Copyright 2009-2013 Wellpreneur Ltd. :: Vintage Amanda ... · Welcome! Get ready to discover my 10 favorite recipes for natural health & beauty. Over the past few years, I've tried

Copyright 2009-2013 Wellpreneur Ltd. :: Vintage Amanda :: VintageAmanda.com :: 1 of 16

Table of Contents

Table of Contents...................................................................................2Introduction..........................................................................................3Coconut Lime Deodorant.........................................................................4Luxe Facial Oil........................................................................................5Onion Cough Syrup.................................................................................6Herbal Infusions.....................................................................................7Vietnamese Lime & Honey Syrup..............................................................8Honey Face Mask....................................................................................9(Portable) Hot Cloth Cleanser.................................................................10Homemade Probiotics............................................................................11Homemade Probiotics, continued............................................................12No Bake Maple Pecan Brownies...............................................................13No Bake Maple Pecan Brownies, continued................................................14Homemade Vanilla Extract.....................................................................15About the Author..................................................................................16


Introduction

Welcome! Get ready to discover my 10 favorite recipes for natural health & beauty.

Over the past few years, I've tried – and shared – a lot of recipes, tips and ideas about good food, natural remedies and DIY beauty – but these are the very best.

My recipes are simple and use basic ingredients that everyone should be able to find. Good health doesn't have to be complicated. We have enough stress in our lives without having to buy 30 speciality ingredients to create a 'natural' product!

Enjoy these recipes – and let us know how they work for you. The Vintage Amanda community is made up of people who love natural health and beauty – and a good dose of creativity. Connect in the blog comments or on our Facebook page.

And if you got this book from a friend, please go to VintageAmanda.com to sign up for our mailing list – and to hear about all of the latest projects, articles and workshops!

Here's to your natural radiance,


http://www.vintageamanda.com/

https://www.facebook.com/vintageamanda

http://www.VintageAmanda.com/

Coconut Lime Deodorant

Regular deodorant is filled with chemicals – and antiperspirants actually cause our pores to close to prevent us from sweating (but sweating is how our body releases toxins! We want to sweat them out, not keep them in!)

This is the #1 requested recipe on Vintage Amanda – because it really works.

2 Tb. coconut oil

1 Tb. baking soda

3 Tb. arrowroot powder

5 drops lime essential oil (or your favorite essential oil)

Just mix it all together and put into a container. If you want easier mixing, melt the coconut oil first and allow to harden before using.

Always always always label the container!

To use: scoop out a little bit (maybe 1/4 tsp) on your finger, press against your underarm for a few seconds to soften, then rub in. Repeat on the other side.

Lasts for 6 months.


Luxe Facial Oil

Moisturisers are expensive. Making your own facial oil is super easy – and you can include high quality ingredients specifically customized to your skin type! Don't feel like you need to buy all of the ingredients to start. You can make a simple facial oil with olive oil and lavender essential oil. You can buy more ingredients over time.

50 ml (approx 2 ounces) of almond oil (include grapeseed oil and jojoba for oily skin, or olive and avocado oil for dry skin)

15 drops of essential oils

• NORMAL skin: use lavender, rose and patchouli

• OILY skin: use lavender, geranium and patchouli

• DRY skin: use lavender, rose and frankincense

1 Vitamin E capsule (optional)

Combine oils in a dark glass bottle. Gently shake to combine all of the oils.

To use: massage 4-8 drops into slightly damp skin after cleansing.

Lasts 1 year.


Onion Cough Syrup

This is a classic cough remedy that can be used by the entire family. (In fact, it was originally given to children ... whereas adults would take a stronger version with garlic!) It's essential that this remedy is FRESH, so make it when you need it.

Onions strengthen the immune system and help your body fight off infection.

Plus, it tastes pretty good ... for an onion syrup!

1 onion

granulated white or brown sugar

a container with a lid, which fits the onion

To make: simply slice the onion, and place in layers with sugar in the container. Close the container. Let it sit 4 hours – overnight, until there is a liquid 'syrup' around the onion slices.

To use: Take a spoonful as often as needed to stop coughing (approximately 1-2 spoonfuls per hour).

Discard the syrup after 2-3 days and make fresh.


Herbal Infusions

Herbal infusions (also called 'herbal teas') are the 2nd best way to take herbs for health (the very best way is just to eat them!)

I absolutely love herbal infusions because you can customize them for different health needs – and they taste nice.

Suggested herbal infusions:

For sleep: chamomile, wild lettuce, skullcap, valerian (combine with other herbs)

For stress relief: chamomile, skullcap, lemon balm, rose.

For colds/flus: peppermint, elderflower and yarrow. Garlic. Ginger. Thyme.

For better skin: dandelion, burdock, clivers, milk thistle, red clover.

For better digestion: fennel, cinnamon, peppermint, chamomile, ginger.

For energy: peppermint, ginseng, ginger, nettle.

For more ideas and how to make herbal infusions, please visit:

http://www.vintageamanda.com/back-to-basics-herbal-tea/


http://www.vintageamanda.com/back-to-basics-herbal-tea/%20

Vietnamese Lime & Honey Syrup

I discovered this delicious, citrusy and sweet syrup during a trip to Vietnam. Honey is anti-bacterial, soothing, moisturising and nourishing, while the lime provides additional anti-bacterial properties – and a big burst of vitamin C!

Drizzle it into yogurt, or put a spoonful in your tea ... or just eat by the spoonful during the cold winter months (or when you feel like you're coming down with a cold!). Since it includes honey, don't give it to babies under 1 year of age.

Limes

Honey

A jar, very clean.

Wash the limes well. Using a thin skewer, poke holes all over the limes.

Place limes into jar. Cover limes COMPLETELY with honey. Add the lid.

LABEL the jar and let it sit on the counter or shelf (out of direct sunlight) for 2-3 weeks before using the syrup.

You can also cut up and eat the inside of the limes. Store in refrigerator.

(I've also made this recipe with sliced limes, it will be ready in just a few days!)


Honey Face Mask

When I stumbled across this common kitchen ingredient that can improve your skin, I couldn’t believe it. Then I tried it, and I was hooked. Smooth, soft, moisturised skin, fewer spots/breakouts, and really inexpensive! You've got to try using honey as a face mask. Honey is naturally antibacterial, softening, moisturising and speeds skin healing.

Honey Face Cleanser: Tie back your hair. (Getting honey in your hair is sticky and unpleasant!). I prefer to spread some honey on my dry face, as it spreads easier. Put a spoonful of honey on your fingers, and spread over your entire face. I put some on my lips as well, for mild ex foliation and moisturising. Let sit for 2 minutes. Either rinse off with warm water, or use a washcloth in warm water to slightly exfoliate. If you wear makeup, you may want to remove your makeup first, as the honey doesn’t remove makeup.

Honey Face Mask: Tie back hair. Apply to dry, cleansed skin. Apply layer of honey all over face. Let sit 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water or a warm washcloth. (If you want to make a mini-spa experience out of it, try an herbal face steam first, then a honey mask.)


(Portable) Hot Cloth Cleanser

This is a portable version of the internet cult-like facial cleanser called the Oil Cleansing Method. A combination of oils deep cleans and moisturises your face, while the cloth exfoliates. This cleanser just may change your life!

25 grams Castor Oil

25 grams Olive Oil

30 grams Shea Butter

20 grams Beeswax

20 drops essential oil (I used rosemary, eucalyptus and lavender)

Little jars to package the cleanser

Put everything except essential oils in a double boiler or saucepan. Heat gently and stir until melted. Remove from the heat and stir in essential oils. Pour into jars. Let cool. Close with lid and LABEL. Makes 100 grams. Lasts for 1 year.

To use: Scoop out some cleanser. Rub cleanser between your fingers and then onto your face to melt. Massage into your skin with circular motions for 2 minutes. Soak washcloth in hand-hot water, wring out and place hot cloth over your face for a minute. Rinse cloth in warm water and gently buff off the cleanser using circular motions, repeat until cleanser is removed. Finish with a splash of cool water. Ahh!


Homemade Probiotics

Forget buying expensive probiotic supplements or special yogurts – you can boost your digestive and immune systems through a traditional probiotic. Deliciously crunchy and tangy fermented veggies. You might know this type of veg as sauerkraut – but this is nothing like the soggy vinegary sauerkraut you've probably experienced. This version is fresh and crunchy, and you can vary the recipe to your taste. Have a spoonful everyday to keep your gut in tip-top shape!

1 head cabbage, shredded

2-3 carrots, shredded

1 Tb. fresh grated ginger

3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

A few shakes of dried chilli flakes

1 Tb. sea salt

4 Tb. whey (if available, or strain some yogurt to get it!)

A big, wide mouthed jar to fit the veggies with a little room at the top – very clean.

Another thinner jar, or sturdy drinking glass, which can fit inside the wide-mouthed jar lid – very clean.


Homemade Probiotics, continued...

How to make:

In a large bowl, mix the cabbage, carrots, ginger, garlic and a dash of chilli flakes.

Add salt and whey, stir to blend throughout veggies. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to soften a bit.

With a wooden spoon, start pounding the veggies in the bowl. This is going to crush them and start to release their juices. Pound the veggies for 3-5 minutes.

You’ll start to see some liquid in the bottom of the bowl.

Pack the veggies firmly into the large jar. Really press them in there with your clean hands or a wooden spoon. Liquid will start rising up above the veggies when you press on them.

Once all of the veggies are packed in, add the thinner jar/glass and push down. Ideally you want the liquid to cover the top of the veggies. (if it doesn’t right away, just proceed and check it again tomorrow. The veggies will continue to release juice. Mine is bright pink in the picture below because I used both purple and green cabbage.)

Cover with a cloth to keep out dust, and let sit at room temperature for 3-4 days. Check it every day to make sure the liquid is covering the veggies. If not, press down on the inner jar to release more liquid.

After 3-4 days, taste the veggies. They should be getting nice and tangy. Place the jar in your refrigerator. (Or if you have a small fridge like me, I transfer them into smaller jars and put in the fridge).

Try eating a few spoonfuls of the veggies every day.


No Bake Maple Pecan Brownies

These are not your 1970's no-bake brownies. These brownies are loaded with chewy, moist dates, rich cocoa and pecans. These brownies are Real Food.

These are the brownies for chocolate emergencies. Just a few ingredients, whizzed in your food processor, and ready to eat. Delicious plain or with the frosting.

Press them into a pan to make brownies. Or roll them into balls and roll in more cocoa powder for a kind of truffle. Or just eat the mix with a spoon straight from the bowl. (I’ve done this… several times.) Enjoy.

For the brownies (makes 10-12 brownies):

1 c. pecans

1 c. dates (these should be moist & chewy dates. If not, soak them in some hot water for 10 min, then drain before using)

1/3 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

Put the pecans, dates and cocoa powder in a food processor. Pulse to combine, then process until the mix looks like crumbly pebbles.

Press this mixture into a baking pan to your desired thickness. (I pressed mine onto a cookie sheet). These brownies are easier to cut once they’ve been chilled in the fridge…or even frozen!


No Bake Maple Pecan Brownies, continued...

For the frosting (optional):

1/4 c. maple syrup

1/8 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 ripe avocado

1 Tb. vanilla extract

pinch of salt

dash of cinnamon

Put all of the frosting ingredients in the food processor, or a blender. Blend until smooth. Spread over the brownies then refrigerate.

I’ve also chilled some of the leftover frosting and eaten it like a chocolate mousse.

I’ve had really good luck storing these frosted brownies in the freezer. They’ll last longer, and they cut easily. Perfect for when I just want a little slice of brownie. I don’t even defrost them first, but you could let them warm up for 10 min before eating.


Homemade Vanilla Extract

I'm an avid baker, and high quality vanilla extract is expensive! When I found myself with an unused bottle of vodka (I'm more fond of gin, personally) – I started experimenting and found that you can make excellent vanilla extract at home! Give it a try.

1 cup vodka

2 vanilla beans (good quality)

Jar/bottle with lid

Split the vanilla beans lengthwise to expose the dark seeds inside. Place entire vanilla beans into jar and cover with the vodka. Add the lid and LABEL. Let it steep for 1 month, shaking occasionally when you think of it.

You can use the mix as vanilla extract straight from the jar (just leave the vanilla bean inside, and top up with vodka occasionally). Alternatively, strain the vodka into a pretty jar and discard the vanilla bean.

Will keep for at least 1 year, if not much longer.


About the Author

Amanda Cook is a Certified Health Coach specializing in natural health and beauty. She helps women have less stress and more energy through natural health and lifestyle changes.

Amanda works with clients one-on-one and in groups. She also runs natural health & beauty workshops and retreats worldwide.

Amanda is passionate about good food, travel, creativity,

vintage remedies, speaking French, technology and beauty

products.

As a child, she was constantly writing & directing movies with friends, sewing potato-

sack-like dresses which she proudly wore to school, experimenting in the kitchen and

playing in the woods. Today, she channels that creative energy into Vintage Amanda.

Amanda has a degree from Dartmouth College and is an American expat currently

living in London.

For Amanda's latest projects, events, remedies and recipes, please visit:

www.VintageAmanda.com


http://www.vintageamanda.com/

Documents

Copyright 2009-2013 Wellpreneur Ltd. :: Vintage Amanda ... · Welcome! Get ready to discover my 10 favorite recipes for natural health & beauty. Over the past few years, I've tried