Three hair treatments for great hair

 

Flax Seed Hair Gel

A natural moisturizing hair gel for men or women.

2 Tbsp Whole Flax Seeds
1 cup water
Pure Aloe Vera Gel
Few drops of essential oil for scent

Bring water to a boil. Stir the seeds into the water and reduce heat. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until a gel-like lotion is formed. Strain through a fine strainer or cheesecloth into a small bottle. Add essential oils and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If desired, you can add some pure aloe vera gel for its moisturizing properties. Fill the bottle with flax seed gel until bottle is about 3/4 full, then fill to the top with pure aloe vera gel. Gel will not flake or make the hair hard or crunchy. Safe to use everyday.

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Ylang Ylang hair  treatment

Ylang Ylang has a stimulating effect on the scalp which promotes more luxurious hair growth

Add 10 drops ylang ylang to your usual hair shampoo.

Massage in well and wait a couple of minutes before Rinsing. Rinse well.

****

Apple cider Hair rinse for damaged hair

Made especially for weak, dry, damaged hair.

16 oz. container
4 T. Apple Cider Vinegar
5 drops lavender e.o.
5 drops rose e.o.
5 drops sandalwood e.o.
3 drops rosemary e.o.

Combine all the ingredients in the container and top off with warm water. Cap the bottle and shake thoroughly.

To use: Apply liberally after normal shampooing, let sit for about 3-5 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Make sure you rinse well.

Anemia recipes

Anemia is a decrease in your blood cell count, and/or a decreased hemoglobin content in the blood. Since red blood cells are the ones responsible, for carrying oxygen to the cells via the hemoglobin, a
lower amount, would mean low oxygen in all your body's tissues, and if you are pregnant your baby gets less oxygen as well. Anemia can be caused by blood loss, which means that not enough red cells are being produce, or that too many red cells are being killed off. Home remedies for anemia are a great solution.

Usually, anemia is due to iron deficency, but also can be caused by not having enough vitamin 12; B6; Folic acid; and/or copper in your system. During your pregnancy blood counts will be done, that will help to determine what vitamins or nutrients you are lacking.

Anemia has the following symptoms:

You feel fatigued.
You feel dizzy.
You lack vitality.
You are short of breath.
Your skin looks white, as well as your gums and around your eyes.

If you have Anemia at the time of delivery you will be at risk of loosing excessive blood thus going into shock. Also your baby may have low amounts of Iron stored for the first month of life. Using home remedies for anemia reduces the risk of delivery conplications.


Anemia elixr

If you're feeling run down or are anemic, give this syrup a try:

3 parts rose hips,
2 parts nettle leaves,
2 parts wild oats,
2 parts chickweed (fresh preferrably) ,
2 parts malva leaves (fresh preferrably) ,
1 part yellow dock root,
1 part alfalfa leaf,
1 part red clover blossoms,
1 part violet leaf & flower,
1/2 part grated fresh gingerroot
1/4 part cinnamon stick,
chopped or grated,
1/2 part chopped dried apricots,
1/2 part currants or raisins,
1/2 part fresh or dried cherries,
Unslulfured blackstrap molasses,
brandy,
Rasperry Vinegar

Directions:
In a large pot, mix all the herbs and dried fruits. Cover with 3 times as much water. Simmer this mixture for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Check the water level as this simmers. This should reduce to about half. Turn off the heat and allow to cool for at least 2-3 hours. Strain the mixture using a cheesecloth, extracting as much liquid as possible from the herbs & fruits. Compost the herbs, measure the resulting liquid. For every quart of liquid, add 3 cups of unsulfured blackstrap molasses, 1 cup brandy, and a few dashes of raspberry vinegar. Stir well and then bottle. Store in the fridge...it should keep for several months.

For use: Take 1 Tablesppon a few times per week over a period of several months. If you're very run down, try 2-3 Tablespoons per day.

Note: This syrup is very rich and has lots of iron and calcium. This also works well for children. You can also use this for PMS, druing pregnancy, postpartum, or even as a menopausal tonic.



Home Remedies for Anemia Tip:

There is another type of Anemia called "Pica". In this kind of Anemia you may have rare cravings, in which you will want to eat substances other than food, such as, coal, dirt, starch or hair; this kind of Anemia is usually the sign of a nutritional deficiency.

Home Remedies for Anemia we recommend:

Herbs can help your body to maintain a good level of iron, such as:

1/2 to 1 tsp. of the tincture of Yellow dock root three times daily,
or 1/2 to 1 tsp. of extract of Dandelion leaf and or root or two
capsules twice daily, or Eat Dandelion greens in your salads.

Manganese is helpful for protein and fat metabolism, healthy nerves, immune system and blood sugar regulation. Manganese is essential for people with iron deficiency anemias. Manganese deficiencies may lead to atherosclerosis, confusion, eye problems, hearing problems, heart disorders, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, pancreatic damage, rapid pulse, tooth-grinding, memory loss, tremors, and a tendency to breast ailments.

Medicine chest ~ working with oils

Fight Fustration Oil

Roman Chamomile – 5 drops
Bergamot – 5 drops
Lavender – 5 drops
Peppermint – 2 drops

Blend the above essential oils in a glass bottle. Use several drops in any aromatherapy diffuser. Ideally if you are dealing with frustration that last hours, apply to a necklace or aromatherapy bracelet and inhale often.

****

Hemorrhoid Oil

Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and take Vitamin E supplements.

Patchouli 2 drops
Geranium 2 drops
Peppermint 2 drops

Dilute in 2 tablespoons wheatgerm oil or 1 ounce KY jelly and apply several times a day.


***

Influzena oil

This treatment will usually lessen the severity of the attack, and in some cases it clears up the symptoms overnight. The Lavender is being pushed into the body by the heat of the bathwater, where it will begin to kill the invading organisms, and at the same time to boost the immune system to produce more antibodies and white blood cells. Several other essential oils will fight a cold virus, and these are Sandalwood, Tea Tree and Lemon. Either singly or in combination, these essences should be employed in a night-time bath.

15 drops Lavender
10 ml Massage Oil


Fill a bath with comfortably hot water. Use the above mixture and rub the mixture into your body, paying particular attention to the chest area and back of the neck, then jump into the bath and soak for about 10 minutes or so. Dry quickly and go straight to bed.

This recipe is from "Aromatherapy for Women" by Maggie Tisserand
****

Cold sore Treatment #1

Practitioners of Aromatherpay recommend several different essential oils for the treatment of cold sores. Some suggest using the treatment once in the morning and again in the evening, while others recommend repeating the treatment every few hours.

Using a cotton ball, apply the following oil mixture directly onto a cold sore as soon as it is suspected:

• 5 drops Geranium oil
• 5 drops Tea Tree oil
• 1 tablespoons of your choice Carrier Oil

Blend well

****

Cold sore treatment #2

Lavender Essential Oil - 10 drops

Almond oil or other vegetable carrier oil of your choice - 25 ml

Mix together and dab on affected area

An old Homemade cough medicine

Ginger has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine to treat problems such as vomiting, abdominal bloating, diarrhea, coughing, and rheumatism. Tibb and Ayurvedic medicine also uses ginger to treat inflammatory joint diseases including rheumatism and arthritis.
Blackstrap molasses is a very good source of calcium. Calcium, one of the most important minerals in the body, is involved in a variety of physiological activities essential to life, including the ability of the heart and other muscles to contract, blood clotting, the conduction of nerve impulses to and from the brain, regulation of enzyme activity, and cell membrane function. Calcium is needed to form and maintain strong bones and teeth during youth and adolescence, and to help prevent the loss of bone that can occur during menopause and as a result of rheumatoid arthritis. Calcium binds to and removes toxins from the colon, thus reducing the risk of colon cancer, and because it is involved in nerve conduction, may help prevent migraine attacks. Two teaspoons of blackstrap molasses will meet 11.8% of your daily needs for calcium.

In addition to providing quickly assimilated carbohydrates, blackstrap molasses can increase your energy by helping to replenish your iron stores. Blackstrap molasses is a very good source of iron. Particularly for menstruating women, who are more at risk for iron deficiency, boosting iron stores with blackstrap molasses is a good idea--especially because, in comparison to red meat, a well known source of iron, blackstrap molasses provides more iron for less calories and is totally fat-free. Iron is an integral component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells, and is also part of key enzyme systems for energy production and metabolism. And, if you're pregnant or lactating, your needs for iron increase. Growing children and adolescents also have increased needs for iron. Just 2 teaspoons of blackstrap molasses will sweetly provide you with 13.3% of the daily recommended value for iron.

Peppermint is commonly used to sooth gastrointestinal tract by relaxing the muscles in the intestinal wall. It increases the saliva, which increases swallowing making it possible to improve appetite, relieve cramps, and reduce pain associated with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, or motion sickness. Peppermint has also been used to reduce muscle spasms associated with endoscopy, colonoscopy and barium enemas.
1 c. molasses
1 tsp. ginger powder
1 tsp. peppermint flavoring

Mix all ingredients together. Use 1 teaspoon at a time, every 4 hours.

Remedies for arthritis

Arthritis Rub

A wonderful recipe that really works well.

1 cup lard or shortening
3 tbsp. Absinthium Oil,
4 tbsp. Isopropyl alcohol
2 tbsp. Paraffin wax

 Melt fat on low, add wax stir until melted Remove from heat, add all other ingredients Mix well and store in jar with tight lid.

*****

Arthritis treatment

This will make capsule that you take according to table below. This is a treatment only better than those perscription meds.

Mix 1 cup each of bucthorn bark, cayenne pepper, alfalfa, comfrey,
white yarrow, yucca root, parsley, and black cohosh root.

 

Grind up thoroghly and fill some #00 capsules with the herbal mixture. The
first week take 1 capsule daily; the second week take 2 capsules
daily; and during the third week take 3 capsules daily.

*****

 

Basil oil bath

When adding 8 drops basil essential oil to a warm bath, it can help relieve gout and arthritis, as well as muscular and menstrual pains.


*****

 

Massage oil

Make a massage oil for sprains, strains, aching muscles and arthritic joints. 

Mix two drops each of helichrysum, lavender and clary-sage
essential oils in two tablespoons of sweet -almond oil.

Massage into affected areas.

*CAUTION* Helichrysum oil should NOT be used by children younger than 12 or by
pregnant women. Also, helichrysum essential oil can evoke powerful emotions in some
individuals and should therefore be used in moderation.
Enjoy!

Homemade face products

CELL RENEWAL CREAM

Why buy a product that is bad for you when you can make an all natural product that is actually good for your skin

2 1/2 ounces oil infused with comfrey leaf and root
4 ounces comfrey water (make a very strong comfrey tea, let cool,
strain out the comfrey)
1 1/2 ounces coconut oil
2/3 ounce beeswax
Preservative (1/3 teaspoon grapefruit seed extract, found in health
food stores)
10 to 25 drops essential oil, if desired.

To make an oil infusion, crumble 2 ounces of dried comfrey leaves and root into the bottom of a crock pot and cover with an oil such as olive. Place over low heat for 6 hours. Let cool. Strain out the
plant matter.

Melt the beeswax with the oils in a double boiler over medium heat. Remove from the heat, pour in the comfrey water, and mix with a hand or electric mixer until thick and creamy. Stir in the preservative.

Note: This cream needs to be refrigerated and will last for two to three weeks. Only use comfrey externally.

******

MARIGOLD FACIAL MASK

1 Tablespoon Marigold flowers
1 Tablespoon Chamomile flowers
1/2 C Water
Almond oil, as much as is necessary
1 Tablespoon Carrots, well-mashed
1 Tablespoon Lecithin granules
1 teaspoon. Wheat germ oil

Bring water to a boil and pour over the Marigold and
Chamomile flowers. Cover and set aside. Mash the carrots,
add wheat germ oil. Strain out the liquid from the flowers
and add them to the carrot-wheat germ oil. Mix thoroughly and add the lecithin granules. If you have a blender, blend it
finely. The texture can be changed with the addition of Almond oil; add a bit to make a smooth cream for dry skin; if you haveoily skin add enough Almond oil to blend these disparate ingredients.

To Use:
Wash face. Apply a thick layer of the Marigold Face Mask to the face in smooth upward motions. Rest on a slantboard or  rock in a rocking chair, but in any case leave the mask on for 15 minutes. Wipe it off with tissues, rinse with warm water and then close your pores with a refreshing cold water rinse.

*****

Serenity Skin and Face Moisturizer

Heat 1 tablespoon each beeswax and lanolin.
Warm 4 teaspoons sweet almond oil, 1 drop rose
Geranium oil and 2 drops each chamomile and lavender oils;
Add to beeswax mixture.

Dissolve 1/4 teaspoon borax in 3 tablespoons warm rose water;
Add to oil mixture, beating constantly until cool. Store in small jar.

*****

Chickweed eye lotion

4 oz. distilled water
4 oz. witch hazel
1 T. chickweed tincture

Combine all ingredients in a clean plastic dispenser-top bottle. Use prepared witch hazel from drugstore. Shake well.

To Use: Wet a cloth or cotton ball with the lotion and apply to closed eyes for 3 minutes. Discontinue if eyes are sensitive.

*****

Aloe Rose face cream

use as you would store bought face cream!

3 TBS. herbal oil
1 1/2 tsp. coconut oil
1 3/4 tsp. cocoa butter
1/4 tsp. lanolin
1/2 tsp. (.10 ounce) beeswax
2 TBS. distilled water
1 3/4 tsp. rose water
3/4/ tsp. glycerin
1 TBS. aloe vera gel
1 drop tea tree essential oil


Melt the oils, cocoa butter, beeswax and lanolin over low heat. Allow mixture to cool to room temperature. The oil and water mixtures need to be the same temperature for your cream to be successful. Put the distilled water, rose water, glycerin, aloe vera and tea tree oil into a blender. Turn it on medium-high speed then begin to drizzle in the oil mixture. Continue until all the oil is added or until the blender begins to slow down and acts as if it will stop. The mixture should look thick and creamy. Pour into containers and label. The tea tree oil is added to help prevent molds and bacteria from growing. You should make small batches and keep the extra cream in the refrigerator. If you keep a container in the bathroom it will stay good for two-three weeks.

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Rose geranium splash

This splash is antiseptic and is a great tonic to tighten facial pores. You'll enjoy it's uplifting scent.

1 Cup distilled water
1 Tablespoon White Vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Rose Geranium essential oil.

Combine all ingredients and put into a clean container. Shake before each use. Cleanse face then apply with a cotton ball.
Or try Lemon essential oil for a fresh clean feel

*****

Microwave Rose Cold Cream

Apply when you are washing your face to remove makeup, moisturize skin and smell perdy

Start with a  in a microwave safe dish.

Add in 1/2 cup olive oil,

1/2 oz beeswax

1/4 cup rosewater.

Microwave for 5 minutes or until the wax melts.

Mix vigorously, add few drops of rose essential oil and store in an airtight container.

*****


REGENERATING OIL

3/4 cup  evening primrose flowers
1 cup  organic olive oil
40 drops lavender essential oil

Dry the flower petals for 1 week and gently shred. Add the olive oil and the essential oil. Macerate for 1 month, away from light; shake occasionally. Strain.This oil promotes scarring and hydrates. It should be used in small quantities on the face (and occasionally on the body) to treat sores, wrinkles and dry skin.

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Chamomile Rose eye oil

The skin around the eyes is fragile and benefits from light and moisturizing treatments. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Rose (Rosa spp.) essential oils are anti-inflammatory and restorative for this delicate area.

5 drops Chamomile essential oil
5 drops Rose essential oil
1 ounce Jojoba oil

Combine essential oils with Jojoba oil and store in a one-ounce glass bottle with a dropper top.

To use the oil, cleanse your face and leave your skin slightly damp. Apply 2 drops of the oil to your ring finger (you’ll apply less pressure with this finger than with your index finger), and with a gentle tapping motion, smooth the oil beneath your eye and onto the area just beneath the brow bone.

Do not apply oil directly to your eyelids, as it can migrate into your eyes and cause irritation.

****

Face oil for normal to sensitive skin

1 ounce jojoba oil
3 drops neroli essential oil
2 drops rose essential oil
2 drops sandalwood essential oil

Place the oils in a clean dark glass bottle.
Gentle turn or roll the bottle in your hands to mix.
Apply a few drops to your face twice daily,
after cleansing and toning.

*****

Problem Skin Mask

2 drops Tea Tree
2 drops Eucalyptus
1 drop Lavender
Use 5 drops of essential oils per 1/3 oz. clay such as green or pink clay.

****

Normal Skin Mask

2 drops Lavender
2 drops Eucalyptus
1 drop Rosewood

Use 5 drops of essential oils per 1/3 oz. clay such as green or pink clay.

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Honey clay face cleanser

1 t. French green clay powder
1 t. honey
1 drop lavender oil
1 drop rosemary oil

Blend all into a paste in your palm. Massage this paste intor your skin until it feels clean. Rinse with warm water.
*****

Dry Skin Cleanser

4 oz. aloe vera gel
2 t. almond oil
2 t. glycerin
1 t. grapefruit seed extract
8 drops rosemary
16 drops sandalwood

Mix all together and store in the refrigerator.

Oily complexions respond best to basil, eucalyptus, cedar-wood, cypress, lemon, sage, lemongrass, yarrow, and ylang-ylang.
****

Floral Facial Cleanser

Thisis gentle and effective in removing dirt and make-up and leaves the face soft and smooth. Rub a small amount into the skin and wipe off with cotton balls.

1/4 c. apricot kernel oil
1 t. beeswax, grated
1 T. rose water (or floral water of your choice)
1/2 t. borax powder
4 drops rose fragrance (or fragrance oil of your choice)

Warm the apricot oil in a heavy saucepan over low heat and add the beeswax, stirring until dissolved and then simmer. In another pan, heat the rose water and add the borax powder, stirring until dissolved. Slowly add the rose water mixture to the oil & beeswax mixture, while stirring with a wire whisk, until a thick cream forms and the mixture has cooled to room temperature. Add the rose fragrance oil and stir until well blended. Pour into a wide-mouth jar and seal.

****

Hand and body cream that you make a face cream out of

1 cup 100% aloe vera gel
1 teaspoon lanolin
1/3 cup coconut oil
1/2 ounce beeswax
3/4 cup sweet almond oil (or any vegetable oil)
1 teaspoon vitamin E
essential oil you choose of scent

Place the aloe vera gel and lanolin into a blender and mix well. (aloe turns white when blended in a blender) Heat coconut oil and beeswax in a glass bowl in a pan partly filled with water till fully melted. Remove from heat and add by stirring in the sweet almond oil. Now pour into the blender while it is set on low speed. Blend till until it looks like cream. Add vitamin E It should look and fell like mayonnaise.

TIP: in a sperate bowl have melted a few Tablespoons of beeswax, just encase you lotion isn't thick enough. Also remember it will thicken more as it cools. Store in clean jars, it has a shelf life of about 6 months, unless you live in a hot clement the store in refrigerator.
Makes about 14 ounces.

OK... you have you lotion made and you want to make an all purpose body lotion to 6 or 8 ounces of lotion add 10 drops of essential oil you choose of scent (lavender, lilac, jasmine or rose). Blend it well and let it cool and you have your body lotion.

Now, to make a face lotion add to about 4 ounces of plain lotion.

6 drops germanium essential oil
6 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops rosemary essential oil 3 drops lemon essential oil
6 drops neroli essential oil

Blend the essential oils into the lotion, and now you have a nice antiwrinkle face cream. This is sure to become a favorite body cream.

*****

MINTY SOAP  AND BODY WASH

This recipe dilutes the castile soap by 50 percent with distilled water and wonderfully fragrant, highly anti-inflammatory lemon balm hydrosol, thus creating a very gentle liquid soap product for virtually all skin types. It's perfect for mint lovers and for those who insist on using soap and makes an effective, invigorating, aromatic pick-me-up cleanser for the entire body.

 8-ounce bottle unscented liquid castile soap
1/2 cup lemon balm hydrosol
1/2 cup distilled water
1 teaspoon jojoba oil
10 drops spearmint essential oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil

Add all ingredients to a 2-cup or larger plastic container. Shake or stir well to blend.
Pour into storage container(s) , preferably plastic squeeze bottles.
No refrigeration is required, but for maximum freshness and potency, please use within 1 year.

APPLICATION TIPS: Using a soft cloth, cleansing pad, or your fingers, apply approximately 1 teaspoon to cover entire fqace, throat, and decollete (or more as necessary for use on the body). Shake well before each use.

RECOMMENDED FOR: all skin types except very dry, dehydrated, or environmentally damaged skin.

USE: daily

FOLLOW WITH: astringent or toner

Herbal Medicine for Cuts, scrapes and injuries

Antiseptic Spray

1/8 teaspoon   Lemon EO
1/8 teaspoon   Tea Tree EO
1/2 oz Tincture Of Goldenseal, Oregon Grape Root Or Barberry Bark
1 1/2 oz Aloe Vera Gel

Combine ingredients in a jar and shake well twice daily for a week to
help disperse oils. Keep in an atomizer. Shake before each use.
(This formula represents the ideal 2 percent dilution proven in
studies to be the most effective.)

Use for raw wounds or any injuries that you want to avoid touching.

****

Lavender oitment

Lavender Medicinal Properties
Anti-inflammatory* Antirheumatic* Muscle Relaxant* AntiViral* Repels Insects* Antifungal, Antidepressant, Analgesic, Antiseptic

4 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons beeswax
3 tablespoons cocoa butter
1 Vitamin E capsule
15 drops lavender essential oil

Combine the olive oil, beeswax and cocoa butter in a double boiler. Heat till melted, then remove from heat. Prick a hole in the Vitamin E capsule and add this and the lavender essential oil to the beeswax mixture, beating well. Pour into small jars or tins and cool before replacing the cover. Use for chapped skin, bruises, or other minor skin irritations. This is nice on dried feet, elbows or hands too.

*****

Antibacterial blend

1/8 teaspoon Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
1/8 teaspoon Lavender (Lavendula angustifolium)
1/8 teaspoon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata)
1/4 teaspoon Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum)


Combine oils into an amber 5ml bottle. Seal and invert to blend. Add to diffuser as needed. Can also be used to scent potpourri.

*****

For Minor cut and abrassions

This recipe is from "Australian Tea Tree Oil First Aid Handbook" by Cynthia Olsen.

Tea Tree Oil,
Aloe Vera Gel
Lavender Oil.

Remedy: Clean area well, wash with Tea Tree soap. Apply a few drops of Tea Tree Oil to area with a dab of Aloe Vera Gel and 2 drops of Lavender Oil. Apply twice daily.

Lavender-plus oitment

To Use: This ointment is effective for minor burns, chapped lips, and cold sores. It is a wonderful addition to your medicine cabinet or kit, and makes a great gift.


4 Tablespoons base oil such as Sweet Almond or Jojoba
3 Tablespoons beeswax
3 Teaspoons cocoa butter
2 Teaspoons anhydrous lanolin
20 Drops essential oil of Lavender
15 Drops essential oil of Sandalwood
Vitamin E capsule (punctured capsule to release oil)

Combine the sweet almond oil, beeswax, cocoa butter, and lanolin and heat thoroughly in top of a double boiler. Remove from heat. Puncture the vitamin E capsule to release the oil and add along with the lavender and sandalwood essential oils. Beat well. Pour mixture into sterilized jars and allow to cool before sealing.

*This recipe keeps well and should have a shelf-life of about a year

****

Balm of Gilead Salve

Place 1 ounce of the buds in 1 pint of hot olive oil and allow to simmer, covered, 3 hours. Strain and add 1-1/2 ounces of beeswax and 1/2 teaspoon tincture of benzoin to the strined mixture. Test for consistancy and place in sterile jar. This is a good salve to use on burns, scratches

Herbal Gifts For the teenager

 

 

Lavender Water Voile

Makes 2 ounces

The word voile is French for veil, and is used to describe something that is very light and delicate. When used to describe fragrance, a voile is gentle and soft, just a whisper of fragrance on your skin.You could also use a different favorite floral scent in this recipe, such as frangipani or jasmine.

- 1/4 cup filtered or distilled water
- 1/8 teaspoon caster oil
- 6 to 8 drops Lavender essential oil

1. Mix together all ingredients and stir well. Pour into a clean container with a tight-fitting lid

****

Homemade body Glitter

Make your own body glitter using this simple recipe. Wonderful recipe for a school dance or a special night out.

Aloe Vera Gel
Glitter
Small container (recycle old make up containers or 35mm film containers, or look in stores that carry beads, crafts, or fishing tackle)

Fill your container about 3/4 full with the aloe vera gel. If you are using food coloring, mix a few drops at a time in with your gel until you get the desired color.
Stir in a sprinkling of glitter at a time to avoid clumps.

Add as much or as little glitter as you like. You can try larger glitter and even small shapes such as stars; or, for a more shimmering look, use fine glitter.

******

Garden Cologne

Makes 4 ounces
Feel free to experiment with your own combination of herbs and flowers. Rose and lavender flowers are easy to find blooming in the summer months. You also can try scented geraniums, sweet peas and gardenias.

- 2 tablespoons fresh rose petals
- 2 tablespoons fresh lavender flowers
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup filtered or distilled water
- 1/2 cup witch hazel
 Place flower petals, lemon zest and mint leaves in small saucepan. Pour water over ingredients and heat until just boiling.
 Remove from heat and let sit until cool. Add vodka or witch hazel and pour into clean jar.
 Let the mixture sit for 2 weeks. Then strain out all solids using a fine strainer or coffee filter. Pour into a clean container.

Hungary Water Cologne

Makes 4 ounces

This cologne is named after Queen Isabella of Hungary who, legend has it, used an orange-scented water to restore her youth, with much success. The king of Poland proposed marriage to her when he was 18; she was 72! There are several variations of the original recipe. They all contain bergamot, lavender and citrus essential oils, but vary in their proportions. Feel free to experiment with your own blend.

- 1/8 teaspoon orange essential oil
- 1/2 teaspoon beramot essential oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Lavender essential oil
- 1/2 witch hazel

1. Mix together all ingredients and pour into a glass container with tight-fitting lid. Let sit for 1 week.

Herbs for Hair

When making shampoos it is important to know what herb does what. Below is a list:

Catnip Traditionally believed to promote hair growth
Chamomile Can help to keep the scalp and hair follicles healthy so that new hair grows well
Comfrey Can soothe and heal scalp irritations
Elderberries Have traditionally been used to add color tones to graying hair
Lemon Balm Leaves a fresh citrus fragrance on the hair
Lemongrass Has astringent properties and can be effective in toning the scalp
Lemon Verbena Leaves a fresh citrus fragrance on the hair
Nettle An astringent herb that is beneficial in the treatment of skin irritations and itching
Parsley This common plant can be helpful in relieving skin irritations
Rosemary Is said to enhance the color of dark hair and to help control dandruff
Sage An astringent for oily hair. Can also be beneficial for damaged or fragile hair
Thyme Has antiseptic, tonic and astringent properties
Yarrow Acts as a tonic for the hair

*****

Rose water

3 cups rose petals
3 cups purified water

Pick the rose petals just after the dew has been dried by the morning sun. Place in a glass or porcelain container and pour boiling water over the petals. Allow to steep for two days, stirring frequently. Strain and bottle.

Peppermint Skin Toner
:
1 pint vinegar
1 pint purified water
1 cup mint leaves

Place all ingredients in a glass or enamel saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Pour into a glass jar and allow to steep for four days. Strain and bottle. Be sure to label with a pretty card and ribbon.

Lavender Sachet

1/2 pound lavender flowers
1/2 ounce dried mint
1/2 ounce dried thyme
1/4 ounce ground caraway
1/4 ounce ground cloves
1 ounce sea salt

Detach the lavender flowers and leaves from the stems and mix with the other ingredients. Place in small bags made of silk, unbleached cotton or cotton with die-fast color. Sew shut and tie with a ribbon if desired. You can be creative with this mixture and sew heart shapes that can then be decorated with miniature ribbon roses and ribbon.

******

Herb Closet or Drawer Squares

Place handfuls of each of dried lavender flowers, rosemary, one tablespoon each crushed cloves and small pieces of dried lemon peel together. Sew small cotton squares about four by four inches; leaving a space open. Stuff with herb mixture. Tie several together and wrap in tissue paper tied with raffia. Attach a note explaining that these will protect clothes from insects and can be placed in drawers, closets or boxes.

****

Sensitive skin astringent

4 tbl. Rosewater
2 tbl. orange water
2 tbl. witch hazel

Mix together and apply to skin with cotton ball, rinse with cool water.

****

Orchard Bliss perfume

Making your own perfume oils is easy and economical. Since perfume oils need to be diluted before applying to the skin, follow these simple instructions given here.


1 T. Castor oil or Sweet Almond oil
1 drop peach fragrance oil
1 drop rosemary  essential oil
1 drop apple fragrance oil


In a small  container, add the drops of perfume oil to the Castor oil and stir well with a wooden toothpick. Store in small glass vials or miniature perfume bottles.

*********

Orange Peppermint Acne Relief Soap

16 oz orange oil or clear melt & pour soap
1 teaspoon sweet orange oil
1 teaspoon dried crushed peppermint leaves
1 teaspoon ground orange peel
1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
5 drops orange soap color
or 3 drops red and 2 drops yellow food color

Melt soap base in microwave on medium for 2 minutes
or stove top method in double-boiler.
Add all ingredients stirring until smooth.
Pour into olive oil coated molds or small
loaf pan. Let harden completely and slice or
remove from mold. Let air dry 24 hours before
packaging. Great for oily skin or minor acne
breakouts. (Teenagers love it and it smells
great too!)

Pet herbals

Stinky Pet spray

This can be sprayed on your animal or it's bedding to freshen between washes.

2 oz. spray bottle
10 drops lavender e.o.
10 drops geranium e.o.
6 drops lemon e.o.

Fill the bottle with water leaving enough room for the eo's. Shake the bottle well to disperse the eo's. Spray directly onto your dog, avoiding the eyes and head.. Keep the bottle about 10 inches from the dog. Shake well before each use.

*****

Here are some herbal remedies for  common problems:

Eyes:

A strong tea of eyebright, used as a wash, is perfect for irritated eyes on all pets. Also administer orally to boost the internal mechanisms to fight infection from the inside. Alternatively, you can make a saline solution. Dissolve 1/8 teaspoon of sea salt in 1/2 cup boiling water. Add 1 drop of goldenseal extract to 1 tablespoon of the saline solution, once cooled, when you are going to use it....it shrinks swollen tissues and disinfects.

Itching:
The common cause of itching is due to fleas and flea bites - some animals are actually allergic to the flea bites, compounding the problem. Brewer's yeast is often recommended, 1 teaspoon or tablet per day, as a deterrent. A word of caution here - some animals are allergic to the brewer's yeast, or react to it with dry patches of skin that itch just as bad as the fleas do. If you use brewer's yeast, keep an eye out for these sorts of skin problems to develop, and discontinue the brewer's yeast if necessary as soon as one of these symptoms appear. A good remedy for those dry itchy skin patches is tea tree oil, rubbed over the patch. The bitter taste will discourage the animal from digging at his skin, and the oil works well to heal the dryness. Do not use it near the eyes or genitals, however. Aloe is also good for those dry patches. Another method is to put a slice of raw cucumber over the "hot" spot, holding it there for a few minutes, and then rub aloe or tea tree oil over the area.

The shampoo you use, or the flea collar you use, may actually be causing the itching. Bathe the animal in an all natural shampoo, preferably something that has aloe in it, and find an alternative to that flea collar!! Would you wear chemicals around your neck? Neither should they!

You can make an herbal dip for your pet as follows: 2 cups packed fresh peppermint, pennyroyal, or rosemary; 1 quart boiling water; 4 quarts warm water - - Prepare an infusion by pouring the boiling water over the herbs and allow it to steep for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid and dilute it with the warm water. Saturate the animal's coat thoroughly with the solution, allowing it to air dry. Use at the first sign of flea activity. This remedy will need to be repeated ever three to four days, but it is totally safe.

If the itching persists, and fleas or poor diet are not the culprit, use a mixture of Licorice Root, Dandelion Root, and Cat's Claw in equal drops of each tincture for two weeks. The licorice is a natural cortisone, and will help to jumpstart the immune system.

To get rid of fleas in your carpet, after removing pets from the room, sprinkle Borax over the carpet and rub it in. Wait a while, then vacuum as usual. This is a safe, non-chemical method of flea control. Reapply the Borax once a week until the problem is gone.

Cuts:
Fresh aloe is an excellent application for those strange cuts and scrapes we can never figure out how our pet got. It is a natural antiseptic, and will keep the area moist until the cut can heal. Alternatively, you can clean the wound with a wash of goldenseal, and apply aloe or other herbal treatments that are your favorites.

Abscesses:
First you must lance the abscess. I mix a benadine solution with water until it looks like tea, and then fill an eyedropper with the solution and squirt it into the hole. Do this several times per day, at least three. The important thing is to clip the fur away from the abscess and don't cover it with any bandage, or it can't drain properly. It has to heal from the inside out. If it is extremely deep, you may need a vet to put a drain in it. I also begin to administer antibiotic herbs orally, to help fight any infection that may occur. Another course of action is to use chamomile in the wound to prevent infection. I have had a lot of success with these methods, which my vet recommends. However, I also know that if it doesn't begin to clear up within a week, I need professional help to combat the infection.

Carsickness: 
Does your pet get carsick when you take him for trips? Try giving a few drops of ginger root extract prior to the trip to settle his tummy. If it is a long trip, you may want to administer the ginger again halfway through the trip.

Infections:
Give a tincture of equal drops of Echinacea and goldenseal. If the illness persists after two weeks, try a combination of different herbal antibiotics after careful diagnosis by your vet. If the animal recovers quickly, continue giving the herbs for a few days after, to aid in healing completely.

I generally give a capsule of garlic oil in the food once per week. It helps keep the biting insect critters away, and helps keep the immune system healthy.

Dehydration:
When a pet is dehydrated, due to illness or injury, you can give them Pedialite, available in the baby food section of any grocery store. Alternatively, you can substitute Gatorade. However, the sugar content in Gatorade is rather high, which is not good for long term use with our pets. If using it, cut it in half with plain water. There are also powdered electrolyte solutions available in most feed stores that work just as well, and are less expensive. Electrolyte solutions given in place of water for the first 24 hours will also help new pets that were shipped to deal with the stress of shipping. This is especially important with reptiles, amphibians, and birds of all types.

Ulcers:
If your pet is suffering from ulcers, give him two drops each of Calendula, Comfrey, Knotgrass, and Nettle twice per day. Couple this with a bland, easy to digest diet until the ulcer has healed.

Anxiety, Stress:
When your pet suffers from stress or anxiety, try a combination of the extracts of Oats, Valerian, and Chamomile. Rub a little lavender oil near the animal's muzzle, or place some on a cotton pad in the pet's bed or in his sleeping area. And remember that if you are stressed, the animal will be too, so sniff a little of that calming lavender for yourself as well.

Orphans:
To raise an orphan, first find some goat milk - the fresher the better - to use as the replacement for mother's milk. Goat milk is high in butterfat content, and is infinitely better to use than those powdered replacements found in stores, and miles ahead of cow's milk. This applies for human babies, as well. Many a colicky baby has had their stomach soothed with goat milk.....and goat milk is usually easily used by those considered lactose-intolerant. Goat milk can be found in your health food store, and often in your grocery store, but the very best source is of course directly from the goat. Find a dairy goat farmer in your area. The prices will be better, too! We have raised everything from puppies and kittens to colts and calves on goat's milk, and have observed or experienced none of the weight-gain problems or vitamin deficiency or immune deficiencies that occur often when using substitutes. Remember to feed the milk warmed. For puppies and kittens, it is often helpful to rub the face and anal area with a warm swab, to stimulate their system, much as the mother does after the baby feeds from her. Once per day, add a little spirulina (powdered) to the milk. It boosts the immune system, so needed in orphaned babies, and provides many necessary vitamins and nutrients.

Pregnancy:
Raspberry leaf administered daily throughout a pet's pregnancy (mammals) will help tone the uterus and aid in the healing of the uterus after birth, as well as help to stimulate milk production in the mammaries.

Diarrhea, vomiting:
Powdered slippery elm bark is useful for treating diarrhea, vomiting, and sensitive stomachs for pets.

Shiny Coats:
One teaspoon (less for very small animals, such as ferrets) of cod liver oil dribbled over the pet's food once or twice per week will give a thick, shiny coat, as well as provide many nutrients needed by your pet's body.

Bee Pollen:
1/4 teaspoon for every 15 pounds of animal, given two to three times weekly, helps to slow the aging process. It will also restore hormone balances, regulate the digestive tract, and calm the symptoms of common allergies. Give bee pollen daily during times of stress, illness, or disease to give a boost to the body.

Vitamin C:
Giving 1000 mg to 2000 mg per day for three months to puppies from large breeds can help prevent hip dysphasia. Give 500 mg to 1000 mg daily to ease arthritis in dogs and cats. 500 mg each day can prevent urinary tract symptoms and problems for cats.

CAUTION:
Do not give white willow to cats or kittens. Many felines are allergic to salycin, the active ingredient in both white willow and the drug that is derived from it, aspirin. Substitute meadowsweet as a pain reliever instead.

Travel take alongs

Revive spray

After riding in a car for a long trip try mixing


9 drops laveder e.o,
7 drops orange e.o.
in 1 2/3 oz of distilled water.

Place these in a spray bottle. Shake virorously, then close your eyes and lighty mist your face or even spray in your personal space for a quick refresher spray. Also good after a long plane flight.

*****

Clean Air Spritzer

These three essential oils are said to kill hundreds of airborne viruses and bacteria. Just spray your home, office, hospital room, class room etc and enjoy the difference.

1/2 tsp Bergamot Essential oil
1/2 tsp Eucalyptus Essential oil
1/2 tsp Lavender Essential oil
2oz pure distilled water
2oz vodka (acts as a preservative)

Put the essential oils in a 4 oz spritzer bottle and fill with vodka and water. Shake and use as often as you like. You can vary the amounts of oils to get the right scent for you.

****

For traveling in hotels

I  put 6 drops each, tea tree and eucalyptus into a spray bottle of
water and spray EVERYTHING in the hotel room when I travel..the floor, phone
remote, bedding, bathroom - door knobs - everything.. . ick...germs. ..kills
them DEAD.

****

Spraying the air in the hotel room with this mixture is good too.

Wild Rose Elixr

Use your elixir as a substitute for Rescue Remedy or whenever a calming, mood-enhancing, heart opening influence is needed. It’s also great externally for burns, bug bites, infections and wounds, along with MANY many other uses.

1 canning jar (or other sealable glass jar)
Wild Rose petals (and some leaves and buds if desired)
Raw honey (preferably a lighter wildflower variety since darker honeys will tend to muffle the Rose taste more. Vegetable glycerine can also be used, especially for diabetic or people who can’t have any sugar at all.)
Brandy (although vodka or everclear can work. If using everclear, dilute to about somewhere between 40-50% alcohol with water)

Fill jar with petals, then fill about 2/3 of the jar with alcohol, then fill the rest of the way with honey (less or more to taste). Cover and let steep in a cool, dark place for about a month.

A note on straining your elixir: You can strain the petals out and eat them separately if you like, they taste very yummy and have lots of medicine in them… you could candy them or put them on a berry flax cake or any number of other yummy things.

Petitgrain essential oil

Petitgrain is a soothing oil that can be refreshing or relaxing depending on which oils it is blended with. It is a valuable antidepressant, which also strengthens and supports the nervous system and acts as a general tonic. It helps to tone the digestive system and is able to control and reduce spasms in the body, especially in the digestive system

For anxiety: 4 drops Petitgrain, 3 drops geranium, 3 drops sandalwood

For Insomnia: 3 drops Petitgrain, 4 drops lavender, 3 drops ylang ylang

Mother's helper Recipes

So often we are over welmed with Kids, work, house. We need a little help, Problem is we as mothers are where others go for their help. So here are some rays of hope, amongst the days activities.

Island Get-away Bath

Jasmine many uses as a herbal remedy: a relaxant for nerves, an astringent, a sedative, an aphrodisiac, assists in increasing milk flow, and as an analgesic. Jasmine essential oil is used for many situations, including a uterine tonic, an antiseptic, an antidepressant, an antispasmodic, and more.

Coconut oil has antiviral, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal properties


3 drops rose fragrant or essential oil
2 drop jasmine fragrant or essential oil
1 ounce liquid glycerin (skin moisturizer)
1 ounce coconut oil
1 (4oz) bar castille soap (humectant) (grated or flaked), you can also use 1 cup unscented shampoo as an alternative to the castille soap.
1 quart (4 cups) distilled water

Mix all ingredients together. Store in a container. Pour in running water

*****

Rose Eau de Cologne

makes a great Mothers day gift.

1 pint distilled water
1 ounce glycerin
5 drops rose oil
4 ounces rubbing alcohol
5 drops rose geranium oil
5 drops bergamot oil

mix together and put into glass purfume bottles. Allow to sit one week to blend completely before using.

******

Summer skin Toner

Sandalwood – 3 drops
Neroli – 2 drops
Rose Otto – 2 drops
Unscented Facial toner – 4 oz

Blend the essential oils together then add to the facial toner. Shake well before using. Apply with a soft cotton pad after cleaning your face. Let your skin dry slightly then apply your favorite moisturizer lotion .

*****

Moisturizer cream

4 oz. Olive Oil
3 Tablespoons beeswax
2 oz. orange water
10 capsules 500 units vitamin E
5 drops orange essential oil

Melt the oil and the wax in the top of a double boiler. Remove from heat add orange water, and stir thoroughly. Add the vitamin E (pierce and squeeze out the oil) into the cream. Add the orange essential oil and stir till cool, put into a jar to store. Use on rough, dry, or chapped hands.

****

Cocoa Mint Lip Balm

1.5 oz. cocoa butter solid
1 oz. beeswax
1.5 oz. shea butter
.01 oz. pure Vitamin E
3-5 drops peppermint essential oil (optional)

You may wish to less or no peppermint if you don't like the "tingle" that peppermint leaves behind on your lips; the sensation disappears within a few minutes of application) In a heat proof measuring cup with a lip for pouring, melt together the cocoa butter, shea butter and beeswax over a double boiler. Once the butters and wax have completely liquefied, remove from heat. Stir with a pop sickle stick to ensure the mix. Add Vitamin E and stir to incorporate. Add the essential oil and stir to combine. While mixture remains hot, pour into lip balm containers. Seal, label and enjoy!!


*****

Easy Lavender Hand Lotion

Note: the longer you beat the ingredients the thicker it becomes. I kept mine thin as it goes through a pump bottle easier.

1 4oz jar shea butter creme
1/2 cup distilled water
2 tbls vit-E
1 drop each of red and blue food coloring
15-20 drops lavender e.o.

beat to desired consistancy.  1/4 cup distilled water can be added to thin the lotion if needed.

*****

In a Hurry Rosemary Rinse

One of the simplest ways to use Rosemary is to mix 10 drops of essential Oil with 1 ounce of water.

After shampooing pour the solution over your hair And work with your fingers to blend evenly.
Do not rinse. This solution helps to condition your hair and makes it easier to comb through tangles. It will also help to control dandruff and itching.

Note: DO not use rosemary on hair of using a hair dye.

*****

Soothing Scalp Treatment

15-30 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
2 ounces Aloe Juice
1 tsp. Vinegar

Mix ingredients well together. Evenly disperse the solution through your hair. Wrap your hair in a protective shower cap and allow the to remain on your hair for 30-60 minutes before shampooing.

*****

Rosemary Shampoo

8 ounces Unscented Shampoo Base
1 tsp. (120 drops) Rosemary Essential Oil.

Blend the Rosemary Essential oil until thoroughly mixed. Use as you would normal shampoo.

*****

Rosemary Hot Oil Treatment

1 ounce Vegetable Oil (Olive, Sunflower, Jojoba etc.)
15-40 drops Rosemary Essential Oil

Warm the oil to 98- 105 degrees. Add the essential oils and blend
well. Evenly disperse the oil through your hair. Wrap your hair in a
Protective shower cap and allow the oil to condition your hair for 1
hour before shampooing. You will not need to condition your hair
after this treatment.

Aromatherapy Properties: Rosemary Essential Oil is clarifying, warming, invigorating, improves memory, confidence and perception.

Medicinal Properties: Antiseptic, anti-microbial, antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, fungicidal. Rosemary as a liniment eases muscles pains. Diluted oil applied to temples or rubbed onto the hair can help to relieve headaches.

Production Method: Steam distillation from flowers and leaves.

Safety Warning: Do not use if pregnant, if suffering from high blood pressure, or suffering from epilepsy. It may cause irritation of the skin.

Helping your Immune system

Immune System Cocktail

 3 carrots, 1 orange, 1 apple and half a beet prepare a fresh juice every day.

*****

Immune system foot bath

Add 1-2 tbsp. of ground mustard seeds to a warm footbath. After about 10 minutes remove your feet from the bath and put on wool socks. This will help to mobilize your immune system's defenses.

****

Winter Immunial booster

This blend is said to strengthen the immune system against colds and flu.

Mix 20 drops of Sandalwood in 3 oz. of base oil. Sweet Almond, Grapeseed and Safflower oils are
some more to try

Use as a massage oil. Massage feet before bed put on socks and go to sleep.

*****

Hawaiian Get away bath

Can't get away to Hawaii let the feeling come to you with this wonderful excape bath while recieving these added bonuses:
~Coconut Oil for Health and Vitality - Antiviral, Antimicrobial and antiprotozoal functions.

Apricot oil is helpful in massage as a sedative or antispasmodic, to give relief from strained muscles. It also has demulcent — or soothing — properties. Useful in healing wounds and expelling worms, apricot oil is also useful as a general tonic. It benefits all skin types, due to its emollient properties, and is easily absorbed because of its texture. Helpful in relieving the itching and swelling associated with eczema, it is also excellent for facial massage.

Mango's Health Benefits:
- effective digestive aid
- has a high fiber content
- protects the heart
- keeps cholesterol low
- moisturizes dry skin
- boasts a high count of antioxidant carotenoids

1/8 cup canola oil
1/8 cup apricot oil
10 drops mango oil
10 drops coconut oil
10 drops gardenia oil


Mix all ingredients together thoroughly. Bottle until ready for use.
To use: Add to warm running water as you fill your bath tub
****

Allergy inhaling tea

Do not drink, this is strictly for inhaling.

1/4 cup Peppermint Leaf
1/4 cup Mullein Leaf
3 drops Camphor pure essential oil

Take the largest stain steel sauce pan that is available, and place 8 cups of water into the sauce pan. Bring to a slight boil, then remove from Heat.

Add all ingredients, and inhale aroma. Do not drink, this is strictly for inhaling.

******

 

Dragons Ale (For colds and Flu

4 Cups Brandy
1 Tablespoon Crushed Peppermint Leaves
1 Cup Honey
1 teaspoon Sage
1 Tablespoon Orange Rind
2 teaspoons Cinnamon
2 Whole Cloves
2 or 3 Eucalyptus leaves
Juice of ½ Lemon

In a medium sized saucepan stir the brandy and honey over a low heat until the honey is dissolved. Mix the orange rind, cloves, Cardamom, lemon juice,peppermint leaf, sage, cinnamon, and eucalyptus leaves in a medium sized container. Add the brandy. Cover, let sit for 2 weeks. Strain. Store in sterilized glass bottles.

Take 1-2 teaspoons as needed. Yield: 5 cups

*****

Breath Easy

The synergistic blend of these oils will help open airways, and disinfect the air around you. The anti bacterial and anti viral properties of each oil will help your bodies immune system to fight off any of those 'nasty' little germs!

Lemon - 5 drops
Pine or Fir Needle - 5 drops
Lavender - 5 drops
Spearmint - 5 drops

Mix these oils and then use in any diffuser.

******

Garlic Tea

1.Chop one clove of garlic finely. Fine chopping activates the allicin in garlic that is effective for fighting cold and flu viruses.

2.Add the chopped garlic to boiling water and allow to steep for several minutes.

3.Cool the tea before drinking. For best taste allow the tea to cool somewhat but don't drink it cold. The taste is best when slightly warm.

4.Drink one cup each day during the winter months or when cold and flu symptoms begin.
****

More natural antibacterials:

Propolis contains substances that prevent inflammation, strengthen the immune system and kill germs. Eat 10-20 drops of propolis tincture on half a slice of bread.

Freshly grated or chopped garlic, horseradish or onions, mistletoe extract, grapefruit-seed extract.

Keep the indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent. This will protect the fine hairs that line the nose and act as a barrier to keep germs from penetrating the body.
Wash your hands often.

*****

Healing Plants

• To fight winter colds and flu, look to herbs with strong scents—rosemary, thyme, sage, basil, oregano, and others; their oils have immune-boosting antiseptic and antibiotic qualities.

• For relief from dry winter air, try a warm compress made from a decoction of cloves and gingerroot to clear sinuses.

• To ease sore throats, make your own gargle by adding a teaspoon or two of cider vinegar, sage, chamomile, or lemon juice to warm water.

• For fever, take cayenne pepper (in food, broth, or tea) to warm the body, promote sweating, and enhance the body’s infection-fighting ability.

• Cinnamon toothpaste can be used for its antiseptic qualities to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Soak toothbrushes in mouthwash to prevent colds from circululating.

Make it yourself cleaning products

For washing cloths

add 6 - 10 drops of tea tree into my washer with my detergent. Kills germs
on underclothes, especially if you wash in cold water.

Add eucalyptus if doing bed linens as that kills dust mites. If you have them it also kills bed bugs,

*****
Kitchen Clean-up spray

3 drops Lemon
2 drops Bergamot
3 drops Orange


Dilute with 2 cups water and use as a spray or wipe.
Alternative oils: rosemary, lime, eucalyptus.

*****

Musty smell removal Spray

Put 2 teaspoons of Australian tea tree oil in a spray bottle
with two cups of water.

Don't rinse. Spray the mixture on something
musty. Let the smell dissipate (it will take a few days). The smell
of mold and must will be gone, too, never to return as long as the
source of moisture has been removed.


*****

Odor Removal Spray

Here is a spray to use to absorb unpleasant odors. It's great for the bathroom or kitchen. This air freshener will absorb the odor , it will be gone in minutes.

Fill an 8oz. spray bottle with white distilled vinegar.
Add 20-30 drops of your favorite essential oil.

Shake before using.

******

Air Purifier

Place the following mixture of essential oils in an aromatherapy lamp
to help freshen the air. The following oils have a powerful cleansing
action and exert an uplifting effect on the mind, body and spirit.
Lavender oil combines particularly well with any of the citrus oils.

Try 4 drops Lavender, 2 drops Bergamot, 2 drops Lemon oil or 4 drops
Lavender, 3 drops Tangerine, Blood Orange or Clementine, 2 drops Lemon

*******

Natural Tiolet bowl Cleaner

Shake 1/2 Cup of Borax and 10 drops of tea tree essential oil intotoilet, give it a quick scrub with the toilet brush, close the lid and leave for several hours or overnight. Scrub again, flush and delight
in your sparkling clean, fresh-smelling bowl.

*****

Make Your Own Carpet Freshener

Add Lemon (my favorite) or any other essential oil to a box of baking soda. Use a jar with a lid. Let sit at least a day. Sprinkle on carpets, let sit for 30-60 minutes then vacuum as usual. This also helps with flea control. Much nicer than the synthetic, chemical based products on the market.

******

Feeling fresh Room Spray

This is such a nice room spray you may want to make a few for your friends. For a room spray, mix two ounces of vodka, two ounces of water, ten drops of Lime oil, five drops each of Lemon and Bergamot oil. Add mixture to any glass spray bottle.

*****

Lemon Lime Cleaning Powder

10 drops Lime essential oil
10 drops Lemon essential oil
1/4 cup baking soda

Add essential oils to baking soda and mix. Cuts grease , acts as a mild abrasive cleaner. Enjoy!

*****

Breath Easy Air spray

Oils to deodorize and clean the air instead of covering the odors.Try Rosemary with Lemon, Eucalyptus globulus with Lavender. You will get an added bonus of releiving your stuffy nose.

2 drops rosemary
4 drops lemon
3 drops Eucalyptus globulus
4 drops lavender with 1 quart water

Shake well and put in a spray bottle.

******

Last Ditch Cleaner

For stains that just won’t come out, give this a try: For white chlorine-bleachable clothing, fill your kitchen sink with one gallon of warm water; pour in 1/2 cup of liguid dishwasher detergent and 1/4 cup of bleach and nothing else. Stir until it’s dissolved. Add the clothing and let it soak for 15 minutes or a bit longer, if stains remain. Do not use hot water as Bleach and hot water create a toxic gas.

******

Lavender Laundry Softener

Phase A

4 cups white vinegar (32oz)
4 cups baking soda
64 oz. distilled or purified water (1 gallon)

Phase B:

3 teaspoons (1/2 oz.) essential oil.(I use either eucalyptus or lavender, to go with
the laundry powder.)

Mix the baking soda into the vinegar over a sink or other contained area, in a large glass or plastic jar. The two materials, when mixed together, will cause a "fizzing" reaction. Add water and essential oil
and stir again. As gifts, dispense into plastic bottles and label with the following directions:

Use 1/4 cup per load. Add in rinse cycle.

********

Herbal Towel Wipes

These are great to keep on hand for the summer.

You'll need:
1 roll Bounty paper towels, cut in half. Use a serrated, sharp knife. Remove cardboard tube.

Put in a Rubbermaid container... try the Collectible round 2-quart with a screw-on top. Note: Each recipe makes 2 containers.

16 oz.. bottle witch hazel
Add: 1 Tbsp. Tea Tree Essential Oil
1 teaspoon Lavender Essential Oil
12 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil

Shake well.

Add to 4 cups distilled water and mix well. Pour half over each 1/2
roll of Bounty towels in jar. Put lid on jar, and turn jar upside down
and on its side to moisten all towel segments.

****

Moth Repellent Closet Sachet

1 part Rosemary
1 part Cedar chips
1 part Pennyroyal
1 part Cloves
1 part Eucalyptus leaf
1 part Orris Root

Blend the dry herbs together, then package in small muslin or cheesecloth bags and tie closed with a pretty ribbon. You may add essential oils such as cedarwood to strengthen the aroma, or to refresh the sachets after they have been in use a while. Hang the bags in your closet and place in your chest of drawers.

*******

Green Bathroom Germ Cleaning Kit

 Make sure you use real soap, not a detergent.

Germ-Killing Kit

 The green kit, below, only includes one product registered as a disinfectant, and it is 100 percent
botanical. The rest of the recommendations are sanitizers from simple, natural ingredients and are not officially recognized disinfectants

One good reason to avoid synthetic disinfectants (as opposed to one that is botanical), is that when chemical disinfectants kill off bacteria, a resistant strain grows in its stead that is harder to kill. The overuse of botanicals has not been found to cause the growth of superbugs.


* White household distilled 5 percent vinegar. (I buy a gallon jug of
this from my local supermarket, and keep it under the kitchen sink.)
Vinegar has an 80 to 99 percent kill rate for viruses and bacteria.

* Liquid soap, such as Dr. Bronner’s. (I buy large bottles of this,
too, and prefer to buy the type that includes a pure antibacterial
essential oil, such as lavender.)

* Antibacterial essential oils such as tea tree oil, rosemary, thyme, and lavender. (These are also available at the health food store; they are expensive, but a little goes a long way.) To use, add 1 teaspoon of the essential oil to 1 cup of water and in a spray bottle, and spray. Do not rinse when you use this spray. (This smell is quite strong but it will dissipate in a few hours.)

* A few clean spray bottles.


****

Toilet Deodorizer

Pour a cup or two of straight vinegar into a spray bottle and spray on
the ring; pick up the toilet seat and spray around the top rim of the
toilet and the backside of the seat. Do not rinse. (The smell will
dissipate in a few hours.)

Alternative: Use the antibacterial essential oil spray mentioned above.

*****

Drain Deodorizer

Pour 2 cups of straight vinegar down the drain a few times a week.

****

Doorknob Cleaner

Add 2 tablespoons of liquid soap to 1 cup of water. Saturate a cloth and scrub the area. Rinse.

Alternative: Spray with the essential oil spray, above.

***


Mold and Mildew  Spray

Essential oils are very antimicrobial and will work to kill mold, too.

Place about 1/2 cup straight white distilled vinegar in a spray bottle.
 Add 15 drops of essential oil, shake.

Spray this concoction directly on mold and mildew. Don’t rinse. The
smell will dissipate.

*****

Antibacterial Cleanser

Fir Needle essential oil
Lemon essential oil
Tea Tree essential oil

Mix equal amount of oils in an airtight container. Use 8 drops to 2
cups of the final rinse water. Or to a spritzer bottle. Great for
disinfecting floors, counter-tops and sick rooms. Kills bacteria and
virus. Store remainder for next use.

****

 Wood floor cleaning formula:

1/8 cup linseed soap or vegetable-oil soap (detergent)
1/4 to 1/2 cup vinegar or lemon juice
1/2 cup fragrant herb tea
2 gallons warm water

Combine ingredients in a pail or bucket. Swirl the water around until
it is sudsy.

****

Basics for Non-Toxic Cleaning

Baking Soda

A commonly available mineral full of many cleaning attributes, baking soda is made from soda ash, and is slightly alkaline (its pH is around 8.1; 7 is neutral). It neutralizes acid-based odors in water, and adsorbs odors from the air. Sprinkled on a damp sponge or cloth, baking soda can be used as a gentle non-abrasive cleanser for kitchen counter tops, sinks, bathtubs, ovens, and fiberglass. It will
eliminate perspiration odors and even neutralize the smell of many chemicals if you add up to a cup per load to the laundry. It is a useful air freshener, and a fine carpet deodorizer.

Washing Soda

A chemical neighbor of baking soda, washing soda (sodium carbonate) is much more strongly alkaline, with a pH around 11. It releases no harmful fumes and is far safer than a commercial solvent formula, but you should wear gloves when using it because it is caustic. Washing soda cuts grease, cleans petroleum oil, removes wax or lipstick, and neutralizes odors in the same way that baking soda does. Don’t use it on fiberglass, aluminum or waxed floors—unless you intend to remove the wax.

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Dust Mite Spray

Spray pillows and bedding several times per week. This spray can also be used on upholstery and carpets.

A spray of 1 cup vodka and 20-30 drops of eucalyptus essential oil.

mix and spray on upholstery, carpets and beds.

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White Vinegar and Lemon Juice

White vinegar and lemon juice are acidic—they neutralize alkaline substances such as scale from hard water. Acids dissolve gummy buildup, eat away tarnish, and remove dirt from wood surfaces.

Liquid Soaps and Detergent

Liquid soaps and detergents are necessary for cutting grease, and they are not the same thing. Soap is made from fats and lye. Detergents are synthetic materials discovered and synthesized early in this century. Unlike soap, detergents are designed specifically so that they don’t react with hard water minerals and cause soap scum. If you have hard water, buy a biodegradable detergent without perfumes; if you have soft water you can use liquid soap (both are available in health food stores).

Mold Killers and Disinfectants

 EPA recommends simple soap to use as a disinfectant There are many essential oils, such as
lavender, clove, and tea tree oil (an excellent natural fungicide), that are very antiseptic, as is grapefruit seed extract, even though they aren’t registered as such. Use one teaspoon of essential oil to 2 cups of water in a spray bottle (make sure to avoid eyes). A grapefruit seed extract spray can be made by adding 20 drops of extract to a quart of water.

Caution: Make sure to keep all homemade formulas well-labeled, and out of the reach of children.


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 Lemony Dusting Cloth

 This simple-to-make formula will give your home a lovely lemon fragrance—lemon is known to lift the spirits—while the acid in lemon juice works particularly well to pull dirt right out of wood, leaving your furniture truly clean.

These fresh and clean smelling dusting cloths are great for your wood furniture. They are fun and lemony, and even make dusting a pleasure.

2 or 3 tablespoons lemon juice
A few drops food-grade linseed oil or jojoba oil

Place the lemon juice in a bowl, add a few drops of the oil, and saturate dusting cloth with the liquid. Use the cloth to dust with.

HELPFUL HINTS: Linseed oil is the first choice for furniture oil because it dries completely over time. Its nutlike fragrance is an added plus. Jojoba is actually not an oil but a liquid wax, and it
never goes rancid, so it also makes a great choice.

Use old, worn out wool socks or pieces of ragged wool sweaters as dustcloths, since wool makes beneficial static that practically makes the dust fly up off your furniture.

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Non-Toxic Oven Cleaner

You don't have to use toxic commercial cleaners that can contaminate your food to clean your oven. Commercial oven cleaners is very hard to rinse and the taste of it gets into food. Yum: Roast turkey a la Oven Cleaner. Many also get headaches when using commercial products.

Believe it or not, you can clean your oven safely with nothing but baking soda and water. Give this a try.

To clean the oven,  sprinkle baking soda all over the bottom until it is covered completely with about 1/4 of an inch of baking soda. Then, using a clean spray bottle, I spray the baking soda with water until the baking soda is thoroughly damp but not flooded. After that, this lazy cleaner goes off and does other things. When I think of it, I dampen the baking soda again if it is drying out. Before I go to bed, I do that again. When I wake up in the morning, the baking soda can effortlessly be scooped out of the oven with a sponge, bringing all the grime with it. That's it! The only downside is that you need to rinse out the white residue left by the baking soda.

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CREAMY SOFT SCRUBBER

Simply pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into a bowl, and add enough liquid detergent to make a texture like frosting add 5 drops either peppermint or Lemon essential oil to the mix. Scoop the mixture onto a sponge, and wash the surface. This is the perfect recipe for cleaning the bathtub because it rinses easily and doesn't leave grit.

Note: Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin to the mixture and store in a sealed glass jar, to keep the product moist. Otherwise just make as much as you need at a time.

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WINDOW CLEANER

1/4-1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent
3 tablespoons vinegar
2 cups water
Spray bottle

Put all the ingredients into a spray bottle, shake it up a bit, and
use as you would a commercial brand. The soap in this recipe is
important. It cuts the wax residue from the commercial brands you
might have used in the past.

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OVEN CLEANER

1 cup or more baking soda
Water
A squirt or two of liquid detergent

Sprinkle water generously over the bottom of the oven, then cover the grime with enough baking soda that the surface is totally white. Sprinkle some more water over the top. Let the mixture set overnight. You can easily wipe up the grease the next morning because the grime will have loosened. When you have cleaned up the worst of the mess, dab a bit of liquid detergent or soap on a sponge, and wash the remaining residue from the oven. If this recipe doesn't work for you it is probably because you didn't use enough baking soda and/or water.

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ALL-PURPOSE SPRAY CLEANER

1/2 teaspoon washing soda
A dab of liquid soap
2 cups hot tap water

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until the washing soda has dissolved. Apply and wipe off with a sponge or rag.

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FURNITURE POLISH

1/2 teaspoon oil, such as olive (or jojoba, a liquid wax)
1/4 cup vinegar or fresh lemon juice

Mix the ingredients in a glass jar. Dab a soft rag into the solution and wipe onto wood surfaces. Cover the glass jar and store indefinitely.

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VINEGAR DEODORIZER

Keep a clean spray bottle filled with straight 5 percent vinegar in your kitchen near your cutting board and in your bathroom and use them for cleaning. I often spray the vinegar on our cutting board before going to bed at night, and don't even rinse but let it set overnight. The smell of vinegar dissipates within a few hours. Straight vinegar is also great for cleaning the toilet rim. Just spray it on and wipe off.

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MOLD KILLERS

Tea Tree Mold spray

Nothing natural works for mold and mildew as well as this spray. I've used it successfully on a moldy ceiling from a leaking roof, on a musty bureau, a musty rug, and a moldy shower curtain. Tea tree oil is expensive, but a little goes a very long way. Note that the smell of tea tree oil is very strong, but it will dissipate in a few days.

2 teaspoons tea tree oil
2 cups water

Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse. Makes two cups.

Vinegar Spray

Straight vinegar reportedly kills 82 percent of mold. Pour some white distilled vinegar straight into a spray bottle, spray on the moldy area, and let set without rinsing if you can put up with the smell. It
will dissipate in a few hours.

HELPFUL HINTS: Make sure to label all your homemade cleaning products, and keep them away from pets and children.

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How to Reduce House Dust Mites:

Bedding: This is the favored home of the dust mite. For the allergy prone, it may be a good idea to encase bedding and pillows with special covers that are cleaned frequently.

Washing: Wash clothes and bedding regularly. Washing in 130oF water will kill all dust mites. Washing in cold water kills approximately 90% of dust mites. Adding several drops of eucalyptus oil to the wash water is effective as well. For those with sensitivities to eucalyptus, lavender or rosemary essential oils are also effective.

Heating: Heat will help minimize dust mites. Examples of effective heat include steam-cleaning carpets, tumble-drying in a dryer, direct sunlight, and electric blankets. Dust mites do not like direct sunlight. Hanging bedding or rugs outside in the sun is effective for removal of dust mites.

Air Conditioning: Air conditioning will dry out a humid indoor environment. This will reduce the food supply for dust mites and the result will be a reduced number of dust mites. It's important to realize, however, that air conditioning removes beneficial negative ions from the air so there is a trade-off.

Air Purification: A quality air purifier is an effective tool for reducing dust mites. Air purification technology that uses oxidation is effective at purifying the air of dust mites. Hydroxyl ions, hydro peroxides, oxide ions or negative ions remove pollutants from the air. Oxidation technology air purifiers can be placed throughout a home to be effective. These oxidizers can also penetrate upholstered furniture, carpeting, and bedding to destroy dust mites and feces.

Cleaning: Because dust mites exist in the fabrics, carpets, and upholsteries in a home, it is important to vacuum carpets and upholstery frequently and carefully. If breathing issues are particularly severe, removing carpets and installing hardwood flooring may be beneficial. Regular dusting is also important.

Homemade Balms

Cold sore Lip balm

4 TBS Beeswax
4 TBS Sweet Almond Oil
5 Drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
2 Drops Vitamin E
5 drops Peppermint Essential Oil

Melt beeswax with sweet almond oil. Remove from heat , allow to cool slightly, add vitamin E and Essential oils. Pour into ready containers.

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Callous Balm

Fills a 4oz container.

50 ml olive oil (not pomace)
25 ml avocado oil
12.5 ml jojoba oil
2.5 ml vitamin e oil
5 ml emu oil
1/4 oz beeswax (can use more if you want more than a gel like consistency)
4 drops lavender eo
4 drops rosemary eo

Heat oils, melt beeswax into them, let cool just a little bit before adding Eo's. eo's will be useless if you add them when it's too hot. But you won't be able to pour it if you add them after it's started to harden.

It *is* oily. No ifs ands or buts about it. But it's the oils that
moisturize. It's best used when going to bed, applied semi liberally. But applied in minute amounts, it will soak in completely after about 5 min or so.

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General healing balm

A general healing balm that can be made two ways
or combine to make a cooling/healing balm Peppermint is cooling while the lavender is topically healing.

1 part lavender flowers
1 part peppermint leaves
3 ounces of sunflower oil ( also need 2 oz cocoa butter and 2 oz bees wax
and either peppermint or lavender oil)

Steep first three ingredients together for 45 minutes.
Strain.
Melt 2ounces cocoa butter or coconut oil in microwave or double boiler.
Add 2 ounces of beeswax and melt together. Add strained sunflower oil and
mix thoroughly. When mixture cools, add 2 tsp. essential oil of your
choice. (I use peppermint and lavender) Pour into small soap molds or
small plastic container.

Magic Elixr's

Unclog Your Arteries Elixr

A woman where I work shared this recipe for unclogging your arteries, hopefully helping someone who might of other wise had to go under the knife for ~BY PASS surgery~.

CAD happens when the arteries that supply blood to heart muscle become hardened and narrowed. This is due to the buildup of cholesterol and other material, called plaque, on their inner walls. As the buildup grows, less blood can flow through the arteries. As a result, the heart muscle can't get the blood or oxygen it needs. This can lead to chest pain (angina) or a heart attack. Most heart attacks happen when a blood clot suddenly cuts off the hearts' blood supply, causing permanent heart damage.

Over time, CAD can also weaken the heart muscle and contribute to heart failure and arrhythmias. Heart failure means the heart can't pump blood well to the rest of the body. Arrhythmias are changes in the normal beating rhythm of the heart.

Equal parts Jalapeno peppers, fresh garlic, fresh ginger root. ( she said about 1/2 cup each)
and enough Braggs vinegar to fill a qt jar. She told me that she uses apple cider vinegar as it is a lot cheaper.

Process all the above in a blender until pureed and put in fridge untill used.
Take 1 TBLS of mixture each day and she said you will need a chaser. Taste bad.

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Immune Boosting Tonic

This is one of the most delicious tinctures imaginable, with a strong berry flavor that's hard to resist. I use this tried-and-true stand-by whenever there are a lot of people getting sick around me, and when I travel during the winter. It can be used at the first onset of a cold or flu, during the active phase, and on through the tail end of the illness.


3 parts echinacea root, preferably fresh (root should be 3 years old before harvesting)
2 parts blue elderberries, fresh or dried
2 parts rose hips
1 part fresh or frozen blackberries
1 part fresh or frozen raspberries
1 part grated fresh ginger root
1 part sliced fresh organic orange
brandy

Make a tincture.

To use: Take 1 tablespoon 1-5 times per day as needed.

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Herbal-a-Go-Go Energy Elixir

For blood-building & immune-enhancing)
Healing Tonics by Jeanine Pollak

2 parts Panax ginseng
2 parts Siberian ginseng
1 part Astragalus root
1 part Codonspsis root
1 part Ginkgo leaves
1 part Nettle leaves
1 part sliced fresh organic Oranges*
1/2 part grated fresh Ginger root
1/3 part cinnamon chips
port wine
brandy

The base of this elixir is port wine and brandy, which give a deep ruby red color and nice warming qualities. This gorgeous tonic has a deep blood-building and immune-enhancing properties. It can be taken any time of the year but is especially helpful in the autumn-winter season.

*Leave seeds and peel intact only if using organic oranges.

Make the base by mixing together half port wine and half brandy.

Place all herbs in a widemouthed jar. Make a tincture, using 3 times as much base as herbs.

After straining, sweeten lightly with maple syrup if desired; I usually add about 1/4 cup maple syrup per quart of elixir.

To use: Take 1 tablespoon per week, as needed.
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Dandelion Delight

This lovely spring tonic makes good use of pesky weeds to rejuvenate the body with earth's reawakening. Dandelions are high in vitamins, and legends claim that Hectate once entertained Theseus with dandelion water. Magickal Attributes: divination, wind magic, wishes and goals, communicating with the Spirit world.

3 cups dandelion petals
1 gallon orange juice
juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup of sugar
Ginger Ale (optional)

Clean off the dandelion petals with cool water. In the meantime, warm the orange juice and lemon together, then add dandelions.Make certain you only have petals (no green parts). Add the sugar, stirring constantly until dissolved; strain juices and chill. Add ginger ale for a light, bubbly drink.

VARIATIONS: Prepare this recipe with lemonade instead of orange juice, and the juice of one orange instead of a lemon. This is a refreshing, purifying quality and, poured over crushed ice, is wonderful on a hot summer day.

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All around Tonic

This is a great tonic for the whole family. This tea has many vitamins, so it can be used as often as desired.

Simmer the peel of 3 lemons and 2 oranges
 in 8 cups of water for 15 minutes, covered.
Remove from heat and

add 6 tablespoons of hops and
 6 tablespoons of violet leaves and  flowers.

Steep for another 15 minutes. Strain and add honey to sweeten. Cloves may be added if desired.
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Gill Tea Spring Tonic

Infuse one ounce of ground ivy with one pint of boiling water sweetened with honey or sugar. When cooled, strain and drink small amounts several times a day.
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Motherwort Tea

(Leonurus cardiaca) Traditionally used to treat a racing heart caused by nervous tension, this herbal sedative may, with long-term use, reduce the formation of  clotting factors, lower total cholesterol and triglycerides, and strengthen the heart muscle.

Prepare a tea by soaking 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of dried motherwort in about
5 ounces of boiling water

for five to 10 minutes. Drink it throughout the day, or take 10 to 20  drops of a tincture as often as every 10 minutes, if necessary.