Thursday 18 August 2011

Mystical Rose Water



The rose water or essence is a common ingredient in homemade beauty preparations . According to legend, rose water was first used in Persia in the 10th century. It was also believed that rose water was mixed into the cement to build mosques in Baghdad.

Rose water is not only renowned for its pleasant aroma but it is valued for its taste.In fact, the rose water is also often used in recipes.
One of the main reasons why  rose water is often used in many beauty preparations is because it is gentle enough to be applied on any skin type, from dry skin , wrinkled skin and even on oily skin prone that is prone to acne.

Here are some natural beauty preparations using rose water:

Natural Skin Moisturiser

The rosewater with glycerin is a popular remedy to help moisturize the skin .Mix equal parts of rose water with glycerin and stir well. This mixture can be used both to moisturize the facial and body skin.It can also be used as a hand cream, to relieve dry hands .

After Shave Lotion
Due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties,rose water is an excellent after-shave lotion. Can be applied just like any other lotion. And can be used by both women and men.

To Soften and Moisturise Hair
To soften and moisturise the hair, mixed equal parts of shampoo and rosewater. Shampoo as usual.

For Relaxation and Stress ReliefTo relax and relieve stress , you can add rose water to bath water.
The scent of roses not only calms and relaxes it also stimulates feelings of love and peace.

To Restore the pH balance in the skin
If you want to have radiant skin, a very important factor is to maintain our skin's pH at between 4.2 and 5.6  Spritzing the face with rose water helps restore the pH balance especially after washing your face.

Wednesday 17 August 2011

Aloe Vera Magic

Aloe vera is one of the highly regarded plants in terms of medicinal properties. Legend has it that the natives of Mexico and Central America were so fascinated with their medicinal properties that they termed it "the hand of God."
Well, aloe vera has a long history as a medicinal plant. A pharmacist, doctor and botanist of ancient Greece, Parish Dioscorides had once recommended its use as an external remedy for  haemorrhoids, wounds, ulcers and hair loss.Until today, aloe vera is used for all the mentioned ailments. 
However, nowadays aloe is no longer recommended as a laxative because it is too strong.
It brings on a very strong intestinal cramping and can result in diarrhoea. 
Aloe vera is also very beneficial  in beauty care. Below are several home beauty remedies you can make with aloe vera . 
Here is a little tidbit for esoteric believers, there is also a belief that the aloe vera plant aids in helping attracting financial abundance !

Acne Aloe Treatment
To treat acne , you simply scrape the aloe gel out from the aloe leaf, and adds a dash of honey to the pulp. Stir well and put in a glass container. Cover and  refrigerate. Apply all over your face 30 minutes before bedtime. Leave overnight and wash your face as usual the next day.

Aloe Hair Loss Remedy
To strengthen the scalp and stop hair loss. Scrape the gel from one or two aloe vera leaves and mixed the pulp with a few squirts of almond oil. Place in a glass container,cover and refrigerate. Every evening, massage your scalp with this mixture and leave overnight.Wash your hair as usual the day after.

Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes Remedy
To reduce dark circles and puffy eyes, smear aloe gel under the eye area and  place a few slices of cucumber to cover the eye are. Leave on for 30 minutes.

To Prevent or Reduce Wrinkles
Here is an effective and easy way to prevent or minimize wrinkles. Scrape the gel of one or two aloe leaves  and put in a glass container and cover well. Keep in the fridge. Every night, apply the aloe pulp on your face and neck half an hour before bedtime. Leave it on for the whole night.Wash away next morning.

To Alleviate Cuts and Burns
As the aloe has excellent healing properties,it is often use for burns and wounds. Prepare the remedy as with the acne treatment listed above.Apply aloe onto  the affected part.Cover with a gauze.Please note that this remedy is only applicable to nothing more than minor burns and injuries. Please see a doctor if the injury or burn is serious.

 

Sunday 14 August 2011

Tea for Thought :Benefits of Tea


Culture of drinking is prevalent in many parts of the world. People often wonder where the origin of tea drinking culture is first derived. Many presumed it was originated from China , and this presumption may be true after all.
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Tea, was first known as a beverage in China in 2737 BC. An emperor of China, Emperor Shen Nung even wrote a book about tea as being efficacious as a medicine. The ancient Chinese people believed that tea drinking can restore body health and vitality,and indeed this fact has been evidenced by the many benefits of tea which has been discovered by experts.

China is where the journey of tea began,when trade routes opened,many Chinese traders brought and introduced tea to the world community. Eventually, tea finally arrived in the UK where Queen Elizabeth is known to get into the culture of drinking tea in the afternoons. British society began to imitate the habits of their queen having afternoon tea, and so the culture of 'tea time' is established and made famous till this very day.

But did you know that there are many different kinds of tea with an assortment of properties?

          
            Benefits of Green Tea


This tea is known to have a lot of health benefits. The nutritional value of green tea is tremendous, firstly green tea helps boost the immune system, thus keeping as in excellent condition to fight off diseases. Drinking it regularly,the minerals contained in the tea will help develop a natural immunity in the body so the body is not easily attacked by diseases. In fact, recent research shows that green tea can help prevent the development of tumor cells from growing.


Another raved benefit of green tea is its capacity to help maintain healthy skin, Many cosmetics company are now incorporating green tea into their beauty products. Green tea has a mineral content that makes skin stay fresh and moisturised. In addition, green tea can also be used as a calorie burner. By consuming green tea regularly, it can help you lose weight.


                                              Black Tea Benefits 
Black tea is less well known than green tea or other tea types. The major difference of black tea than the other types of tea is the way it is processed. After picking, black tea is oxidized to enhance the nutritive value of the leaves.
One of the benefits of black tea is to prevent free radicals from entering the body, this is so because of its antioxidants properties.. Antioxidants also can help to prevent heart attacks and stroke because it can expedite the flow of blood vessels to the heart.
                                            Rosella Tea Benefits
Another popular tea that is consumed by many is the Rosella tea. The aroma of this tea is much more fragrant than green tea or black tea.There are many benefits of the Rosella tea , among others, this tea helps to lower cholesterol , hypertension , gout and osteoporosis. The uniqueness of this Rose tea is that it is able to facilitate defecation so it it definitely helpful for constipation and beneficial to keep our
bowels healthy.

               
 

Saturday 13 August 2011

Majestic Crowning Glory : Traditional Homemade Hair Cream

Your hair is your crowning glory and most people want it to look lustrous and natural, so it's no wonder why so many of us over-process our hair with hair color and other treatments. This processing can damage your hair and leave it dried out and dull but fret not,here are some natural ingredients you might want to try on your hair. Not only will they make your hair look great but these will cost you a lot less than those expensive salon products.

Cream Bath Hair Treatments are synonymous with households throughout Indonesia. Regular treatments help to maintenance sleek and shiny hair. Although the term 'cream baths' sounds modernized  it is in fact  a traditional treatment  made with natural ingredients.This thick conditioning cream is massaged into the scalp and hair for 15 to 30 minutes,  The conditioning cream coats the hair. The hair cream is then washed off  leaving the hair superlatively soft and shiny.

For soft healthy shiny hair try this easy traditional remedy:


Lustrous Hair  Cream

1 teaspoon of honey
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lime juice
1 egg

Mix all ingredients and apply thoroughly onto hair.Leave on for 15 to 30 minutes before washing off.


Friday 12 August 2011

Natural Hair Care Recipes

If your hair is prone to tangles, dirt, or damage, don't despair. By taking appropriate care of your hair, you will be taking positive action towards its health by giving it everything it needs to make you feel really beautiful. Here are some natural hair care remedies I swear upon . Try them to feel and see the difference in your hair.

Add  Luster To Dull Hair :
Massage extra virgin olive oil into your scalp and wrap your head in a hot wet towel. Leave the oil on for at least a half hour before proceeding to the shampooing process. Do not repeat this exercise more than once a week.

Dry Hair Remedy:
Bring to a boil five tablespoons of hazel leaves mixed with four cups of water and leave on the heat for ten minutes. Filter your mixture and let it cool. Now add a squeeze of lemon juice. Shake before each use and vigorously rub it into your scalp in the morning after your shampoo. You can preserve this remedy for a maximum of eight days in the refrigerator.

 Eliminate Dandruff :
Put two leaves of rosemary in four cups of water and boil for five minutes. Let the leaves soak for 10 minutes and filter the concoction. Wait until it becomes warm and pour in two tablespoons of vinegar. Rub it vigorously into your scalp two to three times a week. This will eliminate flakes and prevent them from reappearing. Continue this application a few more times after the dandruff has disappeared completely.

Give Your Hair Brilliance :
Slice some leek and add to four cups of water which you will bring to a boil. Filter the mixture and rub it into your hair after you have rinsed shampoo from your hair with warm water. This is especially effective for brown and black hair.

Natural Highlights to Your Hair :
In four cups of water, add four to five cloves, one teaspoon of tea, one tablespoon of thyme and a dried orange peel. Bring to a boil and let it cool for a night. Next morning, filter the mix and apply it to your hair after shampooing. Make sure you don't rinse the mix out while letting your hair dry.

Thursday 11 August 2011

Vinegar Remedies



Let's talk about the humble white vinegar. It's especially good as a naturally disinfectant.Well, is not only useful for household cleaning but also very useful in cooking and is also very useful for home beauty remedies.
Here are several natural remedies using vinegar:

-Vinegar to give you more polish on the nails
While doing your own manicure, try applying a layer of vinegar on the nails before painting them.This can help make the nail colour polish look more vibrant,leaving a nice sheen on the nails.

-Vinegar as a natural peel to renew skin
Vinegar can be used as a natural peel to remove old skin cells. Mix equal parts water to vinegar.Use a    cotton pad to rub the vinegar all over the face. As with all peels the skin will be thin and sensitive after this  treatment, so you should use a barrier cream against the sun if you go out. 

-Vinegar to combat frizz or hair foams
For those of you who have the kind of hair that tends to puff up after washing, try adding a tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of cold water and use the solution as a final rinse after shampooing .Not only this combats frizz but it makes the hair shiny and smooth.

-Vinegar as a facial lotion.
 Vinegar is  good to use as a facial lotion to help reduce open pores and prevent acne. Mix a teaspoon of vinegar with six teaspoons of distilled water or rose water . Spritz the solution on cleaned facial skin and leave to dry.No rinsing required.

Wednesday 10 August 2011

Ancient Royal Treatment Scrub : Mandi Lulur


Asian ideology believes that the desire to be beautiful is valid and not a pursuit of vanity. Beauty is believed not only to be external but also internal so that any treatment that is associated with the pursuit of inner peace is desired. Taking the time to indulge in beauty treatments helps an individual to get back in touch with their bodies – a rewarding ritual.
One such rewarding treatment is the Mandi Lulur.This is a  treatment that has been practised in the Javanese palaces since the 17th century. This process is an exfoliation and polishing of the body that leaves the skin soft, supple and shiny 
This exfoliation and massage process involves a paste made up of herbs and other ingredients that have been soaked in water and blended into a scrub. The paste is then massaged into the entire body and left to dry for 20 to 30 minutes. After the paste has dried, it is then rubbed off to complete the exfoliation. The remaining paste is then washed or showered off. A slight yellow tinge may be left on the skin because of the turmeric in the paste; this will easily wash off with soap. The resulting effect is softer skin and improved skin quality.

Lulur Beras Kunyit:

1 cup crushed rice
1 cup tumeric powder
1 cup rose water
1/4 cup olive oil

Tuesday 9 August 2011

A Magical Treat For The Skin :Central Javanese Princesses' Milk Bath

The Secret of the Central Javanese Princesses' Milk Bath

The Central Javanese princesses made the idea of a milk bath as exotic as their beauty. But there is a real anti aging truth behind the royal practice. The milk contain lactic acid, which help to exfoliate and soften your skin. So when you come out of the bath your skin will be literally, as soft as a baby's skin. The royal princess was known to have beautiful skin and her secret was of course,bathing with milk, a natural product that kept her skin looking beautiful.
The reason why milk works such wonders for our skin is because the lactic acid in milk is an alpha hydroxy acid, a natural material that dissolves the glue that holds dead skin cells together. Milk can cleanse the skin down to its deepest layers.

You too can reap the benefits of milk and attained the same smooth,soft skin as the royal princess.For your own Central Javanese Princess bath simply do the following;

Add 2 to 4 cups of fresh milk or buttermilk to the bathwater as the tub is filling. Sprinkle a cupful of rose petals and  soak for a good 20 minutes. Gently rub your skin with a washcloth or loofa to slough off the dead skin. Rinse your body thoroughly after bathing.

Monday 8 August 2011

Radiant Skin Recipes

Every day, exterior factors harm your facial skin. It defends itself as best it can on its own, but if you nourish it properly and give your skin the most effective conditions possible to breathe and rest, you will truly have a radiant complexion.Below are some natural inexpensive homemade beauty recipes that can help you achieve that dream skin.

Natural Make-Up Remover:
Take 10 strawberries and mix them in a blender. Filter the juice with a coffee filter, and make sure you remove all the grainy particles. Add three tablespoons of powdered milk, and mix well. This lotion has proven to effectively and thoroughly cleanse the surface of your face before going to bed. You can even preserve this milk for three to four days in the top shelf of your refrigerator.

Radiant Skin Toner:
Mix about half a cup of carrot juice with half a cup of hot water (not boiled water) and pour it into a bottle. Do not forget to shake the "cocktail" well before each use. You can preserve this natural lotion between three to five days in the refrigerator. By applying it daily, you will enjoy truly radiant skin.

Deep Cleansing Lotion:
Take two tablespoons of  honey, one tablespoon of fresh cream and one teaspoon of lemon juice. Vigorously mix the solution and apply it to your face and neck. Leave the lotion on for fifteen to twenty minutes and rinse with warm water.

Skin Matifying Toner:
Visit a flower market and find some fresh lavender (never dried) with which you will grind three tablespoons of almond oil and four tablespoons of liquefied fresh cream. Shake the mixture well until you see a light foam on the surface. Apply the mixture like a toner. This will moisturize your skin without making it oily.

Refreshing Toner:
Place approximately 7 ounces of fresh mint leaves in a bowl and add two cups of boiling water. Wait approximately twenty minutes to enable the mixture to dissolve and filter it with a coffee filter. This lotion will be effective in opening your face's skin pores.

Scrub Your Face
Take two large strawberries and mix them with two tablespoons of lemon juice. Make sure you filter the mix well, leaving behind residual grains. Dip two fingers in your mixture and apply to your face using small circular motions. It's recommended that you perform this scrub at the end of the day. Under no circumstances should you scrub your skin before exposure to the sun.

Fight a Dull Complexion :
Mix together one tablespoon  honey and one tablespoon of lemon juice. Apply to your face and neck and leave it on for one hour. For an optimal effect, apply the mixture with a hand towel soaked in rosemary water. Whether you apply it once at night or once each morning for a week, your facial skin will soon look splendid and radiant.

Sunday 7 August 2011

Gingerly Goodness

Ginger's warming and soothing qualities make it a valuable ingredient in many beauty treatment recipes. It's especially beneficial if you are feeling slightly run down as it stimulates circulation and helps to eliminate toxins. When used externally, the warming, stimulating properties of ginger make an invigorating bath. Ginger stimulates the circulation and has a spicy, exotic aroma. It is used widely in far eastern natural beauty and health remedies.I have listed some effective ginger concoctions that has been used by my family for the longest time ever. 

Ginger Magic Juice - Release your headache

Ginger can be a pain reliever for your headaches. Mashes a ginger and extract the juice out of it. And add the same amount of sesame oil. When you have a headache, dip your fingers in this ginger juice and apply a little on both inert temples. Your pain will be gone like a magic. If you use this consistently for some hours, it is very effective. I recommend this method for frequent migraine people.

Ginger Tea - Reduces Excessive Perspiration

Ginger tea, because it has anti-fungal properties, is a great herbal remedy for relieving bad breath,body odour and aiding excessive perspiration. Prepare ginger tea, let it cool down, and rub your underarms with ginger tea. Leave to dry before dressing. For bad breath: Gargle your mouth with ginger tea 2 times a day.

-wash and peel the ginger then cut into small, thin pieces
-pour 1 cup of boiling water over 3/4 teaspoon of ginger
-cover and steep for 5 minutes.Strain

.Ginger Tea is delicious as a drink too.Simply add sugar to taste.It has many health benefits as well which includes:

-relieves sore throat
-minimizes symptoms of allergies or the common cold
-relieves flatulence
-decreases blood sugar
-relieves menstrual pain
-increases libido.

Saturday 6 August 2011

Concocting Your Own Beauty Recipes

The choice for making natural skin care recipes is much preferred by many because it is less expensive and does not have the adverse effects that are present in synthetic lotions. However, It does not give the result as quick as synthetic creams do but it can still matched or even magnify the effects of like that of their commercial counterparts.

Whipping up the Recipes

Before you start creating and applying your own natural skin care recipes on your faces make sure that you visit a doctor to rule out any allergies from possible ingredients that you might be using. Prepare the necessary ingredients and materials that you will need for a faster and much less time consuming effort to make up a recipe that will work for your skin.

The Experiment

Try whipping up your own concoction with the use of the most natural ingredients possible. You can eventually come up with younger and more radiant looking skin with the help of different natural skin care recipes. Unsure of what ingredients to use? Why not save the trouble and whip up these tried and tested beauty recipes instead. Have Fun!

On an end note: "Excellent Recipes For Excellent Results!"

Friday 5 August 2011

The Wonder Root :Turmeric

Cosmetics are everywhere: in salons and department stores...and the temptation is always great when it comes to treating yourself to look and feel good. Yet there is nothing simpler than to take of your own looks by using home made products to help you mantain your beauty.It's cheaper and a lot healthier since its 100% natural.
Being of Indonesian descent,turmeric has been a beauty staple in my mum's beauty diary.
It’s one of Indonesia’s most revered ingredients used in its herbal medicinal tradition(Jamu) and beauty rituals for centuries.

                    What is this wonder spice?  
Turmeric is an old herb in the ginger family, and is known to grow wild in Southern Asia including India , Indonesia and nearby Asian countries. It is less fibrous than ginger, and has a nutty, slightly funky herbal smell to it and a nice, peppery and warm flavour.


 So what is so special about the tumeric?

Tumeric contains curcumin and this the potent substance that brightens skin and naturally fights discoloration and age spots naturally.
 It gives your skin a natural glow – just try it! Only 15 minutes and you’ll notice a difference.The more often you use Turmeric in your beauty regime the more impact it's wonderful qualities will have. I noticed a difference after only 3 applications. I use it regularly and have benefited from it's glow effect on the skin.



Thursday 4 August 2011

Natural Body Care Recipes

You must take care of your body, whatever your age. Each part of your body should receive appropriate attention. Avoid neglecting any part of your body, and make sure your skin maintains firmness and elasticity. In other words, looking young means keeping your skin radiant and healthy.

Tone Your Body
Use a blender and make approximately two cups of fresh apple juice. Apply the liquid directly onto your breasts and stomach by rubbing softly. This will cause the skin to become firm. For best results, massage your body slowly.

Eliminate Stretch Marks
Don't wait for them to appear to fight them. Mix 1.5 ounces of avocado oil with a generous tablespoon of lemon oil. Massage the oil daily on your hips, your breasts and your thighs, each for 20 minutes.

Soften Your Skin
Simmer four cups of full cream milk in a pan until warm, add three tablespoons of honey and stir. Turn off the heat and pour the liquid into a small glass of carrot juice. Stir some more and empty the contents into your bath before getting in.

Moisturize Your Skin
Heat four cups of full cream milk, but don't let it reach boiling point. Stir in five tablespoons of acacia honey and one teaspoon of ground almonds. Mix well. Pour the mixture into the water of your bath before getting in.


Relax Your Feet
Pour one tablespoon of dehydrated milk powder in a bowl; add one teaspoon of olive oil and half a teaspoon of lemon extract. Pour the mixture in a basin filled with warm water and soak your feet for 15 minutes.

Wednesday 3 August 2011

Anti Aging Face Pack/Mask Recipes

Do Not Wait until You Can See Your Wrinkles across the Road

You would be surprised with what you can do at home, without spending too much time, effort or money on reversing the effects of aging. Anti aging does not always mean to have thousands of dollars spent on different medical and cosmetic interventions. Rather it would mean that you lead a disciplined life both with regards to your daily habits as well as with the food you consume. In fact some of the most effective anti aging products are found right in your kitchen.


Here is an Easy and Effective Anti-wrinkle face pack:

Blend following ingredients thoroughly:
1 tsp cucumber juice
1 egg white (Beaten until stiff)
1 tbsp mint juice
½ tsp honey
1 tsp curd (yoghurt)
Apply thickly on face. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse.


This mask will nourish your skin, tighten pores, and remove dead skin cells, for a fresher skin.

Blend following ingredients until smooth:
½ cup coarsely chopped peeled cucumber
½ cup coarsely chopped peeled avocado
1 egg white
2 teaspoons powdered milk
Refrigerate for 30 minutes, and then apply to face and neck.
Leave the mask in place for 30 minutes, and then rinse with warm water (to open pores)
Then rinse with cold water to close and tighten pores. Pat dry.


Honey Face Lift Mask :

Mix the following ingredients:
1 ½ tbsp honey
½ tsp carrot juice
Apply evenly on face.
Leave on for 20 minutes.
Remove using cotton wool dipped into warm water,
to which a pinch of baking soda has been added.

Tuesday 2 August 2011

The Ultimate Beauty Elixir: Confidence Juice

It is the intention of me writing this post to come to the aid of some people out there, who for whatever reason, regardless of their actual attractiveness, have negative self perceptions and thus lack the necessary confidence to even have a chance at appearing remotely attractive to the opposite sex.

I live by the motto: "Everyone Is Beautiful In Their Special Unique Way."  and I am trying to drive this message across to each and everyone of you out there to embrace these words and start appreciating your unique individual beauty.

Who am I to be giving Asian beauty advice you ask? A tall, drop dead gorgeous Asian beauty with long black hair, fair skin, and eyes that will give Catherine-Zeta Jones a run for her money? No, guess again! I am a very average looking Asian lady who has managed to attract the attention of countless guys that she has liked over the years just by following a few very simple, easy to follow, and logical Asian beauty secrets.

Please don't get the wrong idea, I am not trying to sell you a product about Asian beauty secrets. The Asian beauty tips discussed within this blog is completely free . I sincerely hope that it improves the lives of as many people around the world as we they try their hardest to attract the attention of the boys / girls that they like. With that said, here are some lesser known Asian beauty secrets that, if you apply to your daily beauty routine, will dramatically improve your physical appearance.


               Our Asian beauty secret for today is: Confidence 

Heard it all before? Yes, well guess what? That does not matter. Please, for your sake, do not dismiss this as this is without a doubt the most important beauty secret that most of your average beauty web-sites overlook.

Confidence. When you say something with confidence people will believe you, this is proven. The secret is, there is absolutely no difference when it comes to your physical appearance. You must hold yourself in a way that makes people think that you are 100% satisfied and comfortable with who you are - this is VERY attractive. Haven't you ever been slightly attracted to someone who wasn't really that physically attractive? Chances are that they had a great personality, and the main factor that makes up a "good personality" is confidence - which I might add, should not be confused with arrogance. Quiet confidence is our goal, and the trick here is to convey your confidence with calmness and contentment rather than with words.

Question: Why do unattractive people get attractive partners?

Money you say? NO! Confidence. If anything, money just fuels confidence and in turn this sets off a chain reaction of dramatically positive attributes that make people see you in a more beautiful light. This is why a person's level of confidence is the #1 Asian beauty tip and considered by people in the Asian beauty industry as the most important...so the very first step to looking better is to start embracing how beautiful you are in your own special way and let that confidence shine through!