Are you getting your money's worth?
Try these easy beauty treatments that reuse
items you would normally throw away.
GRAPEFRUIT
Grapefruit is among one of the highest fruits in antioxidants. High in vitamin C it also contains phytonutrients called limonoids, which are tumor inhibitors. It contains pectin, a soluble fiber which has been found in animal studies to slow down progression for atherosclerosis (heart disease). It also helps to prevent kidney stones and protects against colon cancer.
Try this:
Take a grapefruit and peel off the skin in wedges. I like to use the Pampered Chef Citrus Peeler (only $1.00) to peel my citrus fruit. Now, eat the grapefruit and then apply the peel all over your face (white pithy part to your skin). Keep the peel in each spot for at least ten seconds (it may stick to your forehead - I unloaded a few grocery bags while it was on my forehead)! Let dry and wipe off any pith. So refreshing and good for your skin!
TEA BAGS are easy on the eyes.
It's been proven that the tannin in tea bags (green or black) reduces inflammation (puffiness) and dark circles under and around the eyes. Caffeinated tea works best as it has a higher anti-inflammatory property and green tea works even better because it contains EGCG, an additional anti-inflammatory.
If you have puffy eyes or dark circles, give this a try:
First, make my favorite iced tea recipe below. Save the tea bags and place them in the refrigerator in a glass jar or container or place on waxed paper in the freezer until cold but not frozen (if they are too dry add some water just to make them damp). Pour some of the iced tea you just made, place a tea bag over each eye and sit and relax for 10-15 minutes in peace and quiet. Remove tea bags and throw them away (or you can reuse them if you like). Store the tea bags in the refrigerator and repeat daily or as often as you like.
MINTY LEMON GREEN TEA RECIPE
Makes 1 gallon
6 Organic green tea bags
6 Organic mint tea bags or a bunch of fresh organic torn mint leaves (I prefer peppermint)
2 Large Organic Lemon, cut in quarters
Organic Agave Nectar or raw unfiltered honey, to taste, optional
Ice, to fill a gallon pitcher half way plus extra
Add enough warm-hot water (not boiling) to fill the Pampered Chef Classic Batter Bowl. Add tea bags and steep for 5-10 minutes. Do not squeeze the green tea bags or the result may be a bitter tasting pitcher of iced tea. The mint tea can stay in as long as you like depending on how minty you like it. If you have the time, allow to cool completely.
In the Family Size Quick Stir Pitcher (yes, from Pampered Chef), add ice and the tea mixture and stir. Add more ice if necessary. Squeeze lemons in the pitcher only if you will consume it shortly after. If not, squeeze a nice size lemon wedge into a glass and fill with the tea. If you like some sweetness, add some Agave Nectar or honey, to taste.
To make a half gallon pitcher, cut ingredients in half and use the Small Batter Bowl and the Quick Stir Pitcher.
For more ideas for how to use used tea bags, go to:
http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/reuses-tea-bags.html
Did you know?
- Green tea has lots of antioxidants.
- Peppermint relieves IBS symptoms, sick stomach and colic thru breast milk.
- Fresh lemon has vitamin C and is alkalizing in your body.
- Lemon water alkalizes your body, cleanses your liver and kidneys and aids in digestion.
- Each morning when you wake up, squeeze half of an organic lemon in a glass of lukewarm water and drink.
