Saturday, December 31, 2011

Angelica Root Essential Oil

Information from Mountain Rose Herbs

Angelica Root Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Angelica archangelica

Common Method Of Extraction: Steam distillation

Parts Used: Root

Note Classification: Top to middle

Aroma: Sharp, green, herbaceous, with peppery overtones

Largest Producing Countries: Hungary, Canada, and Siberia

Traditional Use: In Chinese medicine Angelica is known for promoting fertility. It has been used for centuries in Europe for treating respiratory and digestive problems.

Properties: Antibacterial, antifungal, antispasmodic, carminative, depurative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, nervine, stimulant, stomachic, tonic

Benefits: Accumulation of toxins, ammenorhea, anemia, arthritis, bronchitis, colds, coughs, dull and congested skin, fatigue, flatulence, gout, indigestion, irritated skin conditions, migraine, muscle aches and pains, nervous tension, psoriasis, rheumatism, stress related disorders, water retention. Apply topically in a massage oil to help with relief of muscle aches and pains ot water retention.

Blends Well With: Citrus oils, clary sage, oakmoss, opopanax, patchouli, vetiver

Of Interest: Take caution using angelica oil before outdoor activities as it may attract insects.

Safety Data: Avoid by diabetics and while pregnant. Phototoxic.

I suggest purchasing Angelica Root Essential Oil from Mountain Rose Herbs since they promise that all their essential oils are........

True Certified Organic by OTCO

Free of Pesticide and Chemical Residues When Not Certified Organic

Harvested and Distilled in Clean Facilities

From First Distillations

Guaranteed Fresh and Unsurpassable

True Therapeutic Quality

Quality Control Tested and Supervised by a Certified Aromatherapist

Handled by Fun, Knowledgeable and Caring People

Disclaimer:

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 essential oils, never use them undiluted. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children. If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier. I am an affiliate with Mountain Rose Herbs.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Rhassoul Clay

photo from Mountain Rose Herbs

A truly exquisite Spa quality clay from ancient deposits unearthed from the fertile Atlas mountains of Morocco. Rhassoul is a mineral rich clay that blends extremely well with water making its application to the face and skin a smooth and delightful experience.

The best Spas across the globe utilize the toning and enriching benefits offered by Rhassoul and now it's just as easy to enjoy this splendor within your own home. High in Silica, Magnesium, Iron, Calcium, Potassium and Sodium content, this clay is surely one of the finest treasures for the pampering of your skin.

Mountain Rose Herbs offers the following information about Rhassoul Clay...........

Mountain Rose Herbs. A Herbs, Health & Harmony Com

What is Rhassoul and where does it come from?
From Morocco, comes this remarkable natural source, reddish brown cosmetic clay known as Rhassoul.
It has been used for over 1400 years as a soap, shampoo, and skin conditioner, and the finest spas across the globe currently utilize it for therapeutic benefits.
Mined deep beneath the Atlas Mountains in Eastern Morocco it must be extracted under extremely special conditions.

Through meticulous selection, and extensive contact with the raw material we are proud to offer this rich Rhassoul that is truly unique in quality and purity.
When first mined, Rhassoul clay appears as a polished brown, soap-like clay, which is chunky in appearance and resembling rocks. After further refinement and micronization, the end product is a smooth almost silken earth.

How does it work?
Because Rhassoul can be used for a variety of professional applications, it is an invaluable enhancement for spa treatments and for personal use. Its extraordinary power of absorption makes it more effective than other clays for cleansing, de-toxification, and general skin treatment.

It can be used as soap, skin conditioner, shampoo, and facial and body mask.

As Rhassoul contains higher percentages of silica and magnesium along with potassium and calcium, than other clays, Rhassoul appears to be far more effective. In addition to this, due to its greater smectic qualities, (i.e. its ability to swell with the addition of water) Rhassoul achieves better results in skin treatment.
The mineral properties of Rhassoul Clay were studied extensively and presented at the 12th meeting of the National Institute of Phytotherapy in Paris in 1985. Rhassoul Clay contains a high percentage of silica, magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

Rhassoul clay's most impressive properties in skin improvement are its capacity of absorption and adsorption due to its high level of ion exchange. Clinical studies have been conducted by two different research laboratories in the United States to evaluate Rhassoul use for skin conditions. The results of this single use Rhassoul study produced these findings….

Reduces dryness (79%)

Reduces flakiness (41%)

Improves skin clarity (68%)

Improves skin elasticity / firmness (24%)

Improves skin texture (106%)

Removes surface oil and oil from inside and around comedons

Removes dead skin layers, resulting in a general smoothing of the surface skin

In addition to the oil removal characteristics

You can simply mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of Rhassoul Clay with hydrosol or Manuka Honey and apply a light layer to your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for up to 15 minutes (5 minutes for sensitive skin), rinse well and mist with your favorite hydrosol.

Head over to Mountain Rose Herbs and order your Rhassoul Clay today!!!

Disclaimer:
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.I am an affiliate with Mountain Rose Herbs!!!

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Oily Skin Balancing Serum No. 1

Thanks to hormone fluctuations, my face gets overly oily and congested for a good two weeks every single month. I use this serum for about fourteen days to help calm my skin and keep my oil production in check and help soothe any blemishes that do form. I chose hazelnut oil since it is well absorbed and has an astringent quality to it that oily skin loves. Evening primrose oil is often seen in facial products that are specifically formulated for skin problems that are related to hormone imbalances. I chose Bergamot essential oil for its antibacterial and astringent properties. Rose Geranium and Atlas Cedarwood are both essential oils known to be beneficial for blemishes. Sage essential oil has wonderful anti-inflammatory properties, and of course Lavender essential oil is best known for its skin soothing properties and blends well with Bay Laurel essential oil which is often used in skin care products. This recipe is titled “Oily Skin Balancing Serum No.1” as I am constantly tweaking my recipes and adjusting ingredients and amounts. You may see Serum No. 2 in the near future.

This recipe makes 30 ml and should be stored in an amber colored dropper bottle. Use within 90 days.

Oily Skin Balancing Serum No. 1

15 ml Hazelnut Oil

10 ml Jojoba Oil

5 ml Evening Primrose Oil

10 drops Bergamot Essential Oil

8 drops Rose Geranium Essential Oil

6 drops Lavender Essential Oil

4 drops Sage Essential Oil

4 drops Bay Laurel Essential Oil

3 drops Atlas Cedarwood Essential Oil

Mix all ingredients in an amber colored bottle and apply a few drops to cleansed and toned skin.

As with all essential oils, never use them undiluted. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children. If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier). I am an affiliate with Mountain Rose Herbs.

As always, I like to let you know that you can order all the ingredients at Mountain Rose Herbs!!!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Last Minute Holiday Gifts

Click photo to enlarge.

Just thought I would share a photo of the gift baskets I put together yesterday. My daughter, bless her heart, decided to handcraft beauty gifts for her girlfriends. We made Key Lime Pie Body Scrub, Orange Dream Lotion Bars and Peppermint Lip Balm. One of her darling friends already scheduled a date to come over to our home and learn how to make the items for herself. It is such a wonderful feeling for me to watch my daughter take an interest in a craft that I truly enjoy. Happy Handcrafted Holidays!!!

P.S. You can find the recipe for the Key Lime Pie Body Scrub HERE, and the Peppermint Cocoa Lip Balm HERE, stay tuned for the Orange Dream Lotion Bar recipe!!

I will teach you how to craft this delicious and creamy Orange Dream Lotion Bar soon!!

Key Lime Pie Body Scrub

My favored dessert is a gigantic slice of freshly made Key Lime Pie made with a brown sugar crust. I put together this body scrub to smell exactly like Key Lime Pie. You are going to BE IN LOVE WITH this beauty recipe!!!

This recipe made enough to fill three 8-ounce jelly jars.

You will need.......

9 ounces Sweet Almond Oil (substitute your favorite!)

100 grams of coconut oil (about three heaping tablespoons)

60 drops Lemon Essential Oil

80 drops Lime Essential Oil

2 cups packed dark brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

Gently heat the oil and coconut oil in a glass measuring cup set in a double boiler until the coconut oil is fully melted. Remove from heat, add in the essential oils. Place both the sugars in a large bowl and pour the oil mixture over the sugars. Mix well and immediately fill your jars and cap with the lids. Use within three months. Caution is advised when using in the bath and shower as those surfaces may become slippery from the oils.

Fresh-Picked Beauty's Key Lime Pie Body Scrub. Delicious!!!

Make a decorative label listing the ingredients and use by date for your jars.

Here is the label I created on my computer and then printed it on recycle Kraft paper. I cut out a shape to fit my jar, ran it through my sticker maker machine and attached it to my jar. Feel free to copy my label if you would like.

As always, I like to let you know that you can find your ingredients from Mountain Rose Herbs!!!.

Bulk organic herbs, spices and essential oils. Sin

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Flower Waters (Hydrosols)

If you appreciate and enjoy using essential oils, you will truly adore using hydrosols (a.k.a floral waters and distillates). I have discovered two qualities of hydrosols. One type is the by-product of the essential oil manufacturing process and the other and finest quality is created by artisans whom purposely steam petite batches of fresh flower and plant materials in copper or stainless steel stills for the sole purpose of yielding excellent and beneficial hydrosols. A number of the most excellent hydrosols are composed in my home state of Washington.

Just like essential oils, hydrosols contain the “lifeblood” of the plant in a much gentler form than pure essential oils, which make these ready to use without needing further dilution. I enjoy using hydrosols as a facial toner, body cologne and even air freshener. I store them in the fridge during Summer and spritz myself to cool down on hot days. I also use them as an alternative to distilled water when crafting creams and lotions. I purchase my hydrosols from Mountain Rose Herbs in sizes ranging from 4 ounces all the way up to 1 gallon containers. Here are some more facts about Hydrosols from the Mountain Rose Herbs website. Click here to learn more information about Hydrosols.

Basil Hydrosol: Best known for its culinary use; this zesty addition is sure to moisten your taste buds. A fabulous spray in pasta, fried meals, salads, and most other dishes. Also makes an invigorating all purpose spray for your dining area, kitchen, and refrigerator.

Calendula Hydrosol: Calendula is a well-known and loved herb for its therapeutic properties, and this true Calendula Hydrosol has an infinite amount of possible uses! Beneficial for skin disorders, rashes, hotspots, epidermal healing, scratches, abrasions, sunburn, scars, and an all around skin tonic. Calendula Hydrosol has anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, and astringent properties. The aroma of our Calendula hydrosol is refreshing, soothing, sweet, and mildly floral. This hydrosol is a perfect facial toner, and may be included in your skincare and herbal formulations, added to bathwater, or used within a compress for aches and sprains.

Catnip Hydrosol: A surprisingly fresh hydrosol with a softly rounded mint note that is best known for its relaxant properties. Makes for a soothing evening spray in times of duress and if you are feeling particularly adventurous you can drive your cat wild with a few mists onto most anything that they are free to mangle.

Chamomile Hydrosol: Best known for its ability to calm and ease the overly anxious, this Chamomile hydrosol also has a true floral scent which imparts itself heavily when used as a general spray. A great hydrosol for facial and body applications.

Cucumber Hydrosol: A refreshing, cooling, crisp aroma that would be perfect as a summer body splash, or used within a scrumptious handmade lotion or aroma spray.Cucumbers are well known for their soothing, healing, and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin.This hydrosol is highly recommended, and is a wonderful natural alternative to the many synthetic cucumber fragrances available today. Steam distilled from whole fruit.

Lavender Hydrosol: This is one of the more relaxing and balancing hydrosols from our collection of flower waters. It is ideal for oily and combination skin, and is an excellent coolant for minor burns, rashes, and hot sores. Mentally refreshing and marvelous on the emotions!

Lemon Balm Hydrosol: Best known for its calming effects on mental stress and fatigue, this lovely flower water is also beneficial for herpes, cold sores, eczema, and general skin irritations.

Lemon Verbena Hydrosol: Revitalizing for all skin types and lightly stimulating and uplifting for those gloomy days. A great pick me up in a bottle, which also acts as a astringent and cleanser.

Lime Hydrosol: A crisp and refreshing hydrosol distilled from whole organic Lime fruits. Lime hydrosol stimulates skin circulation and promotes pH balancing for alkaline skin types further tightening the outer epidermis. And it has been traditionally used for problems with oily skin and minor skin blemishes. Use it as a rejuvenating facial toner, aroma spray and it will blend wonderfully in cosmetic creations. Fresh, festive and invigorating!

Peppermint Hydrosol: Best known for its use as a revitalizing and refreshing body spray, this Peppermint hydrosol is well rounded and is strikingly robust. Just like fresh picked Peppermint wands! Can be used liberally on the body as a general cooler, in food preparations, and it is particularly helpful for abrasions, hot spots, and as a facial toner.

Rose Geranium Hydrosol: A fastastic hydrosol from the common flowering Rose Geranium. A stunning application for complex and combination skin types where restoring balance is quickly needed. Very balancing flower water for the sporadic symptoms of menopausal women. Lovely in the bathtub and very erotic.

Rose Hydrosol: It is a wonderful toner for all skin types, and makes a practical and suitable body splash, anti-anxiety spray, deodorant, room freshener, and for one of those days when we feel sensual. This is an aphrodisiac with embedded roots dating back thousands of years.

Rosemary Hydrosol: Energizing and stimulating! Helps with those days when we need a little boost with our mental clarity. Also makes a nice toner for hair and is a vivacious spray for culinary dishes.

Tulsi (Holy Basil) Hydrosol: Used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine, Tulsi is considered a sacred plant and is found growing in many Hindu homes.Warm, soothing and slightly spicy, this hydrosol is wonderful to spray on the face or body in times of stress.

To order Hydrosols or just to learn more about them, please visit Mountain Rose Herbs online HERE.

Mountain Rose Herbs. A herbs, health and harmony c

Friday, December 16, 2011

All-Natural Peppermint Kissed Lip Tint

Have you ever heard of Alkanet Root? I just learned about it myself from my local herbalist who said it makes a stunning and all-natural ruby-red infused oil with which an all-natural lip tint can be crafted. Alkanet root is primarily used as a dying and coloring agent, especially for fabrics, soap, and lip balm. You may purchase Alkanet Root from Mountain Rose Herbs (my herbalist gets her's from them too!) by clicking HERE. This recipe makes 28 grams which is enough to fill 5 lip balm tubes.

This is what Alkanet Root looks like. It is also known as Batschia canescens, Hoary puccoon, Lithospermum canescens, and Dyer's bugloss....I think Alkanet is easier to pronounce!! I don't think my friends would be willing to try my "Hoary Puccoon Lip Balm".

Measure out your favorite food grade carrier oil into a small glass container. I like to infuse a bit more than what I use in a single recipe so I have more on hand for future uses. I did a ratio of 1/4 cup sweet almond oil to 1 tablespoon of Alkanet Root.

Alkanet Root and Sweet Almond Oil

I did not want to wait several days for the ruby-red magic to happen, so I gently heated my oil on a mug warmer for about 1 hour.

See how pretty the oil is now!! You need to strain the oil into another clean glass container.

Pretty amazing transformation!!!!! We are now ready to craft our lip tint.

For this recipe, I used the following ingredients.........

14 grams Alkanet Infused Sweet Almond Oil

7 grams Kokum Butter

5 grams Beeswax

1 gram Vitamin E (7500 IU)

20 drops peppermint essential oil

You simply melt the sweet almond oil, kokum butter and beeswax in a glass measuring cup until melted, add in your vitamin E and peppermint essential oil and then fill your lip balm tubes to the very very top and allow to cool before capping. (**See my previous post for more detailed instructions on making lip balm HERE).

Here they are in their full ruby-red glory. I chose a simple label made with clear sticker paper that I ran through my ink-jet printer.

You can easily adjust the amount of tint by adding a smaller amount of infused oil to regular oil until the desired amount of tint is obtained. As always, you can play around with the essential oils. I think it would be delightful to use rose essential oil. I hope you will craft this beauty recipe and tell me how much you enjoy it. Cheers!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Peppermint Cocoa Lip Balm

Just four simple ingredients needed to fashion your own delicious lip balm.

I would like to share with you this recipe for crafting your own Peppermint Cocoa Lip Balm. This delicious recipe uses four nourishing ingredients which can all be found at Mountain Rose Herbs. One lucky person is getting all the ingredients seen in the photo above to craft their own lip balm at home. Thanks to Mountain Rose Herbs for providing the giveaway prize.

Gather the following ingredients.......

7/8 ounce Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus dulcis)
1/2 ounce Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao)
1/2 ounce grated or finely chopped Beeswax
15 drops Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha piperita)

Fill a pot with about 4 inches of water and place a small canning ring inside. Measure out your Sweet Almond Oil, Cocoa Butter and Beeswax in a 4-cup glass measuring cup and place it on the canning ring in the simmering water. Allow the ingredients to fully melt and remove from heat.

Dry off the measuring cup if there is any moisture on it. Add in your Peppermint Essential Oil and fill your lip balm containers to the very very top and allow to cool completely before placing the lids on. This recipe makes enough for three 1/2-ounce lip balm tins.

Make cute little labels for your containers. I printed my labels on recycled Kraft paper, punched them out and ran them through my sticker maker. Fun, Fun Fun!

I then made a bigger label and attached it to a small recycled bag with some twine. Lovely!! I surprised the ladies I work with at my son's elementary library with a pot of this lip balm. I just know they will enjoy it.

You can adjust this recipe by choosing your favorite oil and your favorite essential oil (sweet orange would be delicious). Vegans may substitute soy wax in place of the beeswax.

If you would like a chance to win the prize seen above from Mountain Rose Herbs, please complete the entry form below. One entry per person. Giveaway ends on January 1, 2012 at 8:00 am PST. Winner will be randomly selected and notified via email provided on the entry form. Good Luck. Prize will be sent from Mountain Rose Herbs. Your information will only be shared with Mountain Rose Herbs. You can visit Mountain Rose Herbs online by clicking HERE.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Lena's Perfume

I adore perfume! I fancy the memories that are conjured by specific aromas and scents. I was strolling through the mall a few days ago and was waylaid by a charming young lady peddling the hottest perfume du jour and suggested I allow her to mist me with this enchanted elixir. I took a whiff from the atomizer and was essentially unable to ascertain what the skunk juice was supposed to smell like. It was an arrogant synthetic posy of various lab produced odors which beat up my nose and my brain. Adding insult to injury, I was informed it was $140 for a 3.4 ounce bottle. I can order many essential oils from Mountain Rose Herbs for $140 and handcraft my own perfumes.

Blending your own perfume is a delightful experience. You can use either oil or vodka and your preferred essential oils. I will be posting several of my favorite perfume blends named after some charming Victorian ladies. Enjoy!!

My favorite perfume is crafted in my kitchen using all-natural ingredients.

Lena's Perfume is a woodsy-earthy blend of Spruce, Cypress, Cedarwood, Vetiver, Bergamot Mint and Benzoin. This blend reminds me of camping with my husband in the Olympic Mountains. You can choose either a base of jojoba oil or Vodka. This is great for both guys and gals!!

30 ml Vodka

5 drops Bergamot Mint Essential Oil

3 drops Benzoin Resin

4 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil

3 drops Vetiver Essential Oil

10 drops Spruce Essential Oil

5 drops Cypress Essential Oil

Blend well in a roller-ball or spray bottle. Shake frequently for at least seven days. Shake well before applying.

Pomegranate Seed Oil

Pomegranate Seed Oil is a luxurious and deeply penetrating oil from the cold pressed organic seeds of Pomegranate fruit. This highly prized oil which is naturally high in flavonoids and punicic acid is remarkable for the skin and has numerous dietary benefits as well. Deeply nourishing to the outer epidermal layer, Pomegranate seed oil provides powerful anti-oxidant benefits for numerous skin ailments including eczema, and psoriasis and gently challenges free radicals that damage and age the skin.

A great ally to have in your cosmetic creations or as a stand alone product to help nourish and develop healthy skin cell regeneration.

I buy my Pomegranate Seed Oil from Mountain Rose Herbs and their website has a lot of in-depth information about this amazing healing oil. Pomegranate seed oil is commonly used in cosmetic products to revitalize dull or mature skin, assist with wrinkles, and to soothe minor skin irritations. Without moisture, wrinkles become more abundant and pronounced, the skin looks tight and lacks luster. Pomegranate seed oil adds moisture, has natural estrogenic properties, anti-oxidants, is anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, improves skin elasticity, and protects the skin. It provides relief from minor skin irritations and inflammation, including dry skin, eczema, psoriasis and sunburned skin. The conjugated fatty acids give it strong anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and ease muscular aches and pains.

Several recent studies, including one conducted by the University of Michigan Medical School (published in the February 2006 Journal of Ethnopharmacology), have shown that pomegranate seed oil stimulates keratinocyte proliferation, promoting regeneration and strengthening of the epidermis. This study compliments other recent studies, which have also shown the beneficial results of using pomegranate seed oil.

Stay tuned for some beauty recipes made with Pomegranate Seed Oil. Head over to Mountain Rose Herbs and order a small 2 ounce bottle of this amazing pure oil.

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Baby Claire's Soothing Lavender & Oatmeal Bath Powder

This oatmeal based bath powder is wonderful for soothing and calming sensitive skin. Enjoy!!!

Add 6 ounces of organic old-fashioned oats to a food grinder and process into a fine powder.

Add in a quarter cup of organic lavender buds..........

Add in a quarter cup of organic chamomile flowers........**some people may be allergic to chamomile which is part of the Asteraceae plant family which includes ragweed, so steer clear of this if you are allergic.

Grind until a fine powder forms and transfer to a glass container with a tight fitting lid.

To use: Add about 1/4 cup of powder into a cotton tea bag and allow the bath water to run through it into the bathtub.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Calendula Hydrosol

Order this and other hydrosols from Mountain Rose Herbs

The following information is from the Mountain Rose Herbs webpage for Flower Waters (Hydrosols):

Hydrosols, also known as floral waters, hydroflorates, flower waters or distillates are produced from steam-distilling plant materials. Hydrosols have similar properties to essential oils but are much less concentrated. Unlike their "essential oil added to water" counterparts, true steam-distilled hydrosols contain all the beneficial components that whole plant materials have to offer.

Hydrosols are usually a by-product of essential oil production, but the highest quality comes from devoted distillers who, with artist-like precision, steam small batches of fresh floral and plant material strictly to produce hydrosol (the hydrosols offered by Mountain Rose Herbs are produced in this fashion). Most of our hydrosols are distilled in copper stills, (a few in stainless steel stills) and processed through certified organic methods in Washington, California and Europe. Hydrosols contain all of the essence of the plant in every drop, just like essential oils but in a milder form; making them suitable for all manner of applications where essential oils would be too strong. In most hydrosols there is less than 5% actual oil.

Please note that their aromas are mostly mild and subtle, sometimes bright and fragrant, and most hydrosols have an herby or grassy note indicative of their authentic and therapeutic properties.
Wonderful as a facial splash, body perfume, deodorant or air freshener. Cool a hot flash, change your mood or add them to lotions and creams. Please Click HERE to be taken to the Mountain Rose Herbs website to learn even more about Hydrosols.

The first hydrosol introduction I would like to make is for Calendula Hydrosol which is the distilled flower parts of Calendula officinalis. Calendula is a well-known and loved herb for its therapeutic properties, and true Calendula Hydrosol has an infinite amount of possible uses! Beneficial for skin disorders, rashes, hotspots, epidermal healing, scratches, abrasions, sunburn, scars, and an all around skin tonic. Calendula Hydrosol has anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, and astringent properties. The aroma of Calendula hydrosol is refreshing, soothing, sweet, and mildly floral. This hydrosol is a perfect facial toner, and may be included in your skincare and herbal formulations, added to bathwater, or used within a compress for aches and sprains.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Kokum butter

Order Kokum Butter and other Butters from Mountain Rose Herbs

Kokum Butter is a highly prized and under-rated butter from the Garcinia tree. This naturally white and incredibly smooth butter has enormously high compositions of beneficial materials to help regenerate tired and worn skin cells and further supports elasticity and general flexibility of the skin wall. A great ingredient to add to healing lotions, creams, and body butters. It can be directly applied to the skin in its solid state, but it may require a mild amount of heating to improve applicability. Highly recommended to those that are crafting cosmetics with the intent of producing a skin healing end product.

Kokum Butter is a hard flaky butter that has a relatively higher melting point which is great for lipstick and lip balm.

I purchase Kokum Butter from Mountain Rose Herbs. The Botanical Name of Kokum Butter is Garcinia indica and Mountain Rose Herbs usually sources it from India where it is expeller pressed and refined. It has an optimal shelf life of 1 year when stored in a cool dry location. It is a very dry and flaky butter which likes the company of other oils and butters when making a body care recipe. I like to use it along with shea butter and nourishing carrier oils. I use it mostly in making skin healing lotions, creams and body butters. I know that several artisans will use it for making soaps and toiletries too. Kokum Butter is a non-comedogenic material that aids quick absorption and adds a pleasant texture to your recipes. Folks in India use it to soften their skin and as a balm for dry, cracked, rough and calloused skin. Those with problem skin issues should discuss with a physician before using Kokum Butter and it is not recommended for use with those with nut allergies.

Thanks to Mountain Rose Herbs for the above info. Visit them online at www.mountainroseherbs.com

As always, this information is for educational purposes only. This infomation has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Balancing Facial Oil with Argan Oil and German Chamomile

I am just crazy about facial oils as they are a delightful and favorable way to nourish, protect and soothe your skin. Blended oil formulas have a lengthier shelf-life than most creams and lotions and may be used both morning and night seeing as facial oils absorb into the skin pretty easily. A little facial oil, as in two to three drops, goes a long way and a 1-ounce bottle will last you about 6 months. I like to cleanse my face, apply a toner or hydrosol and then massage in my facial oil. Enjoy!

I will be posting several beauty recipes for various types of facial oils in the next few weeks. Remember to always perform a patch test with any new beauty ingredients to make sure you are not allergic to them. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, please talk with your doctor before using any essential oils.

Balancing Facial Oil with Argan Oil

and German Chamomile

I chose the ingredients for this particular formulation since the Argan Oil absorbs quickly and is rich in natural tocopherols, phenols, carotens and fatty acids. Rosehip Seed Oil is very popular for skincare products since it is really high in essential fatty acids and is great for dry skin, scars and wrinkles. German Chamomile Essential Oil is very soothing to the skin and Geranium Essential Oil is very balancing, relaxing and astringent. Rounding out this oil is Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil which is very anti-inflammatory and adds a very calming scent to help ease tension.

1/2 ounce Argan Oil

1/2 ounce Rosehip Seed Oil

6 drops German Chamomile Essential Oil

5 drops Geranium Essential Oil

4 drops Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil

Mix all ingredients in a 1 ounce amber colored bottle with a dropper. Store in a cool dry place and use within 9 months.