Nettle hydrolat homemade

Herbal distillates (floral water, hydrosol, hydrolate, herbal water and essential water) are aqueous solutions of  essential oils usually obtained by  steam distillation from aromatic plants. These herbal distillates have uses as flavorings, medicine and for the skin care.  Usually a PH=5-6 and it makes them suitable for use as facial toners.

A hydrolat is produced by the distillation process, so that in effect we have two distinct products from distillation of plants, i.e. essential oil and distillate, (hydrolat). In this process steam is passed through plant. The heat of the steam bursts open the membrane of the oil receptacles in the plant and the volatile plant oil molecules are released into the steam. The steam rises and takes with it hydrophobic, and hydrophilic molecules. When this mixture of water and various other molecules of the plant components separate back into liquid by means of being condensed, it produces two types of natural chemical cocktails. These separate into hydrophilic molecules suspended in water, (philia – a tendency towards or liking) making hydrolats, and hydrophobic molecules (phobia – aversion to), making essential oils.

Nettle hydrolat is suitable for oily and combination skin – moisturizing, regeneration and toning up, particularly for taking care of head skin and hair. Nettle hydrolat balances fat level, strengthens hair and facilitates blood circulation enhancing hair growth. Nettle hydrolats can be added to homemade cosmetics (creams, masks, gels) as well as applied pure on hair and face as everyday tonic, compresses and refreshment. Contents (INCI): Nettle Hydrolat (Urtica dioica (Nettle) Distillate), Potassium Sorbate. So how to make the nettle hydrolat?

Clean and cut nettles and put it in a fit device for distillation. Wait approximately 30-40 min and collect your homemade fresh Nettle Hydrolat. 

Because distillates are produced at high temperatures and are somewhat acidic, they tend to inhibit bacterial growth. They are not however sterile. They are a fresh product, like milk, and should be kept refrigerated:

 

ops ...it seems in my refrigerator more cosmetic products than food :)

Cleansing Milk with Cream

Cleansing milk is oil in water type of emulsion designed to remove facial make up and clean facial skin. The thing that makes it different from a soap, cream or lotion is that milk is a natural emulsion of fats and water.
Today I made and  already succesfully tested the cleansing milk with cream. Very easy mixture:

- 60 ml rose water,
- 1 tablespoon apricot kernel oil,
- 3 tablespoons cream.

Mix the oil and cream in a bowl with a mixer.Stir the rose water and pour into a bottle. Store in the refrigerator and use within a week. My can be used every day. It is especially gentle on sensitive or dry skin. Cleansing your skin with milk is one of the most luxurious treats you can give to yourself. I find that once you experience how soft, smooth and clean your skin feels, you may never want to wash your face with anything else.

 

Apple Cider Vinegar: homemade proces

How To Make Apple Cider Vinegar?  - we can find a lot of recipies online:
http://thehealthyeatingsite.com/apple-cider-vinegar-recipe/
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/how_to_make_apple_cider_vinegar.html
http://www.cookforgood.com/recipe/homemade-organic-apple-cider-vinegar.html

Why do we need Apple Cider Vinegar? -  Apple Cider Vinegar uses are nearly endless. It is the best natural product for our skin and our hair:
- Apple Vider Vinegar can be used as a rinse for your hair after shampooing, and will aid in increased body and shine;
- Natural Apple Cider Vinegar regulates the PH of the skin, can also be left on the skin overnight to fade age spots or acne scars.

That is why today I start the proces to make ACV:
1. 2 kg of grated apples with warm water and honey are ready for fermentation proces;
2. During 10 -14 days twice per day I have to stir this mix;
3. Next step will be done on 8-10/06 - filtration. See you soon!

4. Every few days the mixture was stirred and I enjoyed the bubbles and specifiec acid smell.

5. Full fermentation will take about 3 to 4 weeks and now is the time to filter the liquid (today is 11/06).



6. Pour mixture through a clean strainer into very clean jar.

7. Store in a cool, dark place for about six weeks.

 

29/07:  the final product is here, PH=3, good taste:

 

 

Shaving cream for a loved one

Yes, I spoil my boyfriend with different creams for his hardworking hands but also I enjoy the process to learn and create my cosmetic products.
Today I was focused to make the shaving cream for him. Something new and for first time:

- 30 g Stearic Acid to melt:

- add 4g Cocos Butter and 4 g Shea Butter, to melt together:

- dissolve 8g of Borax in 80 g of hot water,

- all mix together and add 80g of hot water more,

- add 20 g of my natural soft soap,

- add 4g  rose clay,

- add 25 drops of EO Grapefruit

- whip the cream with mixer approximately 10 min.

The mixture looks very soft and light:

My surprise is ready for tomorrow :)
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P.S. And HE is veryyy satisfied! I feel proud of myself :)

Post-operative scar massage cream

Post-operative scars are common after any type of surgery, some of them can take up a year to heal naturally.
Although post-operative scars will never completely go away, there are treatments that can greatly improve their appearance.

For my colleague I have made the scar masage cream based on:

 

- Beeswax with propolis
- Shea butter also stimulates collagen production in the skin
- Aloe vera oil  moisturizes the skin and acts as a natural skin lightener
- Jojoba oil and Wheat Germ oil moisturize the skin and help promote new, healthy skin cell formation, which may help reduce the appearance of scarring.

- Rosemary oil has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, it promotes healing improving the appearance of skin. High in antioxidants and because of it being a natural astringent Rosemary also increases blood circulation to the skin's surface, smooths the appearance of wrinkles, tones, moisturizes and can help with the treatment of scars and sun damaged skin.

- Black seed oil supports cell renewal, connective tissues are strengthened, blood supply to the skin is stimulated and the skin is revitalised.   

- Pomegranate Seed Oil supplies skin, improves better skin texture in general

- EO Lavender