I’ve been on a creative brainstorm and will start formulations in the new year.  What does this mean for you?  Lots of new goodies!  Because we are a small batch handmade line I’ll have to scale back on some items and make more of others.  You’ll see some different scrubs, serums and soaps plus at some point this year I’d like to give the store a makeover – so keep an eye out!

2015 is going to create some amazing change and I can’t wait 🙂

Happy Holiday!

I stopped using commercial mouthwash a long time ago when I switched to buying an all natural kind. We ran out so I decided to whip some up and everybody loves it.  My son wears braces, if you have a child that wears them then you know they can get a little sloppy at times with keeping them clean.  The first time he started to neglect his teeth I noticed his gums swelling up – the oils I chose for this recipe cleared that right up.

You’ll need:

• 1.5 cups of filtered or distilled water (I use distilled)
• 1 tsp. Himalayan Pink Salt  (Over 84 minerals)
• 2 drops Clove Bud Essential Oil
• 3 drops Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil
• 3 drops Peppermint Essential Oil

Mix everything together and store in a sealed container.  Shake before each use.

Some other great essential oils for mouthwash are:

• Spearmint
• Tea Tree Oil
• Myrrh
• Orange
• Ginger

*As with all mouthwashes – swish and spit it out don’t swallow – ewww!

It’s that time of year again and even though bugs are great for the environment, they aren’t great for me.  Here’s a few tips for keeping them away without using yucky chemicals.

Ants – First clean up anything that may be attracting them (sweets, honey, grains, etc) then try the following:

• Hot & spicy (black pepper, chili pepper, chili powder, cayenne pepper, mint, cinnamon, garlic)  Sprinkle at point of entry such as doorways and windowsills.  Place garlic outside the house by the foundation and kill two birds with one stone (those pesky vampires too).
• Who knew ants didn’t like cucumbers?  Cut the skin off and rub the inside around the area – you can leave the skin in the area too.
• Do you see where they are coming in? Squirt some lemon
• You can plant peppermint & spearmint plants outside or in containers around your windows or doors to keep them away.

Mosquitoes – they love water so if you can clean any of that up outside then get rid of it

• Tried and true – you can burn citronella candles
• You can make your own spray to use and it’s super easy plus it will smell better than the chemical sprays.

Natural Bug Sprays:

• Essential oils:  Citronella, Lemongrass, Lavender, Peppermint, Clove, Rosemary, Cajeput, Tea Tree, Catnip, Eucalyptus, Cedar – find a blend that you like.  I like lemongrass, lavender, mint with some citronella.
• Get your base:  Easiest is witch hazel or a carrier oil – I like witch hazel because it dries fast.
• Recipe that I use is this:  take about 2 cups witch hazel and add 15 drops lemongrass, 10 drops citronella, 10 drops peppermint, 5 drops lavender.  Put this in a misting bottle and spray it on when needed.  Don’t spray directly on your face instead spray in your hands and pat onto face.
• Play around with the oils to find a blend you like

Heavy Duty Spray – this is stinky when you spray it but once it’s dry it’s fine.  This is great for wooded areas.

•  Four Thieves Vinegar diluted with water

DIY keep bugs away naturally is pretty easy.  Stay safe and have fun this summer 🙂

The story goes something like this – back in the day there were four merchant thieves (one was a herbalist).  They would rob people that died of the plague but would never get sick themselves.  When they were finally caught the judge said he’d go easy on them if they told him how they didn’t get sick and four thieves was born.

Ingredients:

•  2 TBS dried Wormwood
• 2 TBS dried Rosemary
• 2 TBS dried Sage
• 2 TBS dried Lavender
• 2 TBS dried Peppermint
• 4-8 minced garlic cloves,  cloves or cinnamon sticks (optional)
• 1 quart (32 oz) apple cider vinegar

Place the herbs and if you’re using any of the optional items in a glass jar then pour the apple cider vinegar over it. Tighten the lid and store in a cool and dark place for 6-8 weeks – shake it daily.  Once done strain and store in smaller jars (don’t forget to label them).  You can store in a cool and dark place or even the refrigerator.

*If you are using a metal lid you may want to place a plastic bag over the top before screwing the lid on because the vinegar may corrode the metal.

What can I do with Four Thieves Vinegar?

• To use as a disinfectant mix Four Thieves Vinegar in an equal part of water and put in a spray bottle.
• Great as a soak for nail fungus.
• Said to be good for dandruff – dilute and place on scalp.
• Heavy duty bug repellant – mix 1/4 cup vinegar with 6 oz water in a spray bottle.  Spray on clothes and skin (if using on your face first put it in your hand and pat on).

Quality organic herbs can be found here:

If you’ve never tried an Aromatherapy Rollerballs then you should.  I’ve created some scentsalicious fusions to uplift your mood, make you focus, take away the stress and much more. Please read on to see what you can do with Aromatherapy Rollerballs…

• “OM” is just as it sounds – great to put you in a meditative state.  I use this before meditating; I place on my wrists and I dab a bit under my nose.  Fusion of the following essential oils: Ylang-ylang, Patchouli, Frankincense, Clary Sage, Sweet Orange, and Thyme
• “Sinus/Headache” – great to rub on your temples, back of neck or just below your nose.  I put this on my temples and under my nose then I close my eyes and inhale as I’m focusing on the scent.  Fusion of the following essential oils:  Cajeput, Peppermint, Vetiver, and Chamomile
• “Inspiration” – use to enhance your creativity.  Excellent for projects, test taking or to get you in that creative state.  Dab a little on and let your mind go!  Fusion of the following essential oils:  Bergamot, Basil, Lemon, and Grapefruit
• “No Stress” – let the stress just melt away.  We all have those moments and when I catch myself I take a step back to ground myself while focusing on this fusion.  Fusion of the following essential oils:  Bergamot, Patchouli, Blood Orange, Ylang-ylang, and Grapefruit
• “Immune Booster” – the oils in this blend have immune enhancing properties.  I use this several times a day in the Aromatherapy Rollerball and the Aromatherapy Inhaler.  Fusion of the following essential oils:  Frankincense, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Lemon, Eucalyptus, and Sweet Orange
• “Clarity” – use to enhance your focus; clear mind.  Another great one for projects and test taking.  Fusion of the following essential oils:  Lemon, Rosemary, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Spearmint
• “Energize” – when you need that extra pick me up.  It’s the middle of the afternoon and you’re dragging.  Roll some of this on and inhale, give yourself a few minutes and you’ll feel refreshed.  Fusion of the following essential oils:  Pink Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Litsea, Mandarin, and Sweet Orange

Buy Aromatherapy Rollerballs Today

Try one and you’ll want them all!  These make great gifts for friends and family and of course you should always treat yourself.  I make these on demand so please allow 24-48 hours for me to create your Aromatherapy Rollerball.  If you are looking for a single oil rollerball or a custom blend don’t hesitate to contact me and I’ll see what I can do.

Essential Oils Kids

10 Essential Oils for Kids – Please make sure to dilute essential oils in some type of carrier oil before applying topically. A good carrier oil most people have on hand is olive oil.  Almond oil is lightweight as well as sunflower.  Here is a great article ‘Guide to Diluting Essential Oils‘ to take a look at on proper dilution.  The rule of thumb is no more than a 3% essential oil mix for topical use. It’s always better to start at 1% and add more if need be especially with the sensitive skin most kids have. Topically apply to soles of the feet, reflexology points, inhalers, and location of the ailment.

This is a great chart from http://www.growingupherbal.com/

Number 7 should be Citrus 🙂

Our Floral Waters are also great to use directly on the skin.  They are made by steam distilling and carry all the properties from the plant.  We have Rose, Lavender, Chamomile and Immortelle (also known as Helichrysum or Everlasting).

Have fun exploring all the uses for essential oils kids.