Tag: Non toxic living

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Homemade Olive Oil Body Cream with Essential Oils

Whipped Homemade Olive Olive Body Cream Recipe with Shea Butter and Essential oils

Raise your hand if you are plagued with dry, ashy skin. My skin always needs some tender loving care, namely a good skincare routine. This recipe for homemade olive oil body cream is heavenly, easy to make, and smells divine with essential oils!

 I recently got into experimenting with DIY body butter as I love making clean beauty products at home. Things don’t always go well at first, though. My first batch of moisturizing body cream turned out too stiff. The cream whipped up, but it wasn’t as fluffy as  I thought it would be. 

I still used it all. After all, I’m not going to waste these ingredients, making my skin very soft!

This recipe was my next attempt, and it turned out amazing. This homemade body cream is light, and the blend of essential oils (Frankincense, Palmarosa, and Ylang Ylang) adds a nice floral touch. 

homemade olive oil body cream with ylang ylang, palmarosa and frankincense

The body cream also melts into your skin and doesn’t leave a greasy feeling as other oil-based butters tend to do. 

Let’s get started!

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. Thanks!

Why Make a Homemade Body Cream? 

Our skin is our largest organ, and it is important to treat it right. It’s are the biggest defense against the outside elements, after all. A lot of store-bought body creams and butter have questionable ingredients and chemical preservatives. 

With a DIY body cream, you control the ingredients. You can customize it for your specific skin concerns. Plus, it’s fun to use the skincare products you made yourself!

Homemade body cream also is cost-effective. After the initial investment in the oils and butters, you’ll only use a little bit for each jar, so over time, you’ll save quite a bit of money. And who doesn’t like to save money? 

Benefits of Olive Oil Body Cream

This body cream is made with nontoxic ingredients that are highly moisturizing. Take a look at these powerhouse ingredients. 

Beeswax: 

beeswax pellets, yellow

Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honey bees. It is edible and non-toxic, thus making it a great ingredient for skincare and clean beauty products. 

This wax is great at creating a protective layer and trapping moisture as it’s a humectant. This combination makes beeswax a perfect ingredient in lip balm recipes. 

Shea butter:

shea butter

Shea butter is a fat derived from nuts. It comes from the African Shea tree. This butter is a very popular ingredient in body butters as it’s incredibly nourishing. 

It is very thick and can be greasy if used on its own. When combined with other butters and oils, it provides incredible moisturizing properties. Shea butter is also edible and non-toxic. 

And, even though this butter comes from a nut, it has a  low chance of triggering nut allergies. 

Coconut Oil: 

coconut oil

Coconut oil is one of the most popular ingredients in DIY beauty recipes. This oil provides so many great benefits for our skin. It protects skin from environmental damage, hydrates, and can minimize fine lines and wrinkles. 

Also, because it absorbs easily, it won’t leave a greasy feeling on your skin. Coconut oil does have a high comedogenic rating (4). I use fractionated coconut oil which has a comedogenic rating of 2. 

Sweet Almond Oil: 

Sweet almond oil is such a powerhouse. It not only is great at moisturizing, but it also can lighten dark spots. Over time, our lips can lose their vibrant pink color, and this oil helps even the tone. 

Vitamin E Oil: 

Vitamin E is a popular anti-aging gold mine. It’s no wonder it’s used in many skincare products. This oil is thicker than others, and you only need a little bit to get the job done. Vitamin E oil is perfect for dry and chapped lips as it encourages cell turnover and leads to the skin regenerating faster. 

Frankincense: 

Frankincense Serrata essential oil bottle, Plant Therapy

Known as the king of oils for its vast benefits, Frankincense essential oil has been used for centuries. It’s even biblical! Frankincense is an aromatic resin that comes from the tree Boswellia. This liquid gold can improve skin tone and elasticity which is great if you’re looking for antiaging elements. 

Palmarosa: 

Young Living Palmarosa Essential Oil bottle, DIY Body Cream Recipe

Palmarosa essential oil comes from a grass native to India and Indochina. This light, floral oil can stimulate and rejuvenate the skin to look healthy and toned. It is also very moisturizing. 

Ylang Ylang: 

Young Living Ylang Ylang Essential Oil bottle, homemade body butter recipe

Ylang Ylang comes from the Cananga tree, which is native throughout South Asia, such as India, Malaysia, and the Philippines. This lovely oil has a scent that can lift your mood and calm anxiety—the perfect combo for a morning or night cream. 

How to Make Homemade Olive Oil Body Cream

Whipped Homemade Olive Olive Body Cream Recipe with Shea Butter and Essential oils

Ingredients

1/4 c Olive Oil

4 tbsp Shea Butter

1 tbsp Coconut Oil

1 tsp Sweet Almond Oil

1 tsp Vitamin E oil

2 tbsp + 1 tsp Beeswax Pellets

15-20 drops essential oil (I used Frankincense, Palmarosa, Ylang Ylang)

Mason Jar or Small Container

Double Boiler

Stand Mixer

 

Notes: 

  • This recipe fills a small 2 oz container.

Directions: 

  1. In a double boiler, melt shea butter, beeswax pellets, and oils (except essential oils if using) over low heat. 
  2. Remove from heat and add essential oils. 
  3. Chill in the fridge from 45 minutes to 1 hour. 
  4. Transfer mixture to a mixer. On the high setting, whip until smooth. 
  5. Transfer to a mason jar or small container. 

How to Use Your Whipped Body Butter

This nourishing homemade olive oil body cream is perfect to use right after a shower. Tap away excess water with a towel and apply your body cream. A little goes a long way, so you won’t have to lather it on. Also, since this is an oil-based cream, let it absorb before putting it on. I usually put a robe on while I”m getting ready, and I’m ready to put on clothes within 5-10 minutes. The cream does absorb and won’t leave a greasy feeling. However, keep in mind it is an oil-based cream. 

This homemade cream is also perfect to put on at night before bed. I like to put it on twice a day for extra moisturizing properties. I always wake up with super soft skin! And, with regular use, your skin won’t be dry and ashy anymore. 

Storing Your Homemade Body Cream

Since this cream is free of preservatives, use it regularly. For me, a 2 oz container lasts about 3-4 weeks. I love this aspect as I can whip up a batch every month and change essential oils as I like. I love to experiment with scents depending on the seasons. 

The vitamin E oil in this cream will help prevent mold. Try to avoid contamination by keeping cream away from water. You can store the cream in the bathroom. I keep mine right on the countertop, so it’s ready for use every day!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for homemade olive oil body cream! If you make it, please comment below and share any photos on social media – @by.bindi (Instagram). 

Want more DIY recipes? Try this Lavender Vanilla Lip Balm Recipe that is completely non-toxic and nourishing. 

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Want Long, Thick and Luxurious Hair? Try these Natural Indian Hair Masks! (Free DIY Recipes)

long thick and luxurious hair, indian woman

Who doesn’t want long, thick and luxurious hair? Indian hair is highly sought after in the wig industry for its shine and length.  

how to get healthy long hair naturally

Ever wonder how Indian hair gets to be so healthy and beautiful? My whole life my friends, co-workers, and random people on the streets complimented my hair.  

I routinely grow my hair for 3 years and then chop it off to donate.  It grows so fast,  one time I chopped it off and a month later a friend remarked, ‘it doesn’t even look like you cut it, it’s long again.

The thing is, I wasn’t doing anything crazy with my hair. I just followed what my mom and grandmother did. And, it works because it’s natural.  There aren’t weird ingredients and things you can’t pronounce.

Just good old ingredients right from nature. 

Read on for all the natural hair secrets for long, thick, and luxurious hair. You’ll have healthy hair in no time.  

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. Thanks!

Why use Indian tips to Get Long, Thick, and Luxurious Hair?

Did you know that India is the largest supplier of human hair for wigs and extensions? Women go to temples in India to shave off their long tresses. The hair is then sorted, cleaned, and auctioned off. One temple in India makes anywhere from 25-40 million dollars a year selling the hair. 

Indian’s are genetically blessed with thick hair, but they also use a lot of natural hair care products that have increased the value of their hair. 

The Secret To Healthy and Long Hair

The one thing Indians do routinely for healthy hair is oiling it. We deep condition our hair with nutrient-dense oils once a week.  

hair oils for long thick luxuriousd hair

When I was younger,  every Friday night was oil night. My mom brushed my hair until it was smooth and tangle-free. This took some time as a kid,  I always had tons of knots!

Then she’d use this green oil that had a distinctly Indian scent. She’d massage into my scalp and work it all the way into the ends. After 10 minutes, I’d feel so relaxed. For best results, we always slept with our hair oil mask overnight and washed it out the next morning.  

Put it in a braid and sleep with a towel over your pillowcase to avoid staining.

Why Hair Oil Masks Work Wonders

Oiling your hair injects moisture into your hair.  There are many health benefits to an oil hair massage. 

  1. You stimulate your scalp which allows hair follicles to strengthen and be more active. 
  2. Nutrients penetrate better with massaging 
  3. It helps with hair loss
  4. Shinier and stronger hair

What are the best oils for healthy hair?

My mom always used Indian oils on my hair as a kid.  It’s green and very potent. Usually, it is made with Indian Amla (gooseberry). Amla oil helps stimulate your scalp, controls premature greying, and helps with hair growth as it strengthens hair follicles. 

Indian Gooseberry for healthy hair

As I got older,  I experimented with all kinds of oils.  I now use a combination of oils to maximize the benefits.  Here are commonly used oils:

Castor Oil:

Castor oil comes from a plant that is native to Asia and Africa. It is a vegetable oil pressed from castor beans. Castor oil is known for its thick consitency and it is better to mix this oil with others due to its stickiness. This oil is rich in healthy fats such as the fatty acid ricinoleic acid. 

This vegetable oil helps lubricate the hair shaft and protects it from damage. Fatty acids provide proteins and nutrients to hair follicles. It also can help those with dandruff issues. 

Olive Oil:

This popular oil comes from Meditteranean olives. While we traditionally use this in our foods and with yummy breads, olive oil has tremendous hair care benefits as well. 

This oil has a moisturizing effect on the hair and it gives it softness and strength. Olive oil is great for getting that shine that makes hair sparkle. If you have a dry scalp, this is the perfect oil for a head massage due to its moisturzing properties. 

Jojoba Oil: 

Produced from jojoba seeds, this oil is native to southwestern USA. Jojoba oil is rich in many vitamins that are vital for hair growth. This oil is great for preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth. 

Jojoba oil also is moisturizing like olive oil and great for dry scalps and combating dandruff. 

Coconut Oil: 

Coconut oil is my favorite oil to use in my hair serum bases. It was also my grandmother’s go to as well. This oil smells great and has so many great benefits for our hair. This popular oil moisutrizes hair, protects it from enviornmental damage, and helps prevent protein loss and damage when wet. 

This vegetable oil is a powerhouse for hair care. Use fractionated coconut oil for best results. This oil stays liquid at all temps and won’t solidify. 

Honorable Mentions: 

While I personally don’t use these oils in my hair serums, they are also great for hair growth and care so they deserve a mention!

Avocado Oil

Sweet Almond Oil

Essential Oils for Hair:

While adding essential oils to hair oils isn’t a traditional Indian thing to do,  I’m adding it to the list because essential oils are powerful, potent and non-toxic. They make great additions to hair serums and smell great too!

Lavender 

Peppermint 

Rosemary 

Cedarwood

Thyme

Tea Tree

DIY All Natural Hair Serum Recipes:

Use these hair masks once a week for the best results. You can change it up to maximize the benefits to get long, thick, and luxurious hair in no time. 

Deep Conditioning Hair Mask:

1 tbsp fractionated coconut oil

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp castor oil

1 tsp jojoba oil

Essential oils (optional)

This mask is great to use when your hair really needs some TLC. Watch your hair turn silky soft overnight. 

Thick Hair Mask:

1 tbsp fractionated coconut oil

1 tbsp jojoba oil

Essential oils (optional)

This hair mask recipe will thicken hair when consistently used. 

Shiny Hair Mask:

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tbsp fractionated coconut oil

Essential oils (optional)

Your hair will bring all the shine with this olive oil-based hair mask.

Long Hair Mask

1 tsp castor oil

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 tbsp olive oil

Essential oils (optional)

Feel free to experiment with the oils and use them more or less depending on your hair length. If your hair is on the drier end, use more. Be sure to wash well the next day. I usually wash my hair twice to get all the oils out. My hair is always left silky soft and never greasy. 

Other Indian Tips for Healthy Hair:

Along with maintaining good hair hygiene and routine oiling, here are some other things to try for long, thick, and luxurious hair. 

  1. Wash it 1-2 times a week instead of daily. Overwashing removed oils and dries out your hair. 
  2. Use natural cleansing methods such as yogurts and chemical-free shampoos.
  3. Braid hair loosely and avoid tying it up too tightly. Tying it tightly leads to breakage and pulls on your skin which will lead to premature wrinkles.

Did you try these DIY natural hair masks for long, thick, and luxurious hair? Comment below!

Interested in other DIY non-toxic recipes? Try our 5 DIY Natural Lip Scrubs with Essential Oils.

 

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Using Non Toxic Remedies for Cold Sores

Today, I felt that dreaded tingle,  the tingle that precedes a cold sore.  Within minutes,  it was a full blown creature and had taken over the bottom half of my lip. I was mortified!

I’ve dealt with cold sores on and off throughout my 20s. Thankfully they aren’t that common for me.  My last one was three years ago.  This also meant that I didn’t have cold sore medicine on hand. 

Abreva was my choice in the past. It never was a miracle cure,  but it did always feel like it was helping. My cold sores always last 1 week,  no matter what medicine I use.  Now that I’m focusing on a non-toxic life,  I want to see if I can move this buster along with non toxic remedies,  at home.  

Day 1 of Healing a Cold Sore the Natural Way At Home

I started my journey as many do,  a quick online search to see what essential oils would do the trick.  I am a big oil lover and like when I get to use my growing stash. 

Why Try Essential Oils For Cold Sores?

Essential oils are plant based and potent. This makes them a great ingredient for non toxic remedies. 

My search led me to this article which has a great breakdown of which oils are good and some recipes.  Ultimately, I used the resources I came across to experiment on my own. 

The first thing I tried was peppermint and thyme undiluted. I always dilute, but I was curious to see if this would speed it along. It burned right away.  I definitely would NOT recommend this route! 

I decided to make a roller bottle blend that I could use a cotton swab with.  It’s very important to avoid cross contamination when dealing with cold sores.  Here is the blend I made:

• 5 ml roller bottle

• 5 drops Peppermint 

• 2 drops Clove

• 3 drops Thyme

• Fractionated Coconut Oil

This blend was way more soothing and didn’t burn at all.  

As Day 1 nears its end,  I have come up with a plan for to combat this sucker. I will:

• Drink lots of water (at least 8 glasses)

• Use the roller blend 3-5 times a day

• have Emergen-C once a day along with elderberry gummies*

Healing is both topical and internal. I need to provide my body with the nutrients it needs to fight off this infection.  In the meantime,  I will destress and hopefully this sucker will be gone soon!

Stay tuned for more updates on how these non toxic remedies for cold sores fare.