Bug Bite Relief Stick

A few days ago I reposted my recipe for my All-Natural Bug Repellent which works wonders at keeping those pesky bugs and mosquitoes away, but chances are you will still end up with a bite here and there.  So, here is a recipe for a fantastic bug bite relief stick.  You want to carry this around with you while hiking, camping, swimming or just hanging out in your back yard this summer!

The tube on the left is a 0.15 oz container and the tube on the right is a 0.5 oz container

This recipe will make enough to fill two large 0.5 oz lip balm containers.  You can also fill up about 6 of the small 0.15 oz containers if you like.

You will need the following ingredients:

1 heaping teaspoon of Mountain Rose Herbs Beeswax

3 teaspoons of Mountain Rose Herbs Carnauba Wax. I like to add some carnauba wax to this formula because it makes it a little bit harder and helps it not to melt as easily as a pure beeswax formula does. Chances are you will be carrying this in your pocket while playing outdoors and you don't want it to melt!

3 1/2 teaspoons calendula infused carrier oil.  I have a wonderful tutorial on how to make your own HERE. I really LOVE calendula infused oil because it makes an excellent base for salves.  It is gentle, cooling and soothing.  It helps with skin inflammation.  If you don't have time to make it yourself, you can head on over to Mountain Rose Herbs and buy a 4 ounce bottle of their Calendula Healing Oil which is made from Certified organic Calendula flowers and Certified organic olive oil.  Click HERE to be taken to Mountain Rose Herbs.

1 1/2 teaspoons castor oil. I like to add in castor oil because it is very soothing to the skin when it is part of a formula.  It is also a hard oil that adds a layer of protection to your skin.

1 teaspoon of Mountain Rose Herbs Vitamin E Oil.  I add in the Vitamin E Oil for two reasons.  It helps prevent rancidity of the oils in this formula and it is a great antioxidant for the skin.

You need the following essential oils: Mountain Rose Herbs is a great place to get high-quality essential oils. I used the essential oils at a 5% of the formula.  This is a potent recipe that is meant to be applied to small areas of the body at a time.  I normally use about 2.5% essential oil blend when I formulate for general uses.

15 drops Lavender essential oil
10 drops German Chamomile essential oil
10 drops Tea Tree essential oil
5 drops Vetiver essential oil
3 drops Peppermint essential oil

German Chamomile is very useful in skin care meant for inflammations, rashes and wounds.  It is also antiseptic.  Lavender is antiseptic, helps stop bleeding, insect repellent, anti-inflammatory and is good for cleaning wounds and bites. I added a bit of Vetiver because it smells amazing and is a good antiseptic and an immune stimulant.  The peppermint is in this blend because it is very cooling to the areas that have been bitten and Tea Tree helps to keep the area clean and acts as a potent antiseptic.

Bring a small pan with a few inches of water to a simmer.  Add your beeswax and carnauba wax to a small glass measuring cup and sit it in the hot water to melt.  Add in your calendula oil and castor oil.  Stir to melt.  Turn off the heat but keep the glass measuring cup sitting in the hot water.  Stir in the Vitamin E oil and the essential oils.  Carefully pour the melted mixture into the containers to the very top.  Add the caps and allow to cool to room temp.

This is what it will look like once all the ingredients and essential oils are added in.  I wish I could describe how wonderful this smells.  The earthy vetiver mixes so well with the herbaceous and fresh lavender which mixes so well with the cooling aroma of the chamomile and the other essential oils.

Fill your tubes up to the very top! Carful not to spill any of the hot liquid on your skin!

To use: Simply apply over bug bites!

Cheers!!!

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!!

All-Natural Bug Repellent (Formula #2)

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

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!!!

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 sterile 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.

Happy Hands Solid Lotion Bars

Super Softening & Therapeutic Solid Lotion Bars

There are a lot of recipes to be found for making solid lotion bars.  Most of them are basically 1 part carrier oil, 1 part butter, such as Shea or Mango,  and 1 part of beeswax.  Not that there is anything wrong with that formula, but it is far from SUPER or AWESOME and is actually rather boring.  There is so much potential for a lotion bar! My formula for Happy Hands Solid Lotion Bars contains some really potent and therapeutic carrier oils, two types of butters, Sea Buckthorn oil and Vitamin E.  I also composed a very earthy and uplifting fragrance that is present but certainly not overpowering.  I kept the essential oil to just about 0.6%.  I bought most of my ingredients from Mountain Rose Herbs. 

Click HERE to be taken to Mountain Rose Herbs website

Gather the following ingredients:

1/2 tablespoon Mountain Rose Herbs Sweet Almond Oil
1/2 tablespoon Mountain Rose Herbs Rosehip Seed Oil
1/2 tablespoon Mountain Rose Herbs Kukui Nut Oil
1 teaspoon Sea Buckthorn Oil
2 teaspoons Mountain Rose Herbs Vitamin E. Oil
1 tablespoon Mountain Rose Herbs Shea Butter
1 tablespoon Mountain Rose Herbs Mango Butter
1 tablespoon Mountain Rose Herbs Beeswax Pastilles 
1 tablespoon Mountain Rose Herbs Carnauba Wax
2 drops Mountain Rose Herbs Jasmine Absolute
2 drops Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
5 drops Benzoin
5 drops Black Pepper Essential Oil
3 drops Dark Patchouli Essential Oil
5 drops Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Bring a pot with about three inches of water to a simmer.  Measure out your beeswax and carnauba wax into a 2 cup-capacity glass measuring cup.  Place the cup into the pot with the simmering water. Allow the waxes to fully melt.

Once your beeswax and carnauba wax have fully melted, add in your Shea butter and Mango Butter.  Allow the mixture to melt together.

Measure out your sweet almond, rose hip seed oil, Kukui nut oil, Sea Buckthorn oil and Vitamin E. oil into a small glass.

Measure out your essential oils into the carrier oil blend.

Once the butters and waxes have fully melted, turn off the heat.  While the measuring cup is still sitting in the hot water, add your carrier oil and essential oil mix into the melted wax and butter mixture.  Stir to incorporate together.

Choose a silicone mold for best results.  I found this adorable happy face ice cube mold made from silicone  It is PERFECT for my Happy Hands Solid Lotion Bars.  I made just enough to fill four of the 1/2-ounce cavities.

Carefully pour the hot mixture into the molds.  Fill all the way to the very top for best results.

Allow to cool to room temperature.

After the lotion bars have completely cooled and are firm, gently turn the mold over and apply just enough gentle pressure to pop out the bars.

Store your {super adorable} lotion bars in small tins with lids for portability and to keep them clean.

To use: Massage the bar between your hands to coat them with a thin amount of the lotion.  Return the lotion bar to its tin.  Store these at room temp.

Cheers!!!

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!!

Lip Balm for 50!

I was recently approached by a member of the American Cancer Society seeking a donation for the upcoming Relay For Life event.  She was searching for some all-natural goodies for gift bags she was putting together for cancer survivors.  I was honored that she thought of me and was more than happy to donate 50 lip balms.  

At Relay For Life events, communities across the globe come together to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that has already taken too much. The funds you raise truly make a difference in the fight against cancer – just ask one of the nearly 14 million cancer survivors who will celebrate another birthday this year!

 Relay For Life teams camp out overnight and take turns walking or running around a track or path at a local high school, park, or fairground. Events are up to 24 hours long, and because cancer never sleeps, each team is asked to have at least one participant on the track at all times. To learn more about this important event, head over to the American Cancer Society's website HERE. 

I want to share my recipe for Hemp & Coconut lip balm that makes enough for 50 tubes.  This is a really simple and nourishing recipe that is great for fund raisers, baby showers and group gift giving. 

Hemp & Coconut Lip Balm for 50

5 tablespoons Beeswax Pastilles 

5 teaspoons Carnauba Wax

20 Cocoa Butter Wafers

3 tablespoons Coconut Oil

5 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

5 tablespoons Hemp Seed Oil

2 teaspoons Vitamin E Oil

15 drops Spearmint essential oil (optional)

For "one stop shopping" head over to the Mountain Rose Herbs website (HERE) and you can get all the ingredients above, plus the lip balm tubes.  Most of the ingredients are even Certified Organic.  

I like using Mountain Rose Herbs Cocoa Butter Wafers when I make recipes.  They are so easy to work with. Have you ever tried to chisel out cocoa butter from the jar it comes in? Wafers are so simple! You can order them from HERE. 

Recipe Directions: 

Place a large glass measuring cup into a pot with a  few inches of simmering water.  Add in the beeswax and carnauba wax.  Allow to melt completely. Add in the cocoa butter wafers, allow to melt.  Add in the coconut oil and allow to melt.  Add in the olive oil and hemp seed oil.  Stir to completely melt.  Remove from the heat and stir in the vitamin E oil and essential oil.  Carefully pour into the lip balm tubes all the way to the very top.  Allow to cool completely.  

You can find lip balm containers from Mountain Rose Herbs.  As of February 2014, Mountain Rose Herbs is offering a case of 50 for just $12.75 (good deal!). Head over to their website HERE.

I added a small sticker with a purple ribbon on the cap of each lip balm.  The purple ribbon is for cancer awareness.  

I leave you with the following quotes to encourage those who have been or who are currently being affected by cancer! (I found these quotes on the wonderful website http://www.fightingcancerinc.org/id21.html)

Cancer is a word, not a sentence.  ~John Diamond 

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within. ~ Elisabeth Kubler-Ross 

It's not the years in your life that count.  It's the life in your years.  ~Abraham Lincoln

What does not kill us makes us stronger.Friedrich Nietzsche

The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.  ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Let food be your medicine, and let medicine be your food.  ~ Hippocrates

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!!

Coconut Water & Clay Face Mask

I received an email a few days ago asking if I ever use coconut water in my recipes. I responded that I do use coconut water in some of my recipes and that I had just finished making this clay mask with coconut water and loved that my face felt so soft and smooth after I rinsed it off.  It only has three simple ingredients and my recipe will make enough for two facials. 

Mountain Rose Herbs White Kaolin Cosmetic Clay

I use Mountain Rose Herbs White Kaolin Cosmetic Clay in this recipe.  According to Mountain Rose Herbs, this clay is the most versatile and easily applied clay that is most commonly found in standard skincare preparations and cosmetics.  White cosmetic clay which is also traded as White Kaolin Clay is a very fine and light clay that has natural absorbency properties and is frequently found in powders, body packs, skin care products and deodorants. As of February 2014, Mountain Rose Herbs offers a 1 pound bag of this clay for just $5.00.  Head over to their website to learn more. 

Mountain Rose Herbs Certified Organic Vegetable Glycerine 

I also add in just a little bit of Certified Organic Vegetable Glycerine. According to Mountain Rose Herbs, this pure, certified organic, soy derived vegetable glycerine (glycerin) is used in cosmetics and body care products to assist in retaining moisture and is helpful in pulling oxygen into the skin. Vegetable glycerine is a natural emollient that adds a cooling effect on the skin and has become a predominant ingredient in most skin care products and soaps.

I also use pure coconut water.  Sometimes you can find the fresh baby coconuts from the market that can be cracked open and are full of fresh delicious coconut water.  You can also use the "Never from Concentrate" ones too. 

Place 2 tablespoons, plus 1 teaspoon of clay into a small bowl. 

Drizzle in 1/2 teaspoon of vegetable glycerine over the clay. 

Stir in 1 tablespoon of the coconut water. Mix well with a small whisk until a smooth paste forms. 

Once all the water is absorbed into the clay, you will have a thick and smooth clay treatment that can be applied to clean dry skin.  Allow the clay to remain on for 10 minutes or until dry. Rinse away with warm water.  Store the remaining clay in the refrigerator and use within 7 days. 

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!!!