Be happy if you’ve struck oil…..not the kind that bubbles up in the ground but the kind that comes from plants, nuts and seeds. I recently had a very enthusiastic friend tell me about some beauty product they purchased in Europe. They were carrying on about this “magic formula” and what is could do for their skin. After they finished, I looked at the ingredients and pointed out a few of them were just naturally “magic”. By using these single oils I assured my friend they could save a lot of money!
Oils. Image via Feel Good Style
Take almond oil for example. It is effective for the hair, face and body making it an inexpensive all-in-one beauty treatment. Almond oil is also hydrating and won’t clog pores. It works as a make-up remover and is especially good for sensitive skin so says Dr. Soheil Simzar, a Santa Monica, California dermatologist. A rich source of magnesium—a common ingredient in hair products—makes it a natural way to repair split ends and make hair ultra shiny. Try applying a tablespoon of oil to dry spilt ends, leave it overnight and rinse with shampoo and cool water in the morning. He also recommends spreading a thin layer on chapped lips or dry heels.
Another natural oil is Jojoba made from a desert shrub by the same name. Its chemical nature is strikingly similar to our body’s own natural oils. It moisturizes, hair, skin and nails but it’s also a great cleanser and lip conditioner and a safe carrier oil, meaning you can add essential oils to it.
Want an option for dark circles under your eyes? Try grapeseed oil which boasts antioxidants and fatty acids that make it a natural option for tightening skin especially under the eyes. Definitely an anti-aging choice.
Geranium oil is a natural astringent used in chemical free deodorants. It doesn’t just reduce body odor though, it also treats oily skin and acne (including scars), calms inflammation, and can boost circulation.
And now for a top-of-the-line pick as an anti-bacterial….. lavender oil. It also earns top billing on most aromatherapy blends thanks to its ability to soothe headaches, aid sleep, and calm the nervous system.
Rosehip oil, extracted from the flower’s seeds, is full of beta-carotene, retinoic acid, and omegas-3 and 6. What does that mean? That it works wonders on sun burns, scars, and eczema. It can also strengthen and heal brittle nails, so rub it onto your cuticles nightly.
Eucalyptus oil pressed from the eucalyptus tree’s dried leaves, can be found in cough drops or aromatherapy blends. But it also has topical uses. A study in American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that it can actually relieve physical pain.
Then there is the blend of 17 essential oils of Dominica…..Oil of Ojas…. one of my favorites. The list is long but suffice it to say it is a mosquito and sand fly repellent, reduces inflammation in the joints, pain in the muscles, dry skin and cold and flu symptoms. Good for various skin conditions such as sunburn, diabetic neuropathy and great as a massage oil.
And finally, I’ve saved the best for last…..coconut oil!! Dominica is so very blessed to have an abundance of coconuts. Here the list is also long: Take off your makeup; deep condition your hair; rejuvenates skin as well as scars; soothes bug bites; boosts your energy when mixed with cereal and drinks; is an excellent moisturizer for skin and nails; burns abdominal fat when consumed; oil pulling in your mouth for gum disease; and finally sauté, bake or grill just about anything with it!
So get rich (in health) and strike oil!! Choose any of the above for a better quality of life and easy on your finances too!
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