Apple Cider Vinegar may be an unlikely ingredient for a beauty products but it has some splendid properties which makes it quite the natural healer.

Made by fermenting apples, this vinegar has been taken (diluted in water) for indigestion, pneumonia, scurvy, diabetes, high blood pressure, acid reflux and weight loss. But when it comes to the external healing benefits apple cider is very good at helping to regulate the pH of the skin.

Applied to the scalp it can do wonders for dandruff sufferers. Restoring the pH balance of the scalp it also discourages the overgrowth of yeast-like fungus known as malassezia furfur that sets off dandruff. For a home remedy mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water. Put onto hair and scalp, wrap head in towel and leave for up to an hour then rinse out. Do this a couple of times a week and it should help a dry flaky scalp. If that doesn't take your fancy there are salon quality organic hair rinses that contain apple cider vinegars amongst hair nourishing ingredients.

The Herbal Cider Hair Rinse and Clarifier by John Masters is a good one. It also contains rosemary, nettles, yarrow and wild cherry bark to naturally soften hair and eliminate residue build up whilst neutralizing the scalps pH level.

Beauty queens have always advocated ‘world peace' in the hope their words alone would wipe out global poverty, environmental catastrophe and hatred. But these words have likely been somewhat lost on the young wannabe princesses who aspire for Baywatch-style bikini bods. Well perhaps, and I do say perhaps lightly, the Miss Earth Beauty Pageant can refocus beauty ideals across the lands to highlight the necessity for clean beaches rather than bleach clean teeth. Perhaps.

Any ‘green, glam and gorgeous' ladies out there who would like to represent the UK in this years 2009 Miss Earth pageant visit the website to register. Four country winners will be chosen. Judges will be looking for beauties who are ‘informed, goal-oriented and committed to playing a part in preserving and protecting the environment for future generations'.

The crowning ceremony for Miss Earth UK 2009 will be on Saturday 22 August. Judges for Miss Earth UK include the Sugababes, designer, Scott Henshall; Club4climate founder, Dr Earth; supermodel, Hofit Golan and Friday Night Project presenter, Aisleyne.

Any event that brings attention to keeping our natural world safe and anyone who wishes to promote mother earth is well worth a look in we think - especially if they go organic!