Mountain Rose Herbs’ Book of Natural Body Care present a natural, sustainable approach to self-care. Written for beginners, the book highlights the benefits of using natural ingredients over synthetic alternatives and provides foundational knowledge as well as many simple recipes for health and beauty. The text combines expertise in herbalism with an emphasis on ethical principles and sustainability to create a comprehensive introduction to a rewarding endeavor.
The opening chapter lays out the information, concepts, and skills that form the foundation for all of the recipes that are to come. Readers learn about the tools and supplies, essential oils, carrier oils, butters, and cosmetic clays. Charts are included to aid in making dilutions, suggestions are given for substituting ingredients in recipes, and instructions are provided for making herb-infused oils.
The bulk of the book comprises 68 body care recipes that meet a variety of needs. The recipes are organized into seven groups according to purpose; hair, face, lip, skin, hands and feet care, shower and bath enhancements, and remedies for common ailments. Each recipe is introduced by a brief paragraph about the value of the completed project and includes a list of ingredients, quantity, step by step directions for making and using the product, and a large full color photograph. Tips in the margins deal with topics like storage, customization, and enhancements. Some of the outstanding recipes include leave-in hair conditioner with argan and jojoba oils, ayurvedic facial mask, and ultra-hydrating ginger cookie lip balm, but the soothing gardener’s salve and woodland escape bath bomb are very appealing too. After a day at the beech you might like the natural after-sun spray with Calendula but if dry rough skin is the problem, try the vegan salve with carnauba wax. If you are concerned about sourcing the ingredients in any of the recipes, just go to the website of Mountain Rose Herbs.
Book of Natural Body Care is a quality introduction to DIY natural body care. It provides all the basic information for a beginner to get started and offers a wide variety of recipes to meet varied needs. The writing style is clear and concise, and the numerous large color photographs are attractive and inviting. I wish the font size was larger and its color in more contrast, but even with those caveats, this book is outstanding.
To buy Book of Natural Body Care from Amazon.con, click here.