creamy lavender body wash

Note: This post was previously published here as a part of my freelance work. 

Making your own soap is surprisingly easy, and a very satisfying thing to do. I like making this blend and having it on hand anytime my skin feels like it needs some extra love. You can substitute any essential oil that you’d like, but I happen to like lavender for the soothing nature that it provides.

You’ll Need:

1/4 Cup Dr. Bronners Pure Castile Soap - Lavender

1/2 Cup Softened Coconut Oil

3 Tbs. Sweet Almond Oil

15 Drops Lavender Essential Oil

Kitchen Hand Mixer

Bowl

       Glass Container

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to a bowl and whisk together using the hand mixer until creamy.

2. Store in glass container and use as needed.

3. Easy as that!

diy aromatherapy sinus relief

Note: This post was previously published here as a part of my freelance work.

The seasons are changing. Temperatures are rising and falling to new extremes each day, and with them a toll is exerted on our sinuses. We are more prone to infections, clogs, and discomfort around our nose and eyes come this time of year. To help keep them clear and to give relief, you can simply inhale some of Mother Nature’s healing scents. Eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender are a dynamic force that help clogs and give soothing energy to sinus cavities. Next time you need a little something to make you feel better, try putting together one of these simple “smelling pouches”.

What You’ll need:

1/3 cup dried lavender

1/3 cup dried peppermint

10 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Organic linen pouch (draw string is best, but you can also find a piece of string or ribbon to tie yours off with)

Directions:

1. Mix together your dried herbs.

2. Drip essential oil on top, and mix up to help distribute the scent.

3. Pour everything into the small linen pouch. 

4. Close tight, and keep on hand for a sniff any time you’re in need.

diy healthy hair rinse

Note: This post was previously published here as a part of my freelance work.

After visiting the Officina Profumo Farmeceutica di Santa Maria Novella in Florence, I discovered hair rinses and became very intrigued to try some of my own. I did a little research and got to experimenting. 

The base for every rinse is vinegar. It helps to remove buildup and smooths out breakaways. Each hair cuticle is essentially constructed like little shingles piled on top of one other; the vinegar helps to smooth the “shingles” down and keeps them pulled in close together. 

From there, you can mix in whatever herbs you’d like. I found that my favorite way to make a rinse was with essential oil because it has such a concentrated amount of the nutrients and the most potent smell. Certain ones are more beneficial for hair than others. Below is a rundown of the best to choose from, so you can throw together a combo that seems most fit for you. Myself, I ended up making a rosemary lemon grass combo, and I love it. 

After using the rinse a few times, I did notice a difference in shininess and overall health. So, here you go, here’s how to make your own!

The Herbs:

Rosemary: Good for dark hair. It helps with oily locks, dandruff, and will stimulate growth.

Sage: Good for dark hair and reversing grays. Sage will also help with dandruff.

Chamomile: Chamomile is good for light colored hair, and it will bring out highlights.

Calendula: Helps condition damaged hair.

Basil: Good for oily hair & stimulates growth

Lemon Grass: Good for oily hair.

What You Need:

1 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar

10 Drops One Essential Oil

10 Drops Second Essential Oil

Glass Container

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients in a glass container, and let sit for at least one day.

2. When you’re ready to use, take 1/2 tbsp of the rinse, and mix it into 1 cup water.

3. Shampoo your hair, and then pour the rinse through, so it touches as many strands as possible.

4. You can either rinse out with some water afterward, or leave the rinse in. It is up to you. I always left mine in.

aromatherapy headache cure

Note: this post was previously published here as a part of my freelance work.

We hear it all the time, or we say it ourselves: “Does anyone have an Advil?” It seems that headaches plague too many of us these days. Late nights, computer screens, stress, a stuffy nose – they are all factors that can contribute, but taking a processed remedy isn’t necessarily the best way to deal with it. All around us, nature grows healing herbs that can help alleviate the pain.

THE HERBS

Often with a headache the mind needs both soothing & awakening. It needs to be opened up allowing air to flow, but then needs to settle and calm at the same time.The following herbal combination is designed to do just that.

Chamomile: Known for its calming and soothing properties. Chamomile helps the mind to rest.

Peppermint & Spearmint: Both mint varieties awaken the mind. They are warming as well as cooling, and are curative for swelling and aches.

Rosewood: Rosewood is made from the wood of a rose as opposed to its flower. It is not known for having major curative powers, but the smell is very up-lifting.

Lavender: Lavender emanates peace, and allows the mind to find a place of soothing.

THE REMEDIES

Diffuser: Do yourself a favor and buy a candle diffuser. You can use it to disperse various remedies or just to freshen the air. In the case of a headache, put ten drops of each essential oil in the top portion, and light a tea light underneath. Allow the candle to burn for 15-30 minutes, letting the sent of the wafting oils calm and refresh your mind.

Bath Bomb: in a light muslin sack, add a scoop of dried chamomile, peppermint, spearmint, and lavender (this version will leave out rosewood, but you can add another version of dried rose if you wish). Close the bag, and drop it into the tub while filling to make an herbal tea soak. You can also add epsom salts and essential oils directly to the water if you wish.

Compress: heat a small pot of water over the stove, and pour the hot water into a bowl with ten drops of each essential oil. Soak a clean wash cloth in the water. Take it out, let it cool slightly, and then lay it over you face. You can repeat this several times, allowing the washcloth to rest across your skin a few minutes each time. Enjoy breathing in the scented steam from the towel, and if you wish, simultaneously massage your temples.