Fresh-Picked Beauty

My Herbal Rinse for Dry Hair uses calming herbs to provide comfort to dry scalp and hair. You are going to LOVE this recipe!!!

You can purchase all of the herbs and the vegetable glycerin at Mountain Rose Herbs.

Herbal Hair Rinse for Dry Hair
makes one application

2 cups boiling water
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon dried calendula
1 teaspoon dried chamomile
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried mullein
1 teaspoon dried nettle
2 teaspoons vegetable glycerine
1/4 teaspoon sweet almond oil

Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan Add in the vinegar and herbs, cover with a lid, turn off the heat. Allow the herbs to infuse in the water and vinegar until cooled to room temp. Strain the liquid from the herbs. Mix in the vegetable glycerine and sweet almond oil.

Dispense the rinse into a spray bottle for best results. After you cleanse your hair, shake well and spray the mixture through your hair and massage from the roots to the tips. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water or leave in and style as usual.

I like to buy most of my ingredients from Mountain Rose Herbs!!! They have some great ingredients!!!

Tea Tree Oil Face Cream
Makes 2 ounces 
1/2 tablespoon Mountain Rose Herbs Witch Hazel Extract
1 tablespoon Rosewater
1 tablespoon Mountain Rose Herbs Jojoba Oil
1/2 tablespoon Mountain Rose Herbs Hazelnut Oil
3/4 teaspoon Mountain Rose Herbs Stearic Acid
2  teaspoons Mountain Rose Herbs Emulsifying Wax-NF
40 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil

Many Middle Eastern stores sell rose water. I like getting the Witch Hazel Extract from Mountain Rose Herbs.

I got both of these oils from Mountain Rose Herbs and they are both great for oily and blemish-prone skin types.

My favorite place for Emulsifying Wax is Mountain Rose Herbs.

Mountain Rose Herbs has Stearic Acid

Measure out the ingredients into three separate containers.  The Witch Hazel and Rosewater in one container, the Jojoba and Hazelnut oils into another and the Stearic Acid and Emulsifying Wax into another.

Bring a pot with about 3 inches of water to a simmer.  In a glass measuring cup, pour in all the ingredients.  Place the measuring cup into the simmering water and allow the waxes to melt into the other ingredients.

As the wax melts, it will start to emulsify the ingredients together.

The mixture will turn a creamy white color and all the wax will be melted.  Remove from the hot water and start to whisk for about 5 minutes.

Add in the essential oil, mix well and pour into a sanitized glass container.

Continue to whisk to cool the cream and thicken it up.  Once it has a rich and thick consistency, place a tight fitting lid on it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 30 days.  This is a great cream for the blemish-prone back and chest too.



You will find most of  the necessary ingredients to make this cream over at Mountain Rose Herbs.  

This information is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition. Nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be complete, nor may its data be accurate. As with all herbs,  Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children.  I am an affiliate with Mountain Rose Herbs,please review my disclosure page for details.. Avoid use  unless discussed with your physician. This information is for educational purposes only.  This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. Green Blessings!!!

I recently tweaked the formula for the All-Natural Bug Repellent based on the research I did on the formulas of a few other all-natural brands.  This new formula works just as well and I made eight bottles for my family and friends.  Enjoy!!!

This recipe will make enough to fill eight 4-ounce bottles

The main part of the formula that changed is the essential oil blend.  I looked at what a few companies added to their formulas and decided to base my recipe on theirs.  I ended up with 6.5% Citronella, 1.7% Peppermint, 1.5% Cedarwood Virginia, 1% Eucalyptus, 1% Litsea Cubeba, 1% Lemongrass and 0.2% Geranium.  I tested it out and the mosquitoes would buzz close to me, but did not land on me.  I did not get one single bite that night.


I had this huge batch of handcrafted Catnip tincture sitting in my pantry that I used along with some Witch Hazel Extract. 

I simply blended 225 ml of Catnip Tincture and 175 ml of Witch Hazel Extract in a large glass measuring cup.

Next, I measured out the essential oils into a glass beaker.

I lined up eight sanitized 4-ounce amber bottles and added in 7.5 ml of the essential oil blend to each bottle.

I then added 50 ml of the Catnip/Witch Hazel Extract blend to each bottle.

Add the spray attachment to each bottle and you are ready to apply a label.

You can print out these labels or make your own.

Here you have it! Enough bottles to share with family and friends.  Just make sure you shake the bottle very well before applying the repellent and be aware if you spray it on your clothes, they may get stained.

All-Natural Bug Repellent (Formula #2)

225 ml Catnip Tincture (click here to learn how to make tinctures)
175 ml Witch Hazel Extract
30 ml Citronella Essential Oil
8 ml Peppermint Essential Oil
7 ml Cedarwood Virginia Essential Oil
5 ml Eucalyptus Essential Oil
5 ml Litsea Cubeba Essential Oil
5 ml Lemongrass Essential Oil
1 ml Geranium Essential Oil


Measure out the Catnip Tincture and Witch Hazel Extract in a glass measuring cup.  Blend all the essential oils in another small glass measuring beaker or cup.  In each 4-ounce dark glass bottle, measure in 7.5 ml of the essential oil blend.  Pour 50 ml of the Catnip Tincture/Witch Hazel blend into each bottle.  Place the spray attachment fitting into each bottle and apply a label.  Use within 1 year. No refrigeration is needed.

Want to make a single 4-ounce bottle just for yourself? You will add 28 ml of Catnip Tincture, 22 ml of Witch Hazel Extract, 3.75 ml Citronella Essential Oil, 1 ml Peppermint Essential Oil, 18 drops Cedarwood Virginia Essential Oil, 12 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil, 12 drops Litsea Cubeba Essential Oil, 12 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil and 3 drops of Geranium to a 4-ounce bottle.  


This information is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition. Nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be complete, nor may its data be accurate. As with all herbs, do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children.  I am an affiliate with Mountain Rose Herbs, please review my disclosure page for details. Shannon Buck and Fresh-Picked Beauty strongly recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented on this website and that you always read labels, warnings, and directions before using or consuming any type product. Anything you find on this website still needs more research to establish the potential effectiveness and safety of any ingredient and/or suggestion.  Before you consider using anything you find on this website, you need to consult with a medical professional to help you weigh the pros and cons of using natural ingredients.  You also need to review all the available safety data for each ingredient before you use it.  Herbs and natural ingredients have been used successfully for many years, but as a precaution, I suggest that you consult a naturopathic doctor, licensed herbalist, or holistic health practitioner who is qualified to guide you in the safe use of herbs and natural ingredients. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

I recently spotted a very expensive small jar of cream that contains Dilo oil (a.k.a Tamanu oil or Calophyllum inophyllum). This particular oil is a dark green, heavy, fatty oil with a very distinct aroma.  It is a remarkable topical healing agent that is anti-inflammatory and offers great anti-oxidant protection. It has been used extensively to heal damaged skin and has notable benefits for helping to heal scars, reduce the appearance of stretch marks and soothe abrasions, rashes and minor skin ailments like eczema and dry skin.

The Tamanu tree is indigenous to tropical Southeast Asia. The kernel is dried in the sun for a few months and becomes sticky with a dark and richly fat oil that is collected and used for its magical properties. I took one look at the ingredients on the jar of the expensive name brand Dilo Cream and immediately knew I could make an excellent version of my own. I know you will enjoy this recipe.

You can purchase lavender hydrosol from Mountain Rose Herbs. I found this bottle at my local Farmer's Market and it is divine.

You can find Certified Organic Vegetable Glycerine at Mountain Rose Herbs.

Mountain Rose Herbs offers a very nice Certified Organic Tamanu Oil (also known as Dilo Oil)

I used Mango Butter from Mountain Rose Herbs, but you can use Shea Butter if you like.

To thicken and emulsify the mixture, I used Emulsifying Wax and Stearic Acid from Mountain Rose Herbs.

D.I.Y Dilo Oil Cream
makes about 2 ounces

2 tablespoons Lavender Hydrosol
1/2 teaspoon Vegetable Glycerine
1 1/2 teaspoons Tamanu (Dilo) Oil
1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
1 1/2 teaspoons Mango or Shea Butter
1/2 teaspoons Stearic Acid
1 heaping teaspoon Emulsifying Wax
5 drops Lavender Essential Oil

Measure out the lavender hydrosol and vegetable glycerine into a glass measuring cup and sit it in a pot with a few inches of simmering water.

Measure out the Tamanu oil, Coconut oil, Mango or Shea butter, Stearic acid and Emulsifying wax into a glass measuring cup and sit it in a pot with a few inches of simmering water.

When both mixtures have reached 150 degrees F, remove from the heat.

Carefully pour the oil mixture into a heat-proof mixing bowl and begin mixing with a hand mixer set on medium speed. Add in the lavender and glycerine and continue to mix for five minutes.

Once the mixture has cooled to under 100 degrees F, mix in the lavender essential oil and pour your cream into a sanitized glass container and allow to cool completely. Store in the refrigerator and use within a few weeks.

After cleansing your face or body, apply a generous amount to your skin and massage in.

Bring both mixtures to a quick 150 degrees F. Then remove from the heat.

Once cooled, the mixture becomes a thick and very rich healing cream that is  healing and  nourishing.

Floral Water Body Splash is PERFECT for hot weather.

I love wearing my all-natural perfumes, but sometimes in the warmer months of the year, I like to splash on my handcrafted Floral Water Body Splash made with all-natural hydrosols.  I keep a few refreshing blends in the cold fridge and use them after swimming, sunning, biking and just getting too hot from being outside all day.

According to Mountain Rose Herbs, "Hydrosols, also known as floral waters, hydroflorates, flower waters or distillates are products from steam distilling plant materials. Hydrosols are like essential oils but in far less of a concentration. When a distiller brews plant material with water in a large cooker the steam fills the pot and, as it rises, it causes the glands of the plants to burst and release the oils and essence of the plant into the steam. The oil rises through a condenser and collects in a separate vessel. This is what we know as essential oil, but what about all that fragrant water that was steamed with the original plant material? That is our hydrosol, or floral water. Hydrosols are usually the result of essential oil production as a by-product but the highest quality hydrosols come from the devoted distillers who, with artist like precision steam the floral and plant material strictly to product a hydrosol." 

All the Hydrosols offered by Mountain Rose Herbs are produced in this fashion and are of the highest quality. Click HERE to learn more. 

Hydrosols are much lighter and less potent than essential oils and are perfect when a much softer and gentle fragrance is desired.

Bay Laurel: Has a bright, slightly medicinal, spicy green aroma, reminiscent of freshly crushed bay leaves. 

Blood Orange: A refreshing hydrosol that is sweet sunshine in a bottle. A sweet citrus aroma. 

Calendula: Refreshing, soothing, sweet, and floral. 

Chamomile: A light fruity floral aroma. Very calming and gentle. 

Clary Sage: Very gentle and calming with a pleasantly herbaceous and bittersweet floral aroma. Much like the essential oil, but much softer. 

Cucumber: Refreshing, cooling, crisp aroma that is perfect for Summer. Smells like a fresh cucumber. 

Douglas Fir: Soft forest-like aroma that is green and slightly balsamic. Transport yourself to a mossy forest. Perfect for gender neutral aroma blends. 

Eucalyptus: Very delightful! Softly camphoraceous and cooling with green undertones. 

Helichrysum: Smells like a diluted version of the essential oil. Dry-green floral with earthy tea-like back notes. 

Lavender: Subtle, relaxing, balancing aroma with sweet floral top notes much like the essential oil but  much more grassier and delicious. 

Lemon Balm: Very calming aroma! 

Lemon Verbena: Uplifting aroma which is perfect for hot cloudy days when you need a little emotional pick-me-up. 

Lime: Crisp, refreshing, invigorating with subtle citrus notes. 

Neroli: Delightful, uplifting, bitter-sweet citrusy floral aroma that is very delicious and complex. 

Peppermint: Minty, fresh, revitalizing, well rounded and robust. Great for misting on the feet and scalp. 

Rose Geranium:Very exotic and floral. One of my favorite bases for the body splash recipes. 

Rose: The QUEEN of the hydrosols. Smells like a rose with complex floral notes. Very sensual!

Rosemary: Energizing and stimulating! Smells very lovely like fresh rosemary. 

Spearmint: Sweet, minty, reminiscent of an infusion of the fresh leaves. Calming and refreshing aroma. 

Tulsi (Holy Basil): Divine! Warm, soothing and slightly spicy aroma. 

Ylang Ylang: Smells exactly like a very subdued version of the essential oil. Sweet, intoxicating and floral. 

Customize your body mist exactly the way you like. Here are a few ideas to get your started!

Each recipe makes a four ounce body splash. Store in a glass bottle and away from direct heat and sun. 

You can find beautiful refillable glass atomizers which are perfect to store your body splash in.

• 3 ounces Rosemary Hydrosol plus 1 ounce Spearmint Hydrosol

• 2 ounces Cucumber Hydrosol plus 1 ounce Lime Hydrosol plus 1 ounce Lemon Verbena Hydrosol

• 2 ounces Neroli Hydrosol plus 1 ounce Ylang Ylang Hydrosol plus 1 ounce Rose Hydrosol

• 2 ounces Douglas Fir Hydrosol plus 1 ounce Lime Hydrosol plus 1 ounce Spearmint Hydrosol

• 2 ounces Peppermint Hydrosol plus 1 ounce Eucalyptus Hydrosol plus 1 ounce Bay Laurel Hydrosol

• 3 ounces Lavender Hydrosol plus 1 ounce Calendula Hydrosol

• 2 ounces Rose Geranium Hydrosol plus 1 ounce Ylang Ylang Hydrosol plus 1 ounce Chamomile

• 1 ounce Calendula Hydrosol plus 1 ounce Neroli hydrosol plus 2 ounces Lavender Hydrosol

• 2 ounces Bay Laurel Hydrosol plus 1 ounce Clary Sage Hydrosol plus 1 ounce Douglas Fir Hydrosol

• 3 ounces Tulsi Hydrosol plus 1 ounce Rose Hydrosol

The ideas are unlimited! What will you create? I would love to hear about your refreshing creations.

This DIY recipe is for a daily foot moisturizer that is invigorating and cooling. My recipes contains aloe and pure peppermint essential oil. This is a very rich and thick formula that is perfect for applying to dry and tired feet. The cooling sensation from the peppermint oil goes to work immediately and the rich moisturizers protect and cushion your feet.

Super Rich Peppermint Foot Cream
Makes about 4 ounces

2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon lanolin
2 1/2 teaspoons cocoa butter
3/4 teaspoon liquid lecithin
1 teaspoon grated beeswax
3/4 teaspoon stearic acid
2 1/4 heaping teaspoons emulsifying wax NF
1/4 cup aloe vera gel
2 teaspoons vegetable glycerin
30 drops peppermint essential oil
10 drops tea tree essential oil

Measure out the oil oil, lanolin, cocoa butter, liquid lecithin, beeswax, stearic acid and emulsifying wax into a glass measuring cup and sit this in a saucepan containing a few inches of simmering water, stirring occasionally, until everything has melted and the temperature reaches about 160 degrees F.

Measure out the Aloe Vera Gel and the vegetable glycerin into another glass measuring cup, sit this in a saucepan of simmering water, and heat to a temperature of about 160 degrees F.

Carefully remove both measuring cups form the simmering water. Pour the oil and wax mixture carefully into a heatproof mixing bowl and begin mixing with a hand-held mixer set on medium speed.

Carefully add the aloe vera and glycerine mixture and continue to mix for a further 5 minutes. Mix in the peppermint essential oil and the tea tree essential oil.

Pour your cream into a sanitized container and allow to cool completely and thicken. Store cream in the refrigerator and use within 3 weeks.

My tattoo balm is like magic! It is protective to the skin and will promote natural healing! The magic part of my tattoo balm recipe is from the herbal infused oils that I use to craft the balm. You can make the herbal infused oils yourself, but I highly suggest you go ahead and purchase them from Mountain Rose Herbs. While you are there, go ahead and purchase the beeswax and the essential oils.

A beautiful photo of the Calendula Flower (Calendula officinalis)

Photo of fresh Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

Plantain in the Summer. (Plantago major)

My recipe makes about four ounces which will last about 3 months or longer depending on the size of the ink!

Make your own remedies! Roll-on some instant aromatherapy! You are going to LOVE these!!!

Make your own aromatherapy remedy blends! All you need are a few 10 ml glass roll-on bottles, pure essential oils and some sunflower seed oil or Jojoba oil.  Make one, a few or all of these blends and roll-on some instant aromatherapy!

Here is a little "inside information" about how I formulated each blend. I knew I wanted to keep the essential oil ratio to just about 5%, so each 10 ml roller-bottle got a total of about 15 drops of essential oils. I filled up the bottle with Jojoba oil just to the neck of the bottle. I chose essential oils based on their unique therapeutic properties. For example, I know that lemon and basil essential oil are great for mental clarity and stimulation, so those are what I chose for my "study" blend. I chose lavender and chamomile essential oil for my "sleep" blend  because those are the oils that therapeutically help you relax and fall sleep.  My "love" blend has essential oils that smell sensual and are known to be aphrodisiac such as neroli, rose and jasmine.



Energy blend: A quick pick me up! Boost your mind and make it through even the most energy-zapping kind of day! I use this every day around 3:00 pm because I have to pick my sweet son up from elementary school and shuttle him around to all his activities! This blend works wonders!

Energy Blend Recipe: 5 drops sweet orange essential oil, 2 drops grapefruit essential oil, 2 drops lemon essential oil, 3 drops peppermint essential oil, 4 drops cardamom essential oil. Add the essential oils into a 10 ml glass perfume roller bottle. Top off with carrier oil (sunflower, fractionated coconut oil or Jojoba oil are good choices). Push the roller-ball part into the bottle, screw on the cap and shake well. To use: roll on to your pulse points like a perfume and inhale deeply.



Love Blend: Set the mood with this exotic sensual blend. This blend has quite a few essential oils and is one of the more expensive ones to make. This is one of my favorite blends and I have made this several times for brides to give away at bridal showers!

Love Blend Recipe: 3 drops tangerine essential oil, 3 drops grapefruit essential oil, 2 drops cardamom essential oil, 3 drops vanilla absolute, 2 drops sandalwood essential oil, 1 drop patchouli essential oil, 1 drop neroli essential oil, 1 drop vetiver essential oil, 1 drop jasmine absolute, 1 drop rose absolute, and 1 drop ylang ylang essential oil. Add the essential oils into a 10 ml glass perfume roller bottle. Top off with carrier oil (sunflower, fractionated coconut oil or Jojoba oil are good choices). Push the roller-ball part into the bottle, screw on the cap and shake well. To use: roll on to your pulse points like a perfume and inhale deeply.



Study Blend: The perfect blend to apply right before and during a long study session. Keep your mind clear and focused. My daughter swears by this during mid-terms and finals!

Study Blend Recipe: 2 drops lavender essential oil, 2 drops lemon essential oil, 2 drops balsam fir essential oil, 2 drops cardamom essential oil, 2 drops sweet basil essential oil, 3 drops rosemary essential oil, 2 drops peppermint essential oil and 2 drops spearmint essential oil. Add the essential oils into a 10 ml glass perfume roller bottle. Top off with carrier oil (sunflower, fractionated coconut oil or Jojoba oil are good choices). Push the roller-ball part into the bottle, screw on the cap and shake well. To use: roll on to your pulse points like a perfume and inhale deeply.



Sleep Blend: A very calming blend that is soothing to a brain that is too frenzied to fall asleep. Quiet your mind and spirit and get your 40 winks in! My husband uses this blend several nights per week!

Sleep Blend Recipe: 6 drops lavender essential oil, 3 drops frankincense essential oil, 3 drops sweet orange essential oil, 3 drops sweet marjoram essential oil, 2 drops yarrow essential oil  and 2 drops hops CO2 extract. Add the essential oils into a 10 ml glass perfume roller bottle. Top off with carrier oil (sunflower, fractionated coconut oil or Jojoba oil are good choices). Push the roller-ball part into the bottle, screw on the cap and shake well. To use: roll on to your pulse points like a perfume and inhale deeply.



Travel Blend: I like to use this blend when I travel to protect my well being and boost my immune system. I apply this blend over my lymph nodes, around my ears, over my chest and on the bottom of my feet and on my palms.

Travel Blend Recipe: 4 drops lavender essential oil, 6 drops tea tree essential oil, 6 drops eucalyptus essential oil, 3 drops lemon essential oil, 3 drops grapefruit essential oil, 2 drops clove essential oil. Add the essential oils into a 10 ml glass perfume roller bottle. Top off with carrier oil (sunflower, fractionated coconut oil or Jojoba oil are good choices). Push the roller-ball part into the bottle, screw on the cap and shake well. To use: roll on to your pulse points like a perfume and inhale deeply.


The best place to purchase essential oils is from Mountain Rose Herbs. Click HERE to learn more and shop!

Essential oils are very potent and need to be used highly diluted. A patch test should be performed before use. I also need to say..."CAUTION: IF PREGNANT, NURSING, SUFFERING FROM ANY MEDICAL CONDITION, OR TAKING MEDICATION, CONSULT A HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER BEFORE MAKING OR USING THESE RECIPES. AVOID EYES AND MUCOUS MEMBRANES. DILUTE PROPERLY. MAY IRRITATE SKIN. NOT FOR INTERNAL USE. AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN." Please visit my blog post about Essential Oil Safety HERE. 

This information is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition. Nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be complete, nor may its data be accurate. As with all herbs,  Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children.  I am an affiliate with Mountain Rose Herbs,please review my disclosure page for details.. Avoid use  unless discussed with your physician. This information is for educational purposes only.  This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. Green Blessings!!!