If a love for natural and organic alternatives has given you an interest in DIY products, now would be the time to take that interest to the next level. Self-isolation doesn’t have to stop us from reaping the benefits of our increasingly sunnier weather. Here, we are going to touch on some simple ways to make the most out of your garden. These natural and sustainable solutions are so effortless to grow that you may likely continue to use some of them long into the future.
Loofah (Luffa)
Loofah is a fruit that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. It’s edible before reaching full maturity but unlike many other fruits, it has more to offer than it’s nutritional and high fiber content. After being dried and peeled, it can also be used as a natural non-toxic alternative of a sponge. Whilst it looks and acts similarly to synthetic sponges, it is fully biodegradable and you can grow it yourself. The fibers of loofah are stimulating and work as a gentle exfoliant which in some ways makes this a more effective solution.
Whilst it is a great substitute, loofah can easily attract bacteria which means that it should be regularly cleaned and replaced every couple weeks.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is another plant that can be consumed as well as used for skincare. In addition to its general health benefits due to the antioxidant and antibacterial properties, it can be used as a natural laxative and mouthwash. A study reported on NCBI has found aloe to be equally effective as chlorhexidine for removing dental plack. Whilst many of you are familiar with its anti-inflammatory cooling and soothing properties for burn and irritation relief, aloe provides a wide set of skin benefits that can pretty much benefit anyone. Its high water concentration makes it a great option for dry skin but it has also been shown to help oily skin conditions like acne. There are a variety of cosmetic mixtures that aloe will make a fantastic addition to, but it also works wonderfully when used all by itself which will suit those of you who prefer a more straightforward process. It is best grown in a pot which makes it possible to grow even if you don’t have a garden. After cutting a piece of the plant, it must be wrapped and stored in the fridge after use. This will last you around a week.
Mint
Mint can be used in food dishes, tea, and skin application and has several health benefits from improving brain function to relieving indigestion and cold symptoms. Popular DIY uses for mint in cosmetics include toners and water cleansers. The leaves contain a high content of salicylic acid and work as a natural astringent which makes it a great choice for acne-prone skin. Refrigerated, mint extracted water will last you around 5 days. After washing your leaves, place them to boil until your water becomes yellow/green. Then let them cool down to room temperature and use a strainer to sperate the water from the leaves. You can use the water alone or combine it with other extracts such as apple, cucumber, essential oils, etc.
Cotton
In the US, eight of the top 10 pesticides most commonly used in cotton production are classified as moderately to highly hazardous by the World Health Organization
Whilst cotton in itself is a fully sustainable fabric, the way that it’s farmed is hazardous to the environment and us. It is the single most chemically doused crop worldwide which not only seeps into the earth but can also be harmful to consumers due to the high chance of bought cotton holding pesticide residue. However, it is often necessary for many of us who use micellar waters and non-spray toners as well as keeping our ears clean. Fortunately, cotton is one of the easiest crops to grow in your garden and it also works as the cheapest way to continue using it whilst remaining environmentally sustainable. Depending on how much you tend to use, it may useful to remember that every plant produces 30-40 bolls of cotton.
Rose
Aside from rose water being one of the best scented natural ingredients, it’s aroma is known to work as a powerful mood enhancer. It’s also packed with an endless list of skincare benefits including revitalization, hydration, inflammation relief, and helps maintain the skin’s PH balance which is why it is so popular as a toner. The water’s anti-bacterial properties also make it a helpful choice for healing cuts and wounds. You can make this toner by removing and washing the petals, placing them into a pot of distilled water and heating them to a simmer. It’s important to ensure that you only use enough water to cover the petals otherwise you will dilute the extract. When it cools down to room temperature, separate the water from the petals and pour it into your choice of container. Homemade rosewater will last you around a week in the fridge.
Many DIY skincare junkies tend to overlook the thought of growing their own ingredients which is understandable considering it is usually a complicated process. However, some of the few ingredients that are easy to grow are not only a great addition to your skincare routine but an effortless, affordable, and natural way to enhance your DIY experience.
What are some of your favorite natural ingredients? Have you ever considered what it would be like to grow any of them yourself?
