The Natural Beauty Workshop

Earth Day Turns 40!

So here we are on the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.  40 years ago, Senator Gaylord Nelson organized the first Earth Day in an effort to bring environmental issues into the political arena.  Thanks to a huge outpouring of grass roots support, the first Earth Day was a phenomenal success, and from that time on the environmental awareness across the United States began to shift.  40 years later, we find ourselves at a critical time in the world's ecological history.  It has become more important than ever to continue to speak out for the environment, and let our politicians, and world leaders know what we want.  

Visit the Earth Day Network to learn how you can speak out and make a difference, Earth Day and every day. 

Natural Fibers for Bath & Body

Flax
Flax fibers are used to create a soft, sturdy fabric known as linen.  Flax linen is one of the oldest types of fabrics, being produced for over 5000 years.  Its durable fibers are perfect for exfoliating bath accessories such as Terry Pads, Soap Bags, and Towels.

Pumice
Pumice is actually a mineral, not a fiber.  It is made from a lightweight, volcanic rock.  Pumice is most often shaped into small exfoliation tools, but can also be used in its powder form to create intensive scrubs and cleansers. 

Ramie
Ramie is a soft textile made from the flowering plant that shares its name.  Ramie has been cultivated for use in textiles since ancient times.  Ramie is even one of the three main textiles that were used in the creation of mummys in ancient Egypt.  Ramie's soft, natural fibers make it perfect for exfoliation.  When used in thin fibers, it makes excellent Bath Poufs and Scrub Balls.  When used in thicker twine, it offers more intense exfoliation, as in these Oval Wash Pads.

Hemp
Hemp is a material made from cannabis plant.  This sustainable crop has been cultivated for industrial use since about the sixteenth century.  Hemp material ranges from coarse, jute like twine to soft fabric similar to cotton.  It is ideal for use in soft bath accessories such as Sponges, Pads, and Bath Gloves.

Loofah
Loofah's are a type of vegetables from the gourd family.  While they are eaten in many countries, loofahs are primarily used in bath and skin care in the United States.  Loofahs are used whole, cut into sections, or even crushed into powder for use in scrubs and soaps.  Loofah makes excellent tools for exfoliation, and are totally natural and biodegradable.

Sisal
Sisal is a a  fiber derived from a plant in the agave family.  Its stiff, coarse texture is ideal for use in twine, jute, and rope.  Bath Accessories made with Sisal are ideal for intense exfoliation and scrubbing. Try Sisal Scrub Balls and Wash Pads for scrubbing your feet, and other rough patches of skin.

To learn more about our line of Bath Accessories at From Nature With Love,  download our Bath Accessory Catalog.

Bug Bites: Natural Prevention & Treatment

Spending time outdoors during the summer is one of my favorite things to do.  Every year I trek to the North Woods of Maine to visit with family and take a wilderness adventure in Baxter State Park. 

Sunset at Russell Pond

Ogden Cove Camp at Lobster Lake

Chimney Pond & Baxter Peak

Among others, we've made journeys to Russell Pond, Lobster Lake, and most recently, Baxter Peak.  We have trekked in the rain, the fog, and the sun, but through all of our travels one thing has been constant--the steady hum of mosquitoes.

There are several Essential Oils that can help repel mosquitoes, no-see-ums, horse and deer flies, and other pesky biting creatures.  Citronella Essential Oil is the most well known, but Basil, Catnip, Dill, Eucalyptus Citriadora, Geranium, Lemon Tea Tree, and Peppermint can also be quite effective when added to topical bug repellents.  To make a simple, homemade repellent, simply dilute the Essential Oils in a stable Carrier Oil such as Fractionated Coconut Oil or Jojoba.  Andiroba Oil also makes an excellent Carrier, as it possesses insect repellent properties of its own.

At home, Peppermint and Lavender Essential Oils can help to discourage pests from infesting the home.  A simple spray from Witch Hazel, Peppermint Essential Oil, and Polysorbate 20 can be used to ward off unwanted house guests such as ants.

Even with the best bug repellents in use, a few lucky bugs are bound to get through your barrier, and leave you with some itchy bites.  Apple Cider Vinegar is great for soothing bug bites.  Soak a small piece of paper towel or a cotton ball in Apple Cider Vinegar and hold it over the bug bite for 10-15 minutes. 

Garden Spa: Using Garden Fresh Goodies for Skin Care

Your garden is full of goodies that can be helpful not only in your kitchen, but in your home spa!  Fresh plants and vegetables are full of potent vitamins, minerals and other beneficial components that can be used to create fresh beauty treatments at home.

Lettuce
The base of salads everywhere, this inconspicuous green leafy vegetable may have the ability to help soften your skin.  Try using fresh lettuce, either shredded, or left as a full leaf, in your next fresh facial mask.  The leaves can be mixed with plain yogurt, honey, or other basic wetting ingredients to create a simple, softening facial.

Cucumber
Known for its soothing abilities, cucumber is most classically used as a de-puffing agent under the eyes.  To partake in this classic spa tradition, slice the cucumber into thin discs and place one over each eye while you relax with a fresh facial, or a cold cream mask.  Cucumbers can also be mashed or pureed to act as a wetting agent in a more complex recipe, such as a facial, scrub, or body wrap.

Marigold
Gardeners often plant marigold flowers around the edges of a garden to help ward of pests.  In skin care, marigold, or calendula, can help to relive more irritants as well.  calendula soothes and comforts dry, sensitive skin, and can help to reduce itchiness and redness when applied topically.  Try adding fresh, cleaned marigold petals to a fresh facial cleanser or mask. 

Aloe Vera
Fresh Aloe Vera is a staple in most apothecary or medicinal gardens.  The flesh and juice of the Aloe Vera can provide instant relief from the pain of sunburn, poison ivy, or other summer time irritants.  Try adding fresh Aloe Juice, or pureed Aloe flesh to facials, cleansers, or to medicinal salves.

Tomato
The acids contained in a fresh tomato are great at exfoliating skin.  Mashed or pureed tomato makes a great wetting agent for oily and acne prone facials and masks.  Another way to use tomato is to place thin slices directly on the skin.  The acids in the fresh tomato flesh can help to get red of blackheads and acne, and can help to brighten dull skin.
Berries

Carrots
Chuck full of nutritious beta carotene, carrots pack a lot of punch into their bold colored packages.  Fresh carrots make great ingredients for fresh facials and scrubs, just be careful to use them sparingly, as too much carrot juice can tint the skin temporarily.  Try pureeing or juicing fresh carrots to use them as wetting agents or exfoliants in your next fresh spa recipe.

* Tomato Photo by Piku
*Lettuce Photo by Paola Sansão

Garden Spa: Using Fresh Herbs for Beauty

A kitchen herb garden provides avid cooks with a resource for fresh aromas, flavors, and colors to incorporate in their dishes.  This same garden can also be used to incorporate beneficial actives into home spa creations.  Fresh facials, hair teas, and tonics can benefit greatly from the addition of fresh herbs.  Here are some uses for both common, and exotic garden herbs.

Basil
Basil makes an effective cleanser, and can help to tone and rejuvenate the skin.  In hair care, Basil can help eliminate scalp irritation, dandruff, and excess oil.  Try making a water based infusion with fresh basil to take advantage of its properties.  This tonic can be used as a wetting agent in facials, a fresh toner, or a hair rinse.  Fresh Basil can also be mashed and used as a cleanser.

Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm has natural astringent properties which can be helpful in the treatment of oily akin and hair.  Try steeping Lemon Balm leaves in hot water to create an herbal hair rinse, or a fresh facial toner.  This Lemon Balm infusion may also be helpful in the treatment of cold sores.

Mint
Fresh Mint leaves can be used to add a cooling, refreshing sensation to many types of home spa recipes.  The leaves can be infused into oil or water, or can be minced, mashed, or used whole.  Water that has been infused with Mint leaves can be added to hair rinses, used as a wetting agent in masks, or as a rinse for summer pedicures.  Try adding the infused oil to scrubs, cleansers, and hair conditioning treatments.  Fresh leaves can be incorporated into fresh scrubs, ubtans, and masks.

Lavender
A classic skin care ingredient, Lavender can be used a number of ways to take advantage of its antiseptic, balancing, and soothing properties.  Like Mint, Lavender is versatile, and can be infused into oil or water, can be minced, mashed, or used whole, and can also be dried for use in herbal sachets and potpourris. Try using fresh Lavender to create toners, skin tonics, hair rinses, or fresh body scrubs.

Sage
Sage is a potent cleanser with strong astringent properties.  It can be used in facial toners and hair rinses to help balance oily skin or scalps.  In hair care, Sage can also help to darken hair, making it a great choice for those with black or brunette hair who are hoping to intensify their look.

Ladies Mantle
This lesser known herb has been used historically to enhance the appearance of the bust and decolletage.  Traditionally, a tea is made from fresh or dried Ladies Mantle and applied like a toner to the neck, decolletage, and bust on a daily basis.  It is believed that the regular use of a Ladies Mantle tonic could help to increase the appearance of the skin in this area by toning and tightening the area.

Eyebright
Another uncommon herb, Eyebright contains a rich amount of Zinc, which can be helpful in repairing skin's tissue.  Eyebright is often used to create herbal facials and eye packs and is believed to help reduce puffiness, and dark circles around the eyes.  Try combining Eyebright or Eyebright tea with fresh cucumber and potato for quick under-eye treatment.

Yarrow
Easily found at most nurseries and garden shops, this lovely, flowering herb has a reputation for its soothing, comforting abilities.  Infused in oil or water, Yarrow makes a wonderful addition to sensitive skin treatments.  Try using Yarrow tea as a wetting agent in simple masks, and as a moisturizing toner.  Yarrow can also help to soothe sensitive scalps, or itchy, irritated skin.  Yarrow can sometimes cause photo-sensitivity, so take care when using Yarrow treatments during the day. 

Thyme
Thyme can be very handy when used in hair rinses and tonics due to its ability to help relieve oily scalp and dandruff.  It strong cleansing abilities also make it a good choice for oily and acne prone skin care.  Try adding Thyme to hair rinses and tonics by infusing the herb in water.