Herbs are used many ways in our daily lives including potpourri, make-up, and household products.

Herbalists tend to use herbs for all kinds of things. A good mouthwash can be made from a pint of strong peppermint tea. Add anise, cloves, cinnamon, or rosemary for flavor. Combine with a pint of sherry and a few drops of myrrh tincture for daily use.

Myrrh is a good investment. An excellent treatment for mouth and gum problems, it can be bought in powdered form and sprinkled on toothpaste right before brushing. Myrrh is known to prevent and cure periodontal disease.

Try a refreshing spritz throughout the work-day. Just combine 2 drops of a favorite essential oil, 1 ounce of distilled water, a dash of aloe juice, and a splash of vegetable glycerin in a spray bottle. Close eyes and spray lightly on face to cleanse, vitalize, and hydrate skin. This spray can also be used as air-freshener.

Here is a simple recipe for upholstery shampoo. In a large bowl, mix 6 tablespoons of pure soap flakes with 2 tablespoons of powdered borax. Slowly add 1 pint of boiling water and mix well. Let cool then whip into foam with electric mixer or egg-beater. Apply dry suds to hidden part of furniture, wait a few minutes, and then wipe off with a damp sponge. If colors do not bleed, then continue until upholstery is clean and fresh.

A natural carpet freshener is cheap and easy. Combine 1 cup baking soda with a half-cup of any crushed, scented floral material such as lavender flowers or geranium leaves. Sprinkle liberally on carpet, leave for 30 minutes, and vacuum.

Are your drains sluggish? Pour one-half cup of baking soda down the drain. Then pour in one-cup of vinegar. After several minutes, flush with a gallon of hot water.

Here's a recipe for windshield cleanser. Mix one-half cup of cornstarch with 2 quarts of warm water. Vinegar can be added for extra strength. To prevent streaking, do not use in direct sunlight.

Need to clean leather or vinyl car upholstery? Try mixing 2 tablespoons of vegetable-oil soap, one-fourth cup of olive oil, and one teaspoon of lemon essential oil. Test on hidden spot before rubbing entire area.

A natural car wax can be prepared at home. In a double boiler, melt 7 tablespoons of beeswax with 12 tablespoons of carnauba wax. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Add 2 cups of mineral oil, 4 tablespoons of turpentine, and 1 tablespoon of pine oil. Pour into an old, clean coffee can. To use, scoop up a small amount of wax with a soft dish cloth. Rub wax onto the automobile with small circular motions and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Buff to a high shine. (All auto paints are not the same. Test first on a hidden part, perhaps under the hood.)

Natural beauty products, cleansers, and fresheners are good for the body, mind, and environment. They are inexpensive and give good results.