Cut, fresh oranges slough dry skin off heels, knees, and elbows.

Coaxed from leaves, roots, tree bark, fruit peels, or flower petals, essential oils carry a plant's very life force. Combined in different ways, these highly concentrated oils contain potent natural compounds that can be used for beauty and pampering.

This invigorating ubtan (cleansing paste) scrub improves circulation and help tone slack muscles. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup oat or chickpea (garbanzo) flour, 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric, 2 tablespoons each ground mustard and crushed fresh coriander leaves, 3 tablespoons rose water, 1 cup orange juice, and 1/2 cup water; stir to blend. Work the scrub all over your face and body. Rinse with warm water.

A skin-softening body scrub made from coffee grounds and aromatic plant essences is a traditional treatment that's used in Thai and Balinese spas, and it's a luxurious way to start the day.

To avoid putting unwanted dyes, petroleum products, and preservatives near your mouth, mix up a batch of balm yourself.

When your skin is at its most dried-out, pale, and tired, a steam treatment can bring back an unseasonably healthy glow. How? Moist heat hydrates skin, boosts circulation, and brings oxygen to the facial area. It also promotes skin clarity, but not because steam opens pores.

Cosmetic clay contains a host of skin-nourishing minerals, and its naturally absorbent properties help draw debris, dead skin cells, excess oils, and other toxins from pores. Used weekly, a clay mask (also called a mud mask) results in a smooth, supple, deeply clean complexion.

The skin in the eye area is especially thin and sensitive, so it flares up fast when you're stressed and fatigued -- or surviving on a less-than-perfect diet. Natural remedies, though, can lessen redness or puffiness almost as quickly as it appears. Many remedies use simple ingredients that are already in your kitchen.

Yan Lu, owner and founder of San Francisco's Le Creme Spa set out to create a natural manicure for her clients, skipping the polish and opting for treatments that strengthen nails and relieve stress. We've incorporated Lu's techniques into a treatment you can do in less than 20 minutes. Afterward, nails shine like they've been polished -- minus the smudges and chips.

This simple mask combines spices, skin-soothing ingredients such as oatmeal and honey, and the invigorating essence of orange.

Whether you color-treat your hair or flaunt your locks' natural hue, you can always get a bit more vibrance and shine with a bit of help from what's in your pantry.

With a few key ingredients -- and few minutes a week -- you can add some oomph to your do using temporary color-intensifying glosses for blondes, redheads, and brunettes, no harsh dyes or chemicals required.

The Pick-Me-Up and Calm-Me-Down mists are the simplest way to experience aromatherapy for yourself. Spray the air around you, mist your hair and skin, or spritz them on linens to leave a light scent. (They won't stain.) Whether you're stressed or sluggish, one of these mists will suit your mood.

After a busy week, treat yourself like a flower in need of some care and pampering with a rejuvenating routine that you can DIY at home on a weekend.