Hi there! I am finally back! Once again I must apologize for the interruption in blog posts. Unfortunately my guest blogger was hit by a long power outage after a bad storm hit our area. While some people just got their electricity back a few days ago, everyone is now up and running again. The majority of central and southern Ohio was declared a disaster area, but repairs are almost, if not completely done now.

Meanwhile, I did manage to complete the flowers for my eldest Son's wedding, and, although exhausted, the wedding festivities were truly memorable! My Grandson even got to spend two nights with his great-grandmother and myself. It was quite a memorable weekend! Needless to say, I am still tired ! Funny how a two year old can wear you out! Lol! Actually, he won't be two until this weekend, so it will be another fun-filled, but tiring weekend!

Anyway, here are the promised flower arrangement photographs. I hope that one of the wedding pictures shows the bridal bouquet better than these. For some reason I just didn't seem to get a good angle. Still, I think you will at least get the general idea and feel. I hope you like them!

Franley Speaking Friday- Another Shop til ya Drop Installment!

In our ongoing quest to provide everyone on our Christmas list with unique, handmade gifts, we are continuing the shop til you drop series. Every Wednesday and Friday until Christmas week check here for some diverse, interesting and unique places to shop! 
Today's shop, Living Glass Art,  is actually one that I found a few years ago. In fact, I have a lovely glass flower made by Anna, the owner and designer. This shop features original stained glass in abstract geometric, nature, wildlife and animal designs. They are made in the Tiffany copper foil method in her Tennessee studio, so another made in the USA gift, from an USA shop! And what a cool shop it is! So very beautiful and quite unique, in other words, everything I look for in a shop! With prices beginning at 25$, I am sure you can find an affordable work of art for someone special on your list. Not only does she have the panels and sun catchers, she also offers gift certificates. So if you aren't sure what to pick, get the gift certificate and let the recipient choose their own! 

Make it Yourself Monday- Foot Scrub

Here is another wonderfully unique gift that you can easily make for a Christmas gift. It is a foot rub.  One of those things that you rarely buy for yourself, but are so nice to pamper yourself with when you get one! 

You will need;

3 ounces of Sea Salts, (preferably Dead Sea salts, but European or dendritic will work as well- fine or medium grained)

1 ounce jojoba oil

1 ounce sweet almond oil

1/8 teaspoon vitamin E oil

2 Tablespoon jojoba beads (optional)

and your container of choice (I like a nice colored jar, because tins usually rust with just a little bit of time)

2 drops peppermint essential oil*

2 drops lavender essential oil*

1 pod vanilla bean, cleaned out and then chopped (optional) 

*or other essential oil blend of choice

Simply mix everything together and place into your container of choice. This gift would be great in a set. Just combine one of the foot soaks, this rub, and a nice lotion or balm (Brambleberry has a nice recipe here), and you have the perfect foot care gift set! Make sure to include a nice instruction card along with it, explaining that you soak, then use this rub to exfoliate (just take a hand full of the salt mixture and rub it on your feet, not forgetting the ankles, in a circular motion, starting at the top and working down toward the toes. Be sure to apply a gentle, even pressure. When finished, rinse with warm water, pat dry, then moisturize with the lotion or balm. You could even include some tips from this post on exfoliating! 


There you have it, a useful AND thoughtful gift, handmade by you! What could be better?

Tripod Thursdays-Autumn Soaps, Fall Scents

I know we are in the midst of summer heat, but schools will be starting in just two weeks, and soon thereafter the leaves will begin to change, and the cool, crisp weather of Fall will begin. 
Since soap takes a good six weeks to two months to cure I am always a season ahead in planning,  and since I am just one person, and tend to be getting slower in my old age, lol, I really have to begin making the next season's products while they are far from most people's thoughts. 
Every August I begin by making melting snowmen, snowman face bulbs with hats, and sparkling, crystal Christmas ornaments, because about eight weeks before Christmas, I will be delivering at least four dozen ornaments to Christmas at the Cabin, as well as other craft items.
But, before the winter snow flies and Christmas comes, Autumn and the Wine festival will be here. So I have been busily creating fragrances appropriate for Autumn and in the spirit of the  wine festival. So today's Tripod Tuesday covers most of the soaps that I consider to be the Fall line. I still have an "Aged Oak Apple" that I am making this week, with Fosters Lager. It's a nice beer soap, with a scent that just speaks Fall to me! After this one, I will begin the more wintry and holiday blends. 
I hope you enjoy this soapy preview!
   

Tripod Thursdays - uniqueXpressions

Can you believe the week is almost over? I can't, yet here we are at Tripod Thursday! Todays pictures are of crafts, jewelry and gifts that I have made. You can find some of these on Etsy, at my uniqueXpression shop. Afterall, I have to have something to keep occupied with while the soap cures! Lol.  I hope you enjoy!

We are moving on with Exotic Oils tomorrow, stop back to lear about calendula oil!

What's Happening Wednesday

This Wednesday I totally forgot to post what I was up too, so I apologize for doing it so late in the day. I have been very busy making different soap recipes so that I can decide which ones I want to use for my "base" recipes. Right now, I have at least 25 calculated out, and about 15 on my "to try" list. So far I have made 5 different batches, in 8 different scents/scent combinations.

Last night I attempted something I had not attempted before, and maybe should not have, lol! I made one large batch and divided it into three pots at light trace. I poured the first batch into a regular one pound mold

 It has sesame seeds throughout and some extra on top. It is scented with Arabian Spice. You see the crack? That is one reason that I said maybe I shouldn't have attempted this. I took so long to do all that I needed to do, I ran into some complications, and this was one of them. I should have had the lid with me in the kitchen, but I didn't, so it sat and waited while I mixed and poured everything.

Then I mixed another portion with a Berry Wine scent that included blueberry, mulberry and raspberry. Again, with time being an issue, it was very thick and had to be plopped into the mold. I did 2 different colors to mix into it, which didn't help with the time deal either.

And, on top of the time issue, but because of it, I didn't get the pours divided evenly either. So I ended up missing one cavity all together, and having more berry wine than zucchini flower, which was the scent of the last pour. I tinted it a light green and then added a darker green (in the picture it looks gray, but it looks more green in person). Now the berry wine has 2 colors in it, one made from blueberry fibers and the other from cranberry fibers. These should morph from what they look like now, which is a greenish/gray and a deep purple, so it should be interesting to watch!

Tripod Thursdays-Soaps

In keeping with what was happening on Wednesday, I have uploaded pictures of the soap that I made today (actually late last night by my standards, and early this morning by yours, LOL), as well as some others that I have had in my shop during the past several months. The turmeric colored soap that I spoke of yesterday, is gelling and should be ready to cut and set to cure later today or tomorrow. Although it will be weeks before the verdict is in on it, the one I just made is smelling up the house in a wonderful way, and everything went well with its pouring, so I am looking forward to some great soap there! Now I will just have to come up with a name for its scent....hmm, maybe that will call for a contest!

  

The Goo soap is a great childs soap, it's a lot like slime, without the trademarked name! Orange is orange, green is pearberry, and I also have an oatmeal, milk and honey one.

The dog bone soap is a "bug be gone" blend of EO's for the pooch.

The white soapboxes were hand stamped and painted by me.

The green wedge is a sage-lemongrass soap w/ oatmeal.

The soap wrapped in cloth is my "bug begone" blend of EO's for humans.

The bottles are a liquid soap, in a variety of scents.

Snowtime Like Bathtime

Wind gusting to 60mph and temperatures dipping into the twenties has made me think a LOT about a nice HOT bath! Of course I cannot fathom just a plain water bath, so I have to add oils or salts or something! Today I steeped a while in some Raphael's Healing Garden Bath Soak to help get some arthritic relief, but the Cleo's Bath Soak from my last bath left me feeling quite queenly, I must say! Next bath I am going to use my Luxurious blend, but today I thought you might enjoy some recipes you can try at home, or even make as Christmas presents!

MILKY BATH MIX

1 cup powdered milk

1 cup corn starch

1 cup baking soda

3/4 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup powdered chamomile flowers *

1/4 cup patchouli powder *

1/2 cup powdered lavender buds *

**If you do not have the flowers, you may substitute 3-5 drops of Essential Oils in place of the powders, just make sure that you mix thoroughly. Sifting the mixture works best to ensure even mixing.

Mix all ingredients together, then package as desired. Use 1/2 cup per bath, allowing mixture to dissolve in running, warm water. Relax and soak in bath for 15-20 minutes.

FIZZY BATH SOAK MIXTURE

1 cup baking soda

1/2 cup corn starch

1/2 cup citric acid

2 tablespoons sweet almond oil (or sunflower oil)

1 -2 teaspoons of your choice of Essential Oil or Fragrance Oil

Combine the baking soda & corn starch in a bowl, you can even add a few drops of food coloring if you want (just be careful to not use too much, you don't want a ring around your tub!). Then add the liquid ingredients and mix well, using a wire whisk, until completely combined. Next add the citric acid and whisk again, until well blended. Once well blended you can press into small balls or into molds. Allow to dry for a few hours, then they will be ready to use or to wrap and package for gifts.

WINTER BLUES AWAY BATH OIL

2 oz Sweet Almond Oil

6 drops pink grapefruit essential oil

10 drops sweet orange essential oil

Mix together well, then use in bath of warm water. Soak for 15-20 minutes, as these essential oils help to chase your winter blues away while the oil softens and soothes your skin!

What You Up To Wednesday

The Home Spa Treatment

The long, hot summer is behind us, leaving the long, hard, cold, winter before us. To help make it through, try some of these spa-like recipes in the privacy of your home!!You could even invite friends over and make an entire home spa day!

SALON-TYPE HOT WAX HERBAL TREATMENT

1 cup beeswax (either grated or block)

10 Tbs. sweet almond oil

8 Tbs. virgin olive oil

5 drops lavender essential oil

3 drops chamomile essential oil

*For stiff, sore hands/feet, instead of the lavender and chamomile, add

5 drops wintergreen, 3 drops peppermint, and 2 drops of camphor essential oils

In order to keep a steady, even heat, this formula is best done in a crockpot. The wax should be cool enough to use when it forms a crust over the top. Use extreme caution when dipping your hand or foot into the wax. Hot wax will burn! If the crock pot is not large enough for you to fit your hand/foot into, pour the wax treatment into a pan that is deep enough and wide enough for them to fit and use it immediately.

Melt the beeswax in the crock pot on low heat (using medium or high heat can cause a fire!) Once melted, add all of the oils and stir well. Make sure that the wax is not too hot to use by inserting a candy thermometer to test it. 91 to 98 degrees works well. Dip one had/foot in the mixture at a time, then sit back and relax as it dries. Allow the wax to set up, 7-10 minutes is the average time, then peel of the wax. Save the peeled off wax, as you can remelt and reuse it several times. The formula should remain good for about a year, but if it gets too dry or looses its aroma, simply add a little more oil. Store the wax in a container out of direct sunlight.

SPA-TYPE AROMATHERAPY FACIAL STEAM

Steaming is a simple concept that produces a great effect on your skin and your mood. Simply put some water in a pan, bring it to a boil, drop in the proper essential oils and turn down the heat to low. Drape a towel over your head to direct the steam to your face and bend over the steam. There will be enough steam for your face for about 2-3 minutes. Once done, pat the skin dry and moisturize.

Steaming allows you to get the benefit of the essential oils on your skin and in your lungs, while the heat opens the pores and sweats the impurities out of them. Wash your face and neck prior to steaming so that you will work the true grime from the skin, not surface dirt.

For relaxation, peace of mind, cleansing and toning of skin,

use 2 drops each of the following essential oils. Bergamot, Clary Sage, Geranium and Lavender.

Don't forget about you hair when doing your in home spa day! Here is a spa-quality hot oil treatment that is wonderful for dry hair (do NOT use if you have oily hair), and a Herbal Conditioning Pack that is good for all hair types (when used once a month).

SPA-TYPE HERBAL HOT OIL TREATMENT

1/4 cup virgin olive oil

1 vitamin E capsule 400U or more (pierce and squeeze the contents into the mix)

1 Tbs. coconut oil

1 Tbs jojoba oil

3 drops lavender essential oil

1 drop rosemary essential oil (may substitute cedarwood EO if prefered)

Mix all together, then rub into clean, towel-dried hair. Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes, then wash out.

Stored in a bottle, this mixture will stay good for 2-3 months.

The following Herbal Conditioning Pack is full of deep conditioners and is great for all hair types when used once a month . It is alike a mud pack without the mud!

SALON-TYPE HERBAL PROTEIN CONDITIONING PACK

1 tbs. coconut oil

1/8 cup sweet almond oil

1/8 cup aloe vera gel

3 Tbs. gelatin mix (mix 1Tbs. unflavored gelatin in 2 1/2 Tbs. of cold water. Stir. Put in microwave to heat water to boiling, then stir again)

2 drops geranium essential oil

3 drops rosemary essential oil (may substitute bay EO if desired)

Mix all together and stir well. After shampooing, put mixture on towel-dried hair. Leave in for 5-10 minutes, then wash out. This mixture does not have a shelf life, so use it as soon as it is made.

Make Some Gifts Others Would Love to Receive!

My strep throat is almost gone and I am staying out of bed for more than an hour each day, so back to this blog! With Christmas around the corner, my crafting has kicked into high gear, so I'd like to focus on some items that you can give as gifts, or treat yourself too!

First off, how about some lovely bubble bath? The recipe below is quick and easy, and will provide gentle bubbles, as well as help smooth the skin. Once made it will last for about three months.

GENTLE BUBBLE BATH

1 four ounce unscented glycerin soap bar

1/2 cup water

1 tsp glycerin

1 tsp baby shampoo (unscented is best)

3-5 drops of essential oil (your choice)

Melt the glycerin soap slowly in a double boiler on the stove. Once melted, remove from the heat and add the other ingredients. Stir for a minute. Put in a pretty bottle, add a ribbon if you'd like, and shake before using. It only takes 1-2 tsp. per bath.

GLYCERIN SOAP

Along with the bubble bath, what about some soap? To make a nice, quick, and easy bar, try purchasing a block of melt and pour glycerin and a Christmas mold.

All you have to do is melt the brick in your microwave and pour it into the mold. If you want to make it fancier, add 3-5 drops of an essential oil that is skin safe (as a general rule do not use cinnamon/cassia or citrus oils).

Make sure that you add the essential oil after the glycerin has cooled somewhat. If you want, you can also add 1-2 drop(s) of food coloring. Know that if you use an oil with vanilla in it, it will turn your soap bars a tannish to brown color.

Once poured into the molds, squirt some alcohol over the molds. This will prevent/remove bubbles from the back side of the molds. Allow the molds to sit until they are completely set. This will take three to four hours, or more, depending upon the depth of the mold. To see if set, press on the back of the mold. If the glycerin pushes in at all, it needs more sitting time. Once set, turn the mold over and pop out the bars. Make sure you wrap the soap in plastic wrap so that it will not draw moisture to itself, as that creates ugly "beading" on the bars.

Once wrapped, store out of the sunlight (you don't want them melting before you can give them away!).

So you have bubble bath and soap, now you need to find a creative way to package them. Try looking at your local craft store, or even the dollar store, for potential packages. You can find soap holders for the soap, wood boxes, baskets, or even planters. Be creative and remember that the container can also be a great gift!

Next week, more items you can make at home to give as gifts.

How many Days til When?

With fall officially here, leaves beginning to turn and the outdoor festivals quickly coming to the seasons end, clothing and minds begin to focus on winters arrival, and the Christmas countdown begins. Of course, for some, it began in ernest the day after Christmas past, but for most it will come with the force-feeding of the retail merchants who begin banging the seasons and holidays into our faces a good three months before the impending date. Hence we have come to expect school clothing trends to be shown in June, Halloween in August and Christmas in September. Maybe I exaggerate a tad, but not much I am sure you will agree.

At any rate, in keeping with this "early" trend, I generally have the majority of my Christmas decorations made by now. In fact, in just a few weeks I will have to have boxes made, tagged and packed for delivery to Christmas at the Cabin, which will open for the season for the season during the Fall Festival of the Leaves in Bainbridege, Ohio. This small town lies between Chillicothe, Ohio and Hillsboro, Ohio on route 50, smack dab in the middle of not much, lol. It never ceases to amaze me each year the number of people that actually find this town and its two stop lights to celebrate fall and funnel cakes! But I digress. As the festival start date looms, I am left with the realization that I am further behind than I have ever been. Where did the summer go? It certainly wasn't full of beach days, sun and fun. In fact, I don't think it was warm enough to swim more than a day or two. Such weird weather this year, which could lead to many jumping off conversations, but I'll just ask, if summer wasn't really summer like, what will winter be like? No matter what it's like, I am sure that Christmas will still come on the 25 th of December and that I am behind in my decoration/ornament crafting. Sooooooooo that is what I will be doing for the next few weeks! Wreaths, ornaments, scrapbook pages, sleighs, cross-stitches, look out, here I come!

Compresses and Poultices

As we know, herbs were the first used "drugs". You can still utilize these natural remedies for a variety of maladies. Since many of the recipes I have offered have focused on essential oils for inhalation, today I'd like to discuss some other ways to use herbs, mainly compresses and poultices. A compress consists of a pad or cloth material(cotton or gauze is the best material choice) that has been soaked in an herbal tea, decoction, or extract and water mixture. After the appropriate tea, decoction, or extract is chosen and made, you soak the pad or cloth fabric in the liquid, wring it out, then apply it to the affected area. Compresses can be used either hot or cold. If swelling, muscle sprain, or a headache is involved, after it is soaked, place the compress in the freezer until it is cold, then apply it. Sometimes it is beneficial to alternate heated compresses with cold ones to help relieve pressure. Compresses are ideal for treating and helping to heal muscle injuries, wounds, and other external pain. To know what herbs to use for your ailment(s), refer to herbal or essential oil charts, where the benefits of the products are listed. The herbs can e used as single notes or you can try mixing more than one together at a time if you are feeling bold! For muscle pains you can try wintergreen, camphor, lemon grass, sage, or eucalyptus teas. For a headache try a cool lavender, chamomile and/or sage compress. For minor wounds or skin irritations, try rosemary, chamomile, thyme or lavender. While almost like a compress, with a poultice you apply the whole herb to an affected area instead of the liquid soaked fabric. First you must boil the fresh herb (roots can be used too), then you squeeze out the excess water. The herb is then placed on a thin layer of gauze, folded to keep the herb sandwiched inside, then laid over the affected area. The poultice should stay in place for for 3-4 hours, then be replaced with a fresh one if needed. Again, the choice of herbs/roots needs to be researched and well thought out, but a poultice of (either one or a combination of two or more) the herbs rosemary, thyme, lavender or chamomile would make a strong healing poultice. Chamomile on the skin helps to reduce redness and sooth inflamed skin, as well as being an antiseptic, bactericidal, and mild sedative. Thyme is reputed to be strongly anti-viral, while also being considered an antibacterial agent and fungicide. While lavender works well on all types of skin problems, it especially worlds well for healing boils, burns, sunburn, wounds, psoriasis, insect bites, and stings. Among many others, Lavender has the properties of an antiseptic, and an analgesic, an anti-inflammatory, a restorative and a mild sedative. Rosemary also possesses many properties, but for the purpose of a poultice it is important for its properties of an analgesic, an antimicrobial, an antiseptic, a fungicidal, and a restorative.

Prize Pack Sent Out!

Miss Jeanan, from Florida, won the "Name this Bath Soak Contest" for her entry, "Raphael's Healing Garden Bath Soak". Above you can see the product labeled. Raphael is the angel of healing, I am told, and although there were many good entries, I believe this one is the perfect fit. Since her prize pack is on its merry way, I thought that I'd share its contents with everyone. It contains a 16oz jar of Raphael's Healing Garden Bath Soak, a bar of Bug Be Gone soap, a bag of Cleo's Bath Soak (for normal to oily skin), and a trial size Heel and Elbow Cream, along with an Unique Treat Dig Bones pin and a pretty floral Gift Tag. I hope that Jeanan like everything and I especially hope that she feels my bath soak deserves the name she provided!

For everyone else that entered, thank you again and keep watching because I have a few more items that need named!

Contest End Quickly Approaches!

The "Name the newest Unique Garden Essences Bath Soak Contest" is just about to an end, so have you entered the perfect name? Do so, and you will not only win some of the soak, but you will also get a surprise prize! You have until after just midnight on July 2 to leave your entry under the comments section of the original post [for the contest]. Please don't leave it on this one, as it will be easier if all the entries are together. Then, the hard part begins for me. I will choose the winning name and post it, just as quickly as I can. But I have to say, as of this moment I am at a loss because there are just too many good ones entered! It will be a tough choice for sure!

Just in case you aren't the winner, don't worry, you too can soak in the luxury of this blend very soon! I will be listing it in my Etsy and Artfire shops just as soon as labels are made with the new name!

More Shopping

Here are this weeks specity shops to check out!

Monday- www.littlediva.etsy.com

Tuesday- www.allaboutyoshi.etsy.com

Wednesday- www.pickleberries.etsy.com

Thursday- www.softpencil.etsy.com

Friday- www.solojewellery.etsy.com

Saturday- www.cropinggal.etsy.com

Sunday- www.fiazco.etsy.com

Tis the Season

Tis past the season for my computer to be fixed, yet it still sits on a shelf somewhere. I certainly hope that Santa has an elf or two to see his way to clear to put a computer fix on my horizon, but til then, I am having to list the Neat-O shops all together again. I am sooooooooo sorry, but the new year will bring new posts, I am determined!!!!!!!!!

Til then, Merry Christmas or merry whatever you celebrate, but for me and my house, we are celebrating the birth of our Lord! I hope that all of you and yours have a blessed season and remember the reason for that season! While giving of yourself is certainly not limited to one day or even one month, this is the time to remember why we do what we do, and to consider whom we are doing it all for. So peace, love and joy to you all! I also wish happiness and health to everyone for the coming new year!

Due to Christmas, there will only be 4 days of promoting this week, here are those companies; Monday- www.bluetricycle.etsy.com Tuesday- www.pearlsquiltedcrafts.etsy.com Saturday- www.npsunshine.etsy.com Sunday- www.bythewayside.etsy.com

I have joined with several other bloggers to help advertise for each other during this holiday shopping season. An experiment of sorts, thought of by the owner of neat-o-stuff. So, today the featured shop is - www.zeba.etsy.com Please check her out!

I am Jazzed on Essential Oils

I have joined with several other bloggers to help advertise for each other during this holiday shopping season. An experiment of sorts, thought of by the owner of neat-o-stuff. So, today the featured shop is - www.maryzoom.etsy.com
Please check her out! Sunday is going to be the feature day for Unique Garden, so be on the look out!

*The majority of this post has been deleted due to my impending book

ESSENTIAL OILS

-GINGER essential oil is a hot, spicy, and sweet fragrance. While not an irritant, in high concentrations it can be. It is also slightly phototoxic, so avoid use on the face and neck, and on babies and children. make sure that you use a low dilution rate, no more than 1%.



-GRAPEFRUIT has a citrusy, floral, and fruity scent. Grapefruit should not be used while pregnant. It is generally nonirritating, however some people are sensitive, so use with caution.


-HYSSOP essential oil is a sweet, yet camphoraceous scent, with warm adn spicy notes. This oil is moderately toxic due to the pinocamphone content and has caused a few reactions in some individuals, so use with caution. It should only be used in moderation. It should be avoided in pregnancy and by epileptics. It is also contraindicated in cases of high blood pressure.

-JASMINE has a very intense, rich, warm, floral scent with a tea-like undertone. ...... its use during pregnancy is not recommended. Although generally a non-irritant, some people have reported allergic reactions.



-JUNIPER has a fresh, clear, slightly woody scent. ..... be avoided during pregnancy and by people with kidney problems ......

The Essentials of Essential Oils

As previously discussed, herbs, flowers, spices, and shrubs and their essential oils have been used for centuries to treat various ailments. Used in the proper form, administered by a knowledgeable herbalist, maladies of all types have been relieved or even cured by essential oils. In deed, these oils are used to treat just about everything that modern day drugs do.

Of course, as with any drug, they can also be dangerous, therefore ingestion should only be attempted under the care of a knowledgeable professional. Before you begin using essential oils for any treatment you should make sure that you are purchasing from a reputable dealer, that their oils are of the highest quality, and that you are fully informed of any potential adverse interactions. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should only be used either diluted, or by the drop. Prior to use you should always perform a patch test. That is, use a very small amount of the oil on a small patch of skin and check fro irritation. If irritation occurs, thoroughly wash the area with soap and water . You can then try again with a more diluted version or simply not use at all. Some oils, mainly the citrus family and cassia (which is cinnamon bark) are to be used with the utmost of caution. While cinnamon bark is beneficial as a skin conditioner and an anti-inflammatory, it can also be very irritating to the skin. Therefore the amount used in any skin care recipe becomes very critical. An inexperienced bath and body creator may be inclined, which would be a huge mistake, of adding essential oils to scent, when they should be added for their benefit first and foremost! Whether adding for benefit or scent the creator must be cognizant of the essential oil to dilutant ratio. The safest recipes and most effective aromatherapy formulas are blended at a 2 1/2% concentration rate. This means that there will be 15 drops or less of essential oil per quart or liter of carrier oil. If you have seen the cost of some essential oils, this fact is actually a small plus!

While here, this may be a good time to mention that essential oils can be very pricey. You do not want to skimp and get the cheap one just because it is cheap. To illustrate my point take lavender for exampkle. Lavender comes in a mix called 40/42. It is a mixture of lavenders (Lavendula spp.), largely from Spain, that is steam distilled. One of the plusses for it is that is the least expensive lavender essential oil (eo) that you can buy. It is also the most floral smelling lavender, and the most consistantly lavender smelling one. Most people think of this scent when they think of lavender, because of this, it is often the lavender of choice for soaps, candles, perfumes and cosmetics. The issue, however, is that it is also the least therapeutic of lavender essential oils. So if you are looking for the therapeutic value found in lavender EO, you need to look for lavendula latifolia aka spike lavender, which is actually used in some pharmacutical applications, or lavendula angustifolia, aka Bulgarian lavender which is the prized lavender for perfumery. So, if you are making something that you just want to smell like lavender, buy all means use the 40/42. But, if you are counting on the therapeutic benefits to work, or marketing your products as theapeutic grade or aromatherapy quality, you will need to purchase the more expensive types. In this instance you will get what you pay for. By the same token, your favorite organic bath and body product maker may be using the 40/42 to save themselves money. In this instance you will be the one cheated out of the therapeutic benefits of lavender. If the bath and body maker is not knowledgeable, and sadly many are not, they will think they are saving money and making a sound business decision, when in fact, they are negating the main reason for their product. When you are in doubt, read their product descriptions and their company biography. Ask questions. Know what you are making and know what you are buying! At Unique Garden Essences, http://UniqueGardenEssences.com , I only use the highest queality, therapeutic grade, mostly food safe, essential oils. I believe in the healing powers of natural plants and once you experience them you will too!

While I certainly do not consider myself to be qualified to offer instruction on ingestion of oils, after many years of study, I can help you to navigate the what oil is for what path. There are many oils and some are more recognizable than others, but all can easily be found on line and from many health food stores. Additionally, many craft supply shops are now offering essential oils also. You should always start with a small bottle if you cannot sniff before you buy, so you won't be saddled with something that is not what you had in mind. You do need to understand though, that EO's are highly concentrated and that means they are stronger that you are use to. Also, if you are making a blend to treat a specific ailment, the scent is not what you should be focused on anyway. These next few posts will detail many of the EO's and what their uses and properties are. Remember that some properties can only be accessed by inhalation, some by dermal application, and some by ingestion. Of course some can also be accessed by multiple methods, this is just an overview for general knowledge.


*The majority of this post has been deleted due to my impending book

ESSENTIAL OILS

-Ajowan EO is from India and is a lot like thyme, with a herbacious, spicy scent.

-Allspice ... It is a powerful, spicy, sweet and warm fragrance. I.... Its use should be avoided during pregnancy.






-Amyris .... has a musty, warm, woodsy scent. 


-Angelica Root or Seed ..... It has a sharp, almost biting scent of green stems with peppery overtones. ....This is NOT to be used during pregnancy or by diabetics. Some materials I have read say that the seed oil users should avoid sun exposure, but not all sources noted this. Since I am not sure of the accuracy of this statement, I would error on the side of caution.



-Anniseed ... has a warm, sweet, spicy and licorice like scent. ..... acts as a narcotic and slows down circulation in large quantities, which can lead to cerebral disorers. It should NOT be used during pregnancy.