Many of the treatments I've listed are easy to make and use, simply by finding them
in your kitchen cupboard. You might not have all of them, but they are also very inexpensive so any quantity will go a long way towards further use.
Here are a few at home tips to help you
take care of your hair, nails and skin without breaking the bank:
Run warm water into the tub, add lavender oil and enjoy some relaxation in the comfort of your own home. Be sure that the water is not too warm especially if you are still pregnant or breast-feeding. The heat can cause your blood pressure to drop, birth defects in unborn babies as well as cutting off the oxygen supply to the baby. Lavender, patchouli, neroli, chamomile and geranium are safe oils to use when well diluted, but do not use chamomile or geranium until you are well out of your first trimester.
DIY hair masks
1. Mix together an avocado with five tablespoons of olive oil and massage into your hair and scalp. The oils in the avocado and olive oil will rehydrate a dry scalp and moisturise dry ends. Shampoo out after 30 minutes.
2. Mix together two eggs and honey and apply to shampooed hair. Leave it in for 30 minutes to add shine, while the protein in the egg will help to restore. Give your hair one more shampoo after and gently work through a mild conditioner.
3. Mix mayo, a few teaspoons of Epsom salts and a beaten egg to help naturally plump up your hair. Be sure to rinse this one out well, although the mayo does work as an excellent defrizzer.
DIY face masks
1. Make a mask for your face that works like a charm by mixing together oats, plain yoghurt and a teaspoon of honey for a rejuvenating mask. You can even use a few teaspoons of brown sugar with your plain yoghurt as a mild scrub. Be careful not to over scrub though.
2. To help with any pregnancy breakouts, mix two green tea teabags in two cups of water, two teaspoons of granulated sugar and a tablespoon of lemon juice. Once the tea has cooled down, pat it on your face and leave for 15 minutes as a mask or use it as a cleansing wash to help smooth out your skin.
3. Other easy-to-make and-use remedies include massaging almond oil into your hair and scalp and wrapping it in a towel to help it stay warm. Almond oil is water-soluble and is great for treating a sensitive scalp.
Give your skin a treat
You can use brown sugar with a mild baby lotion as a body scrub. This will help give your skin a nice soft glow without irritating it too much. Essential oils may cause the skin to become irritated so using a baby lotion will keep it soft and smooth without any harm.
Remember
not to neglect tired feet by soaking them in warm water with Epsom salts to relieve tiredness. Liquidised celery and water as a drink also helps to relieve water retention naturally and is a good source of nutrients. It's a safe way to rid your feet of the excess pressure especially when you are planning on working till your last few weeks and you are required to stand most of the time.
Burning a
soy candle, rubbing the heated wax on your feet and the covering them with roasting bags and a towel will help to keep dry heels moisturised and it’s a fantastic way to get your partner to spoil you with a bit of TLC.
Soy candles can also be used to massage into your skin because they are safe to use and don't burn when applied. They are highly moisturising so use it once a week if the skin on your feet is very dry and once every fortnight if your skin is still in good health. These treatments and remedies are all very safe to use, but if you are uncertain, ask a professional before venturing into the unknown. Pregnancy can be a great joy, but remedies are limited so be extra careful not to over indulge or to use just any old kitchen product.
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