These days, rose water or Gulab Jal is popular as a staple in most skin care regimes. In fact, rose water provides the skin with a wide range of amazing benefits, which include moisturizing the skin, tackling puffiness, toning the skin, preventing acne breakouts, and soothing skin irritations.
Read more on BeFantastico website: Here’s Exactly Why Rose Water is Amazing for Your Skin

These days, rose water or Gulab Jal is popular as a staple in most skin care regimes. In fact, rose water provides the skin with a wide range of amazing benefits, which include moisturizing the skin, tackling puffiness, toning the skin, preventing acne breakouts, and soothing skin irritations. This skin care ingredient is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Wondering how rose water is prepared? Well, it is produced by steeping rose petals in water. However, a by-product of the process of extracting rose oil can also be used instead of rose water.

Benefits of Rose Water

There are a host of impressive benefits that rose water offers. In fact, the water is a well-known ingredient in dishes and even rituals connected with religion. Also, rose water is incredibly beneficial for skin and for the face.

Rose Water for Skin

Let’s take a look at what rose water can do for your skin.

Moisturizes the Skin

One of the most common misconceptions regarding the use of skin toners is that they can dry out your skin. This is not true—you can use natural and mild ingredients such as rose water for your skin.

Rose water helps to refresh your skin by opening up your pores and providing them with some hydration. This is necessary if you desire to improve the texture and appearance of your skin. The water moisturizes and hydrates the skin when you spray the bottled rose water on your skin.

Heals Sunburns

Due to the cooling effect of rose water, it is able to treat and significantly soothe sunburns. For those with uncomfortable burns on the face, rose water can help soothe the skin while speeding up the healing process.

Stabilizes the Skin’s pH Balance

The normal pH of the skin should be mildly acidic. When we use harsh facial cleansers, soaps, and skin products that compromise this balance, it can result in excessive growth of bacteria and acne breakouts. Luckily, rose water can help balance out the skin’s pH levels and bring it back to its normal state.

Good for Sensitive Skin

Owing to how mild rose water is, it is a perfect fit for sensitive skin. With its anti-inflammatory abilities, the water can soothe skin redness and irritation.

Refreshes the Skin

Spraying rose water on your skin is one of the best ways to refresh your skin. Apart from keeping your skin hydrated, the water also functions as a face mist to ensure that your skin feels fresh for a long time.

Prevents Acne Breakouts

Rose water can help you get rid of excess oils from your face. Due to its ability to balance out the skin’s pH, rose water can prevent the growth of the bacteria that cause acne. This not only reduces acne, but it also prevents potential acne breakouts.

Soothes Skin Irritations

People who suffer from skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema may find rose water very helpful. The skin care ingredient contains anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritation caused by such skin conditions.

Tones the Skin

When your skin is not crucially cared for by being cleansed, moisturized, and toned regularly, it can lead to skin irritation. In fact, toning alone helps eliminate oils and dirt while also hydrating your skin. With its pH-balancing ability, rose water is an amazing toner that removes oils and residual dirt from your skin, making skin treatments more effective.

Tackles Puffiness

Rose water possesses anti-inflammatory and soothing effects that refresh your skin and treat puffiness, particularly under your eyes. To deal with puffiness in minutes, simply place cotton pads soaked with rose water over your eyes.

Prevents Premature Aging

The skin is susceptible to aging faster when exposed to environmental pollution, stress, harmful effects of UV rays of the sun, products made with harsh chemical, and an unhealthy lifestyle. The negative effect of these factors manifests in the production of free radicals that cause damage to the skin. Thankfully, rose water is also rich in antioxidants that help destroy free radicals and maintain skin health.

How to Use Rose Water for your Face and Hair

The most effective way to apply rose water is to use it at night when all residual dirt and oil on the face collected through the day can be eliminated.

If you are wondering how and when best to apply rose water for quick results, we’ve got some suggestions below:

• Rose water is effective as a facial cleanser on all skin types. Simply prepare a facial cleanser by mixing a few drops of glycerine with a tablespoon of rose water. After washing your face with a mild soap, you can apply this mixture to your face.
• You can also spritz rose water on your face. Indeed, you can also spray rose water on your face as a makeup setter. It is not only a makeup setting product; the mist from rose water will make your face glow. To do this, pour some rose water into an empty spray bottle and spray once on your face after you have completed your morning beauty regime. This will help keep your face refreshed and hydrated all day.
• Most teenagers and even some adults battle with persistent acne breakouts. Many have tried using several beauty products to alleviate this problem but haven’t recorded any significant positive result. Fortunately, rose water is exactly what your skin needs.
• Simply add a tablespoon of rose water to a tablespoon of lemon juice. People who have acne should allow this mixture on their skin for about 30 minutes before washing it off. Rose water helps to cleanse pores which, in turn, prevent excess oil and acne.
• If you have tired and puffy eyes, simply saturate a cotton pad in cold rose water and apply under the eyes. It helps reduce inflammation under the eyes and eliminate skin irritation.
• Rose water is a tried and tested makeup. In fact, you only need to add rose water to a few drops of coconut oil on a cotton pad to cleanse your face. This mixture is able to wipe off makeup and moisturize your skin at the same time.
• Like we mentioned earlier, toning the skin is crucial for any skin type. Simply saturate a cotton ball with cold rose water and apply directly on cleansed skin. Rose water’s slight astringent properties help tighten the pores and tone the skin.
• To get rid of tanning and achieve a fair skin, add 2 tablespoons of flour to lemon juice and mix it with rose water. You can apply this smooth paste for 15 minutes before washing it off.
• After shampooing your hair, rinse it off with rose water. The water is a deep hair conditioner that adds a healthy and radiant shine to your hair.
• Indulge yourself to get that dream skin. Simply mix rose water with almond oil to moisturize your body. You can go the extra mile by having yourself with a rose-scented bath. This is believed to be one of the best solutions to stress.
• People with dry hair will find rose water really helpful. You can mix equal parts of glycerin and rosewater to achieve a better result. Simply apply the mixture on your scalp with saturated cotton pads and massage for about15 minutes.

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Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are colorful flowers that are not just edible, but popular for their slight spicy taste. These vibrant-colored blooms are rich in vitamin C, lutein, manganese, magnesium, iron, flavonoids, and beta carotene.
Read more on BeFantastico website: Nasturtium: All You Need to Know About this Edible Flower

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are colorful flowers that are not just edible, but popular for their slight spicy taste. These vibrant-colored blooms are rich in vitamin C, lutein, manganese, magnesium, iron, flavonoids, and beta carotene.

The benefits of nasturtiums include their ability to destroy free radicals, treat skin conditions, alleviate kidney problems, promote hair growth, soothe coughs, and combat urinary tract infections. In addition, nasturtium boosts the immune system, alleviates muscle pain, tackles fungal infections, protects against cardiovascular diseases, treats sore throats, and even fights cancer.

These flowers are also used to produce nasturtium vinegar, add flavor to salads, decorate cakes and can be incorporated into soups and dishes.

Health Benefits of Nasturtium

Nasturtium is highly nutritious and effective for tackling a number of health problems. Now, let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of this powerful flower.

Rich in Vitamin C

The human body stores only a small amount of vitamin C, and when deficiencies occur, it can lead to certain health conditions. The symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include bleeding gums, mood swings, painful joints, fatigue, oxidative stress, and weight gain.

Luckily, nasturtium contains vitamin C which reduces a person’s risk of contracting infections, boosts immunity, lower chronic inflammation, detoxifies the body, and decreases oxidative damage. Due to its rich vitamin C content, nasturtium is able to combat coughs, flu, and cold.

Has Antiseptic Effects

As a herb with antiseptic properties, nasturtium helps to prevent the growth of microorganisms, halt the spread of germs, and lower the risk of infections. When applied to wounds and injuries, nasturtium prevents the formation of pus by blocking the growth of infectious organisms.

Furthermore, nasturtium acts as antibacterial and antimicrobial as well, making it beneficial as first aid intervention for wounds.

Alleviates Muscle Pain

Muscle pain is often the result of an over-stretching of ligaments and abnormal movement around the joints. Luckily, nature has provided us with remedies that relieve these conditions. Using herbal remedies like nasturtium, which contains vitamin C, may offer relief for muscle pain and decrease inflammation.

Nasturtiums are chock-full of nutrients that can speed up the healing of bruises and pain in the muscle. The plant may help reduce muscle spasms and get rid of substances like lactic acid that are produced by sore muscles.

Stimulates the Formation of New Blood Cells

The human blood is made of various components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. These blood cells are actually produced within the bone marrow. In fact, to tackle infections, the bone marrow produces more white blood cells while to respond to bleeding, it releases more platelets.

In treating chronic health issues like blood disorders, nasturtium leaves come highly recommended as studies suggest that nasturtium leaves stimulate the formation of new blood cells in the body.

Contains Antibiotic Properties

Nasturtium is one of the herbs that contain strong antimicrobial effects, making them effective for combating fungal, viral, and bacterial infections. Antibiotics like nasturtium are highly recommended for treating UTIs, Candida infections, diarrhea, sore throats, colds, and coughs.

By simply eating some nasturtium leaves, you would be reducing the symptoms of the above-mentioned conditions.

Acts as a Natural Expectorant

Coughs are not exactly serious health problems, but persistent coughs can be unpleasant. It can become worrisome when coughs disturb your sleep and disrupt daily activities. Fortunately, there a number of natural expectorants that alleviates the symptoms of coughs. Expectorants are substances that loosen mucus and facilitate their elimination.

While there are several conventional cough medicines at our disposal, they mostly contain components that may be harmful to our health. But nasturtium is a natural expectorant that breaks down mucus and eases breathing. The leaves of nasturtium are used to prepare herbal teas that soothe an irritated throat and reduce coughs.

However, it is important to keep in mind that if the coughing persists after two weeks, you should check with a medical doctor to rule out any serious infection.

Boosts Hair Growth

Hair loss is a common problem that manifests slowly in the forms of balding and hair thinning. While a host of commercial hair care products promise lush and healthy hair, their effects on the scalp may be damaging. Thankfully, the use of herbs like nasturtium can reverse hair loss and boost hair growth.

Nasturtium is one plant that is not just pretty but contains beneficial properties for hair growth. The herb is a natural hair treatment for strengthening hair follicles, treating dandruff, and cleansing the scalp. Nasturtium gets rid of excess oils from the scalp and inhibits clogging.

However, when nasturtium paste is applied on the scalp, it may help stimulate the capillaries and boost the circulation of oxygen, blood, and nutrients in the hair. You can apply the paste to the scalp and leave it in for some hours before rinsing off with water. When blood circulation improves, hair growth improves as well.

For general hair treatment, simply add a cup each of nasturtium, rosemary, and nettle to a kettle of water. After heating for about 20 minutes, cool the mixture, and drain the water. Massage this extract into your scalp and rinse after a while.

Good for the Skin

We all want to achieve beautiful, glowing, and perfect skin. But sadly, sometimes, we use the wrong beauty products that cause our skin harm. If you desire an authentic improvement in your skin health, then go for natural alternatives like nasturtium.

As we stated earlier, nasturtium leaves contain antiseptic properties which may help in fighting bacteria. Simply make a facial mask to help you get rid of acne from your face. Also, the vitamin C contained in this flowering plant may tone your skin and make it free from blemishes.

Side Effects of Nasturtium

Nasturtium is generally considered safe but the herb may result in kidney damage, gastrointestinal issues, and several other adverse effects.

• If you are considering using nasturtium, you should keep the following in mind:
• There aren’t enough studies on the safety of nasturtium, especially when taken orally.
• While nasturtium may be safe when applied topically to the skin, it may lead to skin irritation if used for a prolonged period of time.
• Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are advised to steer clear of nasturtium as it may not be safe for them. Nasturtium induces menstruation and may cause miscarriage.
• Children should not be given nasturtium by mouth as there is no evidence on the safety of the herb for them.
• People who suffer from stomach ulcers or kidney disease are advised to avoid the use of nasturtium.

Dosage

The right dose of nasturtium is largely dependent on the user’s health condition and age. Doctors and herb experts are often in the best position to determine dosage and recommend a herb.

Bottom Line

Nasturtium is a flowering plant that is used for herbal medicine. The plant is believed to boost the immune system, prevent hair loss, combat cancer, destroy free radicals, treat sore throats, protect against cardiovascular disease, soothe coughs, treat skin problems, alleviate kidney problems, and combat urinary tract infections.

These flowers can be used in the production of nasturtium vinegar, added as flavor to salads, used to decorate cakes and incorporated into soups and dishes.

However, as with all herbs, you should discuss with your doctor before using nasturtium.

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Food additives are added to foods to make them taste great or to preserve their flavor. They are also used to improve the appearance and texture of foods and to preserve their freshness. Some food additives can maintain or improve the safety of foods.
Read more on BeFantastico website: Food Additives: The Truth About Them

Food additives are added to foods to make them taste great or to preserve their flavor. They are also used to improve the appearance and texture of foods and to preserve their freshness. Some food additives can maintain or improve the safety of foods.

Are Food Additives Necessary?

The functions that food additives perform make some of them a necessary ingredient in the foods that we eat. Although often thought as unhealthy, some food additives do not pose any serious threat to the health when they are used in small quantities. A common food additive is salt. You’d probably need salt in most of the cooking that you do at home.

In the same way, producers of processed and packaged foods use salt (although usually too much) to preserve the nutrients, taste and freshness of their foods. They produce foods on a large scale which are intended to last for a longer period than foods cooked at home. They also add other types of additives which you wouldn’t normally use in your cooking, to the foods they produce.

Types of Food Additives

There are thousands of food additives which can be made from animals, plants or minerals. Some food additives are also synthetic. All types of food additives perform the function of making foods look and taste great, or making them safer for consumption.

The most common food additives are ones used to improve the taste or aroma of foods. These are called flavoring agents or flavorings. Flavorings can be natural or artificial. Food additives also come in form of enzymes. They are derived from animals or plants. They can also be derived from micro-organisms.

Other types of food additives are artificial sweeteners, anti-caking agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, preservatives, thickeners, humectants and stabilizers. Here are some of the examples of food additives you’d find in the ingredients lists on food labels:

• Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• Tartrazine (102)
• Aspartame (951)
• Sunset yellow
• Transfat
• Corn syrup
• Citric acid (330)
• BHT and BHA
• Potassium bromate (924)
• Acesulfame potassium
• Sorbitol (420)
• Ammonium chloride (510)
• Brilliant blue FCF (133)
• Lecithin (322)

Are Food Additives Safe?

Food additives may be readily available to food producers but their use is justified only if there is a need for them. Not all processed foods would require food additives but food producers use them anyway. Although the safety of food additives still generate a lot of controversy, recent research has shown that some food additives may not pose any serious threat to the health as they have always been believed to.

Aspartame, which is a common food additive used in foods and drinks, is believed to cause cancer but a study sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, and involving about 500,000 people has shown that there is no association between the intake of aspartame and increased risk of cancer.

Participants of the study who regularly drank beverages containing aspartame were not found to be more likely to develop cancer than those who did not consume drinks with aspartame. A similar study also found no association between aspartame consumption and cancer.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), also a very common food additive is found in many foods like canned soups, noodles and snacks. Some packaged seasonings also contain MSG. Foods containing MSG are usually savory and rich in flavor. MSG has for several years been a subject of controversy.

Several studies claim that this additive has a detrimental effect on the brain, causing impaired growth and development. The consumption of MSG has also been associated with metabolic syndrome and weight gain. Recent studies have however shown that MSG has almost no effect on the brain.

Although some people have reactions to MSG, sensitivity to MSG is not a common condition. People who have this condition may experience symptoms like headaches, numbness and sweating when a large amount is consumed.

Some other types of food additives have however been established by recent studies to pose some health risks.These additives like artificial food coloring used in several foods and drinks, and sodium nitrate mostly used in processed meats have been found to cause allergic reactions in some children and to increase the risk of certain types of cancers respectively.

What about Transfats?

Of all types of food additives, transfats probably carry the greatest risks. Transfats are formed when liquid vegetable oils are turned into solid oils through hydrogenation, a process where hydrogen atoms are added to liquid oils to make them solids.

Transfats are favorites of food manufacturers since they help to prolong the shelf life of foods. Once produced, transfats can last for a long time and can be re-used as many times as possible. Many fast food outlets and restaurants use transfats for deep-frying.

Besides food longevity, transfats perform other functions like improving the taste, texture and flavor of foods. Although several countries have restricted the use of transfats in commercially-produced foods, transfats still find their way into the foods we buy.

Transfats are found in many processed foods. Also labeled as partially hydrogenated oils, transfats are found in frozen pizza, baked products, shortening, crackers, microwave popcorn and fast foods. While the safety of some food additives continues to generate controversy, researchers agree that transfats are harmful to the health and we are all better off without them. They do not have any known health benefits.

Effects of Transfats on the Body

Increased levels of LDL Cholesterol

Unlike saturated fats which increase LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the body, transfats, also known as trans fatty acids, increase LDL cholesterol and lower the levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, which is the good cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol in the body significantly increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Increased Risk of Inflammation

Some studies have found an association between transfats and increased inflammatory markers especially in people who are overweight or obese. Excess inflammation is associated with diseases like arthritis, metabolic syndrome, heart disease and diabetes.

They Contribute to Weight Gain

Consuming too much transfat can cause you to gain a lot of weight. They also make losing weight a lot harder. Excess weight gain increases your risk of type 2 diabetes as well as other types of chronic diseases.

They Increase the Risk of Death

Studies have found that high consumption of transfats increases the risk of death from any cause by 34%. Transfats also make most health conditions worse. People who have heart disease but consume a lot of transfats have a 28% risk of dying from the condition.

How to Avoid Food Additives

The best way to avoid food additives, including the dangerous transfat is to reduce your intake of processed and fast foods. While this may appear to be a very difficult thing to achieve, there are some steps you can take to make healthy eating easier:

• Always read the ingredients list on food labels before buying any food. If majority of the ingredients are unfamiliar to you, you probably shouldn’t buy it
• Ensure that most of the foods that you eat are prepared at home
• Completely avoid processed foods that contain a lot of sugar and sodium
• If you must eat processed foods, choose minimally processed foods over highly processed ones. Frozen pizza and fast foods are examples of highly processed foods
• Eat less of ready-to-eat foods and more of whole foods, especially whole grains, fruits and vegetables

In Conclusion

Some food additives are not bad after all and they are in fact necessary for food safety. If you notice any symptoms when you consume any food additive, it is best for you to avoid them.

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What is Jojoba Oil?

Jojoba oil is extracted from the jojoba plant, a shrub that mostly grows in Arizona, Northern Mexico, and California. Records show that centuries ago, Native Indians used jojoba oil to treat wounds and a number of health conditions. Quite a number of cosmetic products contain jojoba oil extract.

Interestingly, what we call “jojoba oil” is actually a liquid wax, not an oil. Unlike actual oils, jojoba oil contains less triglyceride content, making it last longer. Jojoba oil has loads of health benefits; let’s get talking!

19 Benefits of Jojoba Oil

Moisturizes Hair

Jojoba oil contains high amounts of ceramides, — waxy compounds that are beneficial for hydrating the skin — making it of higher quality in moisturizing the hair when compared to some other oils. You may apply jojoba oil or use a product that contains it before going to bed to enjoy its moisturizing quality.

Reduces Signs of Premature Aging

Asides it moisturizing quality, jojoba oil contains linoleic acid and vitamin E that reduce the effects of oxidative damage on the skin and eliminate wrinkles and fine lines. What’s more? They enhance skin regeneration and give the skin a younger appearance.

Reduces Stretch Marks

Stretch marks can be embarrassing. They occur as a result of rapid weight gain or loss and cause damage to the structural proteins in the skin’s deep layers. Jojoba oil reduces the appearance of stretch marks. Simply apply it to affected areas twice daily, and watch the stretch marks fade after some weeks or months, depending on the intensity. Pregnant women may also use jojoba oil to reduce stretch marks.

Treats Fungal Infections

Jojoba oil treats athlete’s foot, candida infection, and some other fungal infections. It particularly treats toenail fungus penetrating under nails and saturating cuticles.

Reduces Acne Breakouts

Studies show that the combination of sebum with dirt blocking the follicles results in pus formation and bacterial growth, hence acne. Jojoba oil eliminates blockage of the pores, keeps them clean, and reduces sebum production.

Prevents Razor Burns and Bumps

Jojoba oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties, hence prevents razor burns and bumps. Applying this oil before and after you shave is even more effective than regular aftershaves, as jojoba oil does beyond killing bacteria and closing pores; it soothes the skin in addition.

Speeds up Wound Healing

Jojoba oil prevents infection, reduces oxidative damage, and enhances the growth of new cells. These properties make it effective at healing wounds.

Moisturizes the Lips

Jojoba oil moisturizes the lips better than products which contain petroleum jelly. It prevents makes an excellent lip balm, hence prevents chapped lips.

Enhances Hair Growth

Jojoba oil keeps the follicles clean and helps dissolve its excessive secretion. This reduces the tendency of hair loss. To use jojoba oil for hair growth, steam your scalp, then apply the oil in it.

Manages Psoriasis and Eczema

Jojoba oil reduces skin inflammation and itchiness. It prevents external irritants, hence prevents psoriasis, eczema, and some other skin conditions.

Aids Sunburn Healing

Jojoba oil contains vitamin E which reduces the impact of UV rays on the skin. Its vitamin B content also enhances metabolism and the growth of new skin cells. What’s more? It moisturizes the skin and particularly helps tender skins heal faster.

Detangles Hair

Hair texture determines its appearance. Some hair types tangle so quickly, making them look unkempt. Jojoba oil prevents hair tangles. If you apply a few drops in your hair daily, you will find brushing and combing much easier and have fewer tangles.

Treats Dry Scalp

Jojoba oil hydrates the scalp. Simp!y apply a few drops twice daily to eliminate the dry flaky scales that appear as a result of dry scalp.

Heals Cracked Heels

Jojoba oil prevents cracked heels and keeps the feet smooth. Simply apply the oil and wear your socks for about an hour to have smoother and softer feet.

Soothes the Skin

The skin is quick to absorb jojoba oil, and this makes it an excellent oil for body massage. It enhances blood flow, skin glow, and skin hydration. It is non-greasy and has a lovely smell. It also gives a soothing feeling.

Reduces Under-Eye Circles

Do an equal mix of jojoba oil and chamomile essential oil, then gently massage your under-eye area with it for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water to reduce inflammation and attain an even skin tone.

Keeps Nails Healthy

Do you have dry cuticles which make your nails break so easily? Simply rub some jojoba oil on your cuticles daily after a bath, and watch how the oil’s vitamin E content will moisturize your cuticles, inhibit breakage, and enhance nail growth. In addition to the vitamin E content, the oil’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are responsible for nail health.

Removes Sun Tan

Excessive exposure to the sun leads to sunburns and skin redness. To treat this, apply jojoba oil to affected areas. Its B-vitamin and vitamin E contents repair the skin and soothe burning sensation.

Removes Makeup Safely

Makeup removers contain chemicals that may harm your skin over time. Jojoba oil is a natural makeup remover which clears all forms of dirt and bacteria, without traces of allergies.

Quick Jojoba Facts

• Jojoba plants can take up to three years to produce flowers.
• The female jojoba plants produce seed from flowers, while the male plants pollinate.
• Jojoba seeds look like larger versions of coffee beans.
• Due to its polyunsaturated wax, jojoba oil has a different chemical structure from other vegetable oils.
• Due to its unsaturated fatty acids, jojoba oil is liquid at room temperature.
• Jojoba oil neither breaks down nor becomes rancid.
• Jojoba was first cultivated in Negev Desert and Dead Sea areas of Israel.
• Jojoba oil is also used as a pesticide, controlling powdery mildew on grapes and whiteflies on all crops.
• Jojoba oil, in the 1970s, gained its popularity in the cosmetic industry.

A number of skin care products have jojoba oil in them. You too can make body butter lotion with this oil. You may mix jojoba oil with coconut oil to enjoy the antioxidant and moisturizing properties that both oils have to offer, giving your skin a youthful look. Let’s discuss how to make a jojoba oil recipe — Homemade Anti-Aging Serum

Homemade Anti-Aging Serum

Instead of buying anti-aging serums at exorbitant prices and being at risk of harmful chemicals, why not try this homemade recipe which is rich in loads of nutrients which will leave your skin hydrated, youthful, and beautiful.

Ingredients

• 1/4 ounce jojoba oil
• 20 drops of frankincense oil or lavender oil
• 15 drops vitamin E
• 1/4 ounce evening primrose oil
• 1/4 ounce pomegranate oil
• 10 drops of carrot seed oil

Direction

Mix all ingredients together in a dark glass bottle, and apply on face, neck, and chest every morning and night.

Side Effects of Jojoba Oil

Some people may have rashes and some other allergic reactions after applying jojoba oil. Note that you should only use jojoba oil topically. Its erucic acid content may cause heart problems and other terrible health conditions if it is ingested.

Now That You Know…

Jojoba oil has loads of beauty benefits. You can rest assured that your hair and skin are well taken care of because you apply jojoba oil on them regularly. Remember that you should only apply this oil topically.

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Jojoba oil is extracted from the jojoba plant, a shrub that mostly grows in Arizona, Northern Mexico, and California. Records show that centuries ago, Native Indians used jojoba oil to treat wounds and a number of health conditions. Quite a number of cosmetic products contain jojoba oil extract.
Read more on BeFantastico website: 19 Benefits of Jojoba Oil

Bee balm (Monarda), also known as bergamot or Horse balm, is a plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The plant’s flowers and leaves are used for medicinal purposes, particularly in supplements and herbal teas.
Read more on BeFantastico website: Bee Balm: Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects

Bee balm (Monarda), also known as bergamot or Horse balm, is a plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The plant’s flowers and leaves are used for medicinal purposes, particularly in supplements and herbal teas.

The herb contains antioxidant, analgesic, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Its main components include carvacrol, hymol, and, rosmarinic acids (containing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities).

Bee balm is used to boost digestion, making natural fragrant, preparing herbal shampoo, improve skin health, and as a facial mask. The flowers of bee balm can be used to garnish cakes, vegetable salads, and fruit salads. The plant’s dry leaves can be used for tea and as a substitute for mint.

Benefits and Uses of Bee Balm

Bee balm is both beautiful and beneficial; the pleasant taste and properties of the herb have made it one of the most valuable herbs of all time. Apart from its medicinal and culinary uses, bee balm is also used for other purposes.

Let’s take a look at some of these uses.

Acts as Natural Fragrant

People spend lots of money getting home fragrance products that smell really nice. Unfortunately, most of these products are packed with unhealthy chemicals and toxins. To avoid the toxic air and go the healthy route, you can create your own scent with bee balm. Develop your own custom aroma by simply burning the fresh stalks of bee balm along with fresh mugwort stalks and fresh yarrow stalks.

You can use two stalks of each herb to get the right proportions. Roll these stalks inside a newspaper, secure the bundle with rubber bands, and sun-dry them for some days. Ignite the end of the bundle after unwrapping and tying it with cotton strings. Your DIY natural fragrance will fill the room in no time.

Aids in Digestion

When your digestive system isn’t working at its optimum, you can suffer health issues such as constipation, food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, bloating, weight gain, asthma, diarrhea, fatigue, and eczema. However, to reverse these health issues without drugs, you can consider drinking some bee balm tea. The tea is a powerful remedy for indigestion.

To make this herbal tea, add some chopped bee balm leaves in a cup of hot water. It is then to be infused until cool enough to drink. To boost its taste, you can add some lemon and honey to bee balm tea.

Promotes Skin Health

Sometimes, we get bitten by insects and develop itchy rashes on our skin. Having itchy and irritated skin is no fun, but bee balm tea is a strong after-bite remedy to try. The tea, after being cooled, can be applied as a skin wash to treat damaged and inflamed skin.

Bee balm tea relieves not just itchy skin caused by bug bites, but also alleviates skin issues such as eczema, rashes, and poison ivy.

Used as Facial Mask

The skin is the largest organ in the body. This means that factors like how we manage stress, what we eat, our daily exercise regime—all could impact skin health. In addition, the skin products we use may contain chemicals that adversely affect our skin, especially our face. Luckily, it is possible to find natural and safe skin products that are toxin-free. For your natural facial mask, bee balm contains tannins which soothe skin redness and irritation on the face.

To make the bee balm facial mask, mix 2 tablespoons of finely-ground bee balm leaves, ½ cup of ground oats as well as ¼ a cup of honey and aloe vera gel. Stir this mixture until you achieve a rich paste.

Serves as Herbal Shampoo

Are you tired of the sulfates-filled shampoos and considering their organic alternative? Bee balm shampoo is your best—it soothes a sensitive scalp, increases hair volume, and strengthens damaged hair. The combinations of bee balm’s antifungal and antibacterial properties make the shampoo an amazing hair wash.

The natural shampoo may not be sold over the counters but you can make it right in your kitchen. You only need to add some drops of the bee balm extract to any herbal shampoo.

Other Uses of Bee Balm

Bee balm is also effective as relief for colic and for treating colds and fevers. The herb can also be used to add fragrance to soaps. Bee balm is also used to treat infections as it contains antibacterial properties. In addition, the flowers of bee balm are used in the kitchen to add a minty aroma to salads and cakes. To do this, flower petals have to be scattered over salads.

How to Preserve Bee Balm

• Once your bee balm ready for harvest, pluck out a bundle of stems, including its flowers and leaves. Sun-dry the bundle for several days.
• After drying the bee balm thoroughly, crush the leaves and flowers. Pour the powder into a jar and add some vodka and brandy to the jar.
• Cover the jar tightly and allow the herb soak in the alcohol for about a month.
• At the end of a month, sieve out the herb and bottle the extract.

How to Grow Bee Balm

Bee balm will definitely add some beauty to your garden. But importantly, it contains amazing benefits and uses.

To grow and care for bee balm, do the following:

• Make sure your chosen location is sunny and has rich soil.
• Ensure the soil is moist.
• Remove spent flowers frequently to boost flower production.
• Apply a multi-purpose fertilizer to the bee balm plant.
• Bee balm is prone to powdery mildew which appears to leave a cloud of powdery dust on the leaves. You can treat this mildew with a fungicide spray.
• To prevent mildew, allow your bee balm plant to enjoy enough air. Also, avoid watering the plant from the top.

Side Effects of Bee Balm

While the benefits and uses of bee balm significantly outweigh its side effects, it is important to take some precautions when using the herb. Luckily, the herb rarely presents serious side effects.

• Some of these adverse effects include stinging, warmth, burning, and redness of the skin. If any of these effects persist or get worse, contact your doctor or herb expert immediately.
• You should, however, stop using bee balm and consult with your doctor the moment you experience serious side effects like ringing in the ears, severe redness and abnormal pain at the spot applied on, blistering, inflamed skin, difficulty in breathing, rash, dizziness, and vomiting.
• People suffering from nasal polyps, asthma, and irritated skin should avoid the use of bee balm.
• For the first two trimesters of pregnancy, bee balm should be used with caution. However, during the last trimester, bee balm is not recommended at all as it may cause harm to the unborn baby and affect childbirth.
• Breastfeeding mothers should steer clear of bee balm or consult their doctor before using the herb. This is because it is not clear whether this herb passes into breast milk.
• Bee balm may not be safe for children who are not up to 12 years of age. You should ask for a doctor’s advice and read the label of bee balm supplements carefully before using on children between 2 and 12 years old.

As with other herbal teas and supplements, it is important to check with your doctor first before using bee balm.

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