Showing posts with label unique garden. Show all posts
Showing posts with label unique garden. Show all posts
While I have posted on this topic before, it is quickly becoming that time of year again, so it bears repeating. If you have ever spent the night scratching away after you have been camping, out for a walk in the country, or even after petting you dog, you may know what I am getting at. The dreaded poison ivy (poison oak or poison sumac are very similar). You can also get a reaction to poison ivy if a log that had it growing on it (at one time) is burned in a fireplace or a bonfire. Don't ask me how I know this! Lol
But nature has given us the perfect antagonist for poison ivy. It is often called the "touch me not" impatient, botanically known as Impatiens Capensis, and commonly known as Jewel Weed. Jewel weed produces trumpet-shaped flowers, which bloom from early summer to fall. They are under an inch in length and have three petals. One of the petals curls, to form a long slipper, or sack shaped spur. They come in a variety of colors and like to grow near water or in shallow ponds. It's been said that jewel weed grows wherever Poison Ivy is found, but that isn't true. Poison ivy can grow well under most any condition (just like a pest, aye?), be it sunny or shady. However, jewel weed is a shade loving plant, that prefers valleys with rich soil and moist bottom lands. It may sprout in a sunny area, but it will not survive for long in the light.
There are many ways to utilize jewel weed, but drying it is not practical, as it has a very high moisture content. For this reason, the soaps, salves and sprays that are made from this herbal, are made from fresh or frozen jewel weed.
One of the simplest ways to benefit from this flower is simply to take the stem, slice it, and slather the juice onto skin that has come into contact with poison ivy. If you get it applied before a rash appears, it generally will prevent any from developing. If you already have a rash, it will help to ease the irritation. In fact, many people use the stem juice as a preventative treatment for poison ivy reactions, and it seems to work well.
You can also make jewel weed ointment. Simply simmer a small amount of jewel weed in a light vegetable oil (do not use olive oil) for 10-15 minutes. Use only a small handful of jewel weed stems per quart of oil, or bubbles of the juice will form in the ointment, and they will cause mold. When time is up, strain out the herb and add a handful of beeswax, to thicken it, and heat until it is melted. Take out a spoonful and allow it to cool, to test the thickness. Add either more oil or more beeswax until it is the consistency that you prefer. Once it is just right for you, remove from the heat and pierce 2 gel caps of vitamin E, and add the contents of one oil-soluble vitamin E capsule, pour into a jar, and allow it to completely cool (with the lid off).
Whatever you do, do NOT make alcoholic tinctures from Jewel weed. Some people have had very bad reactions when mixing and using jewel weed with alcohol.
But nature has given us the perfect antagonist for poison ivy. It is often called the "touch me not" impatient, botanically known as Impatiens Capensis, and commonly known as Jewel Weed. Jewel weed produces trumpet-shaped flowers, which bloom from early summer to fall. They are under an inch in length and have three petals. One of the petals curls, to form a long slipper, or sack shaped spur. They come in a variety of colors and like to grow near water or in shallow ponds. It's been said that jewel weed grows wherever Poison Ivy is found, but that isn't true. Poison ivy can grow well under most any condition (just like a pest, aye?), be it sunny or shady. However, jewel weed is a shade loving plant, that prefers valleys with rich soil and moist bottom lands. It may sprout in a sunny area, but it will not survive for long in the light.
There are many ways to utilize jewel weed, but drying it is not practical, as it has a very high moisture content. For this reason, the soaps, salves and sprays that are made from this herbal, are made from fresh or frozen jewel weed.
One of the simplest ways to benefit from this flower is simply to take the stem, slice it, and slather the juice onto skin that has come into contact with poison ivy. If you get it applied before a rash appears, it generally will prevent any from developing. If you already have a rash, it will help to ease the irritation. In fact, many people use the stem juice as a preventative treatment for poison ivy reactions, and it seems to work well.
When foraging, make sure that you are looking for the orange flowering jewel weed, not the yellow, as the yellow is less concentrated and will probably not offer you the relief you are looking for.
The fresh plant lasts about a week in a sealed container, in the refrigerator.
You can make an infusion by boiling the leaves of the plant, and can even freeze it for later use. Brew chopped jewel weed leaves in boiling water, until you get a dark orange liquid in your pot. Then strain the liquid, and pour it into ice cube trays. Then, when you have a skin rash, just grab out a cube and rub the affected area with your "jewel cube". It will keep in the freezer for up to one year, or you can preserve the infusion by canning it (in a pressure cooker).
You can make a tincture with witch hazel and the jewel weed juice or the infusion previously described. Preparing the tincture in witch hazel will help to prevent mold growth, if you want to keep some jewel juice unfrozen.
If you want to make soap with the jewel weed, either make an infusion to incorporate as your liquid, or you can just use the jewel ice in place of all or a portion of your liquid.
Whatever you do, do NOT make alcoholic tinctures from Jewel weed. Some people have had very bad reactions when mixing and using jewel weed with alcohol.
While most people use jewel weed to neutralize the poison Ivy's oily antigen, urushiol, it is also an effective remedy for poison oak, okra spines, stinging nettle, bug bites, heat rash, and other irritating plant reactions and other skin disorders. For more than a hundred years, a poultice made from this plant was frequently used to treat burns, cuts, sores, sprains, warts, eczema, and even ringworm. SO try it for the poison ivy and get back to nature's remedy!
Make it Yourself Monday-Bath Jelly
It is Monday again and time for you to make it yourself! This recipe makes for a fun bath time for your kids, grandchildren, or even you when you are in that childish mood! It is a bath jelly. If the phrase "slime" wasn't trademarked, it would describe this soap for sure! It is very easy and doesn't take much time either. Want to make it even more fun? Save some of the small play-dough containers and use those as containers for this soap!
You will need;
transparent melt and pour soap (you can get this at many craft stores or on line)
distilled water
knox gelatin
fragrance (either essential oils or fragrance oil)
colorant (either soap coloring or natural colorants)
Microwave or heat the distilled water to boiling. Pour the gelatin into a large bowl and then pour the boiling water over it. Stir it well, until it is all dissolved. Melt the melt and pour soap in the microwave. When it is melted, add in the fragrance or essential oil of your choice (be sure to only add the recommended amount for the weight of the soap you are using). Stir it gently, but thoroughly. Pour the mixture into individual containers and color each container a different color. Make sure to use only the recommended amount of colorant or you may end up with a green kid! When you are all finished, place the containers (without the lids) in the refrigerator until they are set. Once set, remove from the frige and cover with the lids.
You will need;
transparent melt and pour soap (you can get this at many craft stores or on line)
distilled water
knox gelatin
fragrance (either essential oils or fragrance oil)
colorant (either soap coloring or natural colorants)
Microwave or heat the distilled water to boiling. Pour the gelatin into a large bowl and then pour the boiling water over it. Stir it well, until it is all dissolved. Melt the melt and pour soap in the microwave. When it is melted, add in the fragrance or essential oil of your choice (be sure to only add the recommended amount for the weight of the soap you are using). Stir it gently, but thoroughly. Pour the mixture into individual containers and color each container a different color. Make sure to use only the recommended amount of colorant or you may end up with a green kid! When you are all finished, place the containers (without the lids) in the refrigerator until they are set. Once set, remove from the frige and cover with the lids.
Feelin' it Friday- More Under the Radar EO's-Ravensara
This Feelin' It Friday we are heading back into the "Under the Radar" Essential Oils. Today we are exploring the EO, Ravensara. While you may not have heard of this EO before, it is certainly one that is well worth clearing some shelf space for.
Ravensara EO is botanically known as Agathophyllum aromaticum and sometimes called Ravensara aromatica. While the seeds of this plant are known as Madagascar nutmeg, and are used in cooking and medicines, it is the leaves of the plant that are steam distilled to create the essential oil. It has a Slightly spicy, camphory, woody herbaceous fragrance, and is considered a middle note. It is
mainly produced in Madagascar, and has been used for years in medicines and treatments. It possesses analgesic, antibacterial, anti-infectious, antiseptic, antiviral, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, and stimulant properties. This essential oil is used in formulations to combat ailments such as; asthma, bronchitis, colds, congestion, cuts, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, flu, general tonic, muscular aches and pains, shingles and wounds.
This EO is said to be the best oil for combating any type of respiratory ailments, as well as cold and flu symptom relief, including the associated congestion. Additionally, due to its high estragole content, this EO is frequently used used in Calophyllum to ease the pain and inflammation of Shingles. Many use this EO to
formulate products to combat the pain of neuralgia too. And because this EO has strong antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, it also makes a great ingredient in hand santizers deodorants, and antiperspirants.
While this EO should be considered a great additive for many products, especially when formulating an inhalation blend, or an ointment to relieve congestion, you do need to mind the percentages, and be sure to perform a patch test. This EO may
cause skin irritation, and should not be used by expectant mothers. When creating products for children, especially topical products, you may wish to consider Ravintsara instead of Ravensara. It has similar properties, but is considered to be a gentler, less irritating, and therefore, a bit safer EO. It is not completely interchangeable though, so to effectively combat the pain and swelling of shingles, stick to the Ravensara!
Ravensara EO is botanically known as Agathophyllum aromaticum and sometimes called Ravensara aromatica. While the seeds of this plant are known as Madagascar nutmeg, and are used in cooking and medicines, it is the leaves of the plant that are steam distilled to create the essential oil. It has a Slightly spicy, camphory, woody herbaceous fragrance, and is considered a middle note. It is
mainly produced in Madagascar, and has been used for years in medicines and treatments. It possesses analgesic, antibacterial, anti-infectious, antiseptic, antiviral, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, and stimulant properties. This essential oil is used in formulations to combat ailments such as; asthma, bronchitis, colds, congestion, cuts, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, flu, general tonic, muscular aches and pains, shingles and wounds.
This EO is said to be the best oil for combating any type of respiratory ailments, as well as cold and flu symptom relief, including the associated congestion. Additionally, due to its high estragole content, this EO is frequently used used in Calophyllum to ease the pain and inflammation of Shingles. Many use this EO to
formulate products to combat the pain of neuralgia too. And because this EO has strong antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, it also makes a great ingredient in hand santizers deodorants, and antiperspirants.
While this EO should be considered a great additive for many products, especially when formulating an inhalation blend, or an ointment to relieve congestion, you do need to mind the percentages, and be sure to perform a patch test. This EO may
cause skin irritation, and should not be used by expectant mothers. When creating products for children, especially topical products, you may wish to consider Ravintsara instead of Ravensara. It has similar properties, but is considered to be a gentler, less irritating, and therefore, a bit safer EO. It is not completely interchangeable though, so to effectively combat the pain and swelling of shingles, stick to the Ravensara!
Teaching Tuesday- Safflower and Sunflower Oils
Today we are looking more in depth at Sunflower and Safflower Oils. They are both quite similar in many ways, and both are to be included in a healthy diet. They both can also be used for skin care and in many cosmetic formulations.
Sunflower Oil (Helianthus annuus) oil is extracted from the seeds of the sunflower. Healthy, natural sunflower oil is produced from oil type sunflower seeds. It is light in taste and appearance, and it supplies more Vitamin E than any other vegetable oil. It is a combination of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats with low saturated fat levels. It is made up of predominately linoleic acid (48-74%), monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid oleic acid (14-40%), palmitic acid (4-9%) and stearic acid (1-7%). There are three versions of sunflower produced, NuSun, linoleic, and high oleic sunflower oil. The variations in the unsaturated fatty acid profile are factors of both the growing climate and of the genetics of the plant itself. But all sunflower oil has high vitamin E content, though.
High Oleic Sunflower Oil is great for your health. A diet that is rich in high-oleic-acid sunflower oil positively impacts cholesterol, triglycerides, and even factor VII coagulant activity. So you should substitute foods rich in saturated fat with foods that are rich in high-oleic-acid sunflower oil and margarine. This oil also is great for diets that are aimed at the prevention of heart disease. The versatility of this healthy oil is recognized by cooks internationally. Sunflower oil is valued for its light taste, its frying performance, and its health benefits. It has a very neutral taste, and provides excellent stability without hydrogenation. The high oleic sunflower oil offers a trans free oil solution for all the health conscious. It is appropriate for many applications, including baking, spray coating oils for cereal, crackers and dried fruit. It is also used in non-dairy creamers and many types of frying, as well as other uses. Since the patent on high oleic sunflower seed and oil has expired, more companies are now getting involved in producing and selling this version of the oil.
While Sunflower oil is used primarily in the food industry, it does have applications in the cosmetic industry as well. One of its best attributes is that it helps form a seal on the skin that retains moisture while allowing the skin to breath. An interesting study found that when sunflower oil was used as a treatment for low birth weight pre-term infants, the infection rates were lowered by 41%. The theory being, that pre-mature babies have underdeveloped skin, which leaves them more susceptible to infections, and that the sunflower oil created a much needed barrier on the skin.
Many of the characteristics noted for sunflower oil also apply to safflower oil. Safflower is another species of the Asteraceae, the sunflower family. Like sunflower oil, safflower oil is polyunsaturated, therefore it is also useful in lessening the threat of arteriosclerosis. Safflower is also an annual crop. It is native to the Old World, and the genus occurs naturally in the Mediterranean region, northeastern Africa, and southwestern Asia to India. There are positively identified archaeological records of safflower from 4000-year-old Egyptian tombs, including a find of single safflower flowers wrapped in willow leaves, that were placed with a mummy from the 18th Dynasty (ca. 1600 B.C.).
The flowers of the Safflower, Carthamus tinctorius, are pale yellow to red-orange, tubular disk florets. Since ancient times, orange pigments have been obtained from safflower. In fact, the name safflower may be derived from another plant, saffron, which was a precious, and very expensive, yellowish dye that was obtained from the stigmas of freshly opened flowers. The name Carthamus is the latinized form of the Arabic word, quartum or gurtum, which refers to the pigment color. Dyes were produced from fresh flowers, which were collected and dried.
Safflower Oil (Carthamus tinctorius) comes from the seeds of an herbaceous thistle like annual flower. It is a polyunsaturated oil that is similar to sunflower oil in both nutrient values and shelf life. Safflower and Sunflower oils are both relatively unstable when exposed to high heat, light or oxygen. And both are good to use in low or no heat formulas. Safflower oil contains the monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid oleic acid (78.9%), unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid linoleic (11%), palmitic acid (6.2%) and linolenic (.02%). It is a drying oil that is used in white, and light-colored. oil-based paints instead of linseed oil. It does not yellow with age like linseed oil and other similar oils. And safflower was used as a substitute for more precious oils. Likewise, safflower pigment was used as a substitute for, or an adulterant of saffron for many things, such as the coloring agent in cheeses. Safflower was particularly important as an oil and pigment in southern Asia, Iran, Afghanistan, and India, where early carpets (from these regions) used safflower dye. When it arrived in China, around 200-300 A.D. the dyes became important there as well. Safflower oil was considered inferior to sesame oil in China, but nonetheless it was, and is, mixed with sesame and cottonseed oil, in the preparation of Japanese tempura. Also, the Japanese cosmetic, beni, is made from safflower. Even French chalk was mixed with safflower in order to make a cosmetic. To this day, saffron rice is made with safflower in India and Afghanistan, and that is what gives it the interesting orange color. Moreover, for centuries safflower has been used commonly in potions and folk medicines throughout the Old World.
Safflower cultivation is now widespread, and you can see many Safflower fields across the dry areas of the southwestern United States, because safflower is fairly drought resistant and salt tolerant. Each plant forms one to two dozen heads of flowers, which are quickly converted into full heads of fruits, because the flowers are self-compatible and self-pollinated. The presence of honey bees can also increase the production. The oil content of the achenes is frequently 30-45%, and the protein content can be as high as 24%. After the oil is expressed, the safflower seedcake can, and is often used for livestock feed. Then the remaining plant, if it's not too spiny, can be used for green fodder or silage. Making this a completely useful plant.
The Safflower oil is a light, odorless oil, and it works well for many cosmetic applications. Just like sunflower oil, safflower oil has a high vitamin E content as well, though not as high as the sunflower. Safflower oil is especially great for massage, either by itself, or when blended with other oils. And, because of its high burn point, it can also be used for stone massages. It makes a wonderful carrier oil for essential oils, and if you use the high oleic safflower oil, you will get a longer shelf life. Just as sunflower oil, safflower oil acts as a protective barrier on the skin, while softening and relieving dryness. It is a wonderful oil to include in cosmetic preparations, as well as in your diet.
Sunflower Oil (Helianthus annuus) oil is extracted from the seeds of the sunflower. Healthy, natural sunflower oil is produced from oil type sunflower seeds. It is light in taste and appearance, and it supplies more Vitamin E than any other vegetable oil. It is a combination of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats with low saturated fat levels. It is made up of predominately linoleic acid (48-74%), monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid oleic acid (14-40%), palmitic acid (4-9%) and stearic acid (1-7%). There are three versions of sunflower produced, NuSun, linoleic, and high oleic sunflower oil. The variations in the unsaturated fatty acid profile are factors of both the growing climate and of the genetics of the plant itself. But all sunflower oil has high vitamin E content, though.
High Oleic Sunflower Oil is great for your health. A diet that is rich in high-oleic-acid sunflower oil positively impacts cholesterol, triglycerides, and even factor VII coagulant activity. So you should substitute foods rich in saturated fat with foods that are rich in high-oleic-acid sunflower oil and margarine. This oil also is great for diets that are aimed at the prevention of heart disease. The versatility of this healthy oil is recognized by cooks internationally. Sunflower oil is valued for its light taste, its frying performance, and its health benefits. It has a very neutral taste, and provides excellent stability without hydrogenation. The high oleic sunflower oil offers a trans free oil solution for all the health conscious. It is appropriate for many applications, including baking, spray coating oils for cereal, crackers and dried fruit. It is also used in non-dairy creamers and many types of frying, as well as other uses. Since the patent on high oleic sunflower seed and oil has expired, more companies are now getting involved in producing and selling this version of the oil.
While Sunflower oil is used primarily in the food industry, it does have applications in the cosmetic industry as well. One of its best attributes is that it helps form a seal on the skin that retains moisture while allowing the skin to breath. An interesting study found that when sunflower oil was used as a treatment for low birth weight pre-term infants, the infection rates were lowered by 41%. The theory being, that pre-mature babies have underdeveloped skin, which leaves them more susceptible to infections, and that the sunflower oil created a much needed barrier on the skin.
Many of the characteristics noted for sunflower oil also apply to safflower oil. Safflower is another species of the Asteraceae, the sunflower family. Like sunflower oil, safflower oil is polyunsaturated, therefore it is also useful in lessening the threat of arteriosclerosis. Safflower is also an annual crop. It is native to the Old World, and the genus occurs naturally in the Mediterranean region, northeastern Africa, and southwestern Asia to India. There are positively identified archaeological records of safflower from 4000-year-old Egyptian tombs, including a find of single safflower flowers wrapped in willow leaves, that were placed with a mummy from the 18th Dynasty (ca. 1600 B.C.).
The flowers of the Safflower, Carthamus tinctorius, are pale yellow to red-orange, tubular disk florets. Since ancient times, orange pigments have been obtained from safflower. In fact, the name safflower may be derived from another plant, saffron, which was a precious, and very expensive, yellowish dye that was obtained from the stigmas of freshly opened flowers. The name Carthamus is the latinized form of the Arabic word, quartum or gurtum, which refers to the pigment color. Dyes were produced from fresh flowers, which were collected and dried.
Safflower Oil (Carthamus tinctorius) comes from the seeds of an herbaceous thistle like annual flower. It is a polyunsaturated oil that is similar to sunflower oil in both nutrient values and shelf life. Safflower and Sunflower oils are both relatively unstable when exposed to high heat, light or oxygen. And both are good to use in low or no heat formulas. Safflower oil contains the monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid oleic acid (78.9%), unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid linoleic (11%), palmitic acid (6.2%) and linolenic (.02%). It is a drying oil that is used in white, and light-colored. oil-based paints instead of linseed oil. It does not yellow with age like linseed oil and other similar oils. And safflower was used as a substitute for more precious oils. Likewise, safflower pigment was used as a substitute for, or an adulterant of saffron for many things, such as the coloring agent in cheeses. Safflower was particularly important as an oil and pigment in southern Asia, Iran, Afghanistan, and India, where early carpets (from these regions) used safflower dye. When it arrived in China, around 200-300 A.D. the dyes became important there as well. Safflower oil was considered inferior to sesame oil in China, but nonetheless it was, and is, mixed with sesame and cottonseed oil, in the preparation of Japanese tempura. Also, the Japanese cosmetic, beni, is made from safflower. Even French chalk was mixed with safflower in order to make a cosmetic. To this day, saffron rice is made with safflower in India and Afghanistan, and that is what gives it the interesting orange color. Moreover, for centuries safflower has been used commonly in potions and folk medicines throughout the Old World.
Safflower cultivation is now widespread, and you can see many Safflower fields across the dry areas of the southwestern United States, because safflower is fairly drought resistant and salt tolerant. Each plant forms one to two dozen heads of flowers, which are quickly converted into full heads of fruits, because the flowers are self-compatible and self-pollinated. The presence of honey bees can also increase the production. The oil content of the achenes is frequently 30-45%, and the protein content can be as high as 24%. After the oil is expressed, the safflower seedcake can, and is often used for livestock feed. Then the remaining plant, if it's not too spiny, can be used for green fodder or silage. Making this a completely useful plant.
The Safflower oil is a light, odorless oil, and it works well for many cosmetic applications. Just like sunflower oil, safflower oil has a high vitamin E content as well, though not as high as the sunflower. Safflower oil is especially great for massage, either by itself, or when blended with other oils. And, because of its high burn point, it can also be used for stone massages. It makes a wonderful carrier oil for essential oils, and if you use the high oleic safflower oil, you will get a longer shelf life. Just as sunflower oil, safflower oil acts as a protective barrier on the skin, while softening and relieving dryness. It is a wonderful oil to include in cosmetic preparations, as well as in your diet.
Make it Yourself Monday- Body Butter
Sorry for the delay in posting, for some reason the timer deal is not working again. Anyway, it's still Monday, so here we go! This recipe is for a type of balm, a body butter, or heel and elbow cream if you will. While this is not the recipe I use, should you decide to purchase instead of making it yourself, this is a great version of heel and elbow cream, and one I occasionally make for friends and family. If you are Vegan you will not want to use this recipe (but you can still buy the one in my shop) because it utilizes lanolin. Lanolin comes from sheep (they are not harmed in its gathering) and is what protects and water proofs them. So it makes sense that it is good for our skin too. If you have seriously dry and/or cracked heels, apply generous amounts to your feet before bed, and cover with some footies or socks. Then just go to bed and let it do its thing. By morning you will see a huge difference!
Of course this butter is good for your skin everywhere, so use it on any dry or cracked area, or just use it for regular maintenance and skin softening. And feel free to use your favorite essential oil or EO blend.
You will need;
4oz Lanolin
2 oz Shea Butter
1 1/4 oz Avocado Oil
3 caps Vitamin E
1 1/2 oz Glycerin
Put the lanolin and the shea butter into a microwave safe container, and heat it, using short time bursts, until it is melted. You want to melt it without boiling it, so set it for 45 seconds or so, stir, and repeat until it is all melted. Generally this takes about 2 minutes. Once melted, stir in the remaining ingredients. Leave the Vitamin E for last. Puncture 3 gel tabs and put the oil into your mixture. Stir well then pour into a tin or jar. Once it sets up completely (after it is completely cooled), try it out. If you like yours to be more stiff/hard, you can add in some cocoa butter. Start out by adding 1 oz to this recipe and test from there until it is to your liking. If you like yours thinner, add some more oil. You can also exchange the avocado oil for an oil of your choosing. I prefer to use the avocado oil or some hemp, or olive oil for their skin-loving properties, but really it is a matter of personal preference.
Also, according to personal preference, you may add an EO or an EO blend. I am very partial to lavender for its calming, centering and relaxing qualities, especially since I like to apply my butter at night. Of course this is great to use any time of day and with any skin safe EO or EO blend. SO have fun experimenting! Just make sure that you don't use over 1/2 oz of EO, and with some, you may even need less. Always error on the side of too little, rather than too much. And if it is a new EO to you, use the patch test before applying to a large area of skin.
Of course this butter is good for your skin everywhere, so use it on any dry or cracked area, or just use it for regular maintenance and skin softening. And feel free to use your favorite essential oil or EO blend.
You will need;
4oz Lanolin
2 oz Shea Butter
1 1/4 oz Avocado Oil
3 caps Vitamin E
1 1/2 oz Glycerin
Put the lanolin and the shea butter into a microwave safe container, and heat it, using short time bursts, until it is melted. You want to melt it without boiling it, so set it for 45 seconds or so, stir, and repeat until it is all melted. Generally this takes about 2 minutes. Once melted, stir in the remaining ingredients. Leave the Vitamin E for last. Puncture 3 gel tabs and put the oil into your mixture. Stir well then pour into a tin or jar. Once it sets up completely (after it is completely cooled), try it out. If you like yours to be more stiff/hard, you can add in some cocoa butter. Start out by adding 1 oz to this recipe and test from there until it is to your liking. If you like yours thinner, add some more oil. You can also exchange the avocado oil for an oil of your choosing. I prefer to use the avocado oil or some hemp, or olive oil for their skin-loving properties, but really it is a matter of personal preference.
Also, according to personal preference, you may add an EO or an EO blend. I am very partial to lavender for its calming, centering and relaxing qualities, especially since I like to apply my butter at night. Of course this is great to use any time of day and with any skin safe EO or EO blend. SO have fun experimenting! Just make sure that you don't use over 1/2 oz of EO, and with some, you may even need less. Always error on the side of too little, rather than too much. And if it is a new EO to you, use the patch test before applying to a large area of skin.
Franley Speaking Friday- It's all about Womanly Issues
Both blessed and cursed, women must deal with hormonal issues all throughout their lives. Many experience moodiness and may even have pain during their monthly cycle. From swelling and bloating to cramping and crying, woman suffer as their hormones fluctuate. Then, right when endure must cope with the uncomfortable cycle of life. Those they are rejoicing about no more monthly menses, the hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings kick into full swing. BTW, are you catching a commonality here? Menstration, Men opause, lol. Anyway, many women just suffer in silence....well maybe not so much silence, if you ask their family, but they endure without medical intervention. Others seek medical consultation, but find no answers from the (male) doctors. Just the other day in a chat room for a game I play, I noticed that several women were discussing the woes of menopause, and how they have been unable to get any relief. In fact, a several said that they had approached a physician and "he" heard their age and told them that there was nothing to do but suffer. Well I don't agree with that at all! There is, of course, hormone replacement therapy. Of course this is not appropriate for everyone and must be prescribed. Then there are some alternative treatments. One relatively new product is called "progesta care". This comes in a cream and a spray, is supposedly "natural", and is to work like a prescription hormone without the negative effects. One of the woman in the discussion I mentioned suggested it, and stated that it works for her. I am not sure how I feel about it yet, but I have begun some research on it. I can tell you that this company was cited in the past for making medical claims and also was advised that one of their ingredients was soon to be considered a controlled substance. They have since removed that ingredient, however they have gone back to the same terminology that got them cited where the claims are concerned. At any rate, I am having a difficult time finding research to back up their claims, but since one woman swears by it, I am going to keep digging.
Of course there are also several essential oils that have properties to soothe many physical and mood issues. I know it's not a Monday, but here are some recipes that may come in handy for you!
Premenstrual Mist Spray
35 drops Indian Sandalwood EO
35 drops Ylang Ylan EO
35 drops Lime EO
35 drops Bergamot EO
30 drops Palmarosa EO
30 drops (French) Lavender EO
120 ml Orange Hydrosol
Mix the essential oils into the orange hydrosol (flower water). Place in a spray bottle, shake well and spray into the air. If you cannot get the orange flower water, you may add 15 drops of orange EO to 120 ml of distilled water and use this instead. This mist is intended to remedy your mood and make PMS symptoms more bearable.
35 drops Ylang Ylan EO
35 drops Lime EO
35 drops Bergamot EO
30 drops Palmarosa EO
30 drops (French) Lavender EO
120 ml Orange Hydrosol
Mix the essential oils into the orange hydrosol (flower water). Place in a spray bottle, shake well and spray into the air. If you cannot get the orange flower water, you may add 15 drops of orange EO to 120 ml of distilled water and use this instead. This mist is intended to remedy your mood and make PMS symptoms more bearable.
Massage Oil for Premenstrual Symptoms
7 drops Bergamot EO
20 drops Indian Sandalwood EO
8 drops Ylang Ylang EO
5 drops Geranium Bourbon EO
10 drops Neroli EO
30 ml Sweet Almond Oil
Blend the essential oils with the carrier oil. Mix well, then use to massage into the lower back. Use a firm, circular motion for best results. This massage remedy is meant to help alleviate PMS ailments.
20 drops Indian Sandalwood EO
8 drops Ylang Ylang EO
5 drops Geranium Bourbon EO
10 drops Neroli EO
30 ml Sweet Almond Oil
Blend the essential oils with the carrier oil. Mix well, then use to massage into the lower back. Use a firm, circular motion for best results. This massage remedy is meant to help alleviate PMS ailments.
Moody Blues and PMS
3 drops Petitgrain EO
3 drops (Red) Mandarin EO
2 drops Geranium EO
2 drops (Bulgarian) Lavender
10 drops Apricot Kernel Oil (you may use Sweet Almond Oil instead if you wish)
Blend the essential oils into the carrier oil. Mix well. Massage this ointment into the neck and the shoulders, or the full body. You may also delete the Apricot KernalOil from the recipe and then use the remaining ingredients as a bath blitzer, in a vaporizer or in an oil burner to help uplift your spirits and reduce or alleviatethe symptoms of PMS.
3 drops (Red) Mandarin EO
2 drops Geranium EO
2 drops (Bulgarian) Lavender
10 drops Apricot Kernel Oil (you may use Sweet Almond Oil instead if you wish)
Blend the essential oils into the carrier oil. Mix well. Massage this ointment into the neck and the shoulders, or the full body. You may also delete the Apricot KernalOil from the recipe and then use the remaining ingredients as a bath blitzer, in a vaporizer or in an oil burner to help uplift your spirits and reduce or alleviatethe symptoms of PMS.
Uplifting and Refreshing for Menopause
1 drop Jasmine EO
2 drops Clary Sage EO
1 drop Rose Morocco Absolute
1 drop Ylang Ylang EO
2 drops Clary Sage EO
1 drop Rose Morocco Absolute
1 drop Ylang Ylang EO
This mixture will uplift spirits and refresh you, and is especially beneficial for those going through menopause. This mixture is best utilized in an Aromatherapy lamp, an electric diffuser, an oil burner or a light bulb ring. You can also just add a few drops of the oil mixture to boiling water, stand close and breathe in. This is a quick and easy way to diffuse throughout a room, and basically get a steam inhalation in the process.
Jittery Legs, Cramps & Spasms
6 drops (French) Lavender EO
2 drops Black Pepper EO
6 drops Margoram EO
2 drops Black Pepper EO
6 drops Margoram EO
25ml Sweet Almond Oil
Mix all the ingredients together, then gently massage into the whole leg twice daily.
Mix all the ingredients together, then gently massage into the whole leg twice daily.
Menstrual Cramps Aromatherapy Blend
10 drops Cypress EO
15 drops Peppermint EO
5 drops (French) Lavender EO
1 ounce Apricot Kernel Oil
Mix the oils together and place in a dark-colored glass container. Store out of the sunlight. Use a small amount of this mixture to gently message into the abdominal area. You may eliminate the carrier oil and use the essential oils for a bath blitzer or in a diffuser for aromatherapy.
15 drops Peppermint EO
5 drops (French) Lavender EO
1 ounce Apricot Kernel Oil
Mix the oils together and place in a dark-colored glass container. Store out of the sunlight. Use a small amount of this mixture to gently message into the abdominal area. You may eliminate the carrier oil and use the essential oils for a bath blitzer or in a diffuser for aromatherapy.
Hormone Balancer Aromatherapy
2 drops Sage EO
1 drop Sweet Fennel EO
1 drop Myrtle EO
1 drop Peppermint EO- use the triple distilled
1 drop Clary Sage EO
2 drops (Russian) Lavender EO
2 oz Sweet Almond (carrier) Oil
1 drop Sweet Fennel EO
1 drop Myrtle EO
1 drop Peppermint EO- use the triple distilled
1 drop Clary Sage EO
2 drops (Russian) Lavender EO
2 oz Sweet Almond (carrier) Oil
Mix all the oils together and place in a dark-colored, glass bottle. Store out of sunlight. Use a small amount to gently massage into the abdominal area for relief of symptoms.
This mixture is intended to balance male energy and prostate function for men, balance female energy andalleviate hot flashes for women.
This mixture is intended to balance male energy and prostate function for men, balance female energy andalleviate hot flashes for women.
Make it Yourself Monday-Food Recipes
I belong to a gaming site with a forum and recently someone asked people to share their favorite recipes. Here are a few that I thought I would like to try. If you have made one of these, or if you try one out, please let us know what you think about it!
Southwestern Sausage Pasta
You will need;
1 pound sausage
1 Box pasta (elbow, rotinin, bowtie)
1 large jar queso salsa
1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can whole kernel fiesta corn
1 package shredded mexican cheese blend
Prepare the pasta according to the package directions. Drain. Meanwhile cook sausage until done. Mix pasta, sausage, queso salsa, beans, tomatoes and corn together. Place into a oven proof baking dish. Top with shredded cheese and bake in 350 degree oven until cheese is melted.
*************************************
Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
Dash of salt
... 1 to 1 1/2 cups shelled peanuts
1 Tablespoon margarine or butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
Makes about a pound
1. Grease baking sheet heavily. Combine sugar,
corn syrup and salt in 3-quart (microwave dish).
Stir in peanuts. Microwave at HIGH (100%) until
light brown, 8-10 minutes, stirring once or twice.
2.Stir in remaining ingredients until light and foamy.
Quickly spread on grease baking sheet. Spread as thin
as possible for brittle candy. Cool, then break into pieces.
*************************************
Bread Pudding
Ingredients:
2 cups whole milk (or 2 cups half & half)
1/4 cup butter
2/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on taste preference)
3 eggs
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups bread, torn into small pieces (french bread works best)
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Directions:
1. In medium saucepan, over medium heat, heat milk (or half & half) just until film forms over top. Combine butter and milk, stirring until butter is melted. Cool to lukewarm.
2. Combine sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed for 1 minute. Slowly add milk mixture.
3. Place bread in a lightly greased 1 1/2 quart casserole.
4. Sprinkle with raisins if desired. Pour batter on top of bread.
5. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 to 50 minutes or until set. Serve warm.
If you make the sauce to put on top of your bread pudding, adjust the brown sugar in the bread pudding recipe. Reduce the amount in the recipe to 1/3 cups dark or light brown sugar (the sauce has the other 1/3 cup in it, in the form of white or light brown sugar).
Bread Pudding Sauce
Ingredients:
1 cup whole milk
2 Tablespoons butter
1/3 cup granulated white sugar (light brown sugar can be substituted)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 Tablespoon flour
dash of salt
Directions:
Mix everything together and bring to a boil for 3 - 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Set aside for 5 minutes, then pour on warm bread pudding.
*****************************************
Crock Pot Baked Beans
2 large cans baked beans
1 lb bacon cooked and broken into pieces
1 bell pepper chopped
1 onion chopped
2 c ketchup (I use Heinz, I've been told it makes a difference)
2 T mustard
1/4 c worchestire sauce
1 c brown sugar
Add all to crock pot, saving half the bacon for later. Just before serving, add the remaining bacon. I always get asked for this recipe.
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Delicious Ham and Potato Soup
You will need;
3 1/2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
1/3 cup diced celery
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
3/4 cup diced cooked ham
3 1/4 cups water
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon ground white or black pepper, or to taste
5 tablespoons butter
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
Directions
Combine the potatoes, celery, onion, ham and water in a stockpot. Bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the chicken bouillon, salt and pepper.
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour with a fork, and cook, stirring constantly until thick, about 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk as not to allow lumps to form until all of the milk has been added. Continue stirring over medium-low heat until thick, 4 to 5 minutes.
Stir the milk mixture into the stockpot, and cook soup until heated through. Serve immediately.
***************************************
Ingredients (serves 10)
60g (1/3 cup) blanched almonds, toasted
Melted butter, to grease
55g (1/3 cup) dry-roasted hazelnuts
40g (1/4 cup) walnut crumbs
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 x 250g pkts cream cheese, at room temperature
300g ctn sour cream
155g (3/4 cup) caster sugar
3 eggs, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla essence
10 sheets filo pastry
110g butter, melted honey syrup
100g (1/2 cup) caster sugar
160ml (2/3 cup) water
125ml (1/2 cup) honey
1 cinnamon stick
Method
Preheat oven to 180°C. Bake almonds on a baking tray for 5-8 minutes or until toasted.
Meanwhile, to make the honey syrup, stir the sugar, water, honey and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer. Cook, without stirring, for 15 minutes or until syrup thickens slightly. Discard cinnamon. Set aside to cool.
Reduce oven temperature to 160°C. Release the base from a 22cm (base measurement) springform pan and invert. Brush with melted butter. Line the base with non-stick baking paper, allowing the edge to overhang. Secure the base back into the pan.
Process the almonds and hazelnuts in a food processor until finely chopped. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the walnut and cinnamon. Add 60ml (1/4 cup) honey syrup to the nut mixture and stir to combine.
Process cream cheese, sour cream and sugar in the clean bowl of a food processor until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, and process until combined.
Place the filo dough onto a clean work surface. Cover it with a dry [tea] towel, then a damp [tea] towel. Brush 1 filo sheet with some melted butter. Fold in half crossways. Place in the pan, allowing it to overhang slightly. Repeat with the remaining filo and melted butter, turning and overlapping each sheet slightly to line the pan completely.
Pour half the cream cheese mixture over filo. Top with half the nut mixture. Repeat with the remaining cream cheese mixture and nut mixture (see note). Fold the overhanging filo over the filling to partially enclose (see note). Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes or until just set in centre. Turn oven off. Leave cheesecake in oven, with door slightly ajar, until cooled completely. Place in the fridge for 6 hours to chill. Drizzle over remaining syrup to serve.
Southwestern Sausage Pasta
You will need;
1 pound sausage
1 Box pasta (elbow, rotinin, bowtie)
1 large jar queso salsa
1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can whole kernel fiesta corn
1 package shredded mexican cheese blend
Prepare the pasta according to the package directions. Drain. Meanwhile cook sausage until done. Mix pasta, sausage, queso salsa, beans, tomatoes and corn together. Place into a oven proof baking dish. Top with shredded cheese and bake in 350 degree oven until cheese is melted.
*************************************
Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
Dash of salt
... 1 to 1 1/2 cups shelled peanuts
1 Tablespoon margarine or butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
Makes about a pound
1. Grease baking sheet heavily. Combine sugar,
corn syrup and salt in 3-quart (microwave dish).
Stir in peanuts. Microwave at HIGH (100%) until
light brown, 8-10 minutes, stirring once or twice.
2.Stir in remaining ingredients until light and foamy.
Quickly spread on grease baking sheet. Spread as thin
as possible for brittle candy. Cool, then break into pieces.
*************************************
Bread Pudding
Ingredients:
2 cups whole milk (or 2 cups half & half)
1/4 cup butter
2/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on taste preference)
3 eggs
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups bread, torn into small pieces (french bread works best)
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Directions:
1. In medium saucepan, over medium heat, heat milk (or half & half) just until film forms over top. Combine butter and milk, stirring until butter is melted. Cool to lukewarm.
2. Combine sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed for 1 minute. Slowly add milk mixture.
3. Place bread in a lightly greased 1 1/2 quart casserole.
4. Sprinkle with raisins if desired. Pour batter on top of bread.
5. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 to 50 minutes or until set. Serve warm.
If you make the sauce to put on top of your bread pudding, adjust the brown sugar in the bread pudding recipe. Reduce the amount in the recipe to 1/3 cups dark or light brown sugar (the sauce has the other 1/3 cup in it, in the form of white or light brown sugar).
Bread Pudding Sauce
Ingredients:
1 cup whole milk
2 Tablespoons butter
1/3 cup granulated white sugar (light brown sugar can be substituted)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 Tablespoon flour
dash of salt
Directions:
Mix everything together and bring to a boil for 3 - 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Set aside for 5 minutes, then pour on warm bread pudding.
*****************************************
Crock Pot Baked Beans
2 large cans baked beans
1 lb bacon cooked and broken into pieces
1 bell pepper chopped
1 onion chopped
2 c ketchup (I use Heinz, I've been told it makes a difference)
2 T mustard
1/4 c worchestire sauce
1 c brown sugar
Add all to crock pot, saving half the bacon for later. Just before serving, add the remaining bacon. I always get asked for this recipe.
*************************************
Delicious Ham and Potato Soup
You will need;
3 1/2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
1/3 cup diced celery
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
3/4 cup diced cooked ham
3 1/4 cups water
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon ground white or black pepper, or to taste
5 tablespoons butter
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
Directions
Combine the potatoes, celery, onion, ham and water in a stockpot. Bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the chicken bouillon, salt and pepper.
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour with a fork, and cook, stirring constantly until thick, about 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk as not to allow lumps to form until all of the milk has been added. Continue stirring over medium-low heat until thick, 4 to 5 minutes.
Stir the milk mixture into the stockpot, and cook soup until heated through. Serve immediately.
***************************************
Ingredients (serves 10)
60g (1/3 cup) blanched almonds, toasted
Melted butter, to grease
55g (1/3 cup) dry-roasted hazelnuts
40g (1/4 cup) walnut crumbs
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 x 250g pkts cream cheese, at room temperature
300g ctn sour cream
155g (3/4 cup) caster sugar
3 eggs, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla essence
10 sheets filo pastry
110g butter, melted honey syrup
100g (1/2 cup) caster sugar
160ml (2/3 cup) water
125ml (1/2 cup) honey
1 cinnamon stick
Method
Preheat oven to 180°C. Bake almonds on a baking tray for 5-8 minutes or until toasted.
Meanwhile, to make the honey syrup, stir the sugar, water, honey and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer. Cook, without stirring, for 15 minutes or until syrup thickens slightly. Discard cinnamon. Set aside to cool.
Reduce oven temperature to 160°C. Release the base from a 22cm (base measurement) springform pan and invert. Brush with melted butter. Line the base with non-stick baking paper, allowing the edge to overhang. Secure the base back into the pan.
Process the almonds and hazelnuts in a food processor until finely chopped. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the walnut and cinnamon. Add 60ml (1/4 cup) honey syrup to the nut mixture and stir to combine.
Process cream cheese, sour cream and sugar in the clean bowl of a food processor until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, and process until combined.
Place the filo dough onto a clean work surface. Cover it with a dry [tea] towel, then a damp [tea] towel. Brush 1 filo sheet with some melted butter. Fold in half crossways. Place in the pan, allowing it to overhang slightly. Repeat with the remaining filo and melted butter, turning and overlapping each sheet slightly to line the pan completely.
Pour half the cream cheese mixture over filo. Top with half the nut mixture. Repeat with the remaining cream cheese mixture and nut mixture (see note). Fold the overhanging filo over the filling to partially enclose (see note). Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes or until just set in centre. Turn oven off. Leave cheesecake in oven, with door slightly ajar, until cooled completely. Place in the fridge for 6 hours to chill. Drizzle over remaining syrup to serve.
Free Friday! Contest @ Mountain Rose Herbs
As I wrote the other day, Mountain Rose Herbs has posted another great give-away. This week it is all the ingredients needed for their Home Cleaning recipes. Such a wonderful list of items, I am *almost* happy that I didn't win this past weeks give away, for the Hemp Cacao Milk! Now, of coarse this means that I absolutely NEED to win this week! Lol Want to see why I am soooo excited? Check it out for yourself! Not only will you find all the great ingredients up for the winning, but you will find a plethora of recipes for home cleaning solutions, ones that you can easily whip up at home. Not only will you save yourself money by making these cleaners at home, but more importantly, you will know what ingredients are in them and they will be less toxic than the chemical alternatives at the big box store!
And, just in case you want some more recipes, take a peek at these older posts of mine! Between these and the ones on MRH's site, surely your household will pass the white glove test!
Have a great weekend and don't forget to come back on Monday for a new installment of Make it Yourself Monday!
And, just in case you want some more recipes, take a peek at these older posts of mine! Between these and the ones on MRH's site, surely your household will pass the white glove test!
Have a great weekend and don't forget to come back on Monday for a new installment of Make it Yourself Monday!
Wednesday's Installment of Teaching Tuesday- Pain
There are two types of pain, or more accuratyely, two ways that pain is categorized and described. There is Acute Pain and Chronic Pain.
Acute pain is usually a result of inflammation and/or injury, and usually is a soft tissue injury. This pain is immediate and has a short duration. Acute pain is a normal response to injury and some disease processes, and its cause can usually be diagnosed and treated without too much difficulty. A sprained ankle, a stubbed toe, a pulled muscle, and the like are all examples of instances where acute pain would be expected.
Chronic pain, on the other hand, is a continuous pain. It is persistent, usually lasting for more than 3 months, which is well beyond the time of normal healing. It can range from mild to severe, and can last from months to years, or even a lifetime. The cause of chronic pain is not always evident, yet it can be a result of a disease process. Often the treatment plan takes a long while to determine and sometimes it is inadequate, in the sufferer's estimation if not the physicians'. For this reason, as much as the cause of the pain, chronic pain can have a devastating impact on people’s lives. Many people with back injuries, arthritis, and various disease processes suffer from chronic pain.
Why are we discussing pain types? Well, just like you need to know what Essential Oil (EO) to sniff when you are using aromatherapy, you need to know what type of pain you have, in order to whip up or purchase a balm or massage oil with an Essential Oil blend meant to relieve your pain.
Several EO's have analgesic qualities and several have anti-inflammatory properties, but only a few possess both of these qualities. Some EO's are good for soft tissue pain, while others are better for joint pain. It is important to know what the EO's in your blend are meant for and what the source of your pain is, so that you can get the greatest bang for your buck and the most relief possible. It is also important to know what other oils, called carrier oils, are used in your product and why. Some oils are more readily absorbed by the skin, therefore they will help to deliver the EO's deeper into the skin, faster, and more adequately than others. Emu oil is one such oil, aside from helping the skin's tissue to heal, it helps to draw other ingredients down into the skin so that they are more effective. Among other things, Peppermint EO has the properties of an analgesic, a topical antiseptic, an anti-inflammatory, and a vasoconstrictor, therefore it would be an excellent choice for mixing with emu oil when needing something for pain accompanied with tissue swelling. Of course there are other Eo's that are considered to be analgesics and some others that anti-inflammatory in nature, so some study is quite important when making your choice(s).
A lesser known stimulant is Turmeric. A native of South Asia, Turmeric has been used for thousands of years as an herb in cooking and as medicine. The yellow powder is an ingredient in many curries. Current research indicates that Turmeric has a strong antioxidant property that makes it an herb that may prevent and assist disease and aging issues. It belongs to the ginger family and the powder and essential oil is obtained from the thick rhizome (root). In traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, Turmeric is used to treat flatulence, colic, abdominal pain, liver disorder, menstrual issues, hemorrhage, bruises, sores and toothache as well as chest and shoulder pain. Because of its analgesic, anti-arthritis, anti-inflammatory, choleric, digestive and rubefacient properties, aromatherapists use Turmeric for arthritis, rheumatism, digestive problems and liver congestion. Research has shown that turmeric can stop the proliferation of laboratory strains of melanoma. (Read Farida Irani 2008 article "Turmeric" in "Aromatherapy Journal," the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) e-Journal.) Turmeric is said to be non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.
Acute pain is usually a result of inflammation and/or injury, and usually is a soft tissue injury. This pain is immediate and has a short duration. Acute pain is a normal response to injury and some disease processes, and its cause can usually be diagnosed and treated without too much difficulty. A sprained ankle, a stubbed toe, a pulled muscle, and the like are all examples of instances where acute pain would be expected.
Chronic pain, on the other hand, is a continuous pain. It is persistent, usually lasting for more than 3 months, which is well beyond the time of normal healing. It can range from mild to severe, and can last from months to years, or even a lifetime. The cause of chronic pain is not always evident, yet it can be a result of a disease process. Often the treatment plan takes a long while to determine and sometimes it is inadequate, in the sufferer's estimation if not the physicians'. For this reason, as much as the cause of the pain, chronic pain can have a devastating impact on people’s lives. Many people with back injuries, arthritis, and various disease processes suffer from chronic pain.
Why are we discussing pain types? Well, just like you need to know what Essential Oil (EO) to sniff when you are using aromatherapy, you need to know what type of pain you have, in order to whip up or purchase a balm or massage oil with an Essential Oil blend meant to relieve your pain.
Several EO's have analgesic qualities and several have anti-inflammatory properties, but only a few possess both of these qualities. Some EO's are good for soft tissue pain, while others are better for joint pain. It is important to know what the EO's in your blend are meant for and what the source of your pain is, so that you can get the greatest bang for your buck and the most relief possible. It is also important to know what other oils, called carrier oils, are used in your product and why. Some oils are more readily absorbed by the skin, therefore they will help to deliver the EO's deeper into the skin, faster, and more adequately than others. Emu oil is one such oil, aside from helping the skin's tissue to heal, it helps to draw other ingredients down into the skin so that they are more effective. Among other things, Peppermint EO has the properties of an analgesic, a topical antiseptic, an anti-inflammatory, and a vasoconstrictor, therefore it would be an excellent choice for mixing with emu oil when needing something for pain accompanied with tissue swelling. Of course there are other Eo's that are considered to be analgesics and some others that anti-inflammatory in nature, so some study is quite important when making your choice(s).
A lesser known stimulant is Turmeric. A native of South Asia, Turmeric has been used for thousands of years as an herb in cooking and as medicine. The yellow powder is an ingredient in many curries. Current research indicates that Turmeric has a strong antioxidant property that makes it an herb that may prevent and assist disease and aging issues. It belongs to the ginger family and the powder and essential oil is obtained from the thick rhizome (root). In traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, Turmeric is used to treat flatulence, colic, abdominal pain, liver disorder, menstrual issues, hemorrhage, bruises, sores and toothache as well as chest and shoulder pain. Because of its analgesic, anti-arthritis, anti-inflammatory, choleric, digestive and rubefacient properties, aromatherapists use Turmeric for arthritis, rheumatism, digestive problems and liver congestion. Research has shown that turmeric can stop the proliferation of laboratory strains of melanoma. (Read Farida Irani 2008 article "Turmeric" in "Aromatherapy Journal," the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) e-Journal.) Turmeric is said to be non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.
Make it Yourself Monday- Healing, Healthy Coughdrops
This week's Make it Yourself Monday is all about healing. The following recipe can be altered to meet your needs better, or your likes better, if lemon isn't quite your thing. Why not make a bunch and wrap some up and place them in a gift box, along with tissues, a fuzzy blanket, some tea, and tylenol? Gift the perfect cold gift set!
for the LEMON DROPS you will need;
1 3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 tsp. lemon extract
1/2 cup water
Line a baking pan (9x9) with foil, making sure that the foil goes all the way up the sides of the pan, or you will be sorry! Then, butter the sides of a 2 quart saucepan. Combine the corn syrup, sugar, honey, and water in the pan. Cook over a medium-high heat until the mixture boils. Make sure that you stir constantly, in order to dissolve the sugar and keep it from burning. This usually takes about five minutes, give or take a few minutes. Once the sugar is dissolved, turn the heat down to medium and continue cooking at a light boil. Stir occasionally. Once it reaches the soft crack stage (which is 290 degrees F. on a candy thermometer), keep cooking for 20 more minutes, still stirring occasionally.
Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Stir it occasionally, as it cools, for the next 2-3 minutes, then add the lemon. **If you are going to add any other vitamins or herbs, add them at this point** Then pour the mixture into the foil-lined pan to finish cooling. As it cools (another 3-10 minutes), it is a good idea to use a spatula and mark some "break" lines into the drops. Make squares in the size you want, remembering that they are for individual-size portions. These marks will stay when the mixture is completely set up, making it easier to portion correctly and consistently. If your marks do not stay, it means that the mixture is still too hot and needs more cooling time, just wait a while and try it again. Once properly marked, let the pan sit overnight then use the foil to lift it out of the pan. Break the pieces apart along your marks then package them in individual candy wrappers or wax paper. Make sure to twist each end tightly, then put all of the wrapped pieces into a large baggie or a paper bag. This recipe will make from 100-200 pieces, depending upon the size that you mark and break. They will last from 6-8 months, when properly wrapped and stored.
**To make this recipe more holistic and herbal you can add one each of the
following; zinc, vitamin C, echinacea, and goldenseal. If these are in tablet form, finely crush them before adding, if in capsules, just pull apart and drop the inner content into your mixture.
Of course you could also change up this recipe by either substituting (for the lemon), or just by adding an herb or two (some essential oils are ok too) to the lemon.
*when using fresh herbs, it is probably best to infuse them into the liquid portion of the recipe, but you can also finely chop them.
*You may also substitute a food-safe flavoring oil, however you will NOT receive any of the benefits listed for that flavor. The way in which they are created destroys their natural benefits.
*If you plan to use essential oils, you MUST be aware of, and familiar with, the warnings, as well as the necessary dilution rate (which are not provided for you here).
*If you are not familiar with the proper use of essential oils in edible products, you should NOTattempt to use them in this recipe.
If you want, you may add another herb/spice (in addition) to the lemon. Basil, bay, bergamot, black pepper, clary sage, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lime, orange, rosemary, vanilla, all blend well with lemon.
If you would like to substitute another herb/spice forthe lemon, you may want to consider one of the following;
-Basil has a beneficial action on the respiratory tract, and is often used for asthma, bronchitis, colds, coughs and sinus infections. It blends well with; black pepper, ginger, geranium, grapefruit, lavender and lemon.
-Black Pepper has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, and is good for coughs, colds and flus. It blends well with bergamot, clary sage, coriander, fennel, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, lime, orange, nutmeg, and rosemary.
-Ginger is good for colds and flu, congestion, coughs, sinusitis, sore throats, fever and chills. It does have a slight warming affect, so be extra cautious in the amount that you add. It blends well with; basil, black pepper, cinnamon, clary sage, clove, coriander, eucalyptus, geranium, lemon, lime, orange, rose, rosemary, spearmint, and vanilla.
-Geranium is good for sore throats and tonsillitis, and blends well with; basil, grapefruit, lavender, lime, orange, and rosemary.
-Grapefruit is good for colds, flu, and headaches and blends well with; basil, black pepper, geranium, lavender, lime, and lemon.
-Lavender is good for bronchitis, asthma, colds, laryngitis, and throat infections. It will blends well with everything, so use your imagination.
-Lemongrass is good for sore throats, laryngitis, and fever as well as indigestion and gastroenteritis. It blends well with; basil, bergamot, black Pepper, clary Sage, eucalyptus, geranium, ginger, lavender, lemon, lime, mandarin, orange, rose, and vanilla.
-Lime is good fevers, colds, sore throats, flu, coughs, bronchitis, sinusitis and asthma. It blends well with; basil, clary sage, eucalyptus, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, orange, peppermint, rose, rosemary, and spearmint.
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-Margoram, an antiseptic and calming agent
-Eucalyptus, an antiseptic and calming agent, good for bronchitis, colds, flu, headaches, sinusitis sore throats, and throat infections. The antiseptic properties in the essential oil increase with age.
-Orange (Sweet) is good for colds, flu, and fever, blending well with; basil, black Pepper, cinnamon, ginger, clary Sage, lavender, lime, peppermint, and spearmint.
-Peppermint, an antiseptic, expectorant and a muscle relaxant, so it is good for
dry coughs, sinus congestion, asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia, as well as bad breath (in case you want to make breath drops along with the throat drops). Peppermint blends well with; basil, black pepper, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, lemon, lime, orange, and rosemary.
-Rose (use pure essential oil or untreated rose petals to infuse the water) posses anti-infectious, antiseptic, antiviral, and bactericidal properties that help with asthma, headaches, and coughs. It blends well with; bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, geranium, lavender, lemon, and madarin.
-Rosemary is an antiseptic and works well for respiratory track issues, including asthma and bronchitis. It blends well with; basil, bay, black pepper, chamomile, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, lavender, lime, lemon, lemongrass, peppermint, rose and spearmint.
-Spearmint. While spearmint has properties of a local anesthetic, an antiseptic, a decongestant and an expectorant which can benefit fevers, headaches, asthma, bronchitis and colds, its effects are less powerful than those of peppermint. For this reason, spearmint may be better in children's products. It blends well with; basil, lavender, peppermint and rosemary.
-Thyme is frequently used in commercial applications of mouthwash, gargles, toothpastes and cough drops because of its analgesic, antifungal, anti-infectious, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, and antiseptic properties. It is good for bronchitis, chills, colds, coughs, sinusitis, sore throats, tonsillitis, and laryngitis. It blends well with; bergamot, clary sage, eucalyptus, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, marjoram, and rosemary.
There may be a few more, but these the ones that popped into my mind to begin with. While I hope that you won't need them this year, I wish you luck making these flavored drops!
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