1- Soften your skin by filling a basin with warm water and add the juice of a lemon with one cup oatmeal. Soak feet for ten minutes. While soaking, rub the oatmeal all over your feet to exfoliate. Rinse with warm water.

2- Make a highly effective foot tonic by micro waving a cup of milk, one tablespoon dry mint leaves, one teaspoon rosemary & one teaspoon peppermint extract. Apply the mixture to feet with a clean, dry cloth. Brush off residue and wrap feet in plastic wrap. Wait 5 minutes and rinse thoroughly.

If you are an athlete who takes sports supplements, chances are that you have heard of glutamine, which is an amino acid found in many supplements. Glutamine has many different advantages, including boosting athletic performance, brain function, and even immunity.

Although glutamine is not considered an essential amino acid for most people, it is certainly necessary for athletes who must quickly replenish the nutrients in their body after exercise. Aside from that, studies have also shown that it can help alleviate the side effects of cancer treatments and aid in the healing process after surgery. The average human body makes enough glutamine, but when it comes to intense exercise, illness, or recovery, it becomes an essential part of the body’s healing process.

Some glutamine foods include most meats: beef, poultry, and pork, for example. Other natural sources of glutamine include dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, as well as raw spinach, parsley, and cabbage.

When taken as a supplement, glutamine should always be taken with cold to room-temperature foods or liquids, since heat will cancel out its effects. The same goes for cooking foods with glutamine, which is why the raw version of the aforementioned vegetables is recommended for those who do not want to lose that nutrient.

Because the immune system is at its most vulnerable after a workout, glutamine should be taken immediately after exercise. Glutamine levels are at approximately 50 percent after a vigorous workout, which means that your body is going into overdrive trying to keep your immune system in the best shape possible. This is why it is crucial to take glutamine after an intense workout. Not only can your muscle cells weaken because your body is not using protein efficiently, but you can also become more prone to illness.

Athletes are not the only people who benefit from glutamine supplementation and glutamine-rich foods. Because glutamine is essential for proper immune function, it is the ideal supplement to take for those who are recovering from surgery or illness.

Homemade Rosemary-Mint Mouthwash

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups distilled or mineral water
1 tsp fresh mint leaves
1tsp rosemary leaves
1 tsp anise seeds
Boil the water, add herbs and seeds, infuse for 20 minutes. Cool, strain and use as a gargle/mouthwash. If you wish to make up a larger quantity, double or triple the recipe then add 1 tsp of tincture of myrrh as a natural preservative.

Homemade Spearmint Mouthwash
Ingredients:
6 ounces water
2 ounces vodka
4 teaspoons liquid glycerine
1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
10-15 drops Spearmint essential oil
Boil water and vodka, add glycerine and aloe vera gel. Remove from the heat, let cool slightly. Add spearmint oil, shake well. Pour into bottle, cap tightly.

Homemade Fruit Teeth Cleaners
1. Rub a lemon rind on your teeth to remove brown stains. Rinse your mouth thoroughly afterward.

2. Clean your teeth with a fresh strawberry. Rub it over and between your teeth.
A very simple homemade mouthwash
Wash your mouth with half a glass of warm water containing a teaspoon of table salt.

Baking Soda Mouthwash

Mix 2 ounces of Water, 1/4 Teaspoon of baking soda or Sea Salt, 1 drop of Pure Peppermint Oil, and 1 drop of Tea Tree oil. This Homemade mouthwash recipe leaves a great refreshing minty taste in your mouth and helps prevent bad breathe.

The above are some of the best homemade mouthwash recipes. Hope you like them. Please send your feedback (look at the bottom of this page).

Also some Breath Fresheners
• Chew fresh parsley to sweeten the breath.
• Chew fennel seeds to freshen the breath.
• Chew anise seeds to freshen the breath.

• Chew a few peppermint or spearmint leaves or drink a cup of peppermint tea.
• Add 1 drop of myrrh oil to 1 cup of cooled, boiled water. Use as gargle/mouthwash

For Men General Care

Do you think that facial washes, lotions, specialty shampoos and gels are just for the ladies? Current trends contradict this traditional stereotype; according to retailers, men are buying more skin care products and hair products than ever, and not just for their wives.

Although men should certainly take care of their bodies in many of the same ways that women do, there are differences between men and women and the health needs that they each have. The basic structure of the skin is the same although a man’s skin does tend to have a slightly thicker top layer. Men also have stronger, thicker facial hair than women and produce more oil. This excess oil can block the pores and cause blackheads and spots if the skin is not kept clean. A simple skin care routine will help to keep skin clean and healthy and will go a long way to preventing such problems.

Washing your face in the morning is integral. Facial cleansers are preferable to soap since soap nearly always over dries your skin and leaves it feeling tight and uncomfortable. An exfoliating scrub two to three mornings a week helps remove dead skin cells and prevent breaks-outs and blocked pores. Use a facial wash before you shave in the morning and before you go to bed at night or whenever you skin is dirty. Massage the cleanser gently in a circular motion: do not scrub! Your face is not a frying pan or hubcap.

Many men start their mornings off with a nice warm shower, and this is a good time to incorporate easy ways to keep your skin and hair clean and in good shape. Lukewarm water is best, as hot water will strip your skin of its natural oils. Use a loofah (a rough sponge made from the fruit of a tropical plant) to remove dead skin. Shampooing doesn’t just encompass hair, but your scalp as well. Massage shampoo into your scalp with your fingertips and rinse. Use a conditioner to tame and moisturize your wild locks. Rinsing your hair thoroughly will prevent the build-up of shampoo residue that results in dry and “flat” hair. Try not to blow-dry your hair too often as it will become brittle, and apply gentle styling products like gel, spray or a light mousse to hold and shape your hair.

Aside from regular face washing, guys often neglect other aspects of their skin care. Men are more vulnerable to the wind and sun because shaving strips away the uppermost layer of skin. Use water-based, oil free sunscreen and a UV-resistant lip balm. We don’t always realize the toll stress takes on our skin. Stress produces hormones in the body which when broken down release free radical chemicals that damage cells. Smoking has a similar effect as does alcohol and pollution. Dull skin needs boosting and reviving to make it look healthier and younger. After shaving, many men use commercial aftershaves. Traditional aftershaves had a very high alcohol content and splashing them onto newly shaved skin was supposed to sting and feel refreshing. The alcohol quickly evaporated and left behind the fragrance. Unfortunately, they were often really uncomfortable and caused skin reactions. We have several natural Aftershave recipes to soothe raw, irritated skin like the Minty Menthol Aftershave.

There is no magical cure for aging, and prevention is always easier than searching for a cure, but you can do a lot to smooth the visible signs and keep wrinkles under control. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Protect your skin with sun block daily. Smoking is possibly the worst thing you can do to your skin. Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water as dehydration is really bad for your skin. Aim for eight large glasses a day. Get sufficient sleep and try to relax. Stress really shows on your face and can damage the skin if it continues over a long period. Using massage as a relaxation technique always works. Take that time out once a week to meditate, listen to music, and enjoy one of our Massage Oil Recipes on your aching shoulders and neck. You deserve the incredible feeling of taking care of your body, hair, and skin just as much as women do, so treat yourself to some pampering.

And don’t forget to drink plenty of water!

Highlight your lips with color-rich lipsticks

Lipsticks bring out your smile and can make your lips look totally kissable. No makeup has to power to transform like long lasting lipsticks and most women say they feel naked without it. A necessary part of a polished look and often the last thing a woman will do is apply lipstick before leaving the house. No other cosmetic is easier to apply and lip liners, lip gloss, and lipsticks help make a woman feel sexy and self-assured. If you can color in a coloring book, you can color your lips and with enough practice you won’t even need to use a mirror.

Lipsticks are composed of pigment, which determines its color; wax, which gives lipstick its shape and emollients or oils which moisturize and carry the color. The five basic formulas are sheer, shimmer, cream, matte and long-lasting. Flavored lip-gloss and moisturizing glosses are also desirable for a different twist and shiny lips. Lip liners shape your lip and make it easier to apply the lipsticks.

The lips are an extremely vulnerable part of the body, and lipsticks should provide protection. A good lipstick will moisturize the lips and shield them from the sun. These days the most lubricious lipsticks contain moisturizers like Vitamin E, collagen and amino acids and some contain sunscreen for protection. Women over 50 usually look better with a cream lipsticks rather than a matte or gloss and in a pinch your lipsticks can double as a blush. Carry a stash of different lipsticks in daring shades in your purse for different occasions, outfits, and moods.

Aftershave Recipes

Raw, burning, irritated skin on your neck and chin-how is anyone supposed to get through the day when his face is on fire? Below are a few tried-and-true aftershave recipes that should help you cool down that razor burn and keep you smelling and feeling clean and refreshed all day.

Energizing Aftershave

Combine 2 cups witch hazel extract, 2 oz. rose water, 2 oz. aloe vera gel, 1/2 oz. vegetable glycerin, 1 drop peppermint and 1 drop eucalyptus essential oil in a container with a spray nozzle and shake well. Spritz on to skin after shaving. Makes 2 1/2 cups.

Your Choice Aftershave

Combine 1/4 cup witch hazel, 1/2 cup distilled water, 3 drops benzoin oil, 1 tbsp. olive oil, and a few drops of your choice essential oils (try lavender, rosemary, sage, orange, lemon, cinnamon, or cloves-it’s up to you!) in a container with a spray nozzle and shake well. Spritz on to skin after shaving.

Minty Menthol Aftershave

Combine 3/4 teaspoon glycerine, pinch borax, tiny pinch menthol crystals, 3/4 witch hazel, 10 drops peppermint essential oil, 10 drops sandalwood essential oil, 2 drops lavender oil, 2 drops rosemary oil in a container with a spray nozzle and shake well until all borax and menthol crystals are dissolved. Spritz on to skin after shaving.

Citrus Magic Aftershave

Combine 6 tsp. dried lemon balm leaves, 4 tsp. dried chamomile leaves, 1 tsp. rosemary leaves, 3 tsp. calendula leaves, 4 parts rose essential oil, 1 lemon peel, 1 sage leaf, and 3 comfrey leaves in a wide mouthed jar with 2 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar and cover. Let mixture rest in a warm spot for 2 weeks and then strain the liquid. Strain the mixture and keep the liquid; to each cup of scented vinegar add 2/3 cup rose water or witch hazel and add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil. Pour into a bottle with a spray nozzle. Product does not need to be refrigerated and will keep indefinitely.

Honey-Dill Aftershave

Combine 1/4 cup dill seed, 1 tbsp. honey, and 2 1/2 cups distilled water in saucepan. Bring to a boil and then simmer for approximately 20 minutes. Let mixture cool, and then add 1 tbsp. witch hazel. Strain and pour liquid into a bottle with a spray nozzle. When refrigerated, keeps for 2 months.