From old wives tales to the miracle elixir for all maladies apple cider vinegar has been used for home based cures for centuries. Wasn't Fergie quoted recently that apple cider vinegar was her secret to loosing her tummy fat? I don't doubt that, but I am sure it also had something to do with her 100 dollar plus per hour trainer and enough crunches to make any abdominals resemble an Iron Man suit (by the way didn't Robert Downey Jr. just rock in Iron Man). A while back we got the treat to host Robert and his beautiful wife Susan in The Body Deli for a late night private shopping spree. Robert is so sweet and charming, I am so happy for him!
Apple Cider Vinegar is an absolute fact for getting gorgeous skin. Vinegar has a tonic action that promotes blood circulation in the small capillaries that feed the skin nutrient and oxygen rich blood. Vinegar is also antiseptic, it curbs the nasty bacteria that cultivates in our pores that lead to blemishes and breakouts. But overall vinegar is excellent for all skin types it helps dry mature skin increase circulation and promotes faster cellular turnover, and it also is beneficial for oily skin as an astringent and blemish busting home remedy. Apple Cider Vinegar is what I call a friend with benefits.
Here is one of my favorite toner recipes. It is simple and effective. If you want great skin you will want to go the extra step and use this facial tonic daily for a smoother, tighter and more rosy complexion.
First the vinegar.
It is a must to use organic, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar preferable with the "mother". Raw vinegar is a must because it contain the all important living enzymes and minerals that make this vinegar really work. My favorite is the Bragg brand, it has been around forever and is readily available in every health food store and even some traditional grocery chains.
Natural apple cider vinegar differs from refined or distilled vinegars by the simple truth that it is made from fresh, crushed organically grown apples and allowed to mature in wooden barrels, which boosts its natural fermentation qualities. When mature, it contains a web like substance, called "mother", which becomes visible when the rich brownish liquid is held to the light.
The mother is the dark, cloudy substance in the Apple Cider Vinegar formed from naturally occurring pectin and apple residues. Its appearance is due to molecules of proteins connected in strand-like chains. If you want to see results you gotta get down with your momma, by the way Mother's Day is around the corner. Do something special this year send her a case of Braggs I am sure she will get much more use out of that than a bunch of sorry flowers that you order at the last minute through the web. But I digress...
What you will need.
1 Glass Jar
1 1/2 Cups Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Dried Rosemary
2 Cups Distilled Water
Getting Started.
Warm the apple cider vinegar on the stove. Make sure just to warm do not bring to boil. Place the dried rosemary in the glass jar. Cover with warm apple cider vinegar. Let the herbs infuse into the vinegar for 2 weeks. This will make a lovely scented and therapeutic herbal tonic. Then strain the vinegar and herbs. Mix together the distilled water and vinegar place into a glass container and refrigerate. Will last in the refrigerator for 2-3 months.
Directions.
Daily after cleansing morning and night take a couple of tablespoons of the mixture and soak a cotton ball. Use this toner all over the skin. It is that easy. Follow up with a moisturizer of choice.
Have a beautiful day.
David Parker
The Cosmetic Chef.
