Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Health Benefits of Fenugreek

The health benefits of fenugreek include anemia, pregnancy, lactation, digestion, loss of taste, fever, hair care, dandruff, stomach disorders, biliousness, respiratory disorders, mouth ulcers, sore throat, diabetes, inflammations, wounds and insomnia..

It is a member of the bean family and is found in India and southern part of Europe.

Some benefits of fenugreek:

* Good for breast feeding mothers
* Reduce menstrual discomfort
* Minimize symptoms of menopause
* Reduce cholesterol
* Reduces cardiovascular risk
* Control diabetes
* Relief for sore throat
* Relieve constipation
* Good for kidney troubles
* Prevent colon cancer
* Good appetite suppressant

(Read more in detail...)


Fenugreek is used to treat wounds, inflammation and gastrointestinal ailments. According to ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, fenugreek can be used for inducing labour and aiding digestion. It is also good to improve metabolism and health. Irritated skin condition can be soothed by the external application of fenugreek. Fenugreek is also used for fevers and muscle aches.

Fenugreek is considered to be a safe herbal food. It is used as a spice also and tastes oddly of bitter celery and maple syrup.

Precaution:
The only side effect seen in people taking high doses of fenugreek is the mild gastro intestinal distress. Fenugreek is not well recommended during pregnancy because it may lead to miscarriage.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Room Fragrance

Heating Essential oils in an oil burner or vaporizer is a quick way to neutralize room odors and create a fragrant long lasting aroma. Thyme and Eucalyptus are strongly antiseptic and this scent freshens the air and banishes smells.

Ingredients:
3ml lemon Essential oil
1ml thyme Essential oil,
1ml Eucalyptus Essential oil

Mix the oil together in a brown glass dropper. Shake well.

Use Shake then put 5 drops in an oil burner/vaporizer and heat gently.

Caution Keep away from eyes.Store in a dropper bottle to prevent accidental ingestion.

Storage Keeps for 1 year in a brown glass dropper

Monday, April 19, 2010

Herbal Vinegar Rinse

A natural alternative to commercial conditioners is a herbal vinegar rinse- It eliminates residual shampoo, help restore the natural acid balance of the scalp, and leaves your hair looking clean, soft and incredibly shiny... plus it doesn't smell half as bad..trust me!!

How to Prepare;
Fill 3/4 of a clean Kilner jar with herbs or petals according to one's preference. Crush them slightly to help release their natural oils. Pour over cider or white wine vinegar to cover (DON'T USE MALT). Make sure all herbs are completely submerged.
Storage:
Seal and leave in a warm, sunny spot for 2 weeks, shaking the bottle every couple of days, and pushing down any uncovered plant. When ready strain and pour into a sterilized bottle.

Play around with the following herbs:
Chamomile or Calendula/Marigold; For fair and irritated scalp.
Sage and Rosemary; For dark hair.
Nettle; To Strengthen brittle hair.
Violet, Marigold or Parsley; For Dandruff
Rose Petals;For dry scalp.

For a scented rinse

Try use Rose petals, Lavender or Jasmin flowers.

By the way.... vinegar rinses also help reduce/eliminate dandruff problems!! Try it out!

Friday, April 9, 2010

This is SoapCafe` - Enjoy :)

Natural tooth powder


This is a recipe for those who want a natural alternative to the commercial paste; which by the way is filled with SLS and even sugars to make it into the commercial paste that we know of. Yep, SUGARS... and why would we need to brush our teeth with a product containing sugar- when it's the sugar that we are trying to brush away!? So here goes...

Ingredients
60 grams fine sea salt
150 grams Bicarbonate of Soda
8 drops peppermint essential oil
5 drop lemon essential oil
2 drops of Frankincense essential oil
1/4 tsp of crushed cloves (optional)

Method
Mix Sea salt and Bicarbonate of Soda together in a bowl. Add Essential oils one drop at a time then mix to prevent clumping.

Store in separate jars, each for each member of the family.


All materials can be bought online from www.SoapCafeMalta.com under the category ''DIY Cosmetic Supplies''