Herbal Vinegars For Healthy Skin And Hair

G'Morning! Today I am going to share some herbal vinegar recipes with you.....Feel free to leave any comments or questions you may have.

                                        ~Peace~

Herbal Vinegars For Healthy Skin And Hair

Vinegar is one of the oldest fermented food products known to humans. The word vinegar comes from the French vin aigre, which means "sour wine". When a fermented liquid, such as wine, is exposed to air, bacterial activity occurs. The end result is acetic acid, also know as sour vinegar. Herbal vinegars provide a simple way to use fresh and dried herbs from your garden. Just fill a clean jar with apple cider vinegar r white vinegar and add your favorite herbs. Let the jar sit for two weeks and you'll a vinegar you can use in cooking for cosmetic uses. The restorative powers of vinegar have been employed since ancient times.

Helen of Troy was known for taking vinegar bahs. She would add a cup or two of vinegar to her water and the liquid would cleanse and soother her skin. Vinegar is also a classic treatment for sunburn, bad breath and dandruff.

Herbal Vinegar Recipes

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 blackhead in oil skin and cures flakiness in very dry skin. The fresh mint leaves a cooling  sensation on your skin.

Gather the following items:

• 3 tbsp Fresh Mint Leaves or 1 tbsp dried
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup distilled or pure water

Mix together all ingredients and pour into a clean container. Let sit for three 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. Makes 8 oz

Herb After-Bath Splash~his after-bath splash refreshes your skin and body. It's especially uplifting after showing. Honey, a natural humectant, helps your skin retain moisture.

Gather the following:

• 2 cups apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup pure honey
• 1 tbsp fresh sage or 1 tsp dried
• 1 tsp ground dried cloves

Mix together all ingredients and pour into a clean jar; let sit for two weeks, shaking 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. Makes 12 oz

Herbal Vinegar Bath~This slightly acidic bath helps rinse away soap residues on your skin and restores you own natural acid balance. For women, it's 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's especially relaxing and calming an a great way to reduce stress.

Gather the following:

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary or 1 tsp dried
• 1 tbsp fresh tarragon or 1 tsp dried
• 1 1/2 tsp fennel seeds

Mix together all the ingredients in a small saucepan or microwave container and heat gently until just boiling. Let the mixture cool completely; then strain off all solids.

To use, pour the entire mixture int a warm bath and soak or 15 to 20 minutes. Makes enough for one bath.

Anti-Dandruff Hair Rinse~This hair rinse will help deep cleanse your scalp and rid 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.

Gather the following:

• 1/2 cup red wine or apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves or 1 tbsp dried
• 1 cup of boiling water

Place the vinegar and mint leaves in a bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Let the mixture cool completely and then stain.

To use, apply the solution to the scalp as a final rinse after shampooing. Rinse well with cool water. Makes 8 oz.

Garden Boot Bath~If you have calluses or rough skin spots on your feet from your garden boots a foot soak make from vinegar and baking soda should soothe ad soften your feet. You can also add some herbs to your soak, such as lavender and thyme. Both are naturally antiseptic and cleansing.

Gather the following:

• 2 quarts warm water
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup herbal vinegar or plain white vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh lavender flowers or 1 tsp dried
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves or 1 ts dried

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  rich natural oil or cream. Makes 64 oz, 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~Gather the following and pour into a warm bath for a refreshing and soothing soak:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup uncooked oatmeal
• 1 cup of vinegar

Enhance Your Body Wash~Add the following to 1 cup of your favorite liquid soap or cleanser. The vinegar will help remove soap residue and make you skin silky soft:

• 1 tbsp vinegar

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 the following to make an effective mouth rinse:

• 2 tbsp vinegar
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 cup water

Clean combs and hairbrushes~Get your cobs and brushes super clean, especially if you use styling products, by soaking them in a solution of :

• 2 cups hot water
• 1/2 vinegar

Let soak over night. In the morning rise well with cool water and allow to air dry

Have a wonderful day everyone!