The Benefits of Flaxseed Oil for Home Made Cosmetics

Flaxseed oil is a liquid oil is made from the seeds of the Canadian flax plant. Flaxseed oil is high in Omega-3's and contains cancer fighting lignans. Omega-3's are thought to reduce the risk of heat attack, making flaxseed oil a healthy addition to the diet.

Liquid flaxseed oil should be stored in the refrigerator since it is sensitive to heat and oxygen. Flaxseed oil is also available as a capsule, which need not be refrigerated. However, all products that contain flaxseed in either form should be kept in the refrigerator, since flaxseed oil is especially sensitive to heat.

Flaxseed oil has a nutty flavor, and it often taken by itself as a nutritional supplement, or added to uncooked foods, like salad dressings.

Flaxseed oil that is taken internally (on food or as a supplement) has been shown to reduce dry skin on the body, as well as containing vitamins and minerals essential to good health. Flaxseed oil is also an anti-inflammatory, and can reduce the symptoms of arthritis.

Flaxseed oil also is easily absorbed by the skin, making it a good addition to your beauty regime. Flaxseed oil is great for reducing stretch marks, and rehydrating the skin.

Flaxseed Hair Gel

• 1 cup flaxseeds
• 3 cups water

Boil the flaxseeds in the three cups of water. Remove the seeds, and the remaining liquid is a natural hair gel. Keep stored in a lidded container in the refrigerator.

Use a small amount as needed for hair gel. Additionally, you may add essential oils and phenoxyethanol to the gel. (The phenoxyethanol is a preservative, and will allow you to keep the gel unrefrigerated.)

Cold Cream

• ¼ cup mineral oil
• ¼ cup flaxseed oil
• 1 ounce beeswax
• ¼ teaspoon borax
• ¼ cup distilled water
• Bergamot essential oil

Heat the oil and the beeswax in a double boiler. Dissolve the borax in water and boil. Add the boiled borax mixture to the oils slowly, stirring while you add. When the borax and oils are mixed, remove from heat and add the essential oils. When the mixture has cooled to about 120°, you can then pour the mixture into lidded containers. Keep stored in the refrigerator.

Protective Skin Rub

• ¼ cup coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon wheat germ oil
• 1 teaspoon flaxseed oil
• 1 teaspoon apricot kernel oil
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E
• 2 teaspoons grated beeswax
• 1 teaspoon vanilla, or essential oil of your choice

Mix all ingredients except vanilla or essential oils. Heat the mixture over low heat in a double boiler until the beeswax is melted, stirring well. Remove from heat and add essential oil or vanilla.

After the mixture cools, pour into lidded containers and store in the refrigerator. You can use this mixture to prevent or minimize stretch marks that occur during pregnancy or weight gain.