In the early 1970s, a team of researchers at Stanford University in California began tinkering with bovine (cow-based) collagen. The results were very promising and finally, in 1977, the first bovine collagen injection with the trade name Zyderm hit the market. Its approval for use in the UK followed and today it maintains a level of unrivalled popularity. Two other versions of bovine collagen. Zyderm II and Zyplast, soon followed and, depending on the patient’s needs, any of the three can be used, either exclusively or in combination.By now you’re probably asking yourself. Why from cows? First, the collagen found in cows is very similar to human collagen and as a result, only an estimated 3% of the population is allergic to it. Before any treatment, a series of skin tests paced over a four-week period usually rule out the possibility of an allergic reaction, but even so, it’s been found that 1 in 1.000 patients will experience the redness and swelling at the site of the injection associated with an allergic reaction. Fortunately, the reaction always clears up on its own and doesn’t’ affect your general health. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, bovine collagen delivers an extremely natural result that so far has proven difficult to replicate with a synthetic substance or even a human one.*59\82\8*

Health aside, being in good physical shape is, of course, simply very pleasant. It is also, however, extremely beneficial to the health of our heart, lungs, and arteries.

In practice, though, it is quite difficult for a physician to recommend exercise as treatment. The patient simply nods, his eye on the prescription pad. Why not a pill? he is thinking. The doctor explains that he will not be as tired, or as itchy, or as itchy, if he plays more tennis, takes long walks, jogs, and so forth. As the patient puts on his shirt, he feels worse than ever. Exercise! How can I exercise when I am already too tired to get through the day? What the patient perhaps does not realize is that his chronic tiredness is a manifestation of his various anxieties and tensions, which are ‘burning him up inside’.

It has been shown that an adequate exercise programme improves not only physical fitness but also mental abilities. Carefully controlled trials have shown that speed of performance of intellectual tasks, memory, and learning ability are all improved following a ten-week exercise programme. Psychological testing following such a programme has also shown that the personality appears more content and less anxious. The mechanism by which exercise improves these factors is not known.

Exercise is most useful in another way too. It is a method of dispelling one of our most potent stresses, namely hostile aggression. This, unfortunately, is not only a collective national trait but a personal one too, lying deep within each one of us. It powers not only our careers, our games and our drama, but also the way we drive a car. The type of work most of us do involves less and less physical exertion. Hence one of the many stresses we suffer from is the stress of our own pent-up aggressive drives. One way of dispelling these is by physical exercise.

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Evening primrose: (Oenothera biennis) is extracted from the seed and is pale yellow. Contains high levels of Gramma Linoleic Acid (GLA). It is used in treatments for skin conditions, eczema, psoriasis and for slow healing wounds. Excellent in the prevention of premature ageing as it reduces water loss and increases the blood flow to the capillaries at the surface of the skin.

Jojoba Oil: (Simmondsia chinenis) The oil is extracted from the seeds or bean, and is yellow in colour. The oil contains protein, minerals, and a waxy substance that mimics collagen.

Jojoba oil is used in cosmetics for its natural moisturising and healing properties. It is suitable for all skin types, dry, oily or sensitive and used for inflamed skin, acne, eczema, psoriasis, also used in hair care and for scalp disorders. Its penetrating qualities are good for carrying nutrients and essential oils through the skin into the blood stream. The oil is an excellent emollient, leaving the skin soft and smooth. Hazelnut Oil: (Corylus avellana) is extracted from the kernel, green in colour. It is rich in vitamins A, B,E and the essential fatty acids and has a high penetration to carry nutrients and essential oils through the skin into the blood stream. It is used for all skin types and has a slight astringent action.

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Basil: (ocimum basilicum) acne and oily skin, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, brain stimulant, bronchitis, catarrh, colds, depression, digestive problems, diarrhoea, engorged breast, flatulence, flu, headaches, infections, menstruation, migraine, mouth-gum nerve tonic, mental fatigue, mouth ulcers,

Caution: some oils are considered carcinogenic, avoid oil in cases of epilepsy, pregnancy, sensitive skin.

Bergamot: (citrus bergamia) acne and oily skin, abscess, anxiety, antiseptic, appetite loss, asthma, bad breath, boils, depression, deodorant, digestion, calming, cold sores, colic, chickenpox, cystitis, gargle for sore throats, grief, herpes, oily skin, sedating

Caution: photo toxic- avoid direct sunlight when using the oil.

Carrot Seed: (daucus carota) suitable for all skin types and problems, adding tone and elasticity, boils, carbuncles, eczema, psoriasis, ulcers, vitiligo, weeping sores, blood purifier, jaundice, hepatitis, weakness, exhaustion

Caution: pregnancy.

Cedarwood: (juniperus virginiana) oily skin, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, scalp problems – seborrhoea, dandruff and alopecia, anxiety, antiseptic, bronchitis, coughs, cellulite, cystitis, diuretic, kidneys, itching, urinary infections, nervous tension, stress, tension, ulcers

Caution: Not to be used in pregnancy.

Chamomile: (matricaria chamomilla) anti inflammatory, abscess, acne, dry and problem skin, sensitive and damaged skin, eczema, psoriasis, anaemia, anxiety, appetite loss, arthritis, asthma, boils, bunions, capillaries, calming, colitis, chickenpox, depression, diarrhoea, digestion, diuretic, ear ache, flatulence, grief, headache, menstruation, menopausal, psoriasis, insomnia, itching, relaxation, sedating.

Caution: Not to be used in pregnancy.

Clary Sage: (salvia sclera) oily and dry skin, oily hair, dandruff, asthma, anxiety, depression, frigidity, impotence, menstruation, nervousness, relaxant, skin tonic, stress, tension, ulcers.

Caution: Don’t take with alcohol, avoid in cases of epilepsy.

Cypress: (cupressus sempervirens) oily and broken capillaries, excessive permeation, asthma, haemorrhoids, varicose veins, rheumatism, fluid retention, circulation, diarrhoea, kidneys, coughs, menstruation. Caution: Avoid oil with high blood pressure.

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Horsetail (equisetum arvense) is a unique cosmetic agent which beautifies from the inside out. Horsetail is rich in silica, a mineral constituent of nails and skin. It is used for relaxation of the abdominal organs, to aid kidneys and bladder; help in skin complaints such as eczema and acne. Is used externally and internally; to stop bleeding. In very stubborn leg ulcers it is recommended to make a mixture of equal parts of horsetail and calendula and bathe the affected parts for 30 minutes in concentrate using the same amount of tea in 3 litres as is recommended for a full bath. Horsetail is used for osteoporosis and for athletes who suffer from sprains, dislocated joints, pulled hamstrings, or torn ligaments.

Lavender (lavandula angustifolia) it is used in natural cosmetics and is suitable for all skin types. It can also ease headaches, and to relax and calm the body. It was used in ancient Rome as a fragrant, refreshing bath additive.

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There are two methods of making herbal vinegar’s.

Using commercial vinegar: herbal vinegar’s are commonly made by

buying a bottle of vinegar (important to avoid white and malt vinegar’s) and adding herbs like marjoram, rosemary, sage and thyme to it. The bottle is sealed again and left for at least four weeks for the herb to disperse.

Fermenting the herb itself to vinegar: you can easily make your own herbal vinegar. Make a herb tea with the herb of your choice and ferment with sugar and a Kombucha culture as you would prepare your Kombucha brew. Instead of drinking the herbal Kombucha brew after 7 to 15 days, simply forget it for a minimum of 6 weeks. You can now use your own herbal vinegar. It’s the best vinegar you can get and it’s next to free. For more information about Kombucha brewing it is recommended to read the book “Kombucha Teaology”.

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Garlic

Garlic has been used successfully for skin disorders, pimples, acne, athletes foot, fungal conditions, scar tissue, boils, wounds and used as an antiseptic. Fresh garlic is used for corns and calluses.

Grapefruit

Is good in neutralising fatty acids on the skin. It is an astringent with a mild bleach and is best for troubled and oily skin.

Grapes

These make a wonderful skin moisturiser and are used as a toner for dry sensitive skin. Apply grape juice around the eyes for crow’s feet and the tiny cracks around the comers of the mouth. Rub juice all over the face and leave on for 20 minutes.

Guava see chapter Guava Flaxseed

Is highly emollient and can be used as a mucilage in cosmetics. To make flaxseed gel, simmer one cup of seeds with three cups of water until thick. Strain and use as a hair gel.

Herbs

The history of herbs is almost as old as the human race and were used by the Egyptians, Greeks and the Romans and most of the early civilisation. For example, fresh basil juice mixed with lemon juice in equal parts is used for skin diseases, pimples, black-spots, acne, and the relief of itching.

Honey

One of nature’s simplest and most abundant remedies. Honey has been used since the days of Ancient Greece and earlier. It is recommended by Hippocrates for its healing properties. One of the oldest beauty treatments honey has always been used for rejuvenating purposes. Honey is an antiseptic and hydrates, cleanses, heals, moisturises nourishes, softens and leaves the skin feeling clear and smooth. Honey can be used on all skin types, dry, mature, oily, acne and sensitive. Honey can also be used to treat bedsores, burns, carbuncles, chapped lips, blemishes, herpes lesions, sores, shingles, ulcers, wounds and for hair lotion.

Honey tends to soften and smooth old wrinkles. Because of the composition of honey it causes the skin tissues to hold moisture. Dry skin cells pump up and wrinkles tend to smooth away.

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