Did you know that the herbs in your kitchen and the weeds growing in your backyard contain minerals that can be the secret to healthy living? Have you ever wondered what is actually in those magic potions and lotions that the lady at the department store persuades you to try? Learning to navigate the maze of scientific names printed on the tubes and jars can be tricky. The end result - you just blindly follow either your favourite celebrities' endorsement of the product on TV or the advice of the salesperson in the department store. The promise of health and beauty is easily the biggest lure for women; however, the beneficial side-effects that these minerals can have for your health are largely ignored. Few people are aware that most of the herbs and plants growing in their kitchen garden can become their secret potion for beauty, health and vitality. Did you know that capsaicin, which is what makes peppers hot, is also an antioxidant and has anticarcinogenic properties? Similarly, the chamomile growing in your herb garden is a miracle herb that has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, making it ideal for soothing stomach ailments naturally. Stinging nettles, those pesky weeds you usually uproot, are also amazingly rich in minerals such as selenium, zinc and boron, which help in enhancing memory and even bone-building. 
"A healthy body is often reflected in glowing skin and hair. Cleopatra's famed beauty, for instance, was not courtesy of chemical skin treatments in a posh beauty salon - it was the result of a meticulous beauty regime and healthy living. It is claimed that she bathed in milk and honey. It is now known that the triglycerides present in milk can moisturise and soften the skin, while the bleaching agent in honey provides a glowing complexion. A mixture of oil and lime was said to have been ground into a cleansing cream for her, while sea salts were used for their exfoliating qualities. Specially formulated clay packs rich in magnesium can draw toxins and excess fluid out of the skin." Balancing a busy professional life with the demands of running a household can often leave you with little time to concentrate on rejuvenating your body and skin. You could try, however, to reorganise your leisure time to include Cleopatra-like home therapies, making time for a spa day at least once a month. A good spa treatment tops up the deficient minerals in your body while relieving stress and relaxing the muscles. For a revitalising experience days like this should include lots of rest and relaxation. A good spa treatment can also give you the head start you need to embrace longer, more demanding health routines. Taking advantage of the treatments and the health benefits of these special minerals could be a relaxing way to stay healthy without the need for rigorous exercise routines. |