Varicose veins are unsightly and uncomfortable. They affect both men and women and appear to have a genetic predisposition. In other words, men and women if you have family members that suffer from varicose veins will also probably have weak valves in their veins and have the same experience.

Varicose veins occur when the one way valves that stop blood from pooling in the feet are damaged. When the blood leaves the heart it is pumped throughout the body by the force of the heart muscle. When it comes to the end of the route and has delivered all of the oxygen available, it turns around and heads for home, the heart and lungs.

On the return trip there is no heart muscle to pump the blood back against gravity. Instead, there are a series of one-way valves in the venous system that works with muscle contraction to force the blood through the legs, up to the inferior vena cava which then delivers the blood to the heart and lungs.  Read more...

Put 6 tbsp. of grated castile soap and some water in a heatproof bowl and place over a saucepan of boiling water. When the soap has melted, stir in 5 tbsp glyverine. Remove from heat and stir in 4 drops of lavender oil.

If desired, stir in a few drops of natural food colouring to colour the soap. When cool, pour into clean bottles and seal with corks.

Adapted from Perfumes, Splashes, and Colognes, by Nancy M. Booth (Storey Books, 1997). http://www.care2.com/

I couldn’t believe how easy it is to make this luxurious cream perfume. It is such a great gift idea, and so quick you can whip up a batch at the very last minute and still have it done in plenty of time!

We include two different formulas: one is bright and citrusy (according to a recent study I just saw discussed on the internet, wearing citrus scents makes you appear thinner to the opposite sex!) and one spicily reminiscent of the Three Kings’ gifts. Both are completely divine.

INGREDIENTS

* 2 tablespoons grated beeswax
* 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
* 1-2 teaspoons pure essential oils

1. Melt beeswax in an enamel or glass pan over boiling water. Add sweet almond oil; combine. Be patient with this step; it’s important to blend them completely.

2. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding the oils of your choice (see formulas below).  Read more...

On occasion it is beneficial to take time to relax in a soothing special bath and smooth the skin.

Depending on what you put into the water, a bath can be:

a. Nourishing
b. Stimulating
c. Toning
d. Soothing
e. Relaxing

Easy additions to the bath water are as follows:

a. 1 cup of vinegar: Soften water / soothe dry and itching skin
b. 1 tablespoon of ground oatmeal: Soothe / soften skin
c. 1 cup of powdered milk: Nourish skin / combat dryness
d. 1 large spoon of honey: Relieve tiredness / sleeplessness
e. Orange or Lemon peel: For a pleasant odour
f. 2 tablespoons of laundry starch: Tighten / smooth skin
g. 2 handfuls of Epsom salts: Combat tiredness

Herbal Bath Treatments

Herbal baths have traditionally been incorporated into a beauty treatment regime. The more popular herbs for the bath include the following:

* Chamomile flowers, Elder flowers, Thyme – Softening / soothing skin
* Mint, Rosemary – Stimulating circulation
* Blackberry leaves – Clearing the skin
* Comfrey – Chapped, sore, spotty skin
* Lavender – For the pleasant odour/relaxing

Description
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Doctor Help Me Slim Down!: Firm up and get rid of cellulite!

* 1 Cup finely ground mineral sea salt
* 3 tbsp lavender flowers
* 1 Cup Olive Oil
* 2 Tbsp Jojoba Oil
* 10-15 drops Lavender essential oil

Mix all ingredients together until you have a smooth paste. Store in a glass Jar. Because of the salt content, this scrub has a LONG shelf life.

To use

Mix salt glow well prior to using, you will need about 1/4 – 1/2 a cup for one treatment.

Sit in a dry tub. Massage salt into skin in a circular motion, beginning with the feet and working in toward the heart. Pay extra attention to dry areas such as feet, ankles, knees and elbows. If you have problems with cellulite (Who doesn’t), pay extra attention to those areas as well.

After you are finished, run the tub full of warm water, rinse the salt off of your skin, but allow the oils to remain. Soak and relax!

Your skin will feel soft and smooth, and you will feel relaxed and ready for bed!

* 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
* 13 drops geranium
* 13 drops bergamot
* 13 ylang ylang

Into a wide-mouthed clean glass jar add cornstarch. Add essential oils. Cap jar and gently shake to blend. Using a wooden spoon, break up any clumps that may form. Let sit for 2-3 days to allow essential oils to mingle and blend. Shake before using.

* 1 cup distilled water
* 1 cup vodka
* 1/8 cup glycerine
* 1 tsp vitamin E
* 15 drops Lemon Essential Oil
* 15 drops of Orange or Tangerine Essential Oil
* 15 drops Grapefruit Essential oil
* 1 drop yellow food coloring

Blend all ingredients and store in spray bottle. Use after shower to refresh. Shake before use.

We all know that weight gain can lead to many medical problems including diabetes in children, adolescents and adults. Obesity, which can shorten the life span by at least a decade or more, may cause strokes and heart disease. However, one of the big problems with weight gain is stretch marks. When people gain weight, the skin becomes more like elastic and has to stretch to occupy the excess weight gain.

Stretch marks usually start in young teens going through puberty. As the body grows, many young woman experience stretch marks as breasts and hips grow in. The skin can only stretch so much. Weight gain and stretch marks are very closely related. When people gain weight the skin is overstretched and the collagen in the skin is changed. The result will be deep reddish purple or light shiny white lines.  Read more...

* 1/4 cup dried lavender flowers
* 1/4 cup instant powdered whole milk
* 1/4 cup oatmeal

Place into a muslin drawstring bag. Toss the bag into the bath water as it’s running. You can also use the bag to rub your skin as you bathe.