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"How To's" How To Make Thyme Tea - Sore Throats and more This herbal hot tea is so easy to prepare and it is useful for coughs, bronchial spasms, breaking up respiratory congestions as well as sore throats. Steep one teaspoon of dried thyme herb or one tablespoon fresh herb in one cup hot water for fifteen minutes. Strain and drink up to four cups daily. An extract of thyme's volatile oil, thymol, is the main ingredient in Listerine! Homemade Vapor Rub To ease the pain and discomfort of a chest cold, try making this easy balm to rub on your chest. 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil 10 drops peppermint essential oil 3 drops thyme essential oil 1/2 cup olive oil Combine the ingredients and rub on your chest and throat briskly onto the skin. Warm up a cloth and place on chest for added warmth. *Find essential oils in our store. Make a Hops Pillow If you have a problem falling asleep and staying asleep there are well- researched herbs that are known to aid in sleep. A natural alternative which is not habit-forming or causes side effects is a better approach for your health. Here is my recipe that combines three of the most-researched sleep herbs. Ingredients needed: Small Muslin bag or pouch 2 parts dried hops 1 part dried chamomile 1 part dried lavender Using a muslin bag allows the herbs to breathe through the fabric-- sure you are not using a synthetic fabric for your pouch. Gently scoop up the herbs with a small wooden spoon and place in your pouch. Tie the pouch tightly to contain the herbs securley. And then place under your regular pillow at night. Sweet dreams and jelly beans (organic ones of course). Hops (Humulus lupulus) (Cannabaceae [marijuana] family, has profound sedative effects - even sniffing the herb helps you doze off. Found in the wild the female flowers are most commonly used in brewing beer. Hops have been used by herbalists for thousands of years to encourage sleep. The aging process of hops (up to two years) is what allows the chemical compounds, humulone and lupulone to create a substance that is chemically similar to chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium). Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) this is an old-time sleep remedy also used for centuries for relaxation and to calm the nerves. Most commonly used as a tea in the evening to promote a restful sleep. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) there have been accounts of British hospitals using lavender essential oil to help patients sleep. Aromatherapists like to use the oil for stress, muscle ache, skin conditions and as a sleep aid. Tips: When not using your hops pillow, keep it stored in a jar and place in a dark dry cupboard. Warnings: Not all varieties of lavender are tranquilizing - Spanish lavender, can have the opposite effect. Because hops contain plant estrogens, prenylnaringenin, pregnant women, and children should avoid injesting hops and seek medical advice before using a hops pillow as well. Spicy Holiday Room Spray Prepare this holiday room spray now and it’s one less thing to do when your schedule gets really hectic. It’s natural, spicy and citrus fragrance is uplifting and sets the holiday spirit in motion. 4 drops essential oil of Pine Needle, 1 drop essential oil of Mandarin, 2 drops essential oil of Cinnamon Leaf. Dilute in purified water in a 2-ounce spray bottle. Will last up to three months. Always buy 100% pure essential oils of high quality. Rosemary Massage Oil You’re familiar with this aromatic herb in cooking, now try it in a spa product you can make right at home. For a wonderful refreshing, uplifting effect on the emotions and the body, try using Rosemary in a massage oil. Also known to stimulate your circulation, helping to warm tired and aching muscles. Here’s an easy recipe to make at home. With Essential oil of Rosemary: Add six to eight drops of essential oil to one ounce of a carrier oil (almond, grape seed, avocado or even safflower oil). With Fresh Rosemary Herb: To make a massage oil from the herb in your garden, select the most aromatic part of the plant. Chop the leaves and place them in a very clean glass jar. Add enough carrier oil to barely cover all the plant material, but keep it completely submerged. Stir the contents to make sure any air bubbles are released. Place the jar in a warm area, such as in the sun or by a wood stove for two days, or in a crock pot set on a very low heat overnight with the temperature set below simmering. When it is done, the oil will smell strongly of the submerged herb. Strain the herbs through a kitchen strainer. If necessary, restrain through a fine strainer to remove all plant residue, which would feel uncomfortable when the oil is rubbed across the skin. Enjoy! Natural House Cleaners Fall is a great time to clean out closets in preparation for heavier winter clothing, throwing out clutter, and deep cleaning. Commercial cleaners are toxic, not safe for kids, pets and the environment. Here’s a few GREAT natural household cleaner formulas that are easy to prepare. Keep them handy under your sink, and you’ll save your health, money and the environment. Surfaces (except glass): 1 teaspoon borax, 2 tbls. white vinegar, 2 cups hot water, ¼ teaspoon lavender essential oil, 3 drops tea tree oil. Mix all ingredients together and stir. Pour into spray bottle for long-term storage and use. Spray as needed on any surface except glass. Scrub and rinse with a clean damp cloth. Disinfectant – Kitchen & Bath counter tops, stove tops and tile: 3 drops cinnamon leaf, 5 drops pine needle, 2 drops frankincense, 10 drops bergamot, 1/8 teaspoon each orange oil, lemon oil, and 30 ounces of water. Combine all in water in a 32 oz. trigger spray bottle. Spray on and wipe surface dry. Disinfects. No-bleach Cleaner - 20 drops essential oil of lemon in a one-gallon bucket of hot water. Mop your floors with this non-bleach disinfect, leaving the house smelling lemony fresh! Home Made Moisturizing Facial This is one of my favorite home made facials to make right in my kitchen. Make sure to label it before storing in the refrigerator, or someone in your household might mistake it for guacamole. Use remaining within two-three days. You will need: ½ avocado smashed, ¼ cup plain yogurt, ¼ cup honey. Mix all ingredients in a bowl with a fork. I use a sea sponge to apply on my face liberally. Lay down, relax for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water. For added moisture and a dewy look you may add 2 drops of avocado oil to the mixture and your favorite essential oil (orange, rose, neroli, is great) But, the above ingredients work great alone! It’s easy, inexpensive and great for your skin. Your skin will glow. (My secret beauty weapon: mix a little honey right into your moisturizer for a special young dewy look for those special occasions, you might just love it so much it’ll be a daily indulgence) |
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