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Better: Make your own body-care products and healing remedies, often for pennies. Grow herbs yourself or buy them, along with other ingredients, at health-food stores.

Problem: Bad breath.

What you need:
1 cup distilled water
2 Tablespoons vodka
2 drops peppermint essential oil
2 drops myrrh essential oil

Preparation: In a small bowl, mix vodka and oils. Stir in distilled water (which is free of minerals and impurities). With 1 Tablespoon of mixture, rinse mouth, then spit out. Repeat daily.

Good to know: Place remaining mixture in a covered, airtight container. Store away from light (to preserve the oils’ potency) for up to 6 weeks.

Problem: Dull hair color.

What you need:
2 cups distilled water
For dark hair:
¼ cup fresh rosemary leaves
For blonde hair:
¼ cup chamomile flower petals

Preparation: Boil water. Add rosemary or chamomile, cover and simmer 30 minutes. Strain, discarding leaves. Lean head forward and pour infusion over hair, catching run-off in a basin. Repeat twice. Do not rinse off.

Good to know: The herbs help restore natural highlights. For best effect, use after every shampoo.

Problem: Foot odor.

What you need:
1 cup apple cider vinegar
½ cup dried sage leaves

Preparation: Boil vinegar. Add sage, cover and simmer 15 minutes. Strain, discarding leaves. Fill a basin with 1 gallon of warm water, add infusion and soak feet for 15 minutes. Repeat daily.

Good to know: If you prefer a different fragrance, substitute dried thyme or fresh rosemary leaves for the sage.

Problem: Itchy, flaky or dry skin.

What you need:
1 cup coarsely ground sea salt
¼ cup olive oil

Preparation: Stir oil into salt. Standing in the shower, massage 2 Tablespoons of mixture into skin (reserving remainder for later). Rinse. Repeat weekly.

Good to know: For a pleasing scent, add 6 drops of lavender essential oil to the mixture before using. Store remainder in a glass jar in a cool, dark place.

Problem: Pimples.

What you need:
1 cup distilled water
1 Tablespoon dried thyme leaves
1 Tablespoon dried calendula blossoms

Preparation: Boil all ingredients, covered, for 10 minutes. Strain, discarding leaves and blossoms. Cool infusion. Apply 2 Tablespoons to clean skin. Air dry. Repeat twice daily.

Good to know: Also use this preparation to improve an oily, shiny complexion. Store remainder in a glass bottle in a cool, dry place.

Problem: Puffy, tired or irritated eyes.

What you need:
2 chamomile tea bags 
1 cup distilled water

Preparation: Boil distilled water. Add tea bags, and steep until water is lukewarm. Remove bags and squeeze out most of the water. Place bags over closed eyes for 15 minutes.

Important: If you have ragweed allergies, do not use this preparation.

Problem: Sunburn.

What you need:
1 cup distilled water
¼ cup dried or ½ cup fresh peppermint leaves

Preparation: Boil water. Add peppermint, cover and simmer 15 minutes. Strain, discarding leaves. Fill bathtub with tepid water, and add infusion. Soak 20 minutes. Repeat as needed.

Good to know: Substitute lemon mint, lavender mint or other types of mint leaves for the peppermint to vary the aroma.