Lemon Essential Oil

We all know the wonderful clean smell of lemons and lemon essential oil has the same fresh, citrusy smell. The best essential oil is extracted from organic lemon peels by cold pressing. Lemon oil is edible and is light yellow with a greenish tinge and a thin viscosity.

The major constituent in lemon oil is limonene, which is a powerful antioxidant and gives the oil it's fruity aroma. It also contains citral and citronellal which gives it it's lemon aroma. The oil has many properties, the major ones being antiseptic,antimicrobial, antibacterial, diuretic, and carminative.

Lemon oil has many health benefits:
1) It is excellent for skin problems like acne, itchy eczema, cold sores, herpes, athlete’s foot, bleeding gums, warts, abscesses, boils, and mouth ulcers. The oil can be applied directly to the skin.
2) It relieves many mental problems like fatigue, nervous tension, depression, insomnia, dizziness, anxiety, nervousness and is known to increase concentration and alertness. A burner, vaporizer or room spray can be used to distribute it throughout the area.
3) It is excellent against infections like colds, 'flu, tonsillitis, bronchitis, fevers, malaria to name a few. Can be used in a vaporizer, added to a bowl of boiling water so the steam can be inhaled or added to warm water and used as a mouth wash in the case of throat problems.
4) It can improve blood circulation, assist in the removal of cellulite and relieve rheumatism, arthritis and gout, by being massaged into problem area.

NOTE: Lemon oil is photosensitive so it not advisable to apply lemon oil just before going out in the sun. Wait at least four hours.

Lemon oil also has many useful household, beauty and general applications:
1) It's excellent antiseptic, antimicrobial, antibacterial properties make it the perfect natural air freshener and surface cleaner in rooms like kitchens and bathrooms.
2) It can be used instead of bleach in the washing machine and to sanitize the washing.
3) It will remove gum, oil, grease spots and crayon.
4) It can be used as a hand cleaner after using a public toilet.
5) It can be used to clean and increase the shelf life of fresh fruit by soaking fruit in a bowl of water, for a few minutes, with a few drops of lemon oil added.
6) It is used in hair care to either to remove dandruff or as hair tonic.
7) It is used in skin care as it is excellent for oily skin and it also rejuvenates dull skin.

It would be easy to write a book on lemon oil with all it's amazing uses. Commercial businesses and D.I.Y. folk also make perfumes, scented candles, soaps, and edibles like muffins and lemonade with the oil, so why not give it a bash yourself? The shelf life of lemon oil is only 8-10 months but is sure to be used long before that. Make sure that you buy a good quality lemon essential oil so you and your family can reap all it's excellent benefits.

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Lavender and Lemon Moisturizer for Oily Skin

3 drops of lemon oil
3 drops of lavender oil
3 tsps. of glycerine
1/2 cup of distilled water

Mix the lemon and lavender oil together in a bottle before adding the glycerine and distilled water. Shake well and store in the fridge for future use. Can be used on body as well as face.

Lemon Citrus Nail Soak
From Aroma Thyme  
Lemon juice and the essential oil of lemon whitens nails while stimulating healthy growth.

8 fl oz / 240 mls. spring water
1 tbsp aloe vera gel
10 drops lemon essential oil

Mix and soak fingertips for 10 minutes.

Homemade Lemon Toner
From Natural Skin Care Info 

1/2 cup lemon juice
1 cup distilled water
2/3 cup witch hazel

Combine all ingredients. Pour into a clean bottle or decorative cosmetics container. Shake well before using. Apply with a clean cotton ball.

Beat the Winter Blues Bath
From Therapy Essence    

4 drops bergamot essential oil
4 drops lemon essential oil
2 drops ylang-ylang essential oil

Add to a warm bath and disperse well - or blend with 1 tblsp grapeseed oil or 1 tblsp unscented bubble bath and add to a warm bath. Soak in the bath for 15-20 minutes inhaling the vapours. Do not get bath water in your eyes as it will sting.

Rosemary and Lemon Hair Growth Shampoo
The Aromatherapy Place 
Bad haircut? Grow your hair out quickly with this shampoo.

15 drops lemon essential oil
10 drops rosemary essential oil Spanish
8 fl oz / 240 mls fragrance and additive free shampoo

Pour shampoo into a 4 fl oz / 120 mls bottle, add essential oils and shake vigorously.

Lemon Moisturizer for Normal to Oily Skin
From the Aromatherapy Place 
This gentle formula will moisturize your skin without leaving any oily residue.

17 drops bergamot essential oil
13 drops cedarwood essential oil
14 drops lemon essential oil    
4 fl oz / 120 mls fragrance and additive free moisturizer    

Pour moisturizer into an 4 fl oz cosmetic jar add essential oils and stir vigorously.

Fruitwood Perfume/Cologne
From NaturalBeauty 
This perfume is a round, fully citrusy perfume with a distinct woodsy scent. This fragrance is also well suited for use as an appealing cologne for men.

5 tsp. 80-proof vodka
1/2 tsp distilled water
15 drops lemon oil
10 drops grapefruit oil
10 drops lemongrass oil
2 drops benzoin oil
3 drops cedarwood oil
5 drops neroli oil
5 drops cypress oil
10 drops verbena oil (use with caution if at all)

Place all of the ingredients in a dark glass bottle and shake well. Store the perfume in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks to allow it to develop. Turn the bottle upside down occasionally as the perfume steeps.

Teresa's Wood Polish
From Essential Oil Recipes

4 fl oz / 120 mls olive oil
1/2 tsp of lemon essential oil

Mix in a small bottle, apply with a soft cloth and buff to shin. Olive oil feeds the wood and the lemon gives a fresh smell.

Germ Fighter Spray
From Craft Gossip
Here is an antiseptic, germ fighting spray to use on cuts and scrapes. May also be used as a room spray.

12 drops tea tree essential oil
6 drops eucalyptus unrectified essential oil
6 drops lemon essential oil
2 oz / 60 mls distilled water

Combine ingredients and add to spray bottle. Shake gently before use.

Microwave Cleaner
From Natural Healthy Home Cleaning Tips

1/4 cup baking soda
1 tsp vinegar
6 drops lemon essential oil

Mix ingredients to make a paste. Apply to interior of microwave with a sponge. Rinse and leave door open to dry for 15 minutes. Wash the glass turntable by hand. This recipe will get rid of food odors...great for getting rid of that popcorn smell.

Nasturtiums

The nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), a favourite plant with both children and adults Worldwide, was originally from South America. It is also popular not only for it's pretty bright flowers, easy direct sowing and fast growing, but also as an edible flower. Other pluses are that they attract hummingbirds to the garden and have many natural beauty and medicinal properties.

Nasturtium leaves are rich in vitamin C and the seeds have a high iron and phosphorus content. They contain a sulphur compound which makes them an excellent anti-fungal, antiseptic, and antibiotic. In South America, especially Peru, they were used after battles to disinfect wounds. Nasturtiums were also used in the past to counteract scurvy and to treat any condition that stemmed from yeast or parasite problems. Many of us also learnt from childhood that chewing a nasturtium leaf at the first sign of a sore throat, helped to ease it.

The fresh juice of nasturtiums is known as an excellent treatment for alopecia (baldness caused by illness or stress), as it stimulates hair growth when rubbed in the scalp. A simple hair tonic is also made which is said to promote the growth of thick hair, it combines rum with nasturtium and nettle leaves. A tea made with nasturtium leaves and flowers make an excellent rinse for thin or oily hair. Soaking feet infected with athletes foot in a bowl strong infusion of nasturtium leaves and water has also shown good results.

WARNING: 

Not suitable for pregnant women or those trying for a baby, as nasturtiums promote menstration.

Nasturtiums, being edible, are excellent to have on hand in every kitchen. The leaves and flowers have a peppery tang, and can be added to salads as a main ingredient or a pretty garnish. The seed pods can be pickled and used as a substitute for capers. During WW2 the seeds were actually ground and used as a substitute for black pepper. Used as companion plants in the vegetable garden, nasturtiums repel harmful insects and attract beneficial insects. So pick up a packet of nasturtium seeds and pop them in your garden, pots or window box and  with a bit of imagination you could even find more uses for them.

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Strawberry-Nasturtium Salad
From Wen Zientek-Sico at Old Fashioned Living   
This unique salad is filled with delightful flavor and color. The sweetness of the strawberries is perfectly balanced by the pepperiness of the nasturtiums and spark of the vinegar for a salad that everyone will love. This salad should not be made too far in advance to prevent wilting of the nasturtium blossoms ~ Wen

1 pt / 2 cups / 450mls sliced strawberries
1/3 cup nasturtium blossoms
2 tbsps champagne vinegar
2-3 tbsps sugar

Toss together all of the ingredients. Taste the mixture, and adjust the amount of sugar depending on how sweet the strawberries are. Makes 4 servings.

Nasturtium Capers (1)
By Patricia Telesco with Jeanne P. Maack at Netplaces   
The flavor of the nasturtium is similar to capers and far less expensive. Note, however, that it’s essential to use the green pods because mature pods are unsuitable for consumption ~ Patricia

2 tbsps pickling salt
1 cup water
1/2 cup green nasturtium seed pods
2/3 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tsps sugar
1 bay leaf
pinch thyme

Mix salt and water together with nasturtiums. Soak 3 days, making sure pods stay beneath water’s surface. Strain, put in a canning jar. Mix vinegar with remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Pour over pods. Cap and seal in a hot-water bath 10 minutes.

Nasturtium Capers (2)
From Mother Nature
Nasturtium buds to fill a 1 quart / 1 litre jar

1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp whole black pepper
6 cloves
1 quart / 1 litrevinegar

Stir buds in cold water, drain and repeat, then lay on a sieve to dry. Loosely fill a well-washed quart jar with buds, sprinkling in spices as you go. Fill the jar with vinegar and put on lid. Let sit 6 weeks before opening.

Nasturtium and Garlic Chive Flower Vinegar
By Maggie Oster at Herb Companion   

1/2 cup nasturtium flowers
1/2 cup garlic chive flowers
2 cups apple cider vinegar

Combine the nasturtium flowers, garlic chive flowers, and vinegar in a steeping container. Attach a lid. Set the container in a cool, dark place, shaking every couple of days. Taste after a week, then filter (or let it steep longer until the flavor is to your liking). Pour into bottles, cap tightly, seal if desired, and label. Add a few flowers to the bottle after straining. It will look pretty and remind you of the vinegar’s flavor.

Nasturtium Hair Tonic
From eHow    

2 handful nasturtium blossom and leaves
125mls / 4 fl ozs 80% alcohol
125mls / 4 fl ozs distilled water

Pour alcohol over herbs and let them soak for 2 weeks in a closable container. Filter it, fill it up with distilled water and fill it into a dark bottle. Use it daily. Not for blond hair!

Patchouli Essential oil

Patchouli, that wonderful essential oil loved by the Hippies of the 60's, still remains a favourite with many folk. Patchouli oil is extracted from the leaves of the P.patchouli/P.cablin plant which is part of the mint family. The plant is native to Malaysia and India and was only introduced into Europe in Victorian times when it was imported with silk and cashmere shawls and Indian ink to protect them from moths. in 1845. Today the plants are cultivated in many tropical counties where they extract the oil by steam distillation.

It is one of the few oils that, like fine wine, it improves with age. Newly distilled patchouli oil has a fresh, green, slightly harsh aroma whereas when it ages it mellows giving a rich, exotic, spicy aroma with earthy undertones. Patchouli is a thick oil ranging in colour from light yellow to brown with a green tint and it has a base blending note. Its aroma is suitable for both men and women. The oil has a three year shelf life if stored in a cool place out of the sunlight.

Patchouli oil's properties are antibacterial, antibiotic, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, calmative, astringent, decongestant, diuretic, fungicidal, nervine, sedative, stomachic, and insecticidal. It is used externally for most skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema, acne, dandruff, relief of insect bites and shas superb tissue regenerating properties. It will protects wounds and ulcers from infections and from getting septic. As a massage oil it helps with weight reduction by reducing cellulite and aiding against water retention. It is also an excellent sedative. Patchouli is also used as an insect repellant either by placing pads a few drops of the oil in drawers and boxes or burning in an oil burner. For haircare it is used as a conditioner on dark hair and dreadlocks.

Note: Patchouli oil is non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing but is as with most essential oils in not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy.

After a stressful day pop a few drops of patchouli in a burner or a few drops in a nice warm bath. It will relax an over active mind and restore an emotional balance leaving you grounded. As it has a very penetrating aroma when blending with other oils just a drop will do. Try it with rose, jasmin, neroli, geranium or ylang ylang.

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Clarifying Astringent

By From Nature With Love for more recipes like this.

Good way to clarify blemishes and irritations on oily skin

8 oz/ 227 mls witch hazel

5 drops sandalwood essential oil

4 drops lemon essential oil

5 drops patchouli essential oil

2 tsp licorice root powder

Mix licorice root powder with the witch hazel and shake well. Let stand for 5 days shaking twice each day then strain out excess licorice root powder on the last day. Add in sandalwood, lemon and patchouli essential oils and shake well before each use. Use cotton swap for application.

Exotic Patchouli Massage Oil

By Pioneerthinking

10 tsps grapeseed oil

7 drops of patchouli essential oil

4 drops jasmine essential oil

2 drops rose essential oil

Blend ingredients well. Warm up oil before doing any massage including your fingertips.

Patchouli and Hemp Oil Soap

From North Country Soap Making Submitted by Pam D.

1 oz/28 mls castor oil

2 oz/56 mls cocoa butter

10 oz/284 mls coconut oil

10 oz/284 mls hemp seed oil

10 oz/284 mls olive oil

10 oz/284 mls palm oil

6 oz/170 mls palm kernel

2 oz/57 mls shea butter

2 oz/57 mls hemp butter added at trace to super fat

3 oz/85 mls patchouli essential oil
19 oz/540 mls water

7.21 oz/204 mls lye

Add the lye to the water – cool to 100°. Melt the solid oil, add the liquid oils, cool or heat to 100°. Add the lye water to the oils, stir until trace. At trace add the patchouli EO. This soap will be a lovely light green from the hemp oil. Pour into mold, cover for 24 hours, unmold and cut into bars. Age for 4-6 weeks. This soap brings back memories of the 60’s.

Patchouli and Blackstrap Molasses Conditioner

Gives hair a wonderful gloss and shine and also treats dandruff.

1 1/2 tbsps blackstrap molasses

1tbsp hot water

4 drops patchouli essential oil

Mix. Apply to hair. Leave on for 30 minutes. Then shampoo well to remove all the conditioner.

Athlete's Foot Bath

4 drops tea tree essential oil

4 drops lavender essential oil

2 drops sandalwood essential oil

Fill bowl with warm water, add essential oils and soak feet for at least 15 minutes.

Anti-Wrinkle Clay Mask Recipe

By From Nature with Love Submitted by: Cindy of Allegan, MI

1 tbsp green france clay

1 tsp patchouli powder

1 tsp slippery elm powder

1 tsp chamomile powder

wetting agent:

5 tsp herbal astringent for dry skin

Stir all ingredients well to get rid of clumps & apply to face. Leave on for 5 minutes and rinse off with warm water.

Strawberries

Strawberries are not just a tasty and nutritious fruit, they are also excellent for the health and are especially good for our skin. The Romans and the herbalists of the Middle Ages also noted their health properties, as well as their culinary delights.

Nutrition wise strawberries contain excellent amounts of vitamin C and manganese. They contain very good amounts of dietary fibre and iodine and good amounts of potassium, folate, vitamins A, B2, B5, B6 and K,  omega_3 fatty acids, magnesium and copper.

Health wise strawberries are also a rich source of phenols with their potent antioxidant properties. Together with their high vitamin C they aid in the prevention of heart disease, high blood pressure and enhance memory function amongst many other qualities. Strawberries have anti-inflammatory properties and can be very beneficial for those with arthritis or other problems of the joints. The tea made from strawberry leaves and roots is wonderful for digestive upsets, and gout.

Beauty wise the salicylic acid, antioxidants and exfoliants contained in strawberries exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells and also tone the skin by tightening the pores. They also lighten and brighten the skin. Strawberries are excellent source of the antioxidant ellagic acid, that helps protect skin against sun damage. As they are around 50 calories per cup and high in fibre they are an excellent slimming fruit. The fresh fruit removes discolouration of the teeth if rubbed on them and the juice allowed to remain on for about five minutes. Then brush teeth to prevent the acidity damaging the teeth.

Warning: Strawberries are one of the fruits which can cause allergic reactions in some people. They contain measurable amounts of oxalates so should be eaten with care by those with kidney, gallbladder and thyroid problems.  They also can cause hives in some children and adults.

Strawberries are very perishable and once picked do not ripen further. Purchase ripe, firm berries and eat within a few days. It is also important to purchase the organic variety as normal strawberries contain pesticide residues even after washing. Store in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 days and only wash just before use. To freeze strawberries, wash and dry them, remove the stems, and arrange them in a single layer in container and freeze, once frozen they can be stacked in the container without worries of squashing them.

So pick up a tub today and enjoy.

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Strawberry Hand and Foot Exfoliant
From All Natural Beauty, created by SpaIndex     

8-10 Strawberries
2 tbsps apricot oil or olive oil
1 tsp of coarse salt, such as Kosher Salt, or Sea Salt

Mix together all ingredients, massage into hands and feet, rinse, and pat dry. 


Easy Strawberry Mask for Oily Skin
1/2 cup strawberries, very ripe
1/4 cup cornstarch or fine oatmeal

Mix strawberries and cornstarch/oatmeal together to make a paste, apply it to your face avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for 30 minutes, rinse with cool water.


Strawberry Sunburn Mash

For mild sunburn, mash a few strawberries and apply to the affected area. Leave on for +/- half an hour, then rinse off with warm water.


Strawberry Belly and Breast Scrub

This soft-skin body scrubs smells as delicious as it feels. Fresh, ripe strawberries make an excellent cleanser and moisturizer. Rich in healthy skin nutrients they possess a harmonious pH balance, like skin itself.

12 ripe strawberries
2 tbsps cold-pressed avocado oil
4 tbsps pureed cucumber (with skin and seeds)
3 tbsps distilled witch hazel solution
3 tbsps rice flour
1 tsp aloe gel

Trim the strawberry stems, cut away any white parts, then mash with a fork. Pour the avocado oil into another bowl, add the pureed cucumber, and stir well. Add the mashed strawberries and witch hazel. Sprinkle the rice flour over the wet mixture and fold in. Last, add the aloe and stir to form a smooth paste. Mist your breast and upper chest with a body mist. Leave for 5 minutes, then apply the scrub with your hands or a sea sponge. Relax for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Dry and moisturize.


Glossy, Silky Hair Recipe
Submitted by Irene. From Tip King.  

8 ripe strawberries
1 tbsp mayonnaise

Mash strawberrys and mayonnaise. Massage into washed, damped hair. Cover with a shower cap, then a warm towel, wash out with a shampoo/conditioner combination. This lucious mix of rich acidic berries will leave your hair smooth, soft, thick and rich with silk and gloss!


Sinfully Delicious Strawberry Lemonade
From Alexandra Jamieson, author of The Great American Detox Diet 
Great vitamin C, natural fruit acids, and lots of enzymes give this virgin-cocktail skin-replenishing plant power ~ Alexandra

1 pint strawberries, stems removed
1/2 cup raw agave nectar
3 cups water
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
ice

Puree the strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. Pass the pureed strawberries through a fine meshed strainer or sieve to remove the seeds and set aside. Combine the agave and water in a pitcher, and stir well. Add the lemon juice and strawberry puree to the mixture and stir well to combine. Chill. Serve in ice-filled glasses.

Stinging Nettles

It is a shame that many look on the stinging nettle plant as just a weed to avoid in case they are stung and nothing else. Nettles have medicinal, nutritional, beauty and culinary uses. Ancient cultures recognised this and slowly modern man is doing the same.

Nettles (Urtica dioica, Urtica urens) are high in the minerals calcium, magnesium, chromium, potassium, iodine, zinc and silica. They contain Vitamins A, B, C, and K, are high in beta carotene and are one of the most powerful iron sources in the vegetable kingdom..

Nettles are known as a tonic, blood cleanser, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, anti-asthmatic, and anti-inflammatory. They are available as fresh leaves, dried leaves, freeze-dried leaves, tea, capsules, extract and tincture.

Medically nettle tea is used, with excellent results, to reduce blood pressure and to relieve premenstrual bloating.. The tea is also drunk as an arthritis treatment, as it is said to break down uric acid crystals in joints, and has an anti-inflammatory component . Nettles are an official remedy for rheumatism in Germany. Drinking the juice of the roots or leaves, or burning the dried leaves is said to relieve bronchial or asthmatic problems.

Nettles are good for the hair. Eating nettles or drinking the tea makes your hair brighter, thicker and shinier. The silicon contained in nettles is one of the reasons that makes nettle hair rinses so nourishing for the hair. Nettles have also been reported to be excellent in increasing bone density (see link to David Wolfe's article below). Due to nettles astringent qualities it is also used for facial steams and as a deep cleanser for oily skin.

In the kitchen fresh nettles can be cooked and served the same as spinach. They are high in protein. Nettle infused vinegar is also used due to it being very nourishing with all the minerals that the vinegar has leached from the nettles. Nettles has many other uses. They can be made into paper, cloth and rope and their juice used as a yellow/green dye. They are also used as a vegetarian rennet in cheese making. On top of everything else, gardeners love nettles as a natural, effective, aphid killer and for riding roses of black spot.

NOTES:
1) Those collecting fresh stinging nettles must e careful and wear protection or they could get stung.
2) Eat nettles in moderation, as they can cause constipation or stomach ache if eaten in excess.
3) Not to be taken during pregnancy.

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Further reading:
Picking Stinging Nettles (Video)
Tips from David Wolfe to Increase Bone Density

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Nettle Rinse

1 cup nettle tops or 1/2 cup dried nettles
2 cups water

Simmer nettles in water for 15 minutes. Leave to get cold, bottle. Apply a cup to washed hair, do not rinse, dry hair. Keep balance in fridge until required again.


Dandruff Treatment

1 cup nettle tops or 1/2 cup dried nettles
1 cup cider vinegar

Simmer fresh nettles in vinegar for 30 minutes. Rub into the scalp twice a week to eliminate/prevent dandruff.


Nettle and Potato Soup
From Wild Health Food

1 leek, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 cups organic veggie stock
3 large potatoes, diced
3 cups nettle leaves, washed
2 bay leaves

Fry leek, garlic and onion in olive oil until soft. Add stock and other ingredients. Simmer slowly until soft. To serve. Add yoghurt to each bowl.

Lavender Oil

Pure lavender essential oil is an amazing oil as it is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, anti-depressant and sedative. It's main benefits being that it balances & normalizes body functions, promotes tissue regeneration, speeds up wound healing, cleanses cuts, bruises & skin irritations, soothes & relaxes the mind & body, and eases aches and pains.

Unlike many pure essential oils which require to be diluted in a carrier oil, lavender oil is safe to use directly on the skin. It can be applied directly to spots, bites, cuts, minor burns and acne spots. A few drops sprinkled on a tissue and inhaled or rubbed on the temples or back of the neck will relieve headaches. For bruises, put a few drops on a damp cloth and place over the affected area, repeat twice a day. For earache add one drop of oil to one teaspoon of warm olive oil and place a couple of drops in the ear with a dropper. Mix aloe vera gel with a few drops of lavender oil for a soothing and cooling after sun gel. An excellent oil for your first aid kit.

Lavender oil's calming affect on the system and relief of fatigue , make it widely used in massage and aromatherapy. Not sleeping well? Put 6 drops in your evening bath after a stressful or tiring day, and soak your troubles away. Alternatively place 1 or 2 drops of lavender oil on your pillow before retiring to help give you restful sleep.

Even your pets can benefit from lavender oil. It soothes them in time of distress and also repels fleas and many other insects. For fleas you can add a few drops of oil to the rinsing water when washing pets bedding and/or you can dip their brush in water with a few drops of lavender oil added then brush through their fur. For stress place a pad with few drops of lavender oil in their bed.

Note: If pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult with a healthcare practitioner prior to use. Keep away from eyes.

Always check that you are receiving a pure essential oil when purchasing lavender oil as many lavender oils sold are only for use in pot pourri.

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As Rosemary is to the spirit, so Lavender is to the soul ~ Anonymous

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After Sun Bath Cooler

5 drops pure lavender essential oil
2 drops pure chamomile essential oil

Add to warm bath water, relax and let the oils and water calm your skin.


After Sun Soothing Gel

1 tsp aloe vera or aloe ferox gel
4 drops pure lavender essential oil
1 drop pure chamomile essential oil

Mix and apply to reddened areas.


Lavender Massage Mix
From the Skin Care Company
Submitted By: Tammy

2/3 cup / 150 mls grape seed oil
1/3 cup / 75 mls wheat germ oil
10 drops vitamin E oil
6 drops pure lavender essential oil

Pour all the ingredients into a dark bottle that has a spout. Shake well. Shake well before each use. Pour the oil into your hands to warm before putting it on your body. Massage into your body using a circular motion. This makes 8 ozs / 240mls.


Natural Acne Treatment
From Article Alley Author: Flatpick
For full article got to here
Lavender essential oil and Tea Tree seem to be well tolerated by most users and Tea Tree is one of the best and most popular for natural acne treatment.

Mix the following in a small bottle or container:
1 oz / 30 ml jojoba oil
10 drops of lavender oil
7 drops of tea tree oil
2 drops of bergamot oil
1 drop geranium oil

(To mix without the bergamot oil, simply use 12 drops of lavender oil). Shake ingredients well and apply to your face, neck or back. Avoid your eyes, nose or the inside of your ears. As with any acne treatment, these will take time to work. If you have a serious skin condition, please consult with a dermatologist. For allergy prone skin it may be wise to try applying the oils in a small area first.


Hot Oil Treatment for Damaged Hair
From the LongLocks Hair Care Website

1/2 cup soybean oil
8 drops oil of sandalwood
8 drops oil of lavender
8 drops oil geranium

Mix all ingredients well. Warm oil to a comfortable temperature and apply the mixture to damp hair. Wrap hair in plastic wrap and apply a hot towel for 20 minutes. Shampoo.


Lavender Hand & Foot Wash
From Spa Index
Use this wash to relieve red and inflamed hands and feet.

1/2 cup dried lavender flowers
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh sage
2 cups of water
8 drops of lavender oil

In a saucepan, combine lavender flowers, sage and water. Simmer, covered, on low heat for 20 minutes. Strain mixture through cheesecloth and let cool. Discard the solids, retain the liquid. Add Lavender Oil, shake to emulsify, and then apply to hands and feet with a soft wash cloth or cotton pads. Repeat as necessary, or desired. So refreshing in summer when your feet are hot, and in winter, when they've been cooped up in boots.


Skin Astringent
From Skin-care.Health-Cares.Net

2 bags of green tea
1 tablespoon rosemary
16 oz / 475mls boiling water
1/2 cup witch hazel
5 drops lavender essential oil
juice from a half of lemon

Place rosemary into a strainer or muslin bag and place it into a glass container. and the tea bags and pour the water into it.Let it stand until it's completely cool.Then add the witch hazel,lemon juice and lavender oil. Store in the fridge. It may separate so shake before use.


Calming Mist For Overactive Dogs
Good advice from The Herbs Place

30 drops lavender essential oil
20 drops chamomile essential oil
4 oz / 120 mls of purified water or distilled

Measure essential oils into an empty and clean 4-oz spray mist bottle. Add the water until it is filled. Put on cap and shake well before each use. Spray around the dog and even on its coat since Lavender is a good essential oil to repel mosquitos and fleas. This is great for use in a car with a nervous dog or at any time your dog is over-energized. (Note: He does a lot of work with pets and wears lavender oil to help them feel more relaxed and also helps to keep the bugs away. Great advice for those working with strays ~ Jackie)


Flea Mix for Dogs

2 cups water
2 drops pure lavender essential oil
2 drops pure cedarwood essential oil

Put in bowl, stir to mix. Dip dog brush into bowland brush through dog's coat until all fur covered excluding his/her face.

Technorati Tags: lavender+oil skincare beauty herbs

Sesame Seed Oil

For thousands of years in the Middle East and Asia, sesame seed oil was, and still is, popular for it's health, beauty and culinary uses. The Ancient Chinese also used sesame oil in their lamps, and with the soot made their ink-blocks. It has a distinctively sweet and nutty flavour and aroma, and is light yellow in colour. Sesame seed oil is also called benne, gingili, til or teel oil in some countries. The most healthy and nutritious oil to purchase is virgin, cold-pressed, gmo-free, unrefined, raw seeds.

Sesame seed oil contains vitamins A, B and E, magnesium, copper, calcium, iron, phosphorus and zinc. It also contains linolenic acid, alpha linolenic acid and lecithin, giving it some of it's amazing health properties. It is an antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory oil. The oil is 82% polyunsaturated fatty acids including omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are necessary for growth and necessary in the prevention and treatment of many chronic diseases like coronary heart disease and arthritis.

It is made up of about 50% oleic acid. Oleic acid is excellent for lowering cholesterol levels by raising levels of HDL's while lowering LDL's (known as "bad" cholesterol). Sesame lignans also lower cholesterol levels by hindering the absorption and formation of cholesterol. Research shows that the oil can neutralize free oxygen radicals within the skin and surrounding tissues. In addition, sesame seed oil contains two important antioxidants sesamolin and sesamol, which amongst many things can increase vitamin E activity.

Sesame seed oil has many first-aid uses like soothing sun and wind burn, sore gums, athletes foot and nail fungus, and painful joints. Has also been said to help restless sleepers from repeated waking up during the night, if massaged into the feet before going to sleep. Mum find it handy for baby too as it can be used on their skin in the area covered by a nappy/diaper to protect against rashes caused by urine. The oil can be used to remove the milk like crust sometimes seen on a baby's head.

Beauty wise, sesame seed oil is loved by beauticians and masseurs Worldwide, due to it having anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, softening, hydrating, nourishing and penetrating properties. It also neutralizes oxygen radicals, one of the major causes of ageing and tightens facial skin. Excellent for both dry and oily problem skin and dandruff. It absorbs toxins from skin leaving it healthy, soft and clean. Easy to do a self massage of ones face or body and then rinse off in the shower. On top of everything it is also a great ultraviolet ray blocker, so apply before going out in the sun.

In the kitchen it is generally used in two forms, either the cold pressed form or the stronger tasting Asian style oil which is extracted from toasted sesame seeds. To keep the health properties of the oil and not to overpower dishes with the fairly strong sesame flavour rather add a little oil to dishes after stir frying or roasting. It is also wonderful added to marinades and dressings. Try it on a cold noodle or pasta salad...yummy!

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Hair Mask

2 tbsps warm sesame oil
2 tbsps neem oil

Mix and massage into scalp, comb hair with wide tooth comb, wrap hair in a hot towel or cling wrap and keep on for at least 15 minutes or overnight, then shampoo out.


Sunblock
From Care2 Green Living
Posted by Annie B. Bond

1 cup zinc oxide paste
½ cup sesame oil
½ cup orange blossom water, at room temperature
½ cup distilled water, at room temperature

Spoon the zinc oxide paste and pour the sesame oil into the top of a double boiler. Stir as best you can. Fill the bottom of the double boiler 1/4 full of water and bring to a gentle boil. Place the top of the pan containing the paste and oil over the bottom and gently heat, stirring constantly for 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Add the orange blossom water and distilled water, mixing thoroughly. Store in a wide mouthed jar with lid; decorate with stickers, if desired. Yield: 2 cups
To use: Dab on the skin. Do not rub in. The more opaque the product is on you, the more effective the sunblock.


Stretch Mark Oil

1/2 tsp organic cold pressed sesame oil
1/2 tsp or 2 capsules vitamin E oil
1/2 tsp organic cold pressed wheat germ oil
4 drops rose otto or 4 drops lavender essential oils

Do not use during first trimester of pregnancy or while breast feeding. Massage regularly on stretch mark area.


Ginger Dandruff Treatment

1 tbsp ginger root juice
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp lemon juice

Mix all ingredients. Apply to scalp and let dry before shampooing. Repeat three times a week.


Cucumber Salad
From Chinese Food at About.com
By Rhonda Parkinson

As with any cucumber salad recipe, the trick is to keep the cucumbers crisp and water from collecting at the bottom of the bowl. I find that weighting down the cucumbers during salting so they release more water really helps. Be sure to quickly toss the salad one more time before serving. ~ Rhoda

2 medium cucumbers
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsps red wine vinegar
5 1/2 tsps soy sauce
2 tsps organic cold pressed sesame oil
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper, according to taste
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into chunks
2 scallions (green onion, spring onion), thinly chopped

Peel the cucumbers if desired. Cut in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds in the middle. Cut diagonally into thin slices, no more than 1/2-inch thick. Lay the cucumber slices in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Leave for at least 1 hour and pat dry with paper towels, squeezing out any excess water.
Note: To help drain more water from the cucumbers, I weighed them down with 2 resealable plastic bags about 3/4 full with water. You can also use a saucer to weigh down the cucumbers.
While desalting the cucumbers, in a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, soy sauce and sesame oil. Whisk in the sugar and crushed red pepper. Simmer the dressing over very low heat for 2 - 3 minutes, (this allows the flavours to blend). Remove the cucumbers and pat dry with paper towels, squeezing out any excess water. Place the cucumbers in a large bowl and add the red bell pepper and chopped scallion. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss, cover and chill for at least 2 hours before serving, (preferably longer). Toss the salad in the dressing again before serving. Serves 3 to 4.

Technorati tags: sesame sesame+seed+oil skin+care

Roman Chamomile

There are two main chamomile plant species, Roman (Anthemis nobilis) and German (Matricaria recutita). The plants have many similar properties so are used to treat many of the same conditions.

Today we will look at Roman chamomile, also known as English chamomile or camomile. It is antispasmodic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, analgesic, sedative and calmative. As far back in history as the Ancient Egyptians, who dedicated it to their sun god Ra, chamomile has been revered for these healing properties.

The plant is a low growing, quick spreading perennial, with daisy like flowers which have an apple-like fragrance when rubbed. Gardeners may be interested to note if you decide to grow Roman chamomile that it also makes a wonderful, fragrant, herb lawn. The flowers give off an apple fragrance when crushed.

Some of the conditions that Roman chamomile infusion, tincture and/or tea has been found to relieve (note: tea/infusion must stand for at least 10 minutes before straining to be effective):
Diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, nightmares, teething & colic in children.
Stomach cramps, indigestion, nausea, PMS and flatulence.
Stress, trauma, insomnia and tension headaches.
Externally on psoriasis, eczema, abscesses, acne and to reduce swellings.
Toothaches, earache and neuralgia.
Gargle for sore throat and gum infections.

Roman chamomile oil, freshly distilled, is a pale blue color with and if properly stored will keep for a couple of years. The oil is used by aromatherapists and masseurs to relieve muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, arthritis and a general stress reliever. It is also used on the hair and scalp to kills lice and mites.

Beauty wise chamomile oil and/or tea is used to give highlights in light brown hair and brighten blond hair. It is also good to use when steaming face to open pores.

From an esoteric point of view chamomile is said to tie in with the throat chakra, help with balancing emotions and aid the channeling process. Chamomile incense is said to attract money, luck, affection, and peaceful sleep.

Warning: If taking medication like blood thinners check with your pharmacist before using chamomile tea or oil. Not recommended in early pregnancy.

Chamomile is available in most health shops where it can be bought as a tea (tisane), tincture or oil. It is also added to many soaps, perfumes, hair, skin and health products.

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Insomnia Aromatherapy Blend
From AromaWeb

10 drops Roman chamomile
5 drops clary sage
5 drops bergamot

Blend the oils well in a clean dark-colored glass bottle. Add 1-2 drops to a tissue and place inside your pillow to aid you in falling asleep. If you prefer to make a diffuser blend that you enjoy during the hour before bedtime, make a blend with a ratio of 2 drops Roman chamomile to 1 drop clary sage to 1 drop bergamot and add to your diffuser. Lavender can also help provide relaxation and drowsiness, but using more than 1-2 drops can have the opposite effect.


Amazing Face Mask
From Make Your Own Cosmetics Submitted by Genevieve
Instantaneously gives you a glow and helps the skin release toxins which could cause blemishes later.

3 tbsps ground rolled oats
1 tbsp ground almonds
1 tbsp powdered chamomile
1 tbsp finely ground sage
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
6 drops drops chamomile essential oil
6 drops sage essential oil

Combine ingredients in a small bowl and mix together with your fingers. The mixture will have a dry, grainy consistency. Scoop a little out and spread thickly onto wet or dry skin, massaging gently with an outward, circular motion. Rinse off and pat dry. Gives 6 to 7. Shelf life 3 months in a cool dry place.


Anti-Inflammatory Skin Wash

1 part dried calendula
1 part dried chamomile flowers

Pore over boiling water, infuse for an hour, refrigerate. Dab on affected skin when required.


Chamomile Astringent
From Woman Junction

1/2 cup chopped fresh mint (or 2 tbsp dried)
2 tbsp dried chamomile flowers, crushed
4 cups water

Combine ingredients in a small saucepan. Boil for 10 minutes, then remove from heat and allow to steep for 5 minutes. Strain liquid into a jar, cover and refrigerate. Will keep 2 weeks refrigerated. Apply with cotton balls to skin. Especially good for very oily skin.


Relaxing Bath Salts
Relaxing and soothes muscles. Woody aroma great for males or females.

1 cups of Epsom salts
1 cup sea salt or Tibetan rock salt
2 tbsps baking soda/soda bicarb
4 drops chamomile essential oil
4 drops cedarwood essential oil
2 drops black pepper essential oil

Mix salts and soda well. Mix oils and pour over salts, mix well. Leave for a couple of hours, bottle.


Blonde Highlights for Hair

2 cups brewed and cooled chamomile tea
1/2 cup lemon juice
5 drops Roman chamomile essential oil (optional)

Mix together. Pour over damp washed hair. Relax in sun for an hour. Wash out.

Technorati tags: chamomile camomile beauty+recipes herbs Anthemis+nobilis

Jojoba

Jojoba (pronounced ho-ho-ba) oil comes from the seed of a desert shrub. It is actually a liquid wax not an oil. Used for hundreds of years by the Native Americans for healing wounds and skincare, it has become popular over the last few years with aromatherapists and cosmetic companies.

It closely resembles sebum, the oil produced in our skin when we are young. Jojoba is easily absorbed, non irritating and does not block the pores when applied to the skin. The organic, cold pressed, unrefined variety gives the best results with skin and hair care.

Many people looked on it as just a massage carrier oil but are now are beginning to also use it more in homemade hair and skin preparations. Jojoba contains vitamin E, silicon, chromium, copper and zinc and has anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic and anti-fungal properties.

Jojoba can be used on all skin types as a cleanser, moisturizer, anti-wrinkle oil, after sun soother, on stretch marks and is gentle enough for babies skin. On the hair it acts as a wonderful conditioner by reconditioning hair follicles and shafts, preventing split ends and dry scalp. It helps strengthen brittle nails and prevent nail fungal problems when regularly rubbing nails jojoba oil.

It is also becoming known as a useful oil for acne as jojoba oil is said to trick the skin into stopping the production of sebum through somehow mimicking sebum.

Jojoba oil is fairly expensive but as it is a preservative and doesn't go rancid, it has a very long shelf life so none will be wasted.

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Jojoba Bath Oil
From Aromatherapy-At-Home
Helps soften and nourish dry, damaged or stressed skin.

1oz / 2 tbsps / 30mls jojoba oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops lemon balm essential oil
5 drops chamomile essential oil

Pour slowly jojoba oil into a jar, add essential oils drop by drop. Cap the jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake well. To use : Just pour 1 tablespoon of bath oil in your bath water, and dissolve it with your hand before you soak.


Night Anti-Wrinkle Oil

1 tsp jojoba oil
2 tsps apricot kernal oil
1 tsp rosehip seed oil
4 drops rose essential oil
2 drops chamomile essential oil
2 drops neroli essential oil

Mix oils together. Last thing in the evening, smooth a small amount on the face. Leave on for a minute or two. Blot any excess oil. If used regularly will remove small facial wrinkles and make the skin soft if used regularly.


Jojoba Oil & Beer Conditioner
From LongLocks

1 cup WARM beer
1 teaspoon jojoba oil

Mix ingredients. Apply to hair and massage through. Rinse well. You may want to shampoo afterward if your hair remains oily.

Technorati Tags: jojoba beauty acne skincare

Hibiscus for Mother's Day

“God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.”
Rudyard Kipling

One great present to give on Mother's Day is a flowering shrub which can give pleasure for years and years. A plant with edible flowers is even better. The Hibiscus (hibiscus sabdariffa) is a great choice as it comes in various size bushes with many colors of flowers to choose from. The flowers are edible, can be used in beauty and health preparations and are great decorations.

The juice of the hibiscus flower is used in hair preparations to prevent dandruff, reduce oil gland secretions, as a general tonic and to prevent hair loss. A popular preparation for thinning hair is made by mixing equal parts of hibiscus flower juice and coconut oil, heated but not boiled, cooled and bottled.

Health wise the flower juice has antibacterial properties and is used for gastro and respiratory problems. It also contains ascorbic and glycolic acids which make it an excellent diuretic. Hibiscus is also natural emollient and softens the skin.

Culinary wise, hibiscus flowers make wonderful teas, drinks and syrups. The leaves and calyx of the hibiscus plant also have their uses but I shall discuss that another time.

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mums out there.

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Detoxifying Hibiscus Tea
From ChannelNewsAsia

fresh hibiscus petals
dried hibiscus petals
lemon Juice

Immerse fresh hibiscus leaves in hot water. Add in some dried ones to release fragrance of tea. Squeeze in lemon juice and add some ice cubes.


Hibiscus Aide
From CaribSeek Recipe by Carol M. Bareuther
Virgin islanders say this drink is good for soothing sore throats.

30 individual red hibiscus blossoms
½ oz / 14g knob fresh ginger
3 quarts/ 2.8 litres water
juice from 6 limes
sweetener to taste
fresh limes, cut in slices for garnish

Wash blossoms and ginger. Grate ginger, place it in a large saucepan, and cover with one quart of water and boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Add hibiscus blossoms, remove saucepan from heat and cover. When cool, strain liquid into a large pitcher or pot. Add 2 quarts water and juice from limes. Add sweetener to taste. Chill and serve cold over cracked ice. Garnish with fresh lime wedge, if desired. Yield: 12 one-cup servings


Ruby Red Romantic Herb Tea
From Care2 Posted by Annie B. Bond

4 cups filtered water
¼ cup dried red hibiscus flowers
2 tbsps lemongrass or lemon balm
2 tbsps rose hips
Peel of one organic orange, cut into slices
honey/sweetener, to taste

In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the water to boil, then remove from heat. Add all ingredients except the honey. Cover and allow the mixture to steep for about 45 minutes or until deep red. Strain, add the honey to taste, and stir to blend. Pour into your best medium-sized clear or cut-glass pitcher, chill for a couple of hours, and serve. Store, refrigerated, covered, for two days.


Australian Native Hibiscus Syrup
From hibiscus.org
(Microwave Method: Times based on 600 watts on high)

petals only from 10 large hibiscus flowers
1/4 cup of lemon juice
1 cup of boiling water
1 cup of sugar

Cover petals with lemon juice in a deep bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes. Place the sugar and water in a saucepan and heat until boiling and sugar is all dissolved. Add the petals that have been cooked with the lemon juice to the sugar mixture. Stir well. Cook until reduced by 1/3 - approximately 1 hour. Strain to remove petals. Pour a small quantity over fruit, ice-cream, custard etc. The syrup keeps for a year and you can make up larger quantities at the one time.

Technorati Tags: Mother's+Day hibiscus edible+flowers hibiscus+tea

Neem Oil

Often described as the most medically useful tree of all time, the Neem tree (Azadirachta indicahas), has been valued by the people of many parts of Asia and Africa for more than 4000 years. The bark, leaves, twigs, seeds, and sap are used.

Neem oil is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, and astringent. It is also known as an excellent natural insecticide and fungicide. It consists primarily of saturated and of mono-unsaturated fatty acids, steriods and is rich in oleic (Omega_9), stearic, palmitic, and linoleic (Omega_6) acids. Neem oil is not used for cooking purposes but is used internally in Ayurvedic and traditional Asian medicine.

Note: Only use neem oil internally on the advice of a qualified practitioner. Although no major problems are reported, pregnant women and babies should not use it externally either, unless they are advised to do so by a qualified practitioner.

An excellent skin care oil. Neem oil adds moisture and elasticity to the skin and is known to heal many skin disorders like acne, athlete’s foot, dandruff, head lice, psoriasis, ringworm, scabies, and warts. Mix one teaspoon neem oil to half a cup of carrier oil, like almond, olive, coconut or palm oil. It has been used with excellent results against candida or thrush, without the side effects of many pharmaceuticals, and is good as a mouthwash when having sore gums.

Neem oil is used safely on pets to eradicate fleas, mites and dry skin. Just add a few drops of the oil to a handful of their shampoo when bathing them.

It is also wonderful for eradicating garden pests but is non-toxic to bees, birds and earthworms.. Add a couple of teaspoons to your watering can or spraycan water. Neem oil does not mix with water without an emulsifier, so also add a couple of squirts of liquid soap or shampoo to the water. Then water or spray the infested plants. Also add a couple of drops to you skin lotion to deter mosquitoes when gardening.

Neem oil is great when cleaning house. Add the oil to carpet shampoos and mattress sprays to kill dust mites. Add to liquid hand soap for antibacterial properties. As neem oil has a strong garlicky/sulfur smell you might wish to add a few drops of your favorite essential oil as well, to mask the smell if you do not like it. Lavender or lemongrass are good choices.

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Lepa Mask
From Martha Stewart Whole Living

"Lepa" translates as "medicinal plaster." This mask absorbs impurities. In a large bowl, combine 2 teaspoons each sandalwood powder, natural clay powder (available at natural-foods stores), a pinch of ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon neem oil, and 1/4 cup fresh orange juice. Mix thoroughly and apply all over the face and neck, avoiding the eyes. Leave the mask on for about 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.


Hand and Foot Treatment
From Martha Stewart Whole Living

To soften rough hands and feet, start by gently massaging them with a loofah or rough hand towel. Next, soak them in a tub of warm water infused with a few drops of sandalwood, rose, neem, or jasmine oils. Use a pumice stone to soften rough areas on the feet. To moisturize, make a solution of 1 teaspoon neem oil and 2 tablespoons coconut oil and massage into both hands and feet, focusing on the heels, soles, ankles, between the toes and fingers, wrists, and palms. Rinse with the juice of one lemon diluted in 1 cup warm water. Dry off with a soft, fluffy towel.


Dandruff and General Hair Mask

Add 1teaspoon of neem oil to 2 tablespoons of warm avocado oil. Apply oil to scalp, and massage into skin. Comb through. Cover hair with plastic bag or cling wrap. Leave on for 1 hour, then shampoo hair.

Technorati : neem+oil natural+skincare dandruff hair+mask acne

Atlas Cedarwood Oil

There are several oils that go under the name of cedarwood but the most common one used in aromatherapy is Atlas Cedarwood (Cedarus atlantica) oil. Cedarwood was the first known oil to have been extracted. It provided one of the world’s earliest perfumes and was used by the Ancient Egyptians for mummification.

Cedarwood is pulped before steam distillation to gain access to the secretory canals of the wood, which holds the aromatic essence. It has a sweet, woody, fruity perfume, much more piercing than sandalwood.

Cedarwood is an anti-fungal, antiseptic, circulatory stimulant, tonic, astringent, diuretic, expectorant and sedative oil. It is well known as a good skin and hair tonic, plus it is a decongestant and alleviates rheumatic pain. Cedarwood is grounding, clears away negativity and brings increased positive energy. It is often used in combination with other oils to prevent hair loss.

It has bug repellent properties. Can be used to repel aphids. slugs, snails and weevils. It can also be used in a vacuum cleaner bag for adding a clean fragrance to a room while vacuuming.

Note: Do not use when pregnant or with high blood pressure. Always use well diluted.

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Foot Odor Bath

1 tbsp Epsom salts
1 tbsp sea salt or rock salt
2 drops cedarwood essential oil
2 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops tea tree oil

Put in bowl/foot bath of hot water, stir, soak feet for 5 to 10 minutes. Dry feet well.


Peace Cologne Recipe
From Pioneer Thinking
Combats fatigue due to stress, tension and anxiety.

3 drops bergamot essential oil
2 drops frankincense essential oil
3 drops cedarwood essential oil
1/2 pt (300ml) 70% alcohol or vodka

Pour the alcohol into a bottle or jar. Add the oils and shake well. Leave for 1 week.


Varicose Veins Massage
From Beannes Oils

2 drops lime essential oil
2 drops cedarwood essential oil
20 mls carrier oil.

Rub lightly, using only fingertips.


Hair Loss from Stress Treatment

2 tbsps clear honey
1 tbsp almond oil
2 drops cedarwood essential oil
2 drops clary sage essential oil
2 drops rosemary oil

Mix, apply to scalp. Wrap head with a towel. Leave on for at least half an hour, then shampoo hair.


Acne/Eczema Fighter
From Essortment

2 drops cedarwood essential oil
2 drops sandalwood essential oil

Mix oils well. Gently massage over face and neck areas. The classic combination of these two essential oils, an excellent skin conditioner for oily skin, has a soothing effect and treats acne and eczema.


Technorati: essential+oils cedarwood acne smelly+feet cologne+recipe

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been popular as a medicinal, beauty and cooking oil for thousands of years especially with people living in the Tropics.

Around the late 50's and 60's, coconut oil's popularity waned in the U.S. due to it being given the name of "artery clogger", which was later found to be incorrect. It is composed predominately of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) which do not have a negative effect on cholesterol and help to lower the risk of both atherosclerosis and heart disease. The best sources of MCT's are from coconut and palm kernel oils.

Coconut oil is also the only vegetable source of lauric acid which is found in mothers' milk. It builds up the immune system against viral, bacterial and protozoal infections. Studies are being done on it as a supplement for those with HIV.

Everyone will find it a great benefit in their daily lives. It kills the fungus/yeast infections like candida, ringworm, athletes foot and thrush. Dieters like it as it supports thyroid function and increases metabolism and active people like it as it boosts energy and endurance levels.

Internally it has been suggested that one takes 3 tablespoons a day, one with each meal. Add to smoothies, stir frys, salad dressings and in baked goods. Make sure that you purchase a virgin, organic, coconut oil brand which is suitable for taking internally.

Externally as a beauty aid coconut oil is excellent for both skin and hair. It softens and moisturizes your skin, preventing wrinkles and age spots. It also protects the skin, hair and scalp from UV rays and infections.

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Quick and Tasty Spuds
From VirginCoconutOil.com

1 large organic baking potato per person
1 organic clove of garlic per person
1 dessert spoon of organic virgin coconut oil per person

Preheat oven to 200C/400F. Melt the coconut oil in the oven in a large baking dish. Peel and thickly slice the potatoes and the garlic and place them in the dish, making sure they are well covered with the melted coconut oil. Sprinkle to taste with organic sea salt. Check them after 20 minutes and turn. Cook for a further 20 minutes, or until crunchy (and very yummy!)

Coconut Smoothie
From SmoothieWeb

1 cup Coconut Milk
1-2 tbsps your favorite protein powder
1 tbsp virgin coconut oil
1 tbsp ground flax seeds
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp almond extract
1/4 tsp stevia powder (or other sweetener)
8-10 ice cubes

Place all ingredients but ice in a blender and process at high speed until well combined. Add ice after the coconut oil is blended so that it won’t clump. You may use more or less ice, depending on how cold you like a smoothie. Serves 2

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Beauty Tips from WebIndia123.com

FEET
For cracked heals, massage the foot with coconut oil and keep the foot in warm water for some time.

MASSAGE
Massage your body with a mixture of coconut oil and any of your favourite scented oils like lavender or rosemary.

EYES
Massage a few drops of coconut oil around the eyes to get rid off dark circles.
Rub eyebrows and eyelashes with olive oil or coconut oil or almond oil to encourage hair growth.

HAIR
Dandruff
Massage the Scalp with pure coconut oil. This will also help growth of hair.
or Apply a mixture of almond oil and gooseberry juice with finger tips on the scalp.
or Apply the warm mixture of olive oil, lemon juice and coconut oil. Do a steam -towel- wrap for 15 minutes and wash the hair with a mild shampoo.
Healthy Shiny Hair
Massage hair with warm coconut oil an hour before washing. Let it soak. Cover your head with a hot towel and wash your hair after an hour or so.
Hair Loss
Boil a few hibiscus flowers in coconut oil. Filter and use this hair oil to control hair loss and thinning.

BACK PAIN
Heat some coconut oil or mustard oil mixed with a little camphor powder and apply on the effected area.
or Heat some coconut oil mixed with crushed dried ginger and garlic. Apply this warm oil to the affected area and place a hot bag over the area.

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Coconut Cleansing Cream Recipe
From RecipeGoldmine

3 tbsps oil
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp vegetable glycerin
2 tsps water

Melt ingredients together over very low heat until liquid. Remove from heat. Beat as the mixture cools to emulsify. Store in an airtight jar and keep in the refrigerator since coconut oil has a very low melting point. After use, follow with an astringent.

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"Coconut oil is the healthiest oil on earth" says Dr. Bruce Fife,
a naturopathic doctor and the author of "The Coconut Oil Miracle."

Technorati Tags: coconut+oil coconut+oil+recipes health beauty+recipes

Common Sage

Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) is more than just a culinary herb, it has been popular for thousands of years for its medicinal properties and for preserving food. It's name Salvia means "to heal".

Sage is described as an aromatic, antiseptic, antifungal, astringent, digestive, diuretic, antibiotic, antispasmodic, estrogenic, carminative, a tonic and many other terms depending on where you look. In other words a very useful herb. Italian medical students in medieval times recited "Why should a man die who grows sage in his garden?"

It makes an attactive plant with it's soft silvery green leaves and blue flowers. Sage is a great container plant if put in a sunny spot in the home or as a garden plant in the warmer areas. Whether you intend using the leaves in your cooking or for minor health problems, or both, it is a very useful fresh herb to have growing nearby. Pests do not bother sage but be careful not to over water it. Cut leaves sparingly in the first year of growth.

WARNING: Sage oil should not be used by pregnant women and epileptics, and used with care by those with high blood pressure.

Women will find it useful, as sage relieves PMS, regulates the menstral cycle, relieves depression, hot flushes and night sweats during menopause, and is also used to reduce excessive lactation in nursing mothers. A sage compress relieves inflamed varicose veins.

Great for hair and skin. Helps refine the skin texture and relieves oily skin and hair problems by regulating the sebum production and it heals sores and ulcers. Sage is also popular as a natural deodorant, for coloring grey hair and for preventing dandruff.

Sage is useful with coughs, colds and flu as it relieves mucous build up, is a wonderful gargle for sore throats and breaks a fever. Before toothpaste was used to clean the teeth, sage was used to freshen the breath and strengthen the gums.

Great at exam time as stops panic attacks, alleviates mental exhaustion and assists with memory retention.

Sage is wonderful in food due to it's unique flavor, but on top of that, it also assists digestion and prevents flatulence. When used in cooking, note that less is more, as too much added to food can give the dish a musty taste. To store fresh sage leaves, place in a loosely closed plastic bag or plastic container with airholes and place in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for a few days. Note that dried sage is stronger than fresh sage and therefore use it sparingly.

You might also like to try pineapple sage, which adds a strong pineapple flavor to drinks and desserts. Pineapple sage has red flowers and is also a pretty addition to your indoor or outdoor herbs.

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"If one consults enough herbals...every sickness known to humanity will be listed as being cured by sage."
Varro Taylor, Ph.D.

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Basic Sage Tea

As a pleasant drink or gargle, pour a cup of boiling water over 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves and steep for 10 minutes.

Calming Tea

1/2 tsp sage
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp marjoram
1/2 tsp chamomile

Put in 2 cup teapot, brew 10 minutes, strain and serve.

Sage and Peppermint Tea for Fevers
From Recipe Goldmine

2 tsps dried sage
1 tsp dried peppermint
1 cup water, barely boiled

Place the herbs in a teapot. Pour the boiling water over them. Cover, and steep 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten. Sip SLOWLY while warm, up to 3 cups a day.

Sage and Rosemary Recipe for Covering Grey Hair
This is from Purdue University and will gradually bring back the color of you hair! You must use it for at least 3 weeks to see results. For brown to black hair.

1/4 cup dried sage
1/4 cup dried rosemary
2 cups water

Simmer the sage and rosemary in the water for 30 minutes, then steep for several hours.
Apply to hair and leave on until dried. Then rinse and dry. Repeat weekly, until desired shade, then monthly to maintain color.

Black Tea and Sage Rinse
From Recipe Goldmine
For darkening grey hair.

3 tbsps black tea
3 tbsps sage
1 teapot freshly boiled water

Steep black tea and sage in water. Allow to cool and use as a hair rinse, pouring the tea repeatedly over the hair. Rinse with tepid water.

Deodorant Foot Wash
From Freebies4Ya

1/2 cup dried lavender flowers
1/2 cup fresh sage, Finely Chopped
2 cups water
8 drops lavender oil

In a saucepan, combine lavender flowers, sage and water and simmer, covered, on low heat for about 20 minutes. Strain mixuture through cheese cloth and let cool. Discard solids. Add lavender oil and pat on feet with a wash cloth. Repeat as necessary.

Toner For Oily Skin
From Savvy Womans Magazine

2 tbsps chopped mint leaves
8 sage leaves
1/4 cup chopped parsley
2 tbsps fresh thyme leaves
2 stalks fresh bok-choy (with leaves)
6 tblsps witch hazel
1 tblsp lemon juice
1 cup water

In a saucepan heat water, sage, parsley and thyme. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. While still warm, pour infusion into a blender with bok-choy, witch hazel and lemon juice and blend on medium speed for 2 minutes. Strain mixture through a coffee filter or paper towel and pour liquid into a small cosmetic bottle. Apply to face with a cottonwool pad, blotting all over.

Sage Spray Deodorant
From Regaining Health Naturally

1 ounce of sage tincture
1 ounce of witch hazel extract
10 - 20 drops of essential oil blend - Use sage, coriander or chamomile to fight bacteria and add another one that has the fragrance you like.
5 - 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract (a natural anti bacterial agent used here as a preservative add the GFSE into the sage alcoholic tincture before you put the oils in otherwise the GFSE tends to separate the oils.

Place in spray bottle, shake before use.

Carrot Potage
From Green Chronicle
A vegetable soup very similar to an ancient potage.

4 large carrots, peeled
1 medium sized potato, peeled
1 medium sized onion, peeled
2 tablespoons vegan marg or virgin olive oil
1 tsp thyme and sage, chopped
2 pints vegetable bouillon
1 tsp yeast extract
seasoning to taste

Chop the vegetables. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the onion and sauté until it becomes transparent. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and cover. Simmer for 1 1/2 hours. Allow to cool slightly, then blend in small quantities in a blender until smooth. Reheat to serving temperature and adjust seasoning to taste.

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Avocado Oil

Cold pressed avocado oil is a marvellous natural oil. It has the most rapid skin penetration of all the natural oils and is a natural sunscreen. It is used in both commercial and homemade preparations for skin care, hair care and bath products including soaps.

Containing high levels vitamin E and A, squarline and a natural antiseptic it rejuvenates and repairs, making the skin soft and supple. Free from additives and preservatives it can be safely used by everyone from babies to the elderly.

It can be used as a sun screen by those who have allergic reaction to commercial sunscreens. Avocado oil can also be used as a carrier oil base for massages. It will also relieve minor skin irritations and a dry scalp.

For more infomation on avocado oil and it's uses in the kitchen, visit my other blog The Vegan Diet. Pick up a bottle today.

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Herbal Waters Bath Oil

From Mountain Rose Herbs

This sensuous oil turns any bath into a pampering spa treatment full of moisturizing plant oils and skin-friendly herbal essential oils.

1 cup almond oil

2 cups avocado oil

2 green tea bags

10 drops lavender essential oil

8 drops chamomile essential oil

4 drops ylang-ylang essential oil

2 drops rose geranium essential oil

Warm almond and avocado oils in a small saucepan. Remove from heat, add tea bags and let steep until cool. Remove herbs and combine tea-infused oil with remaining ingredients in a 12-ounce glass bottle with a lid or a stopper. Close tightly and shake well to mix the oils. Store mixture in a cool, dark place for 24 hours to allow the oils to blend. To use, add 2 ounces to your bath water.

Facial Mask

From Fallbrook Bonsall Village News

(For sun-damaged, dry or mature skin. Excellent for razorburn; replaces lost moisture and nutrients)

To make mask: Mash 1 ripe avocado. If you have dry skin add 1 tbsp avocado oil. For oily skin add 3 tbsps lemon juice.

To make toner: Brew and cool herb tea, then add essential oil (10 drops essential oil for 4 oz of tea). For dry skin use Lavender tea/lavender oil; for sensitive skin use chamomile tea/rose oil.

Wash face. Apply mask to face and throat. Relax for 10 minutes as avocado penetrates. Soak a soft cotton towel in hot water, place over face, then compress firmly. Use the towel to remove mask. Add a drop of avocado oil to a splash of toner and gently pat onto face.

Wonder of the Desert Shampoo for Dry Hair

From The LongLocks Natural Hair Care Recipes Cookbook

1/4 cup liquid Castile soap (available at most health shops)

1/4 cup aloe vera gel

1 tsp vegetable glycerin

1/4 tsp avocado oil

Mix together all the ingredients. Store in a bottle and always shake well before using. Apply to hair and allow to sit for a few minutes. Rinse well with cool water.

Hot Avocado Oil Treatment for Damaged Hair

From exploringwomanhood.com

For natural damage control, apply this oil treatment once a week before shampooing. It will strengthen your hair and leave it shining with vitality.

1/4 avocado, mashed

3 tbsps avocado oil

2 tbsps jojoba oil

2 tbsps lime juice

In a small bowl, whisk the ingredients together, then warm them by placing the small bowl into a larger bowl filled halfway with hot water. Stir occasionally to distribute the heat evenly. As soon as the mixture is at body temperature, apply it to your damp hair. Yield - This recipe makes enough for 1 treatment.

To use - Apply directly to dampened hair, working from the scalp through the hair to the ends. Wrap your head in a warm damp towel (use an old towel, as the avocado may stain it.) Leave the treatment on for about 20 minutes. Without rinsing, shampoo hair, then rinse thoroughly.

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