Back to Basics (For Health and Beauty!)

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Then, too, many hair tonics and scalp conditioners are no more than combinations of mineral oil, perfume, and color. Therefore, if you have dark hair, you can use plain mineral oil in place of such preparations. (People with blond or gray hair, however, may find that the liquid changes the color of their hair.)

Many thrifty folks also use mineral or vegetable oil to replace expensive hair conditioning treatments. To do so, just rub a small quantity of the natural lotion through your hair . . . keep your head wrapped in a very warm, moist towel for 30 minutes . . . then shampoo thoroughly. (Another good conditioner, one which combines the wellknown benefits of oil and eggs, is mayonnaise. Spoon it directly onto your head . . . rub it in . . . wrap as above . . . and wash!)

You can even soften whiskers by using mineral oil in place of your regular shaving cream! (Water dripping from the razor won't wash the "cream" off, but—if the oily residue bothers you after you've finished—a mild astringent will readily remove it.) Or you can apply a tiny amount to your lips as a combination gloss and moisturizer. (If you'd like to make a lip salve, heat one part beeswax and six parts olive oil .. . pour the mix into a cleaned-out lipstick container . . . and put the tube in the refrigerator to harden.)

One of the oldest uses of mineral oil, as you may know, is as a laxative, but it is no longer recommended for this purpose ... because it's been found to seriously interfere with the body's ability to utilize vitamins.

BENEFICIAL BAKING SODA

Baking soda (it's also called bicarbonate of soda) is another kitchen standby that can be utilized in any number of ways!

First, it's a dandy toothpowder, used either plain or mixed half-and-half with salt. (To make such a cleaner easy to dispense, just put a supply in a small, clean salt shaker.) But don't stop there, because soda also makes an effective mouthwash if you stir a teaspoon of the powder into a glass of water and gargle.

And if your area—like so many—is afflicted with hard water, you'll be glad to know that baking soda is a fine substitute for bath salts. Pour two or three teaspoons under the running tap . . . and enjoy!

Baking soda is a fine body deodorant, too! In fact, it's a primary ingredient in several commercially formulated deodorants currently on the market. To use the powder as such, just pour some in a shallow dish and pat it on with a powder puff or piece of cotton.

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