Natural Beauty with Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the oldest fermented food products known to man. The word vinegar comes from the French vin aigre which means “sour wine.” When air is exposed to fermented liquid, like wine bacterial activity occurs and then end result is acetic acid or sour vinegar. Herbal vinegars are simple to create and a great way to use fresh and dried herbs from your garden. Simply fill a clean jar with apple cider or white vinegar and add your favorite herbs. Let sit for 2 weeks and you will have a vinegar that can be used in cooking or for cosmetic uses. The restorative powers of vinegar have been known since ancient times. Helen of Troy was known for taking vinegar baths. She would add a cup or two of vinegar to her bathwater which would cleanse and soothe her skin. Vinegar is also a classic cure for sunburn, bad breath, and dandruff. Here are a few more herbal vinegar recipes for you to enjoy:

Mint Vinegar Skin Toner

This toner helps restore acidity to the skin, keeping it toned, healthy and resistant to infection. All skin types benefit from using vinegar. It helps control blackheads in oily skin and cures flakiness in very dry skin. The fresh mint leaves a cooling sensation on your skin.

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons fresh mint leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried)

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 cup distilled or pure water

Directions:

Mix together all ingredients pour into a clean container and let sit for 3 days. Strain or filter out all solids and pour into a clean bottle with a tight fitting lid. To use: apply to just washed skin with a clean cotton pad.

Yield: 8 ounces

Herb After Bath Splash

This is a refreshing after bath splash that will refresh your skin and body. It is especially uplifting after showering. Honey is a natural humectants that helps your skin retain moisture giving your skin a healthy all over look.

Ingredients:

2 cups apple cider vinegar

1/3 cup pure honey

1 tablespoon fresh sage (1 teaspoon dried)

1 tablespoon fresh thyme (1 teaspoon dried)

1 teaspoon ground dried cloves

Directions:

Mix together all ingredients and pour into a clean jar, let sit for 2 weeks. Shake the jar daily to remix ingredients. Strain the liquid and pour into a clean bottle. To use: After washing splash on your skin and let dry.

Yield: 12 ounces

Herbal Vinegar Bath

This slightly acidic bath helps rinse away soap resides on your skin and reinstates your own natural acid balance. For women it is also a good way to counteract yeast infections because the acidic environment will kill harmful bacteria. The combination of herbs gives your bath an uplifting scent that is especially relaxing and calming and a great way to reduce stress.

Ingredients:

1 cup apple cider vinegar

1 cup water

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (1 teaspoon dried)

1 tablespoon fresh tarragon (1 teaspoon dried)

1 tablespoon fresh mint (1 teaspoon dried)

1 1 /2 teaspoons fennel seeds

Directions:

Mix together all the ingredients in a small saucepan or microwave container and heat gently until just boiling. Let the mixture cool completely and then strain off all solids. To use: Pour the entire mixture into a warm bath and soak for 15 to 20 minutes.

Yield: 12 ounces enough for one bath.

Anti Dandruff Hair Rinse Dandruff is a condition of the scalp where the skin becomes very dry and flaky. This hair rinse will help deep cleanse your scalp and rid it of any surface debris and dead skin cells. This rinse can be a bit drying so make sure you follow up with a rich hair conditioner if needed.

Ingredients:

1 /2 cup red wine or apple cider vinegar

1 /2 cup fresh or 1 tablespoon dried mint leaves

1 cup boiling water

Directions:

Place the vinegar and mint leaves in a bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Let the mixture cool completely and then strain. To use: Apply the solution to the scalp as a final rinse after shampooing. Rinse well with cool water.

Yield: 8 ounces

Garden Boot Bath

If you have calluses or rough skin spots on your feet from your garden boots or shoes a soothing foot soak made from vinegar and baking soda should soothe and soften your feet. You may also add some favorite herbs to your soak such as lavender and thyme both of which are naturally antiseptic and cleansing .

Ingredients:

2 quarts warm water

1 /4 cup baking soda

1 /4 cup herbal vinegar or plain white vinegar

1 tablespoon fresh lavender flowers (1 teaspoon dried)

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (1 teaspoon dried)

Directions:

Fill a large pan or basin with warm water. Stir in the baking soda, vinegar and herbs. The water will fizz and bubble when the soda and vinegar combine. To use: Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes. Pat dry and massage them with a rich natural oil or cream.

Yield: 64 ounces, enough for one foot bath

Vinegar for Beauty

Here are some quick and easy ways to use herbal vinegars to keep your skin and hair looking and feeling clean and fresh.

Relieve Dry Skin: Pour 1 /2 cup baking soda, 1 /2 cup uncooked oatmeal, and 1 cup vinegar into a warm bath for a refreshing and soothing soak.

Enhance your body wash: Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 cup of your favorite liquid soap or cleanser. The vinegar will help remove soap residue and make your skin silky soft.

Clean hands: Wash your hands with herbal or apple cider vinegar to cleanse and soften them. This is especially helpful after working in the garden to remove dirt and stains.

Deodorize: Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and can be used in place of deodorant sprays and creams. Simply splash some herbal or white vinegar under your arms and allow to dry.

Freshen Your Breath: A vinegar salt water rinse is especially helpful for ridding your breath of bad odors such as onions or garlic. Mix 2 tablespoons vinegar, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 cup water to make an effective mouth rinse.

Clean combs and hairbrushes: To get your combs and brushes super clean, especially if you use styling products. Soak them in a solution of 2 cups hot water and 1 /2 cup vinegar overnight. In the morning rinse well with cool water and allow to air dry.

For more recipes and ideas check out my natural beauty books. Also I am taking pre-orders for my all new workbook "Beautiful Flowers" out this November -- Message me if you need more details and I have a few beautiful surprises for those that order! xoxo Janice