Vanessa Dixon

22/12/2023

How to lighten hair naturally without bleach or chemical hair dyes. I used a lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide spray on my hair over the course of three months to see if it would really lighten my hair naturally. This is what happened…

How to lighten hair naturally without bleach or chemical hair dyes. I used a lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide spray on my hair over the course of three mont...

16/12/2023

Learn how to make oregano-infused oil at home from fresh oregano, and how to use this oil as a home remedy for common ailments. Making oregano oil at home is very simple, and it’s a great product to know how to use and to keep on hand for use as a natural remedy.

Learn how to make oregano-infused oil at home from fresh oregano, and how to use this oil as a home remedy for common ailments. Making oregano oil at home is...

04/12/2023

What I'm spending my days doing right now 💙

We are reaching the end of the spring now in the middle of November, but this month has actually been more summer than ever. Lots of warm days, very high temperatures (around 30°c) in the nights and TONS of sunlight. I'm grateful that the summer decided to come through early, and that I get a little extra time to bathe in the warmth before the cooler months of autumn arrive in the new year.

So this video is about all I've been up to lately. So it's going to be a little bit of everything.
A mix of hard work, magical sunrises, beautiful moments out in nature, and times spent capturing the beauty under the sea.

Thank you with all my heart for watching this video! I hope you will enjoy it! ♥

We are reaching the end of the spring now in the middle of November, but this month has actually been more summer than ever. Lots of warm days, very high tem...

29/07/2023

How to make a natural mould remover for tile grout in the shower without harsh chemicals like bleach.

If you notice any dark spots growing in your shower, this may be from mould and mildew. While this is really common, it’s not ideal to have mould growing in the bathroom for many health reasons, and it also makes the grout look a little dirty, too. While bleach and other cleaners may work to clean mould, they are really strong chemicals that can cause irritation if inhaled or if contact to the skin arises. Plus, as bleach is made up of about 90 percent water, spraying this chemical onto mould can produce more mould growth, especially on porous surfaces like grout. Luckily, there are a lot of ways to clean mould in shower grout naturally without the need for harsh chemicals. Here’s how.

For the full blog post, see the link 🔗 in my bio or visit my website simplynaturalnessa.com/homemade-mould-cleaner

24/07/2023

How to recycle old wetsuits properly 🖤

After finding a replacement wetsuit, I was left with the question of what to do with the old one?

I couldn’t donate it, it was broken. And I didn’t want to just throw it away either, as it would end up in landfill, most likely never completely breaking down due to the neoprene material used, which is made from petroleum and doesn’t biodegrade.

That left recycling.

For the full blog post on how to recycle old wetsuits, see the link 🔗 in my bio, or my website simplynaturalnessa.com/recycle-old-wetsuits

22/07/2023

The skin is the biggest organ in the body, and whatever is put on it will be absorbed into the bloodstream and carried around the body. Many conventional perfumes contain a lot of chemicals that do not have to be listed on the label, such as synthetic fragrances which contain chemicals like phthalates to help prolong the scent on the skin, parabens, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, acetone, linalool, ethanol, ethyl acetate, benzaldehyde, camphor, formaldehyde, and many more.

The long-term health impacts of phthalates alone include cancer, human reproductive and developmental toxicity, endocrine disruption, birth defects & respiratory problems.

To make your own perfume at home, all you need are a few essential oils and the right base ingredients, and from there you have endless perfume possibilities. Here's how ⬇️⬇️

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23/05/2023

My latest post on Patreon 🩷

Join Vanessa Dixon on Patreon to get access to this post and more benefits.

15/05/2023

How to treat bacterial and fungal ear infections naturally.

I’d been struggling with an ongoing bacterial and fungal ear infection for 2 years with no success, until I discovered these homemade anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, ant-microbial ear drops which worked at fighting off the infection! It took longer than using antibiotics (about 2-3 months), but the upside was they didn’t have any of the side effects that antibiotics do.

RECIPE:
° Extra virgin olive oil or fractionated coconut oil
° 1 small glass container
° 1 small bowl
° 1 dropper
° Boiling water
° 2-3 drops essential oils; either chamomile, lavender or tea tree

To make:
1. Start by filling your glass container about one to two inches of the way with olive oil or coconut oil.
2. Place the container in a bowl and pour the boiling water around the container, making sure not to allow the water to flow into the container.
3. Once the oil is warm, NOT hot – test a sample on the underside of your wrist, the skin is thinner there so will feel temperature changes more effectively – take the container out of the water and add two to three drops of essential oil.
4. Mix it through, then grab your dropper and squeeze a few drops of the oil mixture into your ear; until you feel it slide down your ear canal and it blocks your hearing partially. Keep your head on its side for a moment or two, then plug your ear with a cotton ball and repeat for the other ear.
5. Once you’ve applied oil into both ears and plugged them up with cotton balls, leave the solution in your ears until it completely absorbs, then you can remove the cotton balls. Organic cotton balls are preferable, as conventional cotton is sprayed with a lot of pesticide. Do NOT wash out the oil solution. Leave it to absorb into your skin completely. Do this process two to three times a day until the infection clears.

If the ear drops just aren’t strong enough, and you’re not noticing a huge difference overtime, try switching the olive oil for liquid coconut oil. It’s a stronger antibacterial.

For the full recipe, see my website 🔗 simplynaturalnessa.com/heal-ear-infections-bacterial-fungal

11/05/2023

DIY Castor Oil Pack 💛

Placing the castor oil pack on certain areas of the body can produce different benefits:

° Placing the pack on the right side of the abdomen is thought to help support the liver and digestive system.
° Placed on the lower back may help to support the kidneys.
° When placed on the lower abdomen it may help with menstrual cramps.

While this castor oil pack is super easy to DIY, you can also buy a complete castor oil kit online or in store. Castor oil does stain, so wear old clothes when applying the pack.

RECIPE:
° High-quality organic castor oil (that’s hexane-free)
° Unbleached and dye-free wool or cotton flannel (I bought some secondhand pillow cases from my local op shop as the fabric is thin enough to use)
° Hot water bottle or heating pad
° Glass container with lid, for storing oil-soaked fabric between uses (I use a quart-size mason jar)

To make:
1. Lie the fabric out on the bench and add the castor oil onto it – about 2-3 tablespoons – then place the castor oil soaked fabric onto a baking tray, and place the tray in the oven set at 180°C (350°F) for 3 minutes or so, just to warm up the fabric and allow the oil to spread and soak through.
2. Carefully remove from the oven, and allow the cloth to cool slightly before placing on the body.
3. While lying on an old towel or sheet, place the warmed cloth on the desired body part, with the castor oil side facing down to your skin. NOTE: Be careful not to burn yourself. Wait until the cloth has cooled enough that it sits warmly on your skin without being too hot.
4. Place the water bottle on top of this to keep the oil warm against the skin, and stimulate lymph and liver function.
5. Lie on your back with your feet elevated and relax for one hour.
6. Once finished, remove the pack and return the cloth to the glass container to store. Keep in the fridge. Can use up to thirty times.
7. Use a natural soap to remove any castor oil left on the skin. Rest up and relax. Ensure you drink plenty of water and stay hydrated after doing this to support detoxing.

For the full recipe, see my website 🔗 simplynaturalnessa.com/diy-castor-oil-pack

10/05/2023

How to make a natural mascara using five ingredients; activated charcoal, bentonite clay, glycerin, aloe vera, and beeswax. This homemade mascara applies beautifully to lashes and doesn’t smudge 🖤

I started making my own makeup after learning about the vast amounts of chemical ingredients used in conventional cosmetic products.

Just a handful of the many toxic ingredients which can be found in store-bought mascaras include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), parabens, formaldehyde, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Thimerosal, Diazolidinyl Urea, Formalin, synthetic dyes or even tar from coal, aluminium powder, retinyl acetate (vitamin A acetate), propylene glycol, and synthetic fragrances.

The beeswax in this recipe will help to make the mascara waterproof. I prefer to use beeswax pellets rather than a beeswax bar as it makes it easier to measure for small amounts.

The beeswax will also help keep the mascara from running, and the bentonite clay will prevent it from smudging. Clays are often used in homemade makeup recipes to help absorb excess oils, preventing any smudging that could otherwise occur.

For the full recipe, see my website 🔗 simplynaturalnessa.com/homemade-mascara (link in my bio)

05/05/2023

My latest post is up exclusively on Patreon! Check it out below ⬇️⬇️

Join Vanessa Dixon on Patreon to get access to this post and more benefits.

13/04/2023

Morning sunrise 🌅

02/04/2023

Detoxifying Beetroot Smoothies 💜

Beets are nutritional powerhouses, particularly the greens, which are rich in calcium, iron and vitamins A and C. The beets themselves contain a group of phytonutrients called betalains, that support detoxification through an important Phase II detoxification step in the liver.

When your liver is able to detoxify chemicals and toxins more effectively, then your body is better able to balance hormones, cholesterol and energy levels, and the gut and stomach work much more efficiently.

RECIPES:
Berry and Beet Smoothie
° 1/2 cup organic raw beetroot, peeled and chopped
° 1 large cucumber or 3-4 small cucumbers, roughly chopped
° 1 1/3 cup organic frozen berries or fresh berries with ice added
° 1/4 frozen ripe banana, peeled and chopped
° 2/3 cup organic green apple, roughly chopped
° Handful fresh organic parsley or coriander, roughly chopped
° Shredded coconut, for topping

Lemon, Lime and Beet Smoothie
° 1/2 cup organic raw beetroot, peeled and chopped
° 1 organic green apple, roughly chopped
° 1/4 cup organic raw carrot, roughly chopped
° 1/3 cup organic kale, chopped
° 1 1-inch k**b of organic fresh ginger
° 1 organic lemon, juiced
° 1 organic lime, juiced

Red Beet Power Smoothie
° 1/2 cup organic raw beetroot, peeled and chopped
° Handful organic spinach, roughly chopped
° 1 cup organic frozen berries or fresh berries with ice added
° 1/2 frozen ripe banana, peeled and chopped
° 1 organic green apple, roughly chopped
° 1 stalk of organic celery, roughly chopped
° 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut yoghurt
° 1/4 cup coconut milk

To make:
1. Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender and blitz until creamy and smooth.
2. Divide between two serving glasses, garnish with banana slices, fresh mint, or shredded coconut, and enjoy!
3. If you have any leftovers, it will keep covered in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze in ice cube trays or popsicle moulds for a snack later on.

The recipes can also be found on my website 🔗 simplynaturalnessa.com/beetroot-liver-cleansing-smoothies

01/04/2023

Hiking trails along Mount Tamborine 🌿

Photo credit: .a

31/03/2023

Black Bean Brownies (Vegan, GF & Refined Sugar-Free) 🍫

It seems absurd to put black beans into something as deliciously-sweet as chocolate brownies, but trust me, it works.

They’re fudgy, sweet, and are one of the best brownies I’ve had to date. The best part… You only need a blender and a muffin tin to make them. That means less washing up afterwards!

RECIPE:
° 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed meal + 5 tbsp water)
° 2 ripe bananas
° 1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed well and drained
° 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
° 3/4 cup cacao powder
° 1/2 tsp sea salt
° 2-3 tbsp raw honey or maple syrup
° 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

Toppings (Optional)
° Vegan chocolate chips
° Crushed walnuts

To make:
1. Prepare the flax egg by combining flaxseed meal and water in a blender, and pulse a couple of times to combine. Set aside to rest for 5-10 minutes.

2. Add remaining ingredients (except toppings) and blend until a nice purée forms. The batter should be smooth but not runny.

3. Evenly pour the batter into each muffin mould, smooth over the tops, then sprinkle with desired toppings.

4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops have dried and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the muffin tray.

5. Remove from oven and let cool for 30 minutes before removing from the pan. They’ll be tender as the insides are meant to be super fudgy, so ensure you remove them gently.

6. These brownies can be stored in an airtight container on the counter for a few days, but refrigerate to keep longer.

The full recipe can also be found on my website 🔗 simplynaturalnessa.com/black-bean-brownies

27/03/2023

Raspberry Pomegranate Iced Tea 🫖

How to make a Raspberry Pomegranate Iced Tea using fresh pomegranate juice and other wholesome ingredients to deliver a refreshing drink for a warm summer’s day. Fresh pomegranate juice is so much tastier than store-bought varieties, so I’ll be sharing a step-by-step guide for making pomegranate juice from scratch at home.

I prefer to use green tea or peppermint tea in this recipe, as there is less caffeine in these two teas and they provide a delicious herbal flavour to the drink. However, you can use black tea for a more traditional iced tea recipe.

For the full recipe, see my website 🔗 simplynaturalnessa.com/raspberry-pomegranate-iced-tea

26/03/2023

How to Make Almond Milk 🥛

This recipe lasts up to 3-4 days in the fridge. However, if it smells funky before then, don’t drink it, and if you aren’t able to finish up the milk in time, reduce the quantity of the recipe to make only as much as you need.

Any leftover sour almond milk can be used in recipes in place of buttermilk

RECIPE:
°1 cup raw organic almonds
° 3-4 cups pure filtered water (plus more for soaking)
° 1/2 tsp sea salt

To make:
1. Soak the almonds for a minimum of 12 hours in filtered water with half a teaspoon of sea salt. This is helps to deactivate the antinutrients naturally found in nuts and seeds, such as phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors.
2. Drain and rinse the almonds well, then add them to a blender along with the water and any additional add-ins. Blend until creamy and smooth (around 1-2 minutes).
3. Strain the milk using a nut milk bag, cheesecloth or a thin dish towel. Squeeze until all the liquid is extracted. Compost the pulp or save to make more almond milk or almond meal.
4. Transfer the almond milk to a glass jar or bottle and store in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Shake well before use, as it tends to separate.

Saving the pulp:
1. Place the leftover almond pulp on a baking tray and dehydrate in the oven (or dehydrator) on the lowest heat until completely dry.
2. Blend the dried pulp in a food processor or blender to make almond meal, which you can use in other recipes.

The full recipe can also be found on my website 🔗 simplynaturalnessa.com/homemade-almond-milk

24/03/2023

Eco-Friendly Product Reviews for Natural, Low-Waste, Sustainable Products 🍃

Over the past couple of years I’ve gathered a small collection of low-waste, eco-friendly products that I’ve used to replace single-use plastic, wasteful items I have at home that I use regularly.

I only purchase things that I truly need (although I have been guilty of ‘impulse buys’ in the past), so some items I have at home still aren’t necessarily the most eco-conscious, but I do believe it’s better to use what you have first before going out and buying something new.

For the list of low-waste reusables I’ve tried-and-tested and my review of them, see my website 🔗 simplynaturalnessa.com/low-waste-products (link in my bio)

16/03/2023

How to make a DIY healing calendula oil for use in skincare, recipes, for healing and for eating 🌼

Calendula oil is made by steeping dried calendula flowers in a carrier oil such as olive, coconut, or jojoba oil for 4-6 weeks or longer. Whole dry flower heads or just the petals can be used, but it is important that they’re completely dry before they are placed in the oil to steep. While fresh flowers can technically be used to create calendula oil, this increases the risk for bacterial growth or for the oil to become rancid due to the moisture content in the fresh flowers. Therefore, I prefer to use dry flowers.

https://youtu.be/2TQi8zO2cpQ

How to make a DIY healing calendula oil for use in skincare, recipes, for healing and for eating. Calendula oil is made by steeping dried calendula flowers i...

13/03/2023

How to Make a Homemade Natural Eyeliner 🖤

This all-natural eyeliner doesn’t run, burn, or flake, works beautifully, is waste-free, and only requires four ingredients. You can look your best while avoiding the toxic chemicals and waste that so often comes with commercial cosmetics when you make this DIY eyeliner.

According to an article by Mg Naturals, of the 82,000 ingredients used in cosmetic and personal care products, 1 in 8 were found to be industrial chemicals. These ingredients can be pesticides, hormone disruptors, toxins which affect the reproductive system, and carcinogens. Some of the worst offenders to watch out for in commercial cosmetic products include BHA and BHT, coal tar dyes, lead, DEA (diethanolamine), formaldehyde (on cosmetic labels, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are usually labelled as DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine, quaternium-15, and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate), parabens, BAK (Benzalkonium chloride), prime yellow carnauba wax (also known as palm wax, this wax can clog the oil glands around the eyes and can lead to dry eye disease, styes, and other infections), Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), parfum/fragrance, siloxanes, polyethylene/PEGs, the colour additive D&C Black No. 2, petrolatum/PAHs, sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), and triclosan.

This homemade eyeliner is as natural as you can get using only four, non-toxic ingredients; activated charcoal, shea butter, bentonite clay and jojoba oil.

For the full blog post where I share the recipe for this homemade eyeliner, see my website 🔗 simplynaturalnessa.com/homemade-eyeliner (link in bio)

11/03/2023

My full video sharing my full experience of moving away (without romanticising it) ❤

https://youtu.be/JFANMkQfY_8

The truth about moving abroad (without romanticising it). Having no friends, feeling way out of my depth, struggling with loneliness, feeling lost and unsure...

11/03/2023

All-Natural Homemade Hair Conditioner 🌿

This homemade hair conditioner recipe is actually a leave-in conditioner that uses all-natural ingredients to promote soft, shiny, healthy hair, and repair split ends.

RECIPE:
° 1/4 cup distilled or boiled filtered water or peppermint or tea tree hydrosol
° 1 tsp jojoba oil
° 1 tsp argan oil or castor oil
° 1 tsp glycerin (optional)
° 3 tsp emulsifying wax
° 1 tsp leucidal complete preservative (optional)
° 1/2 tsp vitamin E oil
° 20-40 drops essential oils (optional)

To make:
1. In a heat-proof glass bowl placed on top of a saucepan filled with water (making a double boiler), add in the jojoba oil, argan oil, glycerin and wax, and bring the water to a boil.

2. Stir the mixture occasionally until completely melted, then remove the bowl from heat and stir in the water or hydrosol. Once the mixture is warm (and no longer hot), stir in the preservative (if using), vitamin E oil and essential oils (if using).

3. Stir together until the mixture has cooled to room temperature, then transfer the conditioner to a pump bottle and store in a cool, dry place out of sunlight and away from excess heat. To increase its shelf-life, keep it in the fridge. If not using a preservative, this conditioner will only keep for up to one week.

The full recipe can also be found on my website 🔗 simplynaturalnessa.com/natural-homemade-hair-conditioner

01/03/2023

How to Make An All-Natural Lip Balm at Home 💋

To make a thicker, longer-lasting lip balm, use 1-2 extra teaspoons of wax or, for a smoother, softer lip balm, use slightly less wax.

RECIPE:
° 2 tsp coconut oil
° 2 tsp shea butter
° 2 tsp candelilla wax or beeswax
° 5 drops vitamin E oil
° 20 drops essential oil of choice
° Lip balm tubes or small lip balm tins

To make:
1. Make a double boiler by placing a small saucepan filled with a couple of inches of water over medium heat, and bring to the boil. Then place a heat-safe bowl (that fits on top of the saucepan) on top. The bottom of the bowl should not be touching the water below.

2. Melt the coconut oil, shea butter and candelilla wax (or beeswax) in the bowl, stirring regularly throughout until melted.

3. Remove from heat but keep the bowl over the still-hot water to keep the mixture melted, then add in the vitamin E oil and stir through.

4. Add the essential oil you’ll be using, a few drops at a time to find an amount that’s good for you (test a tiny amount on your arm to make sure the scent is to your liking), and stir through.

5. Immediately begin transferring the hot mixture into your empty lip balm containers using a teaspoon. This must be done quickly as the mixture will start to harden as soon as it’s removed from heat.

6. Once filled, let the containers sit at room temperature for several hours until completely cool, then place the lids on and store in places where they’ll be on-hand to use when needed (I keep one in my backpack, one in my handbag, one in my purse, and one in my bathroom). Glass or tin containers are a preferred option to store this lip balm in, as plastic leaches chemicals into whatever’s stored inside, particularly if stored for long periods of time, or if the contents are fatty or hot.

The full recipe can also be found on my website 🔗 simplynaturalnessa.com/homemade-lip-balm

27/02/2023

How to Make Calendula Oil at Home 🌼

Calendula is a flower with many uses, some of which include first aid for cuts, scrapes and bug bites, to soothe a sunburn, as a rinse for pinkeye, relief for sore throats, as a salve for diaper rash, as a lip balm to help heal chapped, dry lips, in a massage oil, salad dressing, calendula shortbread, body butter, and more. It’s also wonderful for attracting bees and other beneficial insects to my garden, and I love the colour it brings to my home.

Calendula oil is made by steeping dried calendula flowers in a carrier oil such as olive, coconut, or jojoba oil for 4-6 weeks or longer. Whole dry flower heads or just the petals can be used, but it is important that they’re completely dry before they are placed in the oil to steep. While fresh flowers can technically be used to create calendula oil, this increases the risk for bacterial growth or for the oil to become rancid due to the moisture content in the fresh flowers. Therefore, I prefer to use dry flowers.

While the flowers are steeping, the natural active resins within the calendula flowers are extracted and drawn into the oil, making it a concentrated oil full of the herb’s healing properties.

The finished calendula oil can either be used on its own, or used as an ingredient to create other products like natural salves, ointments, or creams. Depending on the type of oil you choose to infuse the calendula flowers with, this will likely dictate the uses for your finished calendula oil. For example, some oils are inedible, while others may not be great for skin.

For the full recipe, see my website simplynaturalnessa.com/calendula-oil (link in bio)

13/02/2023

How to Save Seeds from Homegrown Vegetables 🌱

Saving seeds from your homegrown vegetables, fruits, herbs, and greens involves three steps: Selecting seeds from the most suitable plants, harvesting them at the right time, and storing them properly so that they’re ready to plant the following season. Here’s how to save seeds from your garden properly.

The full guide can be found on my website simplynaturalnessa.com/seed-saving

12/02/2023

How to extract the gel from an aloe vera plant step-by-step guide

How to extract the gel from an aloe vera plant using the easiest possible method.Aloe gel can be rubbed into skin straight from the plant, or the gel can be ...

09/02/2023

How to Start a Regenerative Garden at Home 🌱

Regenerative gardening uses the natural ecosystem to help keep pests and diseases under control. Organic practices are used instead of chemicals to encourage plant growth. It’s a more sustainable approach to gardening (and agriculture) and often yields more nutrient-rich produce.

Here are some of the methods and practices used by regenerative farmers on their land to grow crops more sustainably, and how we, as home gardeners, can use these practices for our veggie patches, too.

The full recipe can also be found on my website simplynaturalnessa.com/regenerative-gardening

02/02/2023

How to make rosemary water from scratch at home to use on hair to help get rid of dandruff and speed up hair growth 🌿

This rosemary hair rinse easily fits into your normal hair care routine and is best applied after a shower. It’s important that this rinse be applied daily to reap the most benefits.

RECIPE:
• 1 quart distilled water or boiled water
• 5 rosemary sprigs
• Glass spray bottle

To make:
1. Boil the water and let it cool down for about 20 minutes or so.
2. Place the rosemary twigs in a large mason jar or saucepan and pour the water over the top to completely submerge the sprigs.
3. Allow the rosemary to steep for at least five to twelve hours (or overnight).
4. Strain the rosemary water into a glass spray bottle (glass or metal is preferred) or a large mason jar. The rosemary sprigs can be composted.
5. After cleaning hair as normal, mix the prepared rosemary rinse with some water, creating a 4-to-1 ratio.
6. Spray liberal amounts of the rinse all over your hair, then massage your scalp in a circular motion (this improves blood circulation even more), massaging all the way down your hair.
7. Ideally, the rosemary rinse can be left in overnight, or it can be washed out with water after one hour. This rinse can be applied daily, or two to three times a week as a leave-in treatment.
8. Store the rosemary water in the fridge to prolong its shelf life. The mixture should last one to two weeks if stored properly.

The full recipe can also be found on my website simplynaturalnessa.com/rosemary-water