The Herbal Home Spa: Naturally Refreshing Wraps, Rubs, Lotions, Masks, Oils, and Scrubs (Herbal Body) (Paperback)

by Greta Breedlove (Author) "There are a lot of good reasons to make your own skin-care products..." (more)
Key Phrases: Cosmetic Properties, Parts Used, North America Recipes (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Slices of cucumbers to refresh tired eyes, olive oil to restore hair, a lemon rinse to lighten hair color. By no means is natural body care alien to most people, yet many of herbalist Breedlove's more than 110 recipes, remedies, and ideas will enlighten and inspire. In fact, she provides some rather unusual alternatives for most if not all of the commercial skin, hair, and other care products. Need to darken hair? Try a mix of black walnut hulls, grape leaves, wine, and water. Corns a real annoyance? Bandage roasted garlic cloves around the offending toes. Suffering from itchiness due to poison ivy or dry skin? There's the cucumber pizza solution, slathering the entire body with this green vegetable. In addition to providing tons of tips about pampering, she also walks readers through the maze of herbs and natural ingredients, from acacia flowers to zinc oxide paste. A 101 course in soothing and relaxing. Barbara Jacobs

Product Description
These easy-to-make recipes include facial steams, scrubs, masks, and lip balms; massage oils, baths, rubs, and wraps; hand, nail, and foot treatments; and shampoos, dyes, and conditioners. Includes bathing rituals and massage techniques.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC (January 3, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580170056
• ISBN-13: 978-1580170055
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #29,499 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #10 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Beauty & Fashion > Cosmetics
  #10 in	Books > Home & Garden > Gardening & Horticulture > Herbs
  #34 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Alternative Medicine > Herbal Remedies

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful recipes and tips, March 27, 2000

By	Lisa M Musumeci (Upstate New York) - See all my reviews

This is a great book for all those interested in making their own skincare and bodycare products. The recipes are very easy to follow and all the products I've made have come out wonderfully. I have noticed a definite improvement in my skin. There is also a great reference guide to all the products that are used. I would defintely recommend this book to anyone, from the beginner to the advanced.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars beautifully aging sensitive skin, September 21, 2003

By	Jeanne Litt "happy traveler" (Hawaii, United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

My skin is very sensitive and I am 56 years old. The facial steam is one of my favorites. The ingredients are easy to get at my health food store and are beautiful dried flowers, etc. I make and use the steam in a big pot and reheat it and use it the next 2 days before composting it. Do this especially before a big event. My skin looks so much better. The steam is such an easy, pretty gift to make. I bought 12 books to give as gifts and they are gone, so quickly.
My co-workers were talking about going to a spa for a seaweed wrap at mucho bucks. I brought in my last copy of the book for them to see the recipes instead. For a special party, get together to pamper yourselves.
Thank you Greta for opening up the opportunity to so easily age gracefully.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough book on home beauty, April 1, 2005

By	Barbra A. Annino "Freelance Writer" (Galena, IL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Not only does this book offer recipes and tips on inexpensive, chemical-free beauty care, but the author also offers advice on purchasing, storing and choosing the proper products. It's a great resource if you want to save money but still look great and without putting toxins in your body.

I also want to note that it is unfortunate that any idiot can post a review on Amazon. Hiding behind a screen name allows people with WAY too much time on their hands to hurt respectable authors that are trying to help people by sharing their knowledge. I am referring to the review by "paradoxes" (ohio) who has a morbid fear of alcohol. Yes it is drying, but those with normal or oily skin should have no problem using it. In fact, it's in almost every commercial beauty product there is. As for her contention about putting "spoiling FOOD" on your skin. What the heck is she talking about? Everyone has heard about cucumbers for tired eyes, mayo for dry hair. And I don't recall any passage in the book that advised using a rotten banana in a facial. My guess is that she doesn't believe in natural beauty care and probably shouldn't have bought the book in the first place. IF she did, that is.

Just keep in mind that not all reviewers are honest and some are plain crazy. If you don't believe me, click on her screen name and check out the 'about me' section.