Readers’ Questions Answered - Eyes, Teeth and Anti-Acne
Hello and Happy New Year all!
This month I’m answering some of your questions as well as passing along a helpful hint that one of my readers was kind enough to send in.
Therese Faust asks
“Dear Witch Hazel, Various natural beauty resources recommend cucumber slices for tired-looking eyes. Why is this? Is it the moisture in cucumbers, because of their high water content?”
Cucumbers have anti-inflammatory properties and happen to be the perfect size for your eyelids! Also to prevent under eye puffiness, make sure any eye cream you use does not have humectants in it. Humectants draw moisture to the skin. Instead, look for vitamin E or wheat germ oil in the ingredients of the eye cream you use.
An anonymous writer asks:
“Hi, I would like to know if there is a herb that helps whiten my teeth. Thank You.”
Well, this isn’t really herbal, but it is an easy alternative to toothpaste that will really whiten your teeth. Pour a small amount of peroxide onto your toothbrush, then dip into baking soda and brush your teeth with it. This combination will bleach your teeth and is great for removing germs to make your teeth feel CLEAN! If you don’t like the taste that is left in your mouth, you can just brush again with some toothpaste or rinse with a pleasant tasting mouthwash. Baking soda and peroxide come in handy in a jam if you run out of toothpaste, too!
Moriath Saint shares with us:
“I really enjoy your column. Here is a natural remedy for pimples
A Great, All-Natural Zit Zapper
Mix equal parts tea tree oil and lavender essential oil. Apply to pimples two or three times daily after washing your face. This is also agreat disinfectant for small cuts and scrapes–paper cuts, hangnails, etc. It not only fights germs but it also helps them heal faster. Or, try as a wound wash: add a few drops to warm water and thoroughly bathe the wound before treating and dressing it.
**Warning** If you have sensitive skin, you may wish to wait a few minutes between washing your face and applying this mixture, as it may sting. Avoid lips and eyes.”
That is a great blend, and thank you for the hint! Applying essential oils directly to the skin, especially on your face, may cause some irritation, but mixing the tea tree and lavender oils with a small amount of aloe vera gel will make the mixture a bit more mild and it naturally moisturizes as well!
I hope you’re all coping with all this cold and snow! After a long day of digging out of this mess, a cup of hot chocolate is great, but vegans get left out thanks to the dairy content. I found a can of organic chocolate powder in my local health food store and a recipe for non-dairy hot chocolate was on the back!
1 cup soy milk
1 Tbsp. chocolate powder
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1-2 Tbsp organic sugar
Mix all ingredients in a small pot and stir well. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil. Great for getting thawed out all over!
Questions, comments? Recipes, remedies? Share them with me!
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