What do you do when you run out of face cream or your skin care product is just not working for you? Raid your kitchen’s spice rack! Believe it or not, our ancestors have been using Mother Nature’s herbs and spices for centuries as a skin and beauty aid. Check your spice rack for a few ideas below and enjoy a more natural, beautiful you!

Basil

Basil is a great topical anesthetic that can be applied to itchy skin. To use: Simply boil ½ ounce of dried basil leaves in 2 cups of water. Once the herb mixture has cooled, dip a washcloth into the basil water and apply where skin is itchy. The mixture is also great as a simple aromatherapy refresher for the face. Simply splash the mixture on your face during your morning beauty regimen.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne is great spice for improving circulation, aiding in weight loss and relieving pain. The spice is also a great irritant for plumping lips naturally. To use: Mix a pinch of cayenne with a dab of your favorite beauty lip balm and apply to the lips. For pain, add a pinch of cayenne to your favorite lotion of cream and apply to the painful area. If you’re pregnant or nursing, you should use cayenne pepper sparingly. Also keep cayenne away from the eyes and nose.

Ginger

Ginger is excellent as a skin regiment because of its blood circulatory benefits. Chinese swear by the spice’s root as a way to stop hair loss. To use: Rub the root of ginger onto the scalp to prevent further hair loss. The oil from ginger can be used as massage oil. You can also add a few drops of the oil to your bath water for relief of sore muscles.

Mint

Mint is an excellent aid in insect bites and stings. To use: Boil 1 ounce of dried mint leaves in 2 cups of water. Once the herb mixture has cooled, dip the washcloth into the mint water and apply to the infected area. You can also juice the leaves of fresh mint and use it to lighten darkened areas on the face.

Rosemary

Rosemary can be used as a refreshing toner for the skin or added to the bath as a sore muscle reliever. You can add the herb to your favorite shampoo and conditioner to prevent dandruff and aid against gray hair and hair loss. The oil found in rosemary is excellent for natural toothpaste and as massage oil. Add it to your hairbrush for aromatherapy benefits.

Salt

Spritz a mixture of salt want water to your hair. Scrunch hair with your fingers and allow to dry to create natural waves. You can also spritz salt water on your face to aid in oily skin. Blot dry with a soft towel and avoid getting into the eyes.

Sage

Use sage as a beauty rinse on dark hair as a colorant to cover gray hair. To use: steep a handful of dried sage in one quart of boiling water for 30 minutes. If you want darker hair, steep for longer. Allow the herb mixture to cool, strain and pour through hair 15 times. Let sit 10 minutes and then rinse.

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