Pretty Obsession: James Wong

Lately, I've been obsessed with ethnobotanist James Wong, the author and television host of Grow Your Own Drugs. He's got plenty of tips on how to take care of yourself through herbs and natural remedies.

He mentions how to use plants, herbs and flowers to deal with common issues such as colds, coughs and stomach pains. For example, in a recent episode, James mentions how to harvest the power of flower petals to make luxurious beauty products. He simply turns chamomile flowers into a gentle milky bath, then uses rose petals to make a soothing leg wax treatment. It's amazing what one can do with everyday flowers.

Here are some face care recipes that the staff at Pretty Organic Cosmetics love:

The first one is relatively simple: a Honey and Egg Mask. All you need to do is add 1 table spoon of honey to an egg. Mix them well and apply the mask to your face around bed time. After the mask has dried, wash your face with water. By applying twice a week, you will find your pores tighten, wrinkles are reduced and skin feels more supple.

The Apple Mask. Get half an apple and crush it with green clay (like the Pretty Treatments Masks!). Then add in 2 teaspoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tsp of flour. Mix well, then apply on clean skin. Keep it on for 10 to 15 minutes and then wash off with lukewarm water. This Apple Mask helps to revitalize skin cells by increasing cell turnover.

Yogurt, Banana and Honey mask can help tighten pores and peel off dead skin. You will find your skin immediately brighten after applying this mask. It is most suitable for dry skin types. Mash half of a banana and mix it with 1 tablespoon of honey and a small cup of yogurt. Apply the mixture in face for 5 minutes and then wash off with lukewarm water.

We also love his recipes for a warm bath with a handful of lavender flowers and some epsom salts-- guaranteed to melt your stress away. He also has tons of recipes in his book on how to make your own remedies from lemon balm lip salve, to cherry cough syrup. It's great for the DIY'ers out there.

S.L at Pretty Organic Cosmetics