When the cucumber became important as a health food in the eighteenth century, it did not take long for people to forget those medical properties which had been well-known first of all to the Greeks and Romans and then later to the Arab physicians.Today we see the cucumber as a provider of a very healthy juice beneficial for its properties as an increaser of the flow of urine and as a complement to the effects of celery and carrot juice for rheumatic conditions, while at the same time being a soothing skin lotion. 

 
Other health benefits of cucumber is derived from the fact that it is very low in calories, about 4 per ounce (54KJ per 100g) being an average figure. Very high potassium contents have been claimed for the plant which from the most up-to-date analyses available would seem to be an exaggeration. The vitamin content is also generally to be found between low and average for the edible vegetable.

Recipe for Cucumber Anti-Blemish Face Mask:
- 2.5 cm (1 inch) chunk of cucumber
- 1 drop rosemary essential oil (I skipped this)
- 1 egg white

The egg white definitely tautened my skin and my face felt wonderfully soft afterwards. The pores were also much smaller, but it was only temporary. But like I mentioned, be careful that this mask will draw out quite a bit of impurities and cause some zits. You may also like to cut up two thin slices and placed them on your eyes to reduce puffiness while you’re having the mask on.

Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing off
I have been using the cucumber juice on my face twice a day after washing. What I did was to apply some juice on my dry face, leave it on for about 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing off. Over the weekend, I also tried this cucumber anti-blemish mask which I picked from The Ultimate Natural Beauty Book by Jo Fairley but I skipped the rosemary essential oil though. It’s a very fun mask to put on but be warned; this mask can draw out quite a bit of impurities and you may end up with some small zits like what I have now on my forehead.

Use organic cucumber whenever you can
If you can, use organic cucumber. It doesn’t cost that much especially since you only need to use a little of the juice extract. One cucumber can last me about two weeks actually; including using it once for the anti-blemish mask and cutting up thin slices to reduce puffiness on my eyes a couple of times. And you don’t need a blender to extract the juice. Because a small grater can do the job wonderfully too.

You say tomato, we say use tomato on your skin. Tomatoes make an excellent skin treatment for everything from large pores and acne to rashes and more. Tomatoes have cooling elements to soothe raw skin, astringents to remove excess oil, and tons of vitamin C and A to brighten dull skin and restore its health. Try these homemade skin-care remedies using tomatoes, and you’re sure to see a big difference in your skin.

Natural Skin Bleaching with Tomato

Tomato is a wonderful natural bleach. You can puree some tomato, mix a few drops of lime juice in it and apply the mixture to your face. Do this daily for about 15 days for visible effects.

Shrink pores with tomato and lime
Combine one tablespoon of fresh tomato juice with two to four drops of fresh lime juice. Apply the mixture with a cotton ball and massage gently into skin using circular motions. Leave on the skin for about 15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm or water to shrink pores even further, then moisturize.

Cure acne with tomato pulp
Mash a fresh tomato and apply the pulp liberally to your face. Leave on skin for an hour or more, then rinse and moisturize. Do this every day for several days and your acne will disappear.

Cleanse skin with a tomato-and-avocado mask
Good enough to eat, a tomato-and-avocado mask is great for combination skin (oily, normal, and dry) because it combines the astringent, blackhead- and oil-reducing benefits of tomatoes with the antiseptic and moisturizing properties of avocados. This super-rich mask also contains vitamin A, C and E, all of which are essential for healthy skin. To make this soothing mask, mash tomato and avocado together in a bowl. Mix well and smooth on your face. Rinse after 20 to 30 minutes with lukewarm water.

Make a quick and easy tomato facial
Cut a tomato in half and rub it on your face. Press into blackheads. Rinse and moisturize.

Use tomato as an astringent
To remove excess oil from your skin, crush a fresh tomato and strain, then set the juice aside. Next, squeeze a cucumber into the tomato juice. Apply to skin with a cotton ball daily to keep oil and acne under control.

Cool irritated skin with a tomato-and-yogurt mask
If your skin is raw, irritated, itchy, sunburned, red, blotchy, or scaly, you’ll enjoy the benefits of this yogurt-and-tomato mask. Yogurt gives skin a protein boost and leaves skin soft, while tomato cools and neutralizes the skin’s surface. Crush half a tomato and add two tablespoons of plain, unsweetened yogurt. Mix well and spread the mixture on your face. Let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Get glowing skin with tomato juice and honey
Mix honey and tomato juice and apply to your face and neck. Let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Your skin will be smooth and glowing!

Cure sunburn with tomato juice and buttermilk
Mix two teaspoons of tomato juice with four tablespoons of buttermilk. Apply it all over your skin. Leave on skin for a half hour, then rinse gently

Use tomato for whitening skin.

Do you want look younger than before? Use tomato for whitening skin.

1. Slice tomato into haft and segregate the seeds.

2. Wash your face in circular motion and use your usual soap.

3. Rinse and fat dry.

4. Apply tomato in your face circular motion.

5. Leave it into 15 mins. To 30 mins. And if you want to fast whiten you skin you should leave in over night. You can see the result in the first day. Your face will become shine and whiten. You apply everyday as a good result.

I share to all readers because it’s proven. Until now I used tomato for my whitening skin and to maintain my baby face. Try it now tell me after one month you used. As with essential amino acids, they are not produced by the human body. Lycopene us the most powerful antioxidant in the carotenoid family and, with vitamins C and E, protect us from the free radicals that degrade many parts of the body

Everybody in the world is fond of white skin and is ready to do anything to get the skin whiter. Even fairer skin people put their best efforts to keep their skin tone whiter.There are many ways to whiten the skin. There are plenty of treatments, creams and lotions available for skin whitening, which are meant not only for those who have darker complexion but also even for those who gets darker complexion because of sun tan, age or pollution. Darker skin has more production of melanin a substance in body, which makes the skin appear darker.

You may have dark skin for various reasons, and may want to bleach it:

• Heredity - Dark skin is a trait that is usually passed down the generations.

• Hyper-pigmentation – You may be suffering from hyper-pigmentation, which means that your skin is producing larger quantities of melanin, the skin pigment, causing your skin to turn darker.

• Skin disorders – You might be suffering from a skin disorder called Lichen Simplex Chronicus. This can be very itchy and also makes the skin patchy and dark.

• Sun’s rays – exposure to the sun’s rays leads to darkening of the skin. This is the body’s way of producing more melanin and protecting itself from the ultra-violet rays which are harmful.

Home remedies to whiten the skin-certain home made packs and remedies are really helpful in giving you a lighter and whiter complexion.

• Dry orange peels in sun. When they are fully dried, grind them in a mixture and make powder. Add raw milk to it, make a paste and apply it on your skin everyday. Rinse it off with lukewarm water when dries. It’s tested pack for skin whitening.
•  Make a paste by grinding a few fresh mint leaves. Apply on the face for 20 minutes and wash off with cold water.
• Take sandalwood powder, add lemon juice, tomato juice, cucumber juice to it, make a paste and apply on the skin till it dries to get a brighter, lighter and even skin tone.
• Gram flour has whitening agents to it. Take 2 spoonfuls of gram flour; add a pinch of turmeric to it, few drops of lemon juice and few drops of milk cream. Make it a paste and apply on the skin. When it dries scrub it off. It can be applied all over the body everyday.
• Soak almonds in water overnight. Peel them off in the morning. Make a paste and add honey to it. Apply it on face and scrub it off when dries to make skin whiter and glowing.
• Potatoes have bleaching agents in them their juice is quite helpful in giving an even skin tone. Reduce pigmentation and blemishes. It can be applied on the skin everyday to get it whiter.
• Tomato is a wonderful natural bleach. You can puree some tomato, mix a few drops of lime juice in it and apply the mixture to your face. Do this daily for about 15 days for visible effects.
• Lime juice is a very good bleaching agent. You can mix it with a pinch of turmeric powder and apply to your face.

Bleach Recipe:

Things You’ll Need:

Lemon ,Mint leaves ,Honey ,Milk  ,Orange peel ,Mulberry leaf extract ,Facial cream . 

1. Step 1

   Make a lemon and mint infusion by bringing two cups of water to boil in a heavy saucepan and adding a handful of fresh mint leaves. Remove the mixture from the heat and cover it, allowing it to cool to room temperature.

2. Step 2

   Strain the mixture when cool and add the juice of one whole lemon. Apply this natural skin bleach liberally to your face and body. Saturate a clean washcloth in the mixture, squeezing out the excess. Place the washcloth over your face when lying down for 20 minutes. Save the leftover mixture in the refrigerator for up to one week.

3. Step 3

   Make a soothing honey, lemon and milk skin-lightening conditioner by combining the juice of one lemon with one tablespoon of honey and one teaspoon of powdered milk. Heat the mixture in the microwave for 10 seconds and stir to dissolve the powdered milk. When cool, apply liberally to your face and neck, leaving it on for 20 minutes before rinsing off.

4. Step 4

Save the peels from oranges and scrub them under hot water to remove any pesticide residue. Allow them to dry in small pieces on a sunny windowsill. When they are completely dry, pulverize them with a mortar and pestle. Combine this powder with a few drops of milk to make a paste and apply to your face. Leave the mixture on your skin for up to one hour before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water.

5.       Step 5

Make your own skin bleaching night cream by adding three drops of mulberry leaf extract to one-quarter cup of inexpensive facial cream. Choose a water-based cold cream by making sure water is one of the first few ingredients on the label. Stir the mixture thoroughly and store in a dark glass jar. Use as you would any night cream.

The many weight loss programs include a variety of diets, exercise programs or even just cutting calories. However, the main ingredient in weight loss is easily overlooked. The digestive system is something that many may think past when trying to lose weight. Yet losing unwanted pounds is nearly impossible without an effectively functioning digestive system. Water with lemon helps speed up weight loss. Drinking water with lemon for weight loss is also an effective way to help eliminate toxins, clean internal waste, and promote energy boosts.  

Lemon is an inexpensive, easily available citrus fruit, popular for its culinary and medicinal uses. It is used to prepare a variety of food recipes such as lemon cakes, lemon chicken and beverages like lemonade and lemon-flavored drinks. It is also used for garnishing. Lemon juice consists of about 5% citric acid that gives a tarty taste to lemon. Lemon water makes a healthy drink, especially when taken in the morning.

1-Make sure to drink a lot of water with lemon for weight loss. Drinking a lot of water helps people lose weight more quickly.

2- You need 8 ounces of water with lemon per day – that’s just for the average person. If you’re overweight you will need more. As a rule of thumb you should be having 8-10 half pint glasses a day or 4 pint glasses for good weight loss.

3-Drinking water with lemon for weight loss is grate because it adds a nice taste to your water. It’s much better than drinking plain water and it adds other benefits too. Lemon is a good source of vitamin C which is good for the body and skin. Lemon also helps you lose weight but there is a secret to it. The water must be warm!

4-Mix lemon puree or a lemon slice with tea and apple cider vinegar to help maximize weight loss. Apple cider vinegar and lemon help people lose weight faster. Some of the best teas for weight loss with lemon are green tea and oolong tea. Use one to two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with tea once or twice a day.

lemon juice in an intense exercise program to assist in the loss of unwanted fat and weight. Drink lemon juice with warm water in the morning to stimulate your digestive system for the remainder of the day. To go along with that and exercise, eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, cutting down on sugar-rich foods, and consume a large amount of fresh whole foods. They are fundamental components for losing weight with lemon juice.

Hair loss is a problem that faces millions of people, including men, women and even children. The market for products that promise hair growth is vast, but many of these products are either excessively expensive or completely ineffectual. There is a natural remedy for hair loss that has existed for ages. Aloe vera has been used by many different cultures to stimulate hair growth, and it is safe, natural and affordable. Most people already know that Aloe Vera is a miraculous plant when it comes to treating burns. There are also many great Aloe Vera skin care products on the market, including Aloe Vera cosmetics.  The Aloe Vera plant is packed with some of same the vitamins and minerals which make up our own bodies. So much so that perhaps no other plant more closely matches the human body’s biochemistry. This helps makes Aloe Vera an excellent treatment for hair loss.  It’s no secret that Aloe Vera is good for your hair and scalp. Aloe Vera shampoos have been around for years. When it comes to hair, the fewer chemicals you expose your hair to, the better. Aloe Vera acts as a natural hair conditioner and can be used in place of chemical based conditioners.

 Aloe Vera is found in many shampoos and conditioners. It can be rubbed in and left for a bit of time and rinsed out and it will help make your hair healthier and keep those wonderful follicles producing hair. It can be used to lose stress as well. It helps the blood flow to the hair. You may already be using it in your brand named shampoo or conditioner and just don´t know it. This herb is a wonderful thing that can keep you from buying wigs or doing that super comb over we all love to look at. An Aloe Vera gel containing coconut milk with a small amount of wheat germ oil used as a shampoo can promote healthy hair and hair growth and maintenance. Aloe Vera conditioners contain the right amount of natural herbs and oils and with proper use help out your hair so much it is indescribable. Each one is pH balanced, prepared without alcohol, and petroleum based ingredients. Aloe Vera jojoba helps you to have healthier and shinier hair.

Hair Growth

In addition to halting hair loss, aloe vera is believed to promote the growth of new hair. Aloe vera balances PH levels and stimulates scalp enzymes, which in turn prompts hair growth. To gain this benefit, massage aloe vera into the scalp and leave in for 30 minutes before rinsing. Over time, the scalp will shed the dead hair follicles and new hair follicles will grow in their place.

Conditioner and Moisturizer

Aloe vera can replace traditional hair conditioners and make hair shinier. Massage 1/2 tsp. of aloe vera gel into wet hair, let it set for one minute and rinse as usual. Additionally, if you are using powdered hair dye, aloe vera gel can be mixed with the solution beforehand to combat the drying properties of the dye.

Hair Loss

Aloe vera has been heralded as a treatment for hair loss, due to many of the vitamins and minerals found within the plant mimicking the chemistry of the human body. In addition, chemicals can hasten hair loss, so eliminating hair products with harmful ingredients will allow damaged hair follicles to heal. For an at-home treatment, pour a small amount of an herbal shampoo into a bowl and add two times the amount of aloe vera gel (for best results, use a 100 percent stabilized aloe vera gel vs. the actual aloe vera plant.)

Dandruff

People who suffer from dandruff, which is characterized by a flaky, itchy scalp, should consider aloe vera for relief. Causes of dandruff include stress, diets high in sugar and low in fats, excessive blow drying and shampooing hair in hot water. Aloe vera gel straight from the leaves of the plant can be rubbed on the scalp, left in overnight and shampooed out the following morning.

Hair Recipes Using Aloe

Shampoo: You will need 1/4 cup of castile liquid soap, 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel, 1 tsp. of vegetable glycerin and 1/4 tsp. of light organic vegetable or olive oil. Keep in mind that the aloe vera gel you choose should be organic, and have few or no preservatives. With a whisk or a mixer, combine the ingredients in a large bowl. Use a funnel to transfer the shampoo into a plastic, capped bottle that can be kept in the shower. Shake the shampoo before using. After massaging it into your hair, let the shampoo sit for about two minutes before rinsing .

Another way to enjoy the moisturizing benefits of aloe vera is by adding a small amount of the gel to your regular shampoo. Shake the bottle to ensure the aloe has been properly mixed, then use regularly.

Hair Mask

Begin by microwaving 1 tbsp. of jojoba oil and 1 tbsp. of honey in a microwave-safe bowl for three to five minutes. Add 1 tbsp. of aloe vera gel, one egg and five drops each of sage and rosemary essential oils. Mix together with a whisk, then apply all over to damp hair. Make sure your hair is free from any styling products before using the mask .Also, the ingredients may be hot; test the temperature using a baking or meat thermometer before touching the mask with your fingers. Once the mask has been applied to your hair, place a plastic cap on your head and let the mixture sit for three hours before shampooing .If you don’t have a plastic cap, wrap Saran Wrap around your head. This mask will give your hair a beautiful shine.

Tips & Warnings

• You can purchase raw aloe vera plants at any nursery or garden center. Harvesting the aloe vera gel is as simple as breaking off one of the tendrils and cracking it open. The gel can be easily squeezed out.
• Wheat germ oil can be found at many different online retailers and at most natural foods stores. It is often used as cooking oil.
• If itching or skin irritation occur, discontinue use.

One of the most common form of treatment mint has is that is that it can settle a nervous stomach. Mint appears in many products such as teas, recipes involving entrees, like lamb with a mint julep side. Mint as a health benefit began in the Middle East. Mint is also widely known as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive conditions.Mint, that well known mouth and breathe freshener, scientifically known as Mentha, with over two dozens of species and hundreds of its varieties, is an herb with remarkable medicinal properties. The market is full of products like tooth paste, chewing gums, mouth & breathe fresheners, candies and inhalers etc. which are based on mint.

The Wonder Herbal Mint  has been enjoyed for centuries for its wonderful aroma, great taste and amazing healing power. This wonder herb does more than just emit good aroma. It has long been a part of both the cuisine and medicine all over the world. Mint’s natural holistic approach to health is becoming more and more popular these days.

Health benefits of Mint

Mint has been used in healing many maladies for many centuries. Herbal Mint is also widely known as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive conditions. Herb mint has long been known for its ability to settle nervous stomach. Herb Mint has many other health benefits as well. The anti fungal properties of mint play a vital role in the treatment of asthma and allergies. Mint reduces nervousness and anxiety.

Herbal Mint works effectively on the diseases like colic and vomiting. Mint is also useful in stimulating menstruation in those suffering from dysmenorrheal. An infusion of the leaves is used in doses of 1-2 tsp thrice a day to treat indigestion and tastelessness.women suffering from morning sickness can add lime juice, ginger juice and honey to the mint decoction and have it twice a day to get relief.

 You can relieve yourself from any worm infestation in the stomach by drinking a decoction of mint leaves. Chewing mint can prevent hiccups. Mint has also been said to slow the effects of bacteria or fungus. The application of mint oil helps the skin to be free from blemishes and helps to cool the external skin. Mint oil is widely used in making body lotions, bathing oils, soaps and skin tonics.The common types of Herb mint are pepermint, spearmint, applemint, pennyroyal etc.

The health benefits of mint include the following

Digestion: Mint is a good appetizer and promotes digestion, due to its typical aroma. It also soothes stomach in cases of indigestion, inflammation etc. This aroma of mint activates the saliva glands in our mouth as well as glands which secrete digestive enzymes, thereby facilitating digestion. Thus it is extensively used in culinary.

Nausea & Headache: Again, the strong and refreshing aroma of mint is an excellent and quick remedy for nausea. Whenever you feel it, just smell the oil of mint or crushed fresh mint leaves or use any product with mint flavor, whichever is available near you, and it will be gone. In fact, many people keep mentha oil or mint flavored products with them to avoid nausea, particularly when they are traveling. Balms based on mint or simply mint oil, when rubbed on forehead and nose, gives quick relief in headache.

Respiratory Disorders, Cough etc.: The strong aroma of mint is very effective in opening up congestion of nose, throat, bronchi and lungs, giving relief in respiratory disorders resulting from asthma, cold etc. As it cools and soothes throat, nose and other respiratory channels, it gives relief in cough too. Many balms are based on this property of mint. Unlike other inhalers which are based on aerosols, those based on mint are more effective and eco-friendly too.

Mint for Bloating: Experts suggest that the carminative property of mint helps in removing gas from the stomach. This can treat bloating.

Asthma: Regular use of mint is very beneficial for asthma patients, as it is a good relaxant and gives relief in congestion. But, over dosage may irritate as well.

Skin Care, pimples etc.: While mint oil is a good anti septic and anti pruritic, mint juice is an excelle,nt skin cleanser. It soothes skin, cures infections, itching etc., and is also good for pimples. Its anti pruritic properties can be used for treating bites of insects like mosquitoes, honey-bees, hornets, wasps, gnats etc.

Female Sterility: Now, there is a mixed opinion about this. Some say that prolonged use of menthol may cause sterility and induce inability to conceive, by interfering with the production of ova and also killing these gametes, because of its germicidal and insecticidal properties. It is also heard that men who smoke menthol cigarettes are more likely to suffer from impotency than those who smoke normal cigarettes. It is not certain whether it is due the tobacco alone or mint has anything do with it. But menthol certainly has insecticidal properties. While another group suggests that mint may be used to treat sterility in females.

Oral Care: This is a well known property of mint. Being a germicidal and breathe freshener, it takes care of oral health by inhibiting harmful bacterial growth inside mouth and by cleaning tongue and teeth.

 Mint for Oral Care: The presence of tannins in mint can help in keeping odor-causing bacteria out of the oral cavity. Tannins can also prevent formation of cavities. All these can help in maintaining oral health.

Mint Tea

You can relieve yourself from any worm infestation in the stomach by drinking a decoction of mint leaves.

HOMEMADE MINT CANDY RECIPE

Enjoy some freshly made mints for an after-dinner treat or for a refreshing snack!  You can store these in a cool tin for up to 4 weeks to enjoy as needed!

Ingredients:
1 cup white sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
4 tablespoons cold water
Fresh (preferably organic) peppermint extract

Mix the sugar and water together in a small saucepan and bring to a boil.  Stir constantly until the sugar melts to form a smooth syrup, then add the peppermint extract.  Stir until well combined, then drop the mint drops on waxed paper with a spoon.  Leave to cool for at least 30-45 minutes until the mints harden, then store in a cool, dry place. You can also use a variety of food colorings to give your mints a hint of color!