1 oz. (25 g) beeswax to 4fl.oz (100 ml) vegetable oil
Essential oils: use 20-30 drops for this amount.
If the skin is very sensitive, use only 10 drops.
1. Place the beeswax and oil in a glass bowl over a saucepan of water. Bring the water to a boil and simmer until the wax has melted into the oil. Remove from the heat.
2. Stir continually as the oil/wax mixture cools and stiffens; essential oils may be added at this stage, as recommended, and stirred into the mixture.
3. Pour or spoon into a small, clean ointment jars, seal and store. This may keep for a few months under good conditions, but should be made in small amounts as needed.
Ideas:
For treatments of boils, sores, infected cuts, fungal skin conditions or inflamed skin conditions. A soothing antiseptic blend can be made from tea tree oil and infused calendula.
Ideas:
The rubefacient and analgesic properties of black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, and peppermint can be according to Battaglia be added in an ointment beneficial for arthritis and sport injuries. Use before an event to keep muscles warm and prevent injuries.
Ideas:
Battaglia also recommends to use infused calendula, infused carrot seed oil, myrrh and German chamomile in an ointment to moisten, soothe and protect dry irritated skin conditions like eczema, dry chapped skin or lips,
Herb Marinated Braised Lamb Shanks
This is one of our favorite dishes and we make this for Easter every year so I decided to repost the recipe.
We mix the herbs and spices with olive oil and marinate the shanks over night.
The first thing we do the next day is to brown the meat in dutch oven or other oven proof pot for about 10 minutes. We add crushed garlic, and we always add more garlic than what the recipe says.
We add our homemade stock and bring it to a boil before we transfer the pot to the oven.
Once in the oven, we let it cook with the lid on for an hour before we turn the shanks and let it cook for another 45 minutes. Once the shanks are done we remove them, and put them on a platter and cover to keep them warm. We finish the cooking on the stove and add carrots, potatoes, zucchini and tomatoes.
In a separate small pot we mix some fat, flour ( can use gluten free alternatives such as arrow root), tomato paste and some braising liquid and stir it for a couple of minutes. We add it to the big pot which now has the vegetables removed, and let it boil for another 2 minutes. Once done we add the vegetables and the shanks back into the dutch oven.
Even our picky eater in the family finds something to eat in this pot! Complete recipe can be found at Simply Recipes
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.
This post is linked to:
Mostly Homemade Mondays, Motivate Me Monday, Fat Tuesday, Titus 2sday, The Gathering Spot
Teach Me Tuesday, Titus 2 Tuesday, Tuesday Time Out, How to Tuesday, Traditional Tuesdays
Waste Not Want Not Wednesday, Healthy 2day Wednesday, WFMW, The Mommy Club
Real Housewives of Riverton Round Up, Homemaking Link-Up, Encourage One Another, Whole Foods Wednesday, The Homeacre Hop, Thank Your Body Thursday, Simple Lives Thursday, The Busy Bee's, All Things Thursday Link Up
8:36 AM |
Read more...
Natural Hair Care - My Essential Oil Hair Tonic
I made this hair tonic when I lived in Sweden many years ago. The cold and long winter affected my hair negatively and it was very dull. The scalp was also very dry and I started to lose more hair than normal. Naturally, in order to have a healthy skin and hair you have to start from the inside with nutritious food. If your hair that doesn't improve with dietary changes and applied aromatherapy treatments, then you need to figure out what else is causing your problem. Mineral and vitamin deficiencies and/or hormonal imbalances may be the cause.
The essential oils I used in the blend, rosemary, cedarwood, and basil, are known for their beneficial properties in hair care.
When experiencing dandruff the glands are inactive and do not produce enough oils. Essential oils can increase the amount of oils produced by stimulating the oil glands. The oils increase the circulation, and bring arterial blood to the tissues.
Hair loss may be caused by vitamin deficiencies, stress, over shampooing, or even thyroid or pituitary deficiencies. Essential oils penetrate deep in the dermal layer of the skin due to their molecular weight, and they are able to nourish the areas where the hair follicles are located. Regular use of essential oils may stimulate and nourish new hair growth by increasing circulation.
Hair Tonic Blend
30 drops Basil, Ocimum basilicum
20 drops Cedarwood, Cedrus atlantica
20 drops Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis
I mixed the oils and applied three drops to the scalp for two weeks. I made the mistake by adding the oils to the scalp right at bed time, which was not a good idea since these oils kept me awake. I made sure I applied the blend earlier in the evening after that discovery.
I chose these oils because:
Cedarwood is a circulatory stimulant and assists in increasing the circulation to the scalp. This has historically made cedarwood an excellent oil for dandruff and hair loss. It's anti-fungal action is also beneficial since dandruff may be caused by fungal infections.
Rosemary is a calcefacient and a vasodilator. It's vasodilator action causes dilation of the blood vessels, and increases the circulation. The calcefacient action also increases the capillary circulation. This makes rosemary a powerful circulatory stimulant, and has traditionally been a perfect choice for hair loss and dandruff.
Basil has stimulant, tonic, and anti-fungal properties. As a stimulant basil will increase the energy and the functional activity in the body. Basil has historically been used for dandruff as well as hair loss. The tonic action has traditionally restored the luster to hair.
I applied three drops into the scalp at night and the aroma is very intense right after it is applied. You will most likely feel a tingling sensation for a short while as well.
I noticed that my hair looked shinier after a few days, and it had a different glow to it. The dandruff was more stubborn to get rid off, and it took about a week or so before the dandruff on my scalp disappeared. I stopped losing hair.
I also added the same essential oils to an un-scented shampoo. These oils can also be added to apple cider vinegar and used as a hair rinse.
This formula worked for me. It is important to remember that what works for one may not work for the other. The root cause to the problem may be different. I modified my diet at the same time, and I also added some extra supplements.
These oils may be contraindicated in certain conditions so please check my essential oil safey page to make sure these oils are suitable for you. Natural Hair Care with Essential Oils has more great tips for using essential oils. Why No Poo Method is Healthier for You will share information on why it is healthier to ditch the commercialized shampoos in favor of the No Poo Method. Stay tuned for my next post about natural hair care which is about hot oil treatment.
Before you leave:
I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.
Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.
Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
- Topical Application
- Inhaling Essential Oils
- Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
- How to Dilute Essential Oils
- Vita Flex Technique
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11:38 AM |
Read more...
Essential Oils - Winter Blah Blends
Winter Blah 1
Grapefruit essential oils: 6 drops
Bergamot essential oil: 6 drops
Lime essential oil: 6 drops
Ginger essential oil: 4 drops
Sandalwood essential oil: 2 drops
Blend the oils and use in a diffuser or atomizer. This blend can also be added to the bath water but only 5-6 drops maximum.
Winter Blah 2
Grapefruit essential oil: 8 drops
Ginger essential oil: 4 drops
Lemongrass essential: 3 drops
Cypress essential oil: 3 drops
Cardamom essential oil: 1-2 drops
Blend all the oils and use in a diffuser or atomizer..It can also be added to bath water..
For more tips on how to make the day more enjoyable, read my post Do you have a hard time at work? for some tips on how you can essential oils to your day at work. Increase concentration, focus, motivation and alertness with essential oils.
Thanks for visiting!
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.
10:53 AM |
Read more...
It's Insect Time - Are You Prepared? Essential Oils as Insect Repellents
There are several ways you can use the essential oils to ward off insects. You can make a room spray, a massage blend, drop some oil on the collar of shirts, add to a diffuser, put on cotton balls and put around the house. Another idea is to soak ribbons in water with added essential oils and hang them where you want them. Perhaps hang them in the trees surrounding your patio or in the windows inside. You can make a room spray of an oil like lemongrass, and spray the beds before bedtime to make sure no bugs find its way into the beds.
Bites and stings
Lavender and tea tree has historically been used for bites and stings and can be applied directly on the bite or sting but please dilute if you have a sensitive skin. Drop one drop of the oil straight on the sting or bite. According to Valerie Cooksley, you can also dip a cotton swab in fresh lemon juice, witch hazel or apple cider vinegar, and add one or two drops of essential oil to the swab.
Valerie Cooksley, R.N. also suggests that chamomile, lemon, tea tree, lavender, bergamot, and eucalyptus provide relief for pain, swelling, and itching from bites.
Repellents
The insects' sense of smell is very sensitive. In nature plants release certain aromatic molecules, which are essential oils, to either attract insect for pollination, or to ward off specific harmful insects.
Insect repellent essential oils
For mosquitoes:
Lemon, peppermint, lemongrass, citronella, geranium, rosemary, palo santo, Iday tansy
Lemon, peppermint, lemongrass, citronella, geranium, rosemary, palo santo, Iday tansy
For moths:
Patchouli, palo santo
For house flies:
Citronella, geranium.
Horse fly repellent:
Idaho tansy, citronella
Citronella, geranium.
Horse fly repellent:
Idaho tansy, citronella
For fleas:
Lemon
Lemon
For ants:
All mints
Aphid repellent:
Mix 10 drops spearmint and 15 drops orange essential oils in 2 quarts salt water, shake well, and spray on plants.
Cockroach repellent:
Mix 10 drops peppermint and 5 cypress in 1/2 cup salt water. Shake well and spray where the roaches live.
Silverfish repellent:
Eucalyptus radiata, Young Living Thieves blend
All mints
Aphid repellent:
Mix 10 drops spearmint and 15 drops orange essential oils in 2 quarts salt water, shake well, and spray on plants.
Cockroach repellent:
Mix 10 drops peppermint and 5 cypress in 1/2 cup salt water. Shake well and spray where the roaches live.
Silverfish repellent:
Eucalyptus radiata, Young Living Thieves blend
You can also use an Antibacterial Blend (Purification) as a general insect repellent, it contains the oils of Citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, Melaleuca, lavandin, and myrtle.
Other insect repellent oils are tea tree, lavender, Cedarwood, thyme, rosemary and pine. Cedarwood and pine should not be used on infants or small children.
The general rule is to use 1% dilution for children under two years old, (5-6 drops essential oil to 1 ounce or 2T carrier oil), After two years a 2% dilution may be used (10-12 drops essential oil to 1 ounce or 2T carrier oil). So for older children it will be about half of the adult dosage.
Use the dilution chart to adjust the amount for the age of your child. The dilution chart will also give you an idea what oils are appropriate for each age group.
As always experiment, make your own blends using the oils you have available.
Make sure you read the safety page and the dilution chart to make sure you are aware of what oils are suitable for your child.
Make sure you read the safety page and the dilution chart to make sure you are aware of what oils are suitable for your child.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.
12:25 PM |
Read more...
Make Your Own Ghee
Ghee is a dehydrated milk butter without its solids. The lactose and other milk solids coagulates and are removed in the process of making it. It has a history of being used in India for its healing and rejuvenating properties and it is a great way to preserve butter. Many chefs prefer to use ghee since it doesn't burn during frying and it has a more buttery flavor. It also has a high burning point.
Most the natural water content evaporates in the process of making it and what is left is a pure, light ghee which is very resistant to spoilage.
Use only unsalted butter and if possible use raw butter. People often call ghee clarified butter even though it is not correct. The difference between the two is that ghee requires a longer cooking time, and the foam which rises to the surface during the cooking process, is not skimmed off as it is when making clarified butter.
Ghee will not turn rancid and will keep its flavor and freshness for a long time without refrigeration.
Recipe
Makes about 1 1/2 cups/375 ml
1 pound/454/ cultured unsalted butter
Heavy Saucepan
4 cups/1litre/ Glass measuring cup (must be dry)
Fine meshed sieve
Glass jar with airtight lid (must be dry)
Place butter in the saucepan. Heat over medium heat until butter has melted and begins to boil. When the surface of the butter is covered with a frothy foam, reduce the heat to a very low temperature. Simmer uncovered until the gelatinous protein solids have collected on the bottom of the pan, and a thin layer of pale golden, crusty solids has formed on the surface. It takes about 20-30 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Pour ghee from saucepan through a sieve into the measuring cup. You need to strain it again if there are any solids left in the ghee. Pour it into a glass jar. Let it cool before you put the lid on.
12:54 PM |
Read more...
Make Your Own Cream
A cream is a light oil preparation emulsified in water. Creams have the advantage of penetrating faster and they don’t have the same clogging effect on the skin. At the bottom of the post are some suggestions on what oils to use for different skin types.
Standard Quantities
1 oz (25 g) beeswax,
1 ½ tbsp (25 ml) water
4fl oz. ½ cup ( 100 ml) vegetable oil
20-30 drops of essential oils
1. Place the beeswax and oil in a glass bowl over a saucepan of water. Bring the water to a boil and simmer until the wax has melted into the oil. Place the water in another glass bowl, over a saucepan of simmering water. Remove both glass bowl from the heat.
2. Add water to the melted wax/oil mixture, drop by drop, stirring all the time until the cream thickens and cools.
3. Add the essential oils at this stage, gently stir them into the cream.
4. Pour or spoon into a small, clean ointment jars, seal and store. This may keep for a few months under good conditions, but should be made in small amounts as needed.
My moisturizing cream recipe
20 ml (4 tablespoons) emulsifying wax
60 ml of cold pressed vegetable oil or oils to suit your skin type
90 ml purified water ( I use distilled water)
1. Melt wax in a double boiler and add the oils. Bring the water to the same temperature in another bowl. Remove both bowls from the heat and beat the water into the oil/wax mixture. Add five drops of essential oils suitable for skin type and add two drops of benzoin tincture to help preserve the cream.
My other moisturizing cream recipe
Emulsifying wax 20 g
Coconut oil 20 ml
Almond oil 40 ml
Purified water 90 ml
Melt the wax in a double boiler and beat in the oils. Bring the water to the same temperature in a separate bowl. Remove both oils from the heat and slowly stir in the water into the wax mixture. Add 1-5 % essential oils to the mixture.
My cleansing cream recipe (good make up remover)
15 ml of beeswax
90 ml almond oil
75 ml purified water or herbal infusion
20 g of vegetable emulsifying wax
5 drops essential oil according to skin type
2 drops benzoin tincture
1. Melt the waxes in a double boiler and add the oil to it at low heat until they have combined. Heat the purified water to the same temperature in a separate container. Slowly add the water to the oil/wax mixture and beat the mixture continuously. Lastly add the essential oils and the benzoin tincture.
Ideas:
Oily skin: bergamot, cedarwood, cypress, lavender, lemon, geranium, juniper, myrtle, palmarosa, tea tree, sandalwood
Oily skin: bergamot, cedarwood, cypress, lavender, lemon, geranium, juniper, myrtle, palmarosa, tea tree, sandalwood
Carrier oils: apricot kernel, jojoba,
Ideas:
Normal skin: German chamomile, geranium, lavender, rose, neroli, palmarosa, rosewood, ylang ylang
Normal skin: German chamomile, geranium, lavender, rose, neroli, palmarosa, rosewood, ylang ylang
Carrier oils: almost any oil can be used. Use sweet almond, apricot kernel, jojoba.
Ideas:
Sensitive skin: lavender, neroli, everlasting, yarrow, german chamomile.
Sensitive skin: lavender, neroli, everlasting, yarrow, german chamomile.
Carrier oils: evening primrose, jojoba, apricot kernel, and infused calendula..
Use only 1% dilution and use anti-inflammatory oils like lavender, neroli, german chamomile, and everlasting.
Ideas:
Combination skin: geranium. Palmarosa, sandalwood, lavender, neroli.
Combination skin: geranium. Palmarosa, sandalwood, lavender, neroli.
Carrier oils: apricot kernel, jojoba or evening primrose oil.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7:36 AM |
Read more...
Make Your Own Ointments
I like to use vegetable oils, such as Sweet Almond or Sunflower with beeswax for my ointments. I have different essential oil blends that I will add to the ointment in the later stages of making it. An ointment contains oils or fat, but not water,and is useful to form a protective layer over the skin. You can recycle jars that you have at home as long as they are dark. Essential oils should not be stored in light.
Standard Quantities
I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.
Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.
Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
- Topical Application
- Inhaling Essential Oils
- Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
- How to Dilute Essential Oils
- Vita Flex Technique
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Are you ready to try Young Living therapeutic grade essential oils? You can order from www.joshealthcorner.com or contact me to learn how to get 24% off everything!
 |
|
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Johanna is an aromatherapist and an independent distributor of Young Living Essential Oils She is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.
11:38 AM |
Read more...
My Favorite Macerated Oils
Infused oils of Calendula (Calendula officinalis) and St.John Wort (Hypericum perforatum) are among my favorites. They can be used as stand alone oils or blended together.
Calendula is a useful medicinal, culinary and cosmetic herb. Keep it in the first aid kit. It can be used as a cleansing, soothing wash for cuts and grazes and will help prevent infection.
It is important to remember not to use calendula when an infection is already present, as it can stimulate tissue growth, healing over a wound and encourage the infection to internalize. If an infection is present it is best to use St. John Wort or a mixture of both.
Infused oils are prepared by heating base oil and herbs together. Base oils have active constituents, which will enhance the massage, so it is important to know which base oil to use. Infused oils can be used instead of plain in massage oils to enhance the healing benefits.
Dried herb: ½ oz.
Fresh herb: 1oz.
Put the herbs in a jar with a tight fitting-lid and pour the oil over them. Make sure the herbs are completely covered. Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or white wine to help break down the plant material. Leave the jar to sit in the sun all day and in a warm cabinet at night for two weeks. Strain through 4 layers of unbleached cotton cheese cloth or muslin. This can be repeated two to three times to make a stronger oil. The final product should be strong enough to leave an aroma when massaged on the skin,
Crock pot Method
Base oil: 1 cup
Dried herb: ½ oz.
Fresh herb: 1oz.
Place the herbs and oil in a crockpot and leave on low heat for two hours. Follow the directions for the solar method for straining.
Waterbath Metod
Base oil: 1 cup
Dried herb: ½ oz.
Fresh herb: 1oz.
Pour the oil over the herbs in a stainless steel bowl. Heat over water bath (a sauce pan one-quarter filled with water), or a double boiler, which should be simmering. The bowl needs to be floating in the water. Keep the lid on the oil and stir occasionally. Simmer for 30 minutes and make sure it doesn’t get too hot. It should not smoke or bubble.
Soothing, softening, and relaxing oil
Rose petals: 2 parts
Lavender flowers: 1 part
Lemon Balm leaves: 1 part
Chamomile flowers: 1 part
All-purpose healing massage oil
Comfrey leaves: 1 part
Calendula flowers: 1 part
Rosemary leaves: 1 part
Healing and Relaxing oil
Lavender flowers: 1 part
Calendula flowers: 1 part
Sage leaves: ½ part
Sensitive skin massage oil
Sweet almond oil: 3 cups
Lavender flowers: 1tbl
Chamomile flowers: 1tbl
Elder flowers: 1tbl
Use the solar method.
Stimulating, penetrating, antiseptic oil
Bay leaves: 1 part
Eucalyptus leaves: 1 part
Rosemary leaves: 1 part
Follow me on twitter and facebook
This post is linked to:
Wildcrafting Wednesday
10:44 PM |
Read more...
