Cheers to beauty & medicine

Even the physician Paracelsus described beer as "divine medicine" in the 16th century.

In the past, hops were grown for brewing beer, but not to get intoxicated, rather they were highly valued for their healing powers , which were used to treat various illnesses. Hops were used as a remedy for digestive problems, bilious fever, water retention and insomnia. Several medical studies with new findings have drawn attention to the effects of hops. They prove the anti-inflammatory effect of beer extract and the ingredient "xanthohumal" is particularly emphasised for its positive properties, as it is said to play a major role in the prevention of strokes, heart attacks and cancer. Very importantly, however, it should of course only be consumed in moderation.

Of course, beer does not always have to be drunk, it is also great outside of the glass, namely in beauty care. It even has a long tradition in the wellness, spa or beauty sector, and is currently being rediscovered. Beer is said to contain around 30 trace elements and minerals, so it's no wonder that it is also used for beauty care. In ancient Egypt, women used to treat their skin with beer foam. But a bath is also said to work wonders, especially due to the carbon dioxide it contains. This promotes blood circulation in the skin and the yeast in beer is said to counteract and care for skin problems. It is also known in this country that beer is a real miracle cure for hair. Beer provides more volume, the hair becomes supple and is also strengthened by the yeast in the beer.

My mum used to treat her hair with beer for many years and today I would like to share this recipe from her secret beauty pharmacy:

• 50ml beer
• 1 egg yolk and
• 1 tbsp honey
   

Preparation:

Mix the ingredients together to create a kind of paste. Apply the hair mask and distribute through the hair. Leave on for about 10-15 minutes. Then rinse well and your hair will feel smooth and fuller.

Enjoy this recipe, yours

Karin Theresa Mikota

You can find lots of great recipes on her nature blog at

www.naturspirit.at

>> A contribution from Karin Theresa Mikota

Karin Theresa Mikota is a trained chef and works under the name "Naturspirit" as a blogger, author, nature educator, ritual leader and craftswoman in our region. She organises workshops, seminars and nature tours on topics such as sustainability, spirituality, ancient crafts and nature conservation.