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Tips for Taking Herbs Successfully
Cilantro Substitute
Herbs That Changed the World
Herbal Pet Care
The Real Deal About Healing Herbs
Classic Herb Blends
Sweet Stevia
Vinegar the Miracle Cleaner
Herbs to Enhance Romance
Rites of Passage
Skin Care Naturally
Spring Bounty (Wild and Wonderful Weeds)
Menopause Gracefully
Spring Ritual for the Health Conscious

Fennel Toner

1 TBS crushed fennel seeds
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
2 cups distilled water
2 tsp glycerin

Boil water. Remove from heat, and add crushed fennel seeds. Allow to steep 45 minutes. Strain, and add glycerin and vinegar. Shake before using. Use 1 TBS per application. Splash on or use a mister.

Applying a strong fennel tea is also good for wrinkles and chapped hands. Apply with a cotton swab.

Perfect Moisturizer

This is a beautiful, rich, thick cream made of the best ingredients.

Group One
¾ cup apricot oil or sweet almond oil
1/3 cup coconut oil and cocoa butter
1 tsp lanolin
½ oz grated beeswax

Group Two
2/3 cup distilled water
1/3 cup aloe vera gel
5 to 10 drops essential oil (optional)
Vitamin A and E (optional)

Mix together Group 1. In Group 1, oil proportions should be 2/3 liquid oil (apricot or sweet almond) to 1/3 solid oils (cocoa butter, coconut oil, beeswax, lanolin). Melt Group 1 in a double boiler over low heat in hot water. Heat just enough to melt. Let cool to room temperature. Oils should become thick, creamy, semi-solid, and cream colored.

When Group 1 is completely cool, place Group 2 in a blender. Turn blender on highest speed and drizzle Group 1 into the center of the mix. When most of the oil has been added, listen to the blender and watch the cream. When the blender coughs and chokes, and the cream looks thick and white, it is done. Do not overbeat. If the cream separates, just shake before using. This process is much like making mayonnaise. If both groups are not the same temperature, they will not emulsify.

Note: Tap water can introduce bacteria which could result in mold, so be sure to use distilled water. Also, NEVER use aloe vera on staph or strep infections.

Dry Brushing
Over the course of a day, your skin eliminates more than a pound of waste through thousands of sweat glands. If your pores are clogged, these toxins cannot escape. Over time, these toxins build up, resulting in dry, flaky skin. You can get rid of dead skin and improve circulation with dry brushing every day before you shower. Here's how: Use a natural-fiber brush preferably with a handle so you can brush your back. Do not brush your face or breasts. Never scrub. Brush gently. Start with your feet, then your legs and work toward your heart. Next, brush your hands, between your fingers, arms, underarms, neck, chest, stomach, sides, and back. Then, pour about a TBS of oil of your choice in a saucer. Add a few drops of lavender or chamomile essential oil. Massage your entire body, including your face, ears, and scalp if you are washing your hair that day. Then shower. Wash your brush once a week to keep it free from skin debris.

Liver Cleanse Infusion

If you are treating a skin disorder, consider the following liver cleanse infusion. You can add cinnamon, ginger, or orange peel for taste. Liver herbs are usually bitter. You may have to develop a taste for this tea.

1 part yellow dock root
1 part Oregon grape root
2 parts wild yam
2 parts burdock root
1 part dandelion root
1 part chaste berry

Add 4 to 6 TBS of herb mix to a quart of cold water. Bring to a simmer over low heat. Keep the pot tightly covered, and gently simmer for twenty minutes. Remove from heat, and infuse for at least 20 minutes more-overnight if possible. Drink 3 to 4 cups daily.