Originally, castile soap was an olive oil based soap made in the Castile region of Spain. Today, “castile” refers to any soap that is made from vegetable oil rather than animal fat and synthetic substances. Liquid castile soap is natural, biodegradable, and versatile product with numerous effective applications. I know 12 great uses for castile soap, are there any I missed? I would love to hear your ideas!

1. Hand soap and everyday body-washing. Get wet and pour 2-3 drops of soap onto hands or washcloth. Lather up, scrub down, rinse off, and tingle fresh and clean.

2. Shampoo

Castile soap shampoo recipe 1:

• 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
• 1/4 cup hot water
• 1/2 tsp olive, grapeseed or jojoba oil
• ~5 drops essential oil of your choice

Dissolve the soap in the hot water. Stir in the oils. Enjoy your new natural shampoo.

Castile soap shampoo recipe 2:

• 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
• 1 beaten egg
• 1 tsp olive, grapeseed or jojoba oil
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Whip until smooth. Use immediately and put any leftovers into the refrigerator and use the next day or two.

3. Baby bath
Pour 1/4 cup of liquid castile soap in running water for a natural, gentle, and safe baby bath. As with any baby wash, be sure to keep it out of baby eyes.

4. Bubble bath
Luxurious castile soap bubble bath recipe:

• 1/2 – 1 cup liquid castile soap
• 5-8 drops essential oil of your choice
• 2 ounces of coconut oil

Pour the bubble bath mix into the running bath water. Relax!

5. Shaving

6. Pet shampoo

7. Laundry
Use 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup for one regular load. Adding a dash of baking soda makes it even better.

8. Household cleaner

1 part castille soap to 40 parts water for light cleaning, 1 part castille soap to 10 parts water for heavy duty cleaning.

9. Dishwashing detergent
Natural automatic dishwasher detergent recipe:

• 1/2 cup liquid castile soap
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup white vinegar

Blend all ingredients together. Store in a squirt top bottle. Use 2 tablespoons per load of dishes, shake well before use.

10. Veggie/fruit wash

11. Toothpaste. I’ve heard that pure liquid castile soap can be used for brushing your teeth! Has anyone tried this?

12. Backpacking. Because castile soap is so versatile and biodegradable you can take one small bottle with you and use it for everything without fouling up the environment.

Health benefits of coconut oil

• Coconut oil strengthens the immune system. It helps in dealing with viruses and bacteria causing diseases such as influenza, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis and even HIV.
• Virgin coconut oil balances out-of-range cholesterol levels in the body.
• Coconut oil helps reduce risk for heart disease and stroke.
• Coconut oil helps reduce risk of cancer.
• Coconut oil helps in controlling blood sugar.
• Coconut oil enhances weight loss. Fats contained in coconut oil are easily converted into energy quickly, thus giving it no time at all to accumulate in the body. Coconut oil also speeds up metabolism, and boosts energy and endurance.
• Applying coconut oil to the head followed with a gentle massage helps in removing anxiety and stress.
• Coconut oil helps in preventing premature aging and degenerative diseases due to its antioxidant properties.
• Coconut oil helps in improving the digestive system and thus prevents various stomach and digestion related problems. Coconut oil also helps in absorption of important nutrients.
• As coconut oil improves the ability of our body to absorb important nutrients (including minerals, such as calcium and magnesium), it helps in getting strong bones and teeth.
• Coconut oil helps in preventing liver, kidney and gall bladder diseases.

Add coconut oil to your daily diet! It can be a healthy alternative to butter or margarine. It is also ideal for frying foods, as it possesses a high smoking point. Moreover, coconut oil is very stable, and has a long shelf-life.

Coconut oil for a healthy hair
Virgin coconut can give you stronger, shinier and healthier hair.  It strengthens your hair shaft and root, reducing split ends and hair breakage. Coconut oil is the best hair treatment for dry, damaged hair and itchy scalp. Regular massage of the head with coconut oil ensures that your scalp is free of dandruff, lice, and lice eggs.

Coconut oil hair treatment recipe:

• Scoop out some coconut oil into a cup. Put the cup in a pot with warm water to melt the oil.
• Pour some of the warm oil into hands and run your fingers through your dry hair.
• Coat your hair with the oil. Use just enough so that the oil will penetrate the hair, without leaving an oily or greasy look. Use more oil at the ends, less in the middle and near the roots.
• Put on a shower cap. For very dry hair, leave the treatment overnight; for oily or normal hair, leave it for an hour.
• Wash out hair with a gentle shampoo. Skip using a conditioner.

• For dandruff treatment, combine coconut oil with two-three drops of tea tree, rosemary, geranium, or cedarwood essential oils.

Coconut oil for a healthy skin
Virgin coconut oils will moisturize and nourish your skin using only its pure natural ingredients, without any preservatives, chemicals or solvents. It improves skin lipid levels, increases hydration, reduces roughness and scaling, and fights viruses and bacteria.

Deep skin moisturizing and conditioning treatment:

• Shower and exfoliate all over your body.
• While still in the shower take some virgin coconut oil and rub between your palms to melt the oil.
• Massage the oil onto your skin.
• After covering your body in coconut oil, rinse off in warm water.
• Step out of the shower and use your towel to gently pat dry your skin. This will leave a nice thin layer of coconut oil on your skin.

Do this treatment right before going to bed, several times a week, and you would not experience any dry itchy skin symptoms – even during the cold dry winter months.

• Virgin coconut oil is safe to use as a facial moisturizer. It does not clog pores. Moreover, it can help reduce acne symptoms.
• Coconut oil is gentle enough to use as eye makeup removal, and it can lubricate the skin for shaving.
• Coconut oil make it a great topical remedy for rosacea, psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and diaper rash.
• Coconut oil makes great massage oil. It is easily absorbed by the skin and promotes healing. It will make your skin soft, shiny, smooth, and mmm… yummy!

Examples of essential oils that should be avoided in pregnancy are:

• Angelica
• Basil
• Clove
• Cinnamon
• Coriander
• Fennel
• Ginger
• Juniper
• Myrrh
• Nutmeg
• Parsley
• Peppermint
• Rose
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Thyme

Examples of essential oils that can be used in pregnancy are:

• Bergamot
• Eucalyptus
• Frankincense
• Geranium
• Grapefruit
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Mandarin
• Sandalwood
• Sweet Orange
• Tea Tree
• Ylang Ylang

Many essential oils can be used safely in pregnancy and help alleviate many pregnancy related problems. However it is strongly advised to consult a qualified aromatherapist on the use of essential oils in pregnancy to avoid any potential dangers.

Egg shampoo recipe

• 1 egg
• 1 tsp – olive oil, wheat germ oil or almond oil
• 1 tsp – lemon juice
• 1 tbsp – castile soap
• 1/2 cup – water or herbal tea

Blend the ingredients together, wash your hair and rinse well.

Aromatherapy shampoo recipe

• 1 tbsp – castile soap
• 1/2 cup – water
• 5 drops – essential oil.  Choose essential oils according to your hair type:

Dry hair: sandalwood, ylang ylang, lavender essential oils
Normal hair: rosemary, rose, lavender, geranium essential oils
Oily hair: lemon, sage, lemon, tea tree, lavender, geranium essential oils
Dandruff and itchy scalp: rosemary, tea tree, lemon, chamomile, lavender essential oils

Blend the ingredients together, wash your hair and rinse well.

Herbal shampoo recipe

• 1/2 cup – castile soap
• 1 tsp – olive oil
• 1 tbsp – aloe vera juice
• 1/3 cup – herbal infusion

To make an herbal infusion, pour one cup boiling water over a handful of dried flowers (chamomile for blondes, rosemary for brunettes, hibiscus for redheads). Cover, cool and filter. Blend the ingredients, wash your hair and rinse well.

Honey shampoo for dry or damaged hair

• 2 cups liquid castile soap
• 1/2 half cup of honey
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E liquid.

Blend well. Wash massaging into the scalp.

For extra shine, add a dash of apple cider vinegar or a couple of drops of pure lemon oil to your final rinse.

• 2 cups – Epsom salt
• 3 tbsp – baking soda
• 8 drops – essential oils

Choose 3 or 4 oils from these essential oils: cedarwood, chamomile, cypress, frankincense, geranium, lavender, mandarin, melissa, neroli, orange, rose, rosewood, sandalwood, ylang ylang essential oils.

Mix the ingredients very well. Add to tub of running water.

Energizing salt bath recipe

• 1 cup – Epsom salts
• 1 cup – sea salt
• 3 drops – eucalyptus essential oils
• 3 drops – rosemary essential oils
• 3 drops – peppermint essential oil

Mix the ingredients and add to tub of running water.

Relaxing minty bath oil recipe

• 1/2 cup – castor oil
• 1/2 tsp – spearmint oil
• 1/2 tsp – orange oil

Blend the ingredients together in a bottle by shaking them up, and add to warm bath.

Honey and oatmeal milk bath recipe

• 1/2 cup – powdered milk
• 1/2 cup – finely ground oats
• 1/2 cup – honey

Mix the ingredients, and add to warm bath.

Skin-softening bath recipe

• 1 cup – buttermilk
• 3 tbsp – Epsom salt
• 1/2 tbsp – olive oil or canola oil
• 3 drops lavender or geranium essential oil

Mix the ingredients and add to tub of running water. Soak for 15 minutes or so, relax and enjoy!

Herbal oil insect repellent
Use this oil every day when bugs are at their worst. As a bonus, your skin will be soft, conditioned, and pleasantly fragranced.

• 1/2 cup soybean base oil (it has natural insect-repellent properties)
• 15 drops each of the following essential oils: lemongrass, geranium, catnip
• 10 drops basil or eucalyptus radiate essential oil

Add all ingredients directly to a storage container (squeeze bottle or glass spritzer). Shake the mixture to blend, and allow it to synergize for 1 hour. No refrigeration is required, but for maximum freshness and potency, please store the blend away from light and heat and use within 6 to 12 months. Shake well before each use. During the height of bug season, you can use this herbal oil-based repellent as a bath oil, scalp massage oil and all-purpose body moisturising oil.

Lemony insect repellent spray
This light-textured natural repellent leaves your skin feeling fresh and clean and pleasantly scented.

• 2 cups witch hazel
• 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerine
• 20 drops citronella essential oil
• 20 drops lemongrass essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a 16-ounce spray bottle. Shake the mixture vigorously to blend. No refrigeration is required, but for maximum freshness and potency, please store the blend away from light and heat and use within a year. Shake well before each use. Apply liberally to skin as needed – approximately, every hour. Caution: This blend may stain white or pale-colored clothing.

Reference: Tourles, S. (2007) Organic body care recipes.

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Summer skincare
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Natural remedies for itch and sting relief
Natural home remedies for sunburn relief

Healthy nutrition

In order to fight cellulite, you have to detox your body. Avoid sugars, saturated and hydrogenated fats, caffeine, refined and processed foods, alcohol, soda and tobacco use.Reduce the amount of salt in your diet, since salt is known to contribute to water retention, which promotes cellulite.

Eat little and often. Consume a nutrient-dense diet rich in whole, unprocessed, preferably organic, foods. Feast on fruit and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Fiber is important, as it removes waste and toxins from the intestinal tract. Increase your intake of proteins (cold-water fish, lean meats, seeds, nuts, legumes) and wholegrain foods (bran, oat cereals).

Use spices that are effective in curing cellulite, owing to their antioxidant properties: cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic, ginger, juniper berries, peppermint, etc.

Drink 1-2 liters of still, pure water daily. Add fresh lemon juice for further detoxification. Drink detoxifying herbal teas of dandelion, ginger, burdock, red clover, etc.

Supplements
Vitamins C and E may help to reduce cellulite. Fish oil, gingko biloba, and soy lecithin are also effective supplements that provide positive effects such as improving blood circulation, boosting metabolism, and protecting against cell damage.

Exercise
It is better to combine cardiovascular exercises with strength training and stretching. Though this may be anything from walking and swimming to dancing and yoga. You can lose weight, tone your muscles and keep your heart healthy. To help speed up the cellulite reduction process, you can choose exercises that target the area that contains the cellulite. Exercise also helps your body eliminate toxins, another key to cellulite reduction. Moreover, regular exercise increases your serotonin level as effectively as an antidepressant. Make a habit of exercising for at least 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week.

Massage
A massage activates blood circulation and lymphatic system helping battle the cellulite. Perform cellulite massage in a circular motion from top to bottom. Massage with coconut oil proves to be very useful in treating cellulite. As well, many essential oils like cedar, juniper, rosemary can be added to your massage oil for better effect. Mixing 3 parts apple cider vinegar with one part of your massage oil is also effective.

Dry skin brushing
Regular dry skin brushing just before bathing gives excellent results. Start brushing your feet upwards and from your lower to upper arms going through your shoulders and back. It will increase blood circulation and improve the appearance of your skin. Wet skin is generally not recommended, as it stretches more on brushing.

Anti-cellulite creams
Anti-cellulite creams with botanical ingredients like ivy barley, kola nut, sweet clover, lemon, strawberry and fennel increase circulation and blood flow in the area, repair and fortify skin cells and connective tissue, therefore improving the skin texture and reducing the cellulite.

It is very easy to make an anti-cellulite massage cream at home. Mix coffee grounds with any vegetable oil or moisturizing lotion. Rub it on the cellulite areas for just a couple minutes a day and then shower it off. The coffee grounds will exfoliate the skin, while the caffeine will absorb into the skin and stimulate fat cells to release.

Anti-cellulite body wrap
Try to make an anti-cellulite body wrap at home (and safe at least $100 ). The body wrap will stimulate your fat cells and absorb toxins that have been built up in the skin. Take the warm coffee grinds or seaweed and smooth them out over the area of skin that has cellulite. Wrap the treated area in plastic wrap and some towels. You can also use gauze to hold the coffee grinds in place before applying the plastic wrap. Relax and leave it for about 30 minutes. Then, remove the towels and plastic wrap. Take a warm shower and enjoy your rejuvenated skin.

Aromatherapy
Soak yourself in warm bath with a mixture of about two cups of sea salt and 6-8 drops of essential oil for 10-20 minutes. While you are in a tub, massage your body with an upward motion. Essential oils such as juniper, rosemary, cedar wood, grapefruit and patchouli are useful in cellulite removal.

Stress reduction
It is vital to reduce unmanageable stress. Start to practice deep breathing, meditation and yoga right now.

Getting rid of cellulite is not a big deal, if you work to remove it on a daily basis! Wish you patience and good luck!

Carrier (base) oils

Choose the one which seems most applicable to your skin:

Peach kernel oil: Rich in vitamin A, nourishing.

Apricot kernel oil: All skin types, especially elderly, inflamed and dry skin. Good for wrinkles as well as stretch marks on the body.

Avocado oil: Dry and dehydrated skin.

Grapeseed oil: Most skin types. Avoid using on sensitive skin, eczema and psoriasis.

Wheatgerm oil: All skin types, including inflamed, red, or dry skins, eczema, psoriasis and acne. Rich in vitamin E and phosphorus; soothes, heals and helps to smooth out wrinkles and lines.

Almond oil: Lubricates and smoothes skin and reduces red veins. Helps relieve itching, soreness, dryness, inflammation and wrinkled, dry skin.

Coconut oil: Acts as a cleanser, can have a drying effect on skin. Good for oily skin.

Essential oils

Choose oils most appropriate to your skin, or simple opt for the smells which please you most:

Benzoin: Has a toning effect, acts as an antiseptic; very good for dry skin.

Lavender: Has stimulating and antiseptic effect; good for oily skin and spots or any blemishes which need healing.

Patchouli: Soothes dry, flaky skin.

Frankincense: Rejuvenating and regenerating.

Neroli: Rejuvenating and regenerating; this is the only one to use around the eye area; very good for broken capillaries.

Myrrh: Nourishes mature skin (aged 50+); especially good for any areas of inflammation.

Geranium: Balances combination skins, as well as your emotions.

Source:  Stacey, S. and J. Fairlay (2002) The Beauty Bible.

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Homemade body scrub recipes
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Get your skin ready for summer and pamper yourself on a budget using one of these homemade exfoliating body scrub recipes.
Three main ingredients of the body scrub are: exfoliators, carrier oils, and essential oils. An exfoliate could consist of sugar, sea salt, ground almonds or wheat bran. You can use either form of sugar, just make sure that with the brown sugar, you’re keeping a careful eye on the liquid ingredients so your scrub doesn’t dissolve into a thin paste. A carrier oil could be olive, grape-seed, hazelnut, or almond oil. The essential oils used here are for fragrance and healing. Grapefruit and orange essential oils gently stimulate and refresh. Lavender oil can help heal minor inflammations, and relieve day-to-day stress. Some other skin friendly oils include rose, rosemary, mandarin, jojoba, and chamomile. Do not use “fragrance oils” – they are chemical fakes that can cause irritation or even allergic symptoms. Try any of these recipes, or make your own, mixing your favorite exfoliate with carrier and essential oils.

Recipe 1:
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup carrier oil
10 drops vitamin E
10 drops essential oil

Recipe 2:
2 cups of ground coffee
1/2 cup sugar or sea salt
2-3 tablespoons of carrier oil

Recipe 3:
1/2 cup of poppy seeds
1/2 cup of carrier oil
10 drops orange essential oil

Recipe 4:
1 cup fine sea salt
1/2 cup carrier oil
10 drops grapefruit essential oil

Recipe 5:
2/3 cup sugar
2 mashed strawberries
6-8 drops rose/jojoba oil

Recipe 6:
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons ground oats
2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon carrier oil

Recipe 7:
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup carrier oil
a shot of rum

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and stir thoroughly. While taking a shower, scoop up some, not more than a teaspoon at a time, and massage gently using circular motions. Rinse and voila! Your skin is totally smooth and silky.
You can use these scrubs once a week. Keep in mind though, if you have rashes, acne, or sunburned skin, scrubs might make the condition worse.
I hope you enjoy these body scrub recipes!

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If your hair is dry, damage and has lost its shine, try this revitalizing mask:

• 1 avocado for long (½ for short) hair
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Mix together until creamy. Apply to hair, cover with plastic shower cap or plastic wrap, and leave for 0,5-1 hour. Rinse, then shampoo and condition hair as normal.

Yogurt mask will bring back the moisture, leaving your hair silky and manageable.

• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Mix the ingredients. Massage into wet hair, cover with plastic shower cap or plastic wrap, and leave for 0,5-1 hour. Rinse, then shampoo and condition hair as normal. Rinse with cold water.

Fruit smoothie will leave your hair nourished and replenished with a beautiful healthy shine.

• 1 banana
• 1/4 cantaloupe
• 1 tbls wheat germ oil
• 1 vitamin E capsule

Blend the ingredients. Apply to hair, cover with plastic shower cap or plastic wrap, and leave for 30 minutes. Rinse, then shampoo and condition hair as normal.

Try to make your own fresh shampoo, using a shampoo base that has been purchased. Peppermint and teat tree shampoo is simple yet effective for really dry problems scalp:

• 2 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops tea tree essential oil
• 4 tbsp shampoo base

Mix the oils thoroughly with the base. Shampoo as usual, leaving the lather in the hair for a few minutes before rinsing