Autumn is that time of the year that invites us to slow down, draw inwards and connect to ourselves in a meaningful way. As the days become shorter and colder, it is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself with a nourishing wellness routine in the comfort of your own home.

All the following recipes can be made in your kitchen, using ingredients that are iconic to the season of autumn. Within no time, you will have transformed your kitchen into a home spa!

Make yourself cozy, relax and enjoy! 

It is highly recommended to use organic and locally grown products for all the recipes. If this is not possible, make sure that you thoroughly wash all products to remove any toxic chemicals. 

REJUVENATING PUMPKIN FACE MASK FOR GLOWING SKIN

Pumpkins are a great source of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), that helps with moisture retention, exfoliation and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. They are a great source of antioxidants due to their concentrated vitamin A and C content. The almonds serve as a gentle exfoliator, whilst the coconut oil deeply moisturises the skin. In combination with the raw honey, which has potent antibacterial benefits, your skin will glow after you have treated yourself with this face mask. 

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups pureed or canned Pumpkin

• 1/3 finely ground Almonds 

• 4 tbsp raw Honey 

• 1/4 tsp Virgin Olive Oil

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. 

2. Apply thick layer of the mask to cleansed skin and leave on for approximately 10 minutes. 

3. Remove the mask with lukewarm water and apply your favourite moisturiser.

NOURISHING PUMPKIN HAIR MASK

Pumpkins are a great source of essential fatty acids and vitamin A, which moisturise and soothe the hair. As well as vitamin C that helps to repair damaged hair from environmental stressors and overexposure of the past summer’s sunshine. The coconut oil hydrates and nourishes, whilst the raw honey helps to restore the natural radiance of your hair. 

Ingredients

• 1 can Pumpkin puree 

• 1/4 cup Virgin Coconut Oil

• 2 tbsp spoons raw Honey  

Directions

1. Mix the pumpkin puree, coconut oil and raw honey in a bowl. The hair mask should have the same consistency as a conditioner. If not, add some more pumpkin puree to thicken it up. 

2. Apply the mask to damp hair, covering full hair length and ends. 

3. Tie your hair up into a bun and leave the mask on for at least 30 minutes. 

4. Wash out the hair mask with your favourite shampoo and conditioner. 

ANTI-AGEING APPLE FACE MASK

Due to their high moisture content, apples are a perfect source of hydration and help to restore the skin’s healthy glow. They also enhance the production of collagen, which will improve the skin’s elasticity and leave your skin firm. Apricots and sweet almond oil are a great source of antioxidants that protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals and therefore reduce the signs of premature ageing. 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tbsp Apple puree 

• 1/2 ripe Apricot 

• Few drops sweet Almond oil 

DIRECTIONS

1. Remove the seed and skin of the apricot and mash it into a smooth puree using a fork.

2. In a small bowl, mix the apricot and apple puree together with the sweet almond oil. 

3. Apply a thick layer on your cleansed face and leave it on for 15 minutes. 

4. Remove the mask with a damp clean cloth and finish off with your favourite moisturiser. 

APPLE SCALP EXFOLIATING MASK

photo courtesy: goodhousekeeping.com

Ingredients

• 1 Apple 

• 2 tbsp quick Oats 

• Water 

Directions 

1. Mix the apple and water in a blender until you get a fine pulp. 

2. Add the oats and mix together in a small bowl. 

3. Gently massage your scalp with the mixture in circular motions. 

4. Leave it on for 10 minuets before washing off. 

CINNAMON LIP SCRUB

Photo Courtesy: fooduzzi.com

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp brown Sugar

• 1/2 tbsp virgin Coconut Oil 

• 1/2 tbsp raw Honey

• 1/2 teaspoon ground Cinnamon powder

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. 

2. Apply the scrub to lips and gently massage with fingertips in circular motions to remove any dead skin cells. 

3. Remove the scrub with warm water and a cloth. 

4. Store any left over scrub in a small glass jar for future use. 

EXFOLIATING AND MOISTURISING PUMPKIN SPICE BODY SCRUB 

Photo Courtesy: countryhillvillage.com

The brown sugar removes any dead skin cells, while the coconut oil serves as a great moisturiser. The optional vital E oil is a wonderful source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown sugar 

• 1/2 cup virgin coconut oil 

• 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional)

• 2  teaspoons pumpkin pie spices, or  2 teaspoons ground cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg

Directions

1. Warm up the coconut oil Au Bain Marie or in a microwave until liquid. 

2. Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix together. You can add more or less coconut oil according to your preference of scrub thickness. 

3. Apply the scrub on all desired body parts and scrub using your hands or a scrubbing mitt in circular motions. It is recommended to start from the feet and work your way up towards the legs, torso, chest, neck, arms and hands. 

4. Allow the scrub to sit on your skin for 5 minutes. 

5. Rinse off scrub with lukewarm water and pat try with a soft towel. 

6. Store remaining scrub left overs in a glass gar for future use. 

AUTUMN INFUSED BATH SALTS

The Himalayan and Celtic salts balance the pH level of the body and remove any toxic chemicals from the tissues and cells. In combination with the autumn-inspired spices, these salts will reduce pain, fatigue and stress. Serving as an excellent way to detoxify and relax your body, mind and soul. 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup powdered Himalayan pink salt  

• 1 cup coarse Celtic sea salt  

• 1/4 cup baking soda  

• 1 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1 tablespoon ground Ginger

• 2 teaspoons ground Cardamom

• 2 teaspoons ground Anise

• 1 tablespoon ground Cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons almond or Coconut oil 

• 10 drops sweet orange (citrus sinensis) essential oil

• 5 drops ginger root (Zingiber officinale) essential oil  

• 5 drops cinnamon leaf (Cinnamomum verum) essential oil  

Directions

1. Place Himalayan salt in high-speed blender and blend until powdered. 

2. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. 

3. Mix 1/2 cup of your home-made bath salts into a warm bath and enjoy! 

4. Store bath salts in a glass jar for future use. 

NOURISHING PERSIMMON FACE MASK

Persimmons contain tannins that help to heal small wounds and micro cracks in the skin. They are an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins A, B and C, which activate the cell reproduction and skin’s elasticity. The raw honey’s antibacterial properties cure skin imperfections and prevent future breakouts. 

Ingredients

• 2 Persimmon fruits 

• 2 tbsp raw Honey

Directions

• Remove the skin from the persimmon fruits and cut into small pieces. 

• Place into a bowl and mix with honey using a fork to create a smooth paste. 

• Apply the mask to cleansed face and let it settle in for 15 minutes. 

• Remove the mask with a damp clean wash cloth. 

By Claire den Hartog