Blueberries...Not Just For Eating!

MMmmmm Yummy Berries! By now alot of us realize how wonderful these little morsels of goodness can be; jocked full of  vitamins ...they fight free radicals that age our skin, but did you know they are also great externally to beautify our skin and hair?

Here are a few recipes you may find useful.......

~Peace~

Blueberry Face Mask

(makes 2 ounces)

• 2 tbsp fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 tbsp plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Blend above ingredients and after cleansing your face apply the entire mixture over your neck and face, avoiding  eyes and mouth. Leave on for 15 minutes. Wash with warm water and pat dry. Use every two weeks for clean and healthy skin.

Strawberry-Leaf Astringent~

The leaf of the strawberry plant contains four times the vitamin C than Oranges. You can find dried leaves in bulk at many natural food stores, or you can dry your own by putting the fresh leaves in the sun for a few days.

• 2 tbsp dried strawberry leaves

Or

• 1/3 cup fresh leaves
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup rose water

Place the strawberry leaves and vinegar in a glass or ceramic bowl and let sit overnight. Int he morning strain the mixture and discard the leaves. Add the rose water to the vinegar solution and stir. Pour into a clean bottle with a tight-fitting lid.

After cleansing your face, apply the astringent using a clean cotton ball. Splash skin with cool water and pat dry.

Blackberry Hair Rinse

(makes 12 ounces)

• 1/2 cup fresh blackberry leaves
• 2 cups of water

Place the leaves in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. (for a hint of natural color, add a few fresh berries to water before heating!) Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the stove and allow to sit for 20 minutes. Strain the liquid and pour into a clean bottle with a tight fitting lid.You'll have a mild, yellow-green liquid with a slight berry scent. Use this a final rinse with this mixture after shampooing to help with dandruff and to leave your hair clean and shiny.