Jo's Health Corner: body care

Quick and Easy Essential Oil Glycerine Soaps

It is not necessary to make glycerine soaps with infused herbs all the time. Essential oils are more potent than herbs, and they provide powerful healing properties and pleasant aromas. Below are a couple of recipes that are quick and easy to make. Older children can also help making them.

Lavender-Peppermint Soap
4 ounces clear solid glycerine (usually about 3 cubes)
15 drops lavender
5 drops peppermint
soap molds.

Melt glycerine in the microwave (about 40 seconds) or in a double boiler. I prefer to use a double boiler. Pour hot glycerine into the soap molds. Allow it to cool slightly before adding the essential oils.

Citrus Soap
Follow the recipe above, but substitute these essential oils for lavender and peppermint.
6 drops lemon
10 drops bergamot
10 drops grapefruit
4 drops mandarin

Some grocery stores sell un-scented glycerine soaps that can be melted down. Our local Raley's sell them and I use them sometimes when I don't have any other soap base at home.

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.
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From the Kitchen Pantry- Various tips

In honor of the World Health Day I just wanted to share some quick and easy beauty tips you can make from things in the kitchen pantry.

Oriental Scrub

Mix a handful each of Epsom salt and sea salt with two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and one tablespoon of ground ground black pepper. Add a cup of warm water when you are ready to use it. The black pepper stimulates and energizes. The salt removes old skin cells and makes the skin soft.

Fresh Strawberry Scrub

Mash 1/2 cup of fresh strawberries, one tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt into a paste. Use on a damp skin.

Sugar Scrub

Mix one cup granulated sugar with one teaspoon citrus juice of choice, 1/3 - 1/2 cup of olive oil or sweet almond oil, and 1/2 teaspoon fresh citrus zest. Apply to moist body.

Once a Month Hair Rinse to Get Rid of Hair Product Residue.

Mix together half a cup of white wine vinegar, half a cup of soda water and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Comb through the hair with the solution and leave it for ten minutes and wash the hair as normal.

Dry Hands

Mix one teaspoon of honey with little vegetable, almond or olive oil and massage into the hands. Leave on for as long as possible before rinsing off.

Blend granulated sugar with a little oil and rub over your hands to exfoliate.

As always, be creative and experiment! Add essential oils or switch out ingredients for things you have at home. The salt and sugar scrubs can be changed endlessly with ingredients at home.

Thanks for visiting!

Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.