also be used in masks, body wraps, poultices, baths, cleansers, and more!

Like Green Illite Clay, Red and Yellow Illite Clays are very efficient at drawing, dirt, oils, and toxins from the skin.  Most suitably used on Oily skin types, Illite Clays make excellent cleansers, masks, and detoxification treatments.  Due to the strong drawing powers of Illite Clays they should not be used more than once per week.  Be sure to moisturize the skin after any Clay treatment as the effects of the detoxification can be quite drying.  Red and Yellow Illite Clays can also be added to soaps to increase lather, add exfoliation, and to provide natural color.  Clays are generally added to soaps at a rate of 1 tablespoon of Clay per pound of soap. 

Scents & Memory

For our sixth Anniversary my main squeeze, Scott, delivered a huge assortment of flowers, herbs, and plants to our door.  We spent the day together reclaiming the garden from its cold winter sleep and planting the beautiful plants that Scott had brought home.  I was planting a patch of marigolds when I was hit with a strikingly vivid memory of my childhood:  My family lived with my great grandfather for a while when I was a little kid.  He was a great big man with great big ideas and great big ambition.  He was a stickler for tradition, etiquette, and getting things done the right way.  I was a crazed, over imaginative, and inherently rebellious child.  Despite our differences he was my hero.  I was his under four foot shadow.  My Great Grandfather had fantastic garden’s surrounding the house.  Forests of Poppies engulfed the side patio while a beautiful Cherry Tree dropped it’s delicate blossoms on the veranda above.  In the backyard, the perimeter of the lawn was filled with cutting flowers.  There were always enough fresh flowers on hand to fill the house with their glorious aroma.  There was also a special place just for his prized rose bushes and a massive vegetable garden.  There were green herbs, berries on lattices, and bountiful ripe veggies as far as my little eyes could see.  My very first garden was a 2 by 4 foot square that he cut out just for me.  My younger sister had her own plot right next to mine.  He taught us how to sow seeds and reminded us to water every day.  I don’t remember much of what was in my garden, but I do remember my little sunset colored  marigolds.  The smell of their leaves brought this all back to me in the garden that day.

Science has established solid links between scent and memory.  It’s no surprise to me that the memories brought on by the sense of smell are often deeply emotional.  After all, my Great Grandfather passed away when I was seven years old yet the scent of a fresh marigold can still bring tears to my eyes.  What I found especially interesting during my study into the subject was the applications that this science may possibly be used for.  Studies have been made on Aromatherapy’s use in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and short term memory loss.  Studies have also been performed using aroma during sleep and study to increase the memories retention of new information.  Could it be that familiar aromas keep memory alive and functioning by refreshing these emotional connections?  So often our reminiscing is cut off by the demands that our every day lives.  Perhaps we are lucky that the emotional connection to our sense of smell forces us to remember our past, even when we least expect to.

Now that everyone knows the scent of a fresh Marigold can strike me with an emotional memory I'd like to invite all of you to share your most memorable scents.  What aromas evoke the most vivid memories for you?

Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy & Massage

Have you ever wondered what makes an Oil light or heavy, or why one may be considered superior to the next?  Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy & Massage by Len Price is a detailed guide to working with a wide range of standard Vegetable and Carrier Oils and can help answer these and many other common questions.  Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy & Massage begins with a very interesting chapter called, "The Nature of Fats and Oils".  In this chapter the author carefully explains the basic components and characteristics found in all Fixed/Carrier Oils.  Price also explains the difference between Fixed Oils and other closely related or associated ingredients such as Essential Oils, or liquid waxes.  The chapter then takes a detailed look into some of the most common methods for oil production, explaining in great detail the difference between Cold Pressing, Conventional Refinement, and more.  The author takes time to explain these processes while describing the benefits and drawbacks of each.

In the next chapter, "Chemistry of Fixed Oils", Price gives the reader an education in the components and behavior of Fixed Oils, touching on subjects including Essential Fatty Acids, Saturated and Unsaturated Fats, Hydrogenation, and more.   This detailed look inside Carrier Oils continues in the following chapter, "Fixed Oils and Skin Penetration", concluding the educational preface of the book.

This education into the nature of Carrier Oils is followed by over 40 incredibly detailed Carrier Oil profiles.  Price lists a useful range of the most popular and notable Oils including favorites such as Sweet Almond Oil, Coconut Oil, Rosehip Oil, and Jojoba.  Most profiles include information on the plant's origin, the oil's cosmetic, therapeutic, and medicinal uses, as well as an insight into the oil's chemical components.  The Carrier Oil Profiles are followed by a Glossary of Terms, several handy tables and additional profiles, and a detailed index.

Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy & Massage is an incredibly educational text which would be helpful to almost any skin care enthusiast or professional.  Formulators, Massage Therapists, Aromatherapists, or Soapmakers  could equally benefit from the information contained in this book.  Though Carrier Oils are essential components in most skin care recipes they are rarely written about with such detail or insight as they are in Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy & Massage.  For me, this is an indispensable handbook in the creation of natural skin care recipes.

Milk Powders

Even the most finely ground nut meals or exfoliant powders can be too harsh for certain skin types.  Yet exfoliation is still a crucial part of skin care to those with extremely sensitive or dry skin.  This is where dairy products can come to the rescue.  The natural lactic acids contained in dairy products such as cream, milk, and yogurt can provide the most gentle exfoliation possible.  The acids gently break away dead skin cells allowing them to be safely and easily removed.  Add a nutritive Milk Powder, such as Goat's Milk Powder, Buttermilk Powder, or Whole Milk Powder to non-soap cleansers, facials, and masks to provide gentle exfoliation, toning, and nourishment.  You can also use fresh dairy products as wetting agents in dry masks, cleansers, and facials.

Diary products can also be used to enhance the appearance of skin in full body treatments.  Milk baths are a classic, luxurious way to take advantage of the natural enzymes and lactic acids in milks and yogurts.  A simple skin nourishing milk bath can be made by adding 1 cup of Milk Powder, 1/2 cup Honey Powder, and 1/2 cup Fine Oatmeal to a warm bath.  The naturally emollient mixture can help moisturize and sooth dry skin, leaving your skin feeling rejuvenated. 

Fresh scrubs are another way to incorporate dairy into full body treatments.  Ubtans are traditional Indian full body scrubs that are designed to leave the skin glowing and beautiful.  Combine a selection of natural exfoliants such as Chickpea Flour, Almond Flour, Fine Oatmeal, or Rice Bran Powder and wet it with fresh honey, milk, and yogurt.  Rose Petal Powder, Sandalwood Powder, or other skin safe herbs and spices can be added to enhance the treatment.  The thick mixture is massaged onto the skin until it dries and crumbles away.  This kind of fresh treatment can be altered to accommodate the user's personal needs or preferences.  The key ingredients are dairy and soft exfoliants.

Dairy can also be incorporated into soap making to create soaps with a creamy, rich lather.  While many soap makers use fresh goat's milk or cow's milk to create soaps, Milk Powders are also quite popular.  Not all soap makers have access to farm fresh dairy.  This makes Milk Powders a great option.  When reconstituting a Milk Powder to use in Cold Process Soap you should add about 4 tablespoons of powder to each cup of water.  Chilling or freezing the reconstituted milk can help prevent it from curdling during the soap making process.

Spring Cleaning - Naturally!

I don't know if there is anything that can compare to the feeling I get when I throw open the windows for the first time after a long, stuffy Winter.  Feeling the cool, fresh air breeze through the house invigorates me, and fills me with the urge to clean everything in sight.  Cleaning the house is a special challenge for me since I am sensitive to most commercial cleaning products.  The strong chemicals contained in most cleaners will have me coughing, itching, and generally miserable in a matter of minutes.  Luckily, making natural cleaning products for the home is simple, easy, and usually inexpensive!  I'd like to share some of my favorite natural cleaning tips with you - just in time for the big Spring clean!

Vinegar
Vinegar is the magic potion of natural house cleaning.  Vinegar can be used to wash the windows, the tub, and most household surfaces. It can help destroy bacteria and odors, and remove build up from appliances, plumbing, and more.  While most varieties of vinegar will work for these recipes, I prefer to use White Vinegar for cleaning purposes.  If you prefer using all Organic products, you can use Organic Apple Cider Vinegar along with Organic Essential Oils and Organic Castille Soap Base.

How to Refresh Fabric or Paper Using Vinegar
Use this simple method to help remove foul odors from porous objects like fabric or paper.

Ingredients
-  A small bowl of vinegar
- 1 slice of bread
- 1 cardboard box (big enough to fit your smelly object and the bowl)

Instructions
Find a place in your home where the box will not be disturbed, tipped over, or kicked accidentally.  Place the smelly object and the bowl of vinegar into the cardboard box.  Place the slice of bread into the bowl of vinegar.  Close the box and seal it tightly using tape.  In 24 hours open the box and remove the contents, discarding the vinegar and bread.  Allow your smelly object to air out for an hour or so.  The foul odor should have been completely eliminated, or at least greatly diminished.

Vinegar Window Wash
This natural solution can be used to clean windows, screens, mirrors, and glass shower doors.

Ingredients
- 1 cup Vinegar
- 3 cups Warm Water
- 3 drops Citrus Essential Oil (Lemon, Lime, or Grapefruit work quite well.)

Instructions
Use this solution with a lint free cloth such as a microfiber towel to ensure clean, clear, streak free windows.

Vinegar Soap Scum Buster
As any natural soap user can tell you, soap scum can be a fierce opponent.  Use this natural solution to power through it like a pro.

Ingredients
- 1 cup Vinegar
- 1/2 cup Warm Water
- 1 tsp. Castille Soap or Natural Dish Washing Liquid
- 1/2 tsp. Grapefruit Seed Extract
- 1/4 tsp. Lavender Essential Oil

Instructions
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.  Spray your tub, shower, or anywhere else that soap scum has built up.  Leave the solution on the surfaces for at least 15 minutes before wiping away.

More Uses for Vinegar
The household uses for vinegar don't stop there!  Here are some other simple ways to clean house naturally using vinegar:

- Remove spots and enhance the shine of glassware by rinsing them in a vinegar and water solution.

- Remove buildup inside your shower head by soaking it in a bowl of vinegar.  If removing your shower head is not an option, simply fill a plastic bag with vinegar and hang it from the shower head.  Allow the shower head to soak for several hours, ideally overnight, before rinsing it out.  The vinegar will eat away build up and allow your shower to work like new again.

- Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to your wash to help power away odors in your laundry. You can also pre-treat laundry that has been soiled with extra smelly stains.  This is especially helpful for those with babies or pets.

- Microwave a small bowl of vinegar and water for 1 - 2 minutes.  The steam from the vinegar solution will release grime from the walls of your microwave, allowing you to easily wipe it away.

- Clean out your washing machine by running an empty load on the hottest setting and adding 2 - 3 cups of vinegar.  This will help to disinfect the washing machine while removing buildup and residue.

Citrus
Citrus Essential Oils and Extracts are powerful allies in the war against dirt and grime.  Citrus Essential Oils and Extracts contain antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.  On top of that, they are very effective at cutting through grease, oils, and adhesives, making them natural choices for cleaning products.  Their pleasant, fresh aromas are icing on the cake.

Citrus Blast Dish Washing Soap
This all natural dish soap is a cinch to make.  Castille Soap does not produce as rich a lather as commercial dish soaps, but don't let that fool you.  It is still an effective cleaner, despite the smaller amount of bubbles.

Ingredients
- 16 oz. Liquid Castille Soap Base
- 5 drops Grapefruit Seed Extract
- 10 drops Grapefruit Essential Oil
- 5 drops Lime Essential Oil
- 5 drops Mandarin Essential Oil

Instructions
Mix the ingredients well and pour them into a 16 ounce Bottle with a Snap or Disc cap.  Do not use a pump, as the Citrus Essential Oil may destroy it.  Add the soap directly to the dish water or apply it to a sponge.

Orange Lavender Floor Cleaner
Orange and Lavender Essential Oils make this floor cleaner extra effective, and a pleasure to use.  However, if you live with cats, you may not want to use a cleaner like this.  Cats can not metabolize Essential Oils the way that humans can.  In fact, many Essential Oils can be toxic to them.  Since kitties spend a lot of time on the floor, you should avoid cleaning it with Essential Oils. 

Ingredients
- 1 gallon hot water
- 1 oz. Liquid Castille Soap
- 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
- 15 drops Orange Essential Oil

Instructions
In a small bowl, combine Liquid Castille Soap and Essential Oils.  Fill a gallon sized bucket with hot water and gently stir in the Castille Soap and Essential Oil mixture.  Use this solution to mop the floor as usual.

Baking Soda
The simple chemical reaction that occurs between Baking Soda and an acid such as Lemon Juice, or Hydrogen Peroxide can be very helpful when it comes to house keeping.  Additionally, Baking Soda makes a gentle, but effective scrubber.  When something needs a little extra scrubbing, reach for Baking Soda before the steel wool.  You may be surprised at how effective it can be!

Oxygen Stain Remover
Soaking fabrics in this simple solution can help remove many stains even after they have been "set".  Fabrics can appear brighter, and fresher after this intensive soak.

Ingredients
- 1 cup Baking Soda
- 1 cup Hydrogen Peroxide
- 2 cups Hot Water

Instructions
Combine ingredients in a clean bucket.  Add stained or dingy fabrics to the solution and allow them to soak for 4 - 24 hours.  Depending on the type of fabric, you may want to allow the mixture to cool first.  Please note, this solution is probably not safe for all fabrics.  Choose the fabrics that you use this solution on wisely.

Baking Soda Scouring Powder
You can use this natural cleanser in place of traditional scouring cleansers like Comet to clean sinks, and other non-porous, dingy surfaces.

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Baking Soda
- 1/4 cup Borax
- 1/4 cup White Kaolin Clay

Instructions
Mix the ingredients well and package the powder in a Sifter Container.  Sprinkle the powder on the surface that you want to clean and wet it with a wet sponge or a little vinegar.

More Natural Cleaning Information
- To learn more about natural house keeping you may want to pick up a copy of The Naturally Clean Home by Karyn Siegel-Maier.  This book contains over 100 safe and easy herbal formulas for nontoxic cleansers.   

- Check out this article on Natural Cleaning Alternatives from The New Homemaker or this article on Non-Toxic Home Care from  EarthEasy.com.

Sea Vegetables

Kelp, Irish Moss, Bladderwrack.  Though the common names of popular Sea Vegetables may seem strange, the benefits of their use are very familiar.  Sea Vegetables are excellent nutritional sources.  They contain a rich array of nutrients including vitamins A, B, E, D, K, and C, as well as iodine, carotene, and a wide variety of nutritive minerals.  When used in skin care, the vitamins in Sea Vegetables help to nourish and vitalize your skin while the minerals work to eliminate toxins and increase circulation.  This can result in an overall improvement in skin's texture, appearance, and condition. 

Sea Vegetables can be incorporated into fresh or dried masks, facials, body masks, hair treatments, or detoxifying treatments such as Body Wraps or Thalassotherapy.  Sea Vegetables are also popular additives in natural soaps and cleansers.  Though Sea Vegetables do yield a characteristic aroma when wetted or added to soaps, this scent can easily be complimented or masked using Essential Oils.  Citrus Oils such as Mandarin, Bergamot, or Grapefruit work well with the natural aroma of Sea Vegetables.  Other fresh, energetic smelling Essential Oils like Petitgrain, Cypress, or Basil also make pleasant additions.

While there is an endless variety of Sea Vegetables available worldwide, three particular varieties come to mind for use in skin care:

Kelp:  This classic Sea Vegetable is probably one of the most popular of all ocean plants.  The broad leaf seaweed grows in dense forests, acting as a foundation for huge colonies of sea life.  Kelp acts as a camouflage, a food source, and even a habitat for hundreds of species.  That makes it very important that Kelp is harvested responsibly.  FromNatureWithLove.com is proud to offer two varieties of ethically harvested Organic Kelp Powder, an Atlantic variety and a Norwegian.

Bladderwrack:  Bladderwrack Powder is ideal for detoxification treatments such as Body Wraps or Thalassotherapy.  The nutrient rich powder helps to nourish the skin while encouraging the body to expel toxins and cellulite that may contribute to poor health and appearance. 

Irish Moss:  Besides containing comparable nutritive value to other Sea Vegetables, Irish Moss Powder has an extra property that makes it very handy for skin care formulators.  Irish Moss Powder contains a high amount of carogeen, a natural gelling agent that can help add thickness to formulations.  This gelling agent behaves similarly to the thickening agents found in Marshmallow Root Powder.  Add Irish Moss Powder to hot water to draw out and activate the carogeen.   

*Photo by Paul Kemp

Patchouli Cupcake Body Polish

Though the name of this month's scrub doesn't sound very unisex, the mellow aroma can actually be quite enjoyable to both men and women.  Vanilla and Patchouli aren't the most common pair, but if you ask me they compliment each other quite well.  To make this scrub feel especially soft and mellow we've used a Fine Dead Sea Salt and Yellow Sandalwood Powder as exfoliants.  This fine salt is perfect for body polishes and glow massages.  The fine grains exfoliate without feeling harsh or scratchy.  Sandalwood Powder gives this scrub an earthy color and an extra touch of woody scent.

Patchouli Cupcake Body Polish

Ingredients
1 cup Dead Sea Salt, Fine
1 tbsp. Sandalwood Powder, Yellow
1/4 cup Sesame Oil
1/4 cup Sunflower Oil
1/8 tsp. Grapefruit Seed Extract
25 drops Patchouli Essential Oil
15 drops Vanilla Absolute

Directions
Measure out 1 cup of Dead Sea Salt Powder and add it to a mixing bowl.  Next, measure 1 tablespoon of Yellow Sandalwood Powder and add it to the bowl.  Stir the salt and powder well, making sure to break up any clumps in the salt.  When the mixture is fully blended, add 1/4 cup of Sesame Oil and 1/4 cup of Sunflower Oil. Next add 1/8 teaspoon of Grapefruit Seed Extract followed by 25 drops of Patchouli Essential Oil and 15 drops of Vanilla Absolute.  Stir the mixture thoroughly before scooping into jars.

Packaging and Usage
I prefer to package this scrub in PET Plastic Jars.  These crystal clear jars show off the product well and are very durable.  In a sealed container, this scrub should last several months, but after it is opened it can easily become contaminated during use.  Keeping the jar away from water, and using clean utensils to scoop out the scrub will help to keep it from becoming contaminated.  You can also package the scrub in single serving containers so that they will be used up completely after they opened.

Calendula

The first thing that comes to mind when I hear the word "marigold" is the sweet little, oddly scented flower that lined my grandfather's gardens as a child.  Back then I had no idea what an important part these little sunset colored flowers played in the garden.  Later, my love for gardening lead me to stumble upon the true purpose the marigolds were playing.  Marigolds can help to repel pesky insects from the garden without the use of chemical pesticides.  Under-planting certain vegetables or simply lining a garden with this and other helpful plants is a great way to build a successful, natural garden.

Certain marigolds, like Calendula officinalis, are often used to serve a purpose beyond garden defense.  Known in the natural skin care industry as Calendula, these flowers can be used to heal and protect the skin.  Calendula can be used in salves, balms, and intensive spa treatments to soothe and comfort irritated, damaged, and sensitized skin.  The colorful petals are also a common ingredient in cold process soapmaking.  Dried Calendula Petals have the unique ability to retain their beautiful color throughout the soaping and curing process.  This is a very special property because most herbs and flowers will morph in color during the soap making process, becoming unattractive.

Because Calendula possesses such strong healing properties, a variety of ingredients have been created to help formulators incorporate Calendula's benefits into a wide range of formulations.  Calendula Extract comes in many forms. 

• Water soluble, Powdered Calendula Extract is perfect for use in water based formulations such as toners, splashes, or rinses.  Powdered Calendula Extract can also be added to the water phase of cream and lotion formulas.
• Calendula CO2 Extract is a highly potent, completely pure botanical extract that is dispersible in oil based formulas.  This complete high quality extract can be used in a wide range of products including balms, salves, lotions, creams, and masks.
• Calendula Oil is a combination of Soybean Oil, Calendula Extract, and Tocopherol.  It is a great choice for massage, soap making, and basic toiletry making. 
• Ground Calendula Petals can be used to color soaps, create herbal bath teas, powders, and more.  The ground flowers can even be infused into oil or water to create healing salves and lotions.

Try Organic Patchouli Essential Oil at FromNatureWithLove.com!

Patchouli Essential Oil is one of my personal favorite ingredients.  While I adore the woody, earthy aroma of Patchouli at full strength, most people prefer Patchouli when it is blended with other aromatic oils and extracts.  Citrus and Patchouli form a very popular combination.  Topping that blend with Lavender, Cypress, or Pine, creates a vibrant, bold, and energizing combination that appeals to men and women alike.  Patchouli can also be used to create a more mellow, grounded aroma.  Try combining Patchouli with Vanilla or Sandalwood to create a rich, sophisticated aroma.

You may want to use Organic Patchouli Essential Oil to create your own unique Patchouli based Essential Oil Blend.  Experiment by adding each oil to the mixture drop by drop, allowing plenty of time in between stages for oils to fully blend.  Check out our article, Building an Aroma, for more tips on creating your own Essential Oil Blends.

The Seasonal Spa

Most people will agree that fresh is best when it comes to the nutrition of our food.  This reason, among others, has inspired a growing number of people to begin eating locally.  This means that they are purchasing as much produce as possible from local farms and growers.  Not only are farm fresh fruits and vegetables tasty and nutritious, when you purchase these things locally you are often supporting farmers in your own community.  Many people also believe that buying locally may help reduce your personal carbon footprint.  While the environmental pros and cons of buying locally are a topic of debate, I have a personal fondness for local farm stands and markets.  Meeting the people who grow the food you are eating brings a sense of community, and for me, a burst of inspiration.  After all, if fresh food is good for you on the inside, imagine what it can do for your fresh spa treatments!

Here in New England, Spring has come into full bloom.  By the time that Spring gives way to Summer several of my favorite home spa produce items will come into season:

Strawberries
Packed with antioxidants and fruit acids, strawberries are excellent at brightening complexions.  Mash fresh strawberries into your next face mask to take advantage of their sweet benefits.

Spinach
Rich in vitamins A, K, and C, as well as folic acid, calcium, and antioxidants, spinach is a nutritious addition to your skin care diet.  Raw, or gently steamed spinach can be pureed and added to fresh facial and body masks. Fresh spinach also makes an excellent ingredient in spa cuisine.  Baby spinach leaves can be added to salads or sandwiches in place of lettuce for an extra boost of nutritional value.

Rhubarb
Rhubarb is often dried and powdered for use in hair treatments.  Hair teas, oils, and masks are made with Rhubarb to lighten or brighten light brown to blond hair.

Cucumber
A classic spa ingredient, fresh cucumbers will be remembered for eternity as edible eye masks.  The reason they are so often used in place of sleeping masks is that fresh cucumbers have a slight de-puffing effect on the eye area.  Cucumbers can also be quite soothing, and are known to help soften skin by gently removing dead skin cells.

Carrots
These beta-carotene rich roots can be minced in a food processor and added directly to fresh masks and treatments.  Fresh carrot juice also makes a wonderfully nutritive wetting agent for clay masks and facials.

A very handy website, The Sustainable Table, features seasonal food guides for over 25 states including California, Alaska, and New York.  These guides can help you keep an eye out for the locally grown foods that will be available soon.