Lotions and Potions

Just add your own touch of magick...

Formulating your own personal fragrances and cosmetics is a creative and earth-friendly alternative to commercial products. You can select the purest ingredients while easily avoiding ingredients that your skin is sensitive to. You will also avoid the extensive use of synthetic chemicals of questionable safety.

After you have made a couple recipes according to directions, you will begin to understand the action of the various ingredients and can begin to create your own variations. Don't be afraid to experiment! Keep in mind when your making cosmetics that without the use of preservatives your products will not have a long shelf life. Make small batches.

Creams and lotions will last about 3 weeks, longer if you refrigerate them. Preparations made with alcohol will generally last longer.

I have not personally tried all of these. Many of them were submitted to the Sisters of the Hearth mailing list by members. Original source is unknown. Those recipes on the list that look sound and worth a try were added here to share with all of you.

In a bowl, mix: 1 1/2 oz. dried marjoram, 1 1/2 oz. dried rosemary, 2 tbsp. oatmeal and 1 tbsp. dried chopped orange peel.

Cut out several 9 inch circles of calico and place about 2 teaspoons of the herb mixture in the centre of each one. Gather up the material to make a bag and secure each with a small elastic band.
Tie long pieces of ribbon around the neck of each bundle, both to decorate and to attach the bag to the bath taps. The bag should be fixed to the taps before you run your bath, so the water runs through the herbal mixture.

Tea Bag Bath

From Sisters of the Hearth files

My favorite tea is called Chi Spice, a brand I found at my local grocery store for less than three dollars per twenty-bag package. One day while taking a bath I accidentally spilled my iced Chi Spice tea into my steaming bathwater, and the tub turned into a wonderfully-smelling sauna!

Since then I have perfected the recipe and pass it along to everyone here!

Some hours before you plan to take a bath, brew two Chi Spice tea bags in a quart of water. Once the water has boiled, add the tea bags and allow them to steep for at least an hour. Run your bath with water just slightly hotter than you like it, then add the cooled tea (remove the tea bags first!). The steamy water should re-release the wonderful spicy scent of the tea. It turns any bath into an exotic soak!

Bath Silks

From Sisters of the Hearth files

Bath silks are a wonderful way to end the day. They look just like old-fashion bottles of milk with the cream still intact. The body should be patted dry rather than rubbed in order to have the fragrance hang on a little longer. Let the silks age 48 hours before you use them, this allows the combinations of scents to become acquainted with each other. The gum arabic in the formula acts to blend the oil and water so they wont separate in the tub.

Lavender Silk

2 tbls safflower or sesame oil

2 droppers of lavender oil

2 tbls gum arabic (powdered)

1 cup water

Combine the oils. Make a smooth paste by placing the gum in a bowl and add the oils, a few drops at a time. Be sure the past is free of lumps. Begin to add water, a spoonful at a time. When you have enough volume, beat with an egg beater, continuing t add water until whole cup is added. The solution will turn milky in color as you beat. Place in a glass bottle and store in refrigerator. Use 1/4 cup per tub full.

The above recipe was just one in a million scents that you can make. Add any type of essential oil you would like and follow the rest of the recipe the exact same way. Enjoy!!!!!

"Gum Arabic powder can be found in your local health food store or at www.frontierherb.com

Fruity Bath Salts

Put 3 tbsp baking soda in a bowl and add 12 drops sweet orange essential oil and 6 drops strawberry perfume or potpourri oil. Mix well together.
Add some pink food coloring - 3 drops should be ample, depending on the depth of color desired.
Mix the food coloring in well, which take quite a while and needs to be done very thoroughly. Pour the salts into a clear jar and decorate with a pink ribbon. 1 tbsp to a hot bath. Attach a card if gift giving.

Bath Gifts for Giving

1 Cup baking soda
1 cup epsom salts
8-12 drops essential oils or bath oil (I found perfume samples worked well)
5 drop of food coloring (vary color as you desire)

Mix very, very well! Fill snack size zip-lock type bags. Label with the fragrance name and instructions to add 1 tablespoon to a hot bath.

This can be very economical if you shop at an outlet club and get the giant baking soda for about $3.75

BATH SALTS II

1/4 cup Epsom Salts

1/8 cup baking soda

1/8 cup sea salt

10 drops essential oil

Measure all the salts into a bowl and blend them together thoroughly.

Add five drops of essential oil that you enjoy and blend it in well, then

add five more drops and blend. Package in an airtight container and

label. To use, Add 1/4 - 1/2 cup to bath water.

Variations:

Use different essential oils to vary the aromatherapy properties. Try lavender, rosemary, sandalwood, eucalyptus or any citrus oil.

If you do not have all of the salts in the recipe, any of them can be used individually. Some of the minerals in the salts do have therapeutic functions. For example, Epson salts is magnesium sulfate which draws out toxic substances and relieves aching muscles.

Honey Bath Salts

From Sisters of the Hearth files

You can use honey (1/4 cup actually) in your bath to soften and sooth your skin. Adding them to a bath salt recipe just heightens the experience. This recipe makes a great gift, I have given them to my wife and Mother who praised them.

You will need:

1 1/2 cups of Epsom Salts (or rock sea salt)

1/3 cup of honey (liquid honey)

2 drops of yellow food coloring

3 drops essential oil (optional, honey gives off a nice scent)

To create:

Take the salts and place them in a bowl with the honey. Stir them together very well. It will seem a little sticky.

Add your two drops of yellow food coloring to the essential oil if you choose to use it. Oils that are good would be chamomile, rose or jasmine.

Take the oil and color mixture and stir it into the salts.

Cover in bowl for about 30 minutes so that they call mix well.

Use 1/4 cup of recipe for each bath, drop into hot running water.

To make a nice gift place the salts into a clear jar with a cork seal. Seal the cork with some melted wax. You can add a pale yellow ribbon with a gift tag that lists the ingredients, even a small honey bee glued to the neck for decoration.

You can create the tag out of yellow paper and shape it into a honey comb.

Almond Milk Bath

This is very soothing, and if you love the smell of almond, slightly sweet, you will love his bath milk. Milk baths have been around for centuries, I have tried several but this remains my favorite.

You will need:

6 cups powdered milk

4 Tablespoons of Almond Oil

8 drops of almond extract

7 drops of vanilla extract

To create the milk bath simply combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. If you have a fork around use it because it works well.

You can put this in a lovely jar and give it as a gift. This should be kept in a glass jar with a lid that turn on to keep air out. You should add a gift tag. I make my gift tag out of a black piece of paper that lists all of the ingredients as well as a name you have come up with. I like to do this is silver pen and attach to the bottle with a little piece of thick black thread.

Before using remember to shake a few times to combine.

This will make two baths worth if you like to use a lot. Four if you use it a little less largely.

In any case it works well, and I love the smell of the almonds, it always puts a smile on my face.

Bee Sweet Bath Oil

I love honey, I love the effect honey has on my skin....not to mention it smells great and unlike many other bath recipe ingredients.....it is easy to find and it is all natural.

I love bath oils as much as I love honey so it seemed to me that sooner or later I would have to create a recipe that used the basics of bath oils but included one of my favorite ingredients...honey. I like this recipe a lot...I hope you like it as well

Bee Sweet Bath Oils (cute huh?)

2 cup of liquid honey, warm

3 1/2 cups of homo milk

3/4 cup salt

1/3 cup of baking soda

1 3/4 cup of Sweet Almond or Mineral Oil

10 drops of scented oils if you like.... ( I choose to leave this one as is....)

It is very simple from here on in...

Simply place the honey, milk, and baking soda in a bowl and stir together.

Add oil and scent if you are using it. You will have to stir very well to mix. You can also use a hand blender, it is quicker.

Place the finished oils in a jar with a turn lid or cork stopper and if not using immediately seal by adding a little melted wax to cork before corking the bottle.

I like to decorate the jars with raffia as well as a little bee even a tag shaped like a bee or honey comb.

These are great for gifts, and sell well as craft shows.

Remember to add ingredients to gift tag when gift giving.

Herbal Astringent for Oily Skin and Skin Treatments

1 ounce Chamomile

3 tablespoons Witch hazel

1/2 teaspoon Cider vinegar

1 ounce Peppermint extract

8 ounces Water

Few drops of peppermint -- extract

1/4 teaspoon Boric acid -- optional

Boil chamomile, witch hazel, vinegar, peppermint and water. Cool and strain. Add remaining ingredients in a spray bottle and shake. Keep refrigerated.

TEA TREE OIL AND ACNE

From Sisters of the Hearth files

Got a teenager in the house? Tried every over-the-counter acne

treatment there is--to no avail? You might want to get your hands on

this nifty little extract: tea tree oil.

Tea tree (melaleuca alternifolia) is native to Australia and has long

been used by aboriginal people as a local antiseptic. Recent studies

have supported this use and found the oil has some serious anti-germ

properties: namely provided by a chemical called terpinene.

Not only has tea tree oil proven useful in the treatment of acne

vulgaris, but it also is used in some commercial flea dips for pets.

It may eventually be used in hospitals as a disinfectant cleaner.

Tea tree has a not unpleasant, rather piney kind of smell. (Though it

can be a bit intense.) What's more, it can be a bit irritating to the

skin if used at full strength. I suggest dabbing a bit of the oil onto

an already water-soaked cotton ball or cloth before applying. A little

bit goes a long way, and even though the essential oil is fairly

expensive (6-7 dollars for about 1 ounce), it is well worth it.

Especially if you consider all you've already shelled out for

ineffective over-the-counter acne treatments.

Cleansing Milk For Sensitive Skin

From Sisters of the Hearth files

For those with delicate skin, a mild cleansing milk follows the herbal facial steam, leaving the skin radiant.

1 cup milk

3 tbsp.of one or a combination of the following:

fresh violet flowers; fresh cornflowers; lavender flower or leaves; or fresh or dried fresh marigold mint flowers and leaves (Tagetes lucida foeniculum)

In a small saucepan, heat milk to a simmer. Remove from heat. Add herb(s). Cover and steep for 15 minutes. Strain into a glass screw-top bottle or container. Apply to face and neck with a cotton ball. Refrigerate leftovers up to three days.

Taken From Woman's World Magazine

Banish Breakouts

The best way to keep breakouts from breaking out? "Tea tree oil," says Dr. Kenet. "It kills bacteria and acts

as an antiseptic to quickly send a blemish on it's way."

Combine 1 part tea tree oil (available at health food stores) with 10 parts bottled spring water.

Sip a cotton ball into mixture and sweep over face after cleansing before bed.

Tip: Avoid scrubbing acne-prone skin with a washcloth. (It inflames blemishes)

Stop Shine

"High humidity sends oil glands into overdrive, causing excess perspiration and unwanted shine," explains esthetician Luann Pepper of the Centre for well being at the Phoenician in Scottsdale, Arizona. Put the brakes on oil gland  overload by: brushing your face with pure lemon juice (contains astringent and antiseptic properties) using a clean makeup brush. Letting it set 5 minutes, then rinsing.

Tip: It's better to do this before bed since the citric acids may cause temporary redness.Soothe

Summer-Sensitive Skin

Summer is high season for skin rashes and irritations due to increased sun exposure, perspiration and frequent use of sunscreen. But you can keep your complexion looking gorgeous with Dr. Kenet's at-home facial:

Rub 2 cups plain, full-fat yogurt (cools and soothes) into your skin. Let set 5 minutes; rinse with cool water.

Fill an empty spray bottle with cooled chamomile tea (calms the skin and reduces redness) and mist face;

let dry. Follow with an unscented sensitive skin moisturizer.

Tip: Avoid common skin allergens that may cause hives or hay fever by checking labels for cinnamic acid

(found in suntan lotions) and hydroxycitronellol (found in insect repellents)

Honey and Almond Scrub

1/2 Cold cream -- small jar

1 tablespoon Honey

Slivered almonds

Whirl slivered almonds in a blender until they're as fine as freshly ground pepper. Mix with cold cream and add honey. Keep refrigerated.

Exfoliating Body Scrub

From Sisters of the Hearth files

You will need:

4 tbsp. bran

4 tbsp. oats

Place these two ingredients in a cheesecloth or muslim type bag and hang it on the bathtub faucet so that the water runs through it. Your water will be softened and so will the bags ingredients.

Then after getting into the tub you can wash yourself with little bags either before soap or after soap if you are using soap as well. You can use this without any other kind of cleansing agent and you skin will be cleansed and softer feeling.

This is very good for those of us with sensitive skin or to soak in when you have been bug bit!   Happy soaking!

Rose Mint and Oatmeal Facial Scrubs

Facial scrubs made of soap and dried botanicals, cleanse, stimulate, and soothe the skin. Simple to make and attractive when displayed in a glass jar or in a basket, they're a usable potpourri.

HOW TO USE:

Gently mix the ingredients together in a large bowl. Store in a jar or a basket.

TO USE:

Place 1/4 cup of the blend in a cotton scrub bag, (muslin bag, purchase at craft stores)tie tightly. Wet bag well, then rub over your face or body with a gently circular scrubbing action. Discard contents after use. Rinse bag with warm water and lay flat to dry.

OATMEAL FACIAL SCRUB RECIPE

The grated soap cleanses and the chamomile and oatmeal add a delicious apple-pineapple scent as the relax and soothe your skin. This recipe makes 12 applications.

1 cup dried chamomile

1 cup grated soap ( Can use a beauty bar with extra moisturizing cream if you need)

1 cup regular oatmeal

ROSE MINT SCRUB RECIPE

The grated soap cleanses as the rose petals and mint leaves add fragrance and cooling, stimulating tonic for your skin. Rose petals are an astringent. This recipe makes 12 applications.

1 cup dried rose petals

1 cup grated soap

1 cup dried mint leaves

Enjoy!!!

Oatmeal Citrus Scrubbing Grains

1 cup Dried orange and lemon peel

1 cup Cooked oatmeal

1 cup Blanched almonds

Place peels, oats and almonds in a blender and whirl until the mixture is a fine powder. Store in container. To use: Place a bit of the scrub in the palm of you hand and moisten with a few drops of water To dry citrus peels, place a basket in a sunny window, drop peels in, stir occasionally, when dry, break up.

Rosemary Chamomile Facial Rinse

1 tablespoon Dried rosemary

or 1 tb fresh

2 tablespoons Dried chamomile flowers

or 1/4 cup fresh

4 cups Water

Boil all ingredients for 15 minutes. Strain, retain liquid, cool and put in container. Wipe liquid over face, let remain for 30 minutes. Rinse with cool water

Rosewater

Rosewater is an emollient. That means it softens the skin by slowing the evaporation of water. It is wonderful used in skin care products, is easy to concoct at home and is excellent in certain dishes. I make a rosewater pound cake that is so delicious you should eat it on your knees.

Rosewater Toner:

(for dry, sensitive or mature skin)

3/4 cup of rosewater

6 drops of glycerin

2/3 cups of witch hazel

Blend all ingredients in a bottle and shake well before use.

Rosewater and Glycerin Hand Lotion:

In an bottle blend 1/2 rosewater and 1/2 vegetable glycerin.

Shake well and it's ready to use.

Great for hands, face, heels and elbows.

Homemade Rosewater Recipe:

This recipe is meant to yield about 1 gallon of Rosewater:

You will need a clear gallon container, about 1 gallon of distilled water, enough fresh rose petals to fill the jar 3/4 way full, and 1 cup of Vodka.

Make sure your container is clean and fill it up with rose petals about 3/4 of the way. If you want to use your Rosewater for ingesting make sure your petals have been organically grown.

Pour the water in until it covers the petals completely.

Once your water is in pour in the Vodka. Put the lid on and shake it up a bit so that the ingredients mix together thoroughly.

Place in the sun or on a sunny windowsill and wait. Think of this as the same process as making sun tea with the exception of the length of time needed to be completed.

You will start to see your water turning color after only a couple of days but for the best results wait two weeks. Strain out the rose petals and you have Rosewater!

Skin Clarifier and Facials

2/3 cup Witch hazel

1/3 cup Rubbing alcohol

Mix together. Store in a tightly capped glass bottle.

From Sisters of the Hearth files

Fruit Cream

When the first alpha-hydroxy acid creams started coming out I realize that they were based on simple formulas of lactic acid and fruit acids.

Being someone who naturally put the rinds of her fruit on her skin after munching I thought up this cheap alternative. No extra ingredients either! 100% Natural!

one tablespoon of powdered milk

one tablespoon pureed apples or pears

Mix together to form a paste...if too sloppy just add more powdered milk and then apply to skin before bed (put towel on pillow).In the morning you can rinse it off and behold ...gorgeous skin for pennies! If you are a vegan, you can use oat flour for a holding consistency. You will not get the lactic acid this way but the fruits and soothing oats will be very good on your skin.

Rose facial oil

From Sisters of the Hearth files

You will need:

2 tsp. evening primrose oil

4 tsp. grapeseed oil

5 drops of rose absolute

5 drops patchouli oil

5 drops geranium oil

Blend the base oils and scented oils together.

Put in a dark glass bottle (perhaps one of those pretty deep blue ones from an apothecary?).This is excellent for sensitive skin and as a gentle facial massage.  It should last for 6 months.

Buttermilk Facial

Buttermilk Facial 1/2 cup oatmeal

2 tablespoons honey

1/4 cup plain yogurt or buttermilk

Finely grind oatmeal in a blender or food processor. In a small bowl, combine honey, yogurt and add ground oatmeal. Mix thoroughly until it has a paste-like consistency. Smooth over face and neck and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry. Can be applied every day, preferably in the morning

Herbal Facial Mask (Cleans and Tightens Pores)

1 tbsp honey

1 egg

1 tsp crumbled dried chamomile flowers

1 tsp finely chopped fresh mint

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Apply the mixture to your face and neck. Let dry (10-15 minutes) and rinse off with warm water.

Strawberry Skin Moisturizer

1 tbsp each: olive, coconut and vegetable oils

2 tbsp mashed strawberries

1-2 drops Vitamin E oil (optional-but I use it!)

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Apply lightly(sparingly) to face in the DAY time....run around and do chores or read a book....then rinse off with warm water. Use witch hazel on a cotton ball to close pores. Store in the refrigerator in a covered jar between uses.

NOTE: This makes your face so soft and glowy...wow!

Almond Oil Wrinkle Cream

A rich moisturizer that boosts the water-holding capacity of your skin and helps plump out wrinkled areas. Yippee!!

1 tbsp of an infusion of comfrey leaves (I have also used elderflower leaves)

1 tbsp lanolin (must be wool fat, at most drugstores)

2 tsp sweet almond oil

2 tsp water (rainwater, distilled or purified)

2 tsp cod liver oil (its gruesome, but it works!)

5 drops of geranium essential oil (you can also use carrot oil)

Melt lanolin and almond oil in a double boiler. Add water and allow to cool. Mix in cod liver oil and comfrey. When cool add essential oil. Apply gently to face and rinse off after 5-10 minutes. Then I apply witch hazel as a toner with a cotton ball. Lovely!!

NOTE:.....I don't like to put anything on my face at night, I believe in letting my skin BREATHE.....the only thing I might put on, is a very light moisturizer or eye gel around my eyes to get rid of puffiness in the morning....have fun!

Avocado Facial Mask

2 tablespoons of mashed avocado

2 tablespoons of ground oats

1 tablespoon of honey

Combine all ingredients together with a fork in a small glass bowl. Apply to clean face and neck with fingertips in a circular motion, avoiding eye area. Leave on face/neck for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and gently pat dry with towel. Makes enough for one application.

Scented Bath Oil

From Crafts Magazine

This make-at-home herbal body and bath oil is a great way to add comfort to your life in a quick, simple way. Massage a few drops into weary muscles or add a small amount into a steaming tub of bath water. Lavender and rose essential oils provide the calming effect in this recipe. In place of these, ylang-ylang, apricot and vanilla may also be used.

A few dried flowers mixed in with the scented oil and a ring of dried rosebuds around the bottle make this an attractive bauble next to the bath, as well as a recommended remedy to one of those hectic days.

MATERIALS

*Decorative glass bottle with cork*, 5 inches tall

*Assorted dried flower heads, your choice, approximately 12 pieces: globe amaranth; lavender; larkspur

*Dried mini rosebuds, approximately 40

*Spanish moss

*3/8-inch sheer ribbon, two coordinating shades of pink, 2/3 yard each

*Almond oil*, 8 ounces

*Essential oils*: lavender, 12 drops; rose, 4 drops

*Vitamin E oil*, 8 drops

*Paraffin wax

*28-gauge cloth-covered wire, 3 inches

*Hot glue gun

*Miscellaneous items: scissors; ruler; wire cutters; glass measuring cup; wood spoon; double boiler; empty coffee can (optional)

**Check your craft store or health food store for the oils used in this project.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Wash and dry bottle thoroughly. Place dried flower heads inside bottle.

2. Mix all oils in glass measuring cup. Pour mixture into bottle and insert cork firmly.

3. Melt paraffin wax in double boiler. If desired, pinch coffee can to form spout; place wax in can, then can in pan filled with water.

Dip cork and top of bottle into melted wax; let harden. Repeat dipping until a thick seal forms.

4. To decorate the bottle, glue Spanish moss around neck of bottle.

Layer sheer ribbon to make a small multi-loop bow with 6-inch streamers; use cloth-covered wire to secure bow center.

Glue bow to center front of bottle top, nestling it in moss. Twist bow streamers in pairs (one of each color), and spot glue to bottle front. Glue a cluster of three rosebuds to cover one "tacked" spot on each streamer. Note: Glue clusters asymmetrically.

5. Glue remaining rosebuds to form wide ring around bottle neck.

1 to 2 parts epsom salts(optional)

2 parts baking soda

1 part cornstarch

1 to 2 part citric or ascorbic acid (found in beer making stores)

Mix very well.

Add UP to 1 part olive oil, until the consistency of pastry dough.

(JUST sticks together)

Add a few drops scented oil/food color if you want them scented/colored.

Form into small, golf- sized balls. Store in cellophane wrapper.

Drop in your bath and RELAX............

OR

Ingredients:

1/4 c. baking soda

2 tlbs. citric acid or absorbic acid (powdered vit. C)

1 tlbs. Borax powder (for softening)

2 tlbs. powdered sugar (for binding)

2 tlbs. sweet almond oil

1 tsp. Vitamin E oil (preservative)

1/4 tsp. fragrance or essential oil

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl and stir until well blended.

Drizzle in almond oil and stir until mixture is moistened.

Add Vit. E oil and fragrance and stir until well mixed.

Take teaspoon size globs of mixture and form into ball shapes with fingers.

(mixture will be VERY crumbly and fragile , so do the best you can.

Add a little bit more of the vit. E. oil I find that helps.)

Place the balls on a sheet of wax paper and leave alone for 2-3 hours.

After 2-3 hrs, reshape balls.

Let the balls air-dry and harden for 10 days.

Store balls in a closed container to protect from moisture.

To use, plop a ball into your bathtub in warm water!

Vanilla Rose Shower Gel

From Sisters of the Hearth files

1/4 cup distilled water

2 tablespoons shampoo Concentrate ( or substitute with 1/4 cup unscented shampoo and increase salt to 1/2 tsp.)

2 tablespoons rose water

1 tablespoon liquid glycerin (From drugstore First Aid Section)

1/4 tablespoon table salt

10 drops vanilla fragrance oil

4 drops rose fragrance oil

Warm distilled water in a saucepan and pour into a ceramic bowl. Add shampoo concentrate and stir with a until well blended. Add rose water, glycerin, salt and fragrance oils. Stir until blended and thick. Pour into a pretty bottle.

Decorate with raffia and a sprig of dried flowers.

Molded Massage Oil

Molded Massage Oil (Little solid balls/shapes)

4 tablespoons solid vegetable shortening

3 tablespoons solid cocoa butter

2 tablespoons solid coconut oil

1 tablespoon beeswax

1 tablespoon paraffin wax

10 drops orange essential oil(or whatever you like.)

Heat all the above, except essential oil, in a microwave (power 7) for approximately 3 minutes or melt in a double boiler. Stir until liquid.

Beat for several minutes until emulsified and slightly thick. If it isn't thickening, place your bowl in ice water as you beat it. ( I use my Braun handmixer). Add in essential oil.

Pour into metal or lightly oiled plastic/glass molds.(Chocolate molds work well and are about the right amount for a body massage.) Refrigerate until set.

Wrap in plastic and store in a cool place.

To use, just simply hand warm your molded oil and give a massage to your fav person!!! (or give yourself a foot massage!)

LAVENDER MASSAGE OIL

2 ounces lavender herbal oil

5 -10 drops essential oil of lavender

Prepare the lavender herbal oil according to the directions for herbal oils. (Use about 1/2 ounce of lavender flowers to 4 ounces of oil).

Strain and pour into containers. To enhance the scent add five drops of lavender essential oil.

MASSAGE BUTTER BLEND

2 TBS. coconut oil

2 TBS. cocoa butter

2 TBS. apricot kernel oil

1 1/4 tsp. beeswax

Essential of choice

Melt all the ingredients together over low heat. Add desired essential oil, approximately 20 drops. Pour into containers and label.

Healing Salves, Liniments and Ointments:

From Sisters of the Hearth files

Pain Reliever:

Mix together 1 ounce of chickweed (reduces inflammation and aids in healing), 1 ounce of wormwood (a great pain reliever), and 1 ounce of yarrow (an anti-bacterial agent that also helps to relieve pain). Add the mixed herbs to 2 pints of olive oil and simmer 3 hours. Strain and add 3 ounces of beeswax and 1 teaspoon of tincture of benzion. Test for consistency before pouring into wide mouth containers.

Aloe Vera Salve:

Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of pekoe tea and 1 tablespoon of Irish moss. Allow to sit until cool. Add 3 tablespoons of aloe gel. Mix well and store in labeled jar. This salve can be used to heal burns, including sunburns.

Chickweed Salve:

Add about 1 pound of chickweed to 1 pint of olive oil. Heat for 3 hours in an oven set at 150 degrees. Strain and add 1 and a half ounces of melted beeswax to the mixture. Stir mixture while it is cooling, as it will thicken. Place in a wide mouth jar and label. Great for healing cuts, burns, and abrasions.

Liniment for Colds and Chest Tightness:

Add 1 cup of finely chopped garlic to 1 cup of boiling lard. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 2 hours. Remove from heat and strain the garlic from the oil. Place in a container with a tight-fitting lid.

Rheumatic Pain Ointment:

Place a half cup of rosemary leaves and 1/2 teaspoon oil of cloves in 1 cup of vegetable oil. Simmer gently for 20 minutes. Strain well and bottle. Make a poultice and use as often as necessary for rheumatic pain.

Wormwood Liniment:

To 1 gallon of white vinegar, add 4 ounces wormwood herb and seed. Let sit for 2 weeks. Strain, bottle and label. When the time comes to use this remedy, beat 4 egg whites. Slowly add 1 quart of the wormwood mixture and 4 ounces of pure turpentine. Keep tightly capped. Shake well before using.Saturate bandages and wrap around the legs when needed. This is good to use for arthritis and stiffness.

Liniment for Aching Body:

Add 2 ounces of powdered golden seal to 1 quart of rubbing alcohol. Let set for 2 weeks, shaking daily. Use as a massage for aching muscles. Not to be taken internally

Herb Salt Rub

Scent some kosher or sea salt with rosemary to use as a bath rub or  the herbal salt even has uses in the kitchen too! I scented some coarse salt with rosemary and its heavenly. You could try scenting the salt with essential oils as a substitute for the herbs.

Here's the herb scented salt recipe:

Supplies:

A wide mouth glass jar, salt and fresh herbs (or herb blend) rosemary or lavender is relaxing, mint is invigorating, lemon balm might be good, lemon-mint blend, or use your imagination.

Place a layer of salt in the bottom of the jar.

Place a layer of leaves or a few sprigs of herbs on top of the salt.

Cover the herbs with more salt.

Make another layer of herbs.

Then another layer of salt.

End with a layer of salt.

Let stand for 2 weeks to absorb scent.

Rosemary needs a little different technique.

Place a layer of salt in the bottom of the jar.

Place a large spring of rosemary upright in the center of the jar.

Pour salt around the rosemary.

Just be sure none of the rosemary sticks out of the salt.

In general, a greater proportion of herb makes a stronger scent.

HAND CREAMS and Lotions

Janice Cox has a book out called NATURAL BEAUTY AT HOME. In it she has a recipe for arrowroot lotion.

Arrowroot lotion

2 Tbs glycerin

2 Tbs arrowroot powder

1/2 c. distilled water

2 Tbs rosewater

Mix all the ingredients in a glass bowl or large measuring cup. Heat on high in the microwave just until boiling and thick, 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. The lotion will be clear and resemble jelly. Stir it thoroughly. Cool. When it is cool you can pour it into your containers. If you need to thin it, add distilled water one tablespoon at a time, stirring thoroughly.

Almond Hand Cream

1/4 cup almond oil

2 tablespoons distilled water

1 oz. beeswax

2 tablespoons glycerin

2 tablespoons cocoa butter

1 teaspoon borax

1 capsule vitamin E

Melt beeswax in your oils until dissolved. Boil water (use microwave since such a small amt.) and stir in borax until dissolved. Slowly pour the hot water/borax/glycerin mixture into oil mixture CONSTANTLY stirring (use a wire whisk) until it cools to room temp. Stir in vit E. It should come out nice. Also, if you want to fragrance it, add about 15 drops fragrance oil or 5 drops essential oil.

Scented bath salts

Here's a nice recipe for scented bath salts that will leave your skin silky.

2 cups epson salts

1 cup sea salt

1/2 cup baking soda

1/2 teaspoon glycerin

food coloring

10 - 12 drops essential oils

Mix the salts and baking soda.

Add the glycerin and food coloring.

You may have to "mash" the coloring and glycerin against the sides of the bowl as these are liquid. Once you have the desired color add the essential oil and stir well. Store in an airtight container.

This is a recipe I use that helps me sleep at night. 6 drops of lavender essential oil, 3 drops of clary sage, and 3 drops of chamomile.

Here's another I use when I'm feeling a little on the tense side. 6 drops of spearmint essential oil, 3 drops of clary sage and 1 drop of eucalyptus. Enjoy!

*Peppermint Cream Body Lotion (Recipe)*

From Sisters of the Hearth files

2 oz. cocoa butter

5 oz. olive oil (cold pressed extra virgin)

1 oz. shea butter

1 tsp. beeswax

3-5 drops peppermint essential oil

2 oz peppermint tea

1 oz. aloe vera gel

1 T. liquid lecithin

Melt cocoa butter, olive oil, shea butter, and beeswax together. Mix the essential oil, scent, aloe gel and lecithin together and whisk into the melted oils and wax. Continue to mix until cooled and then pour into containers. This recipe must be kept in the fridge.

Peppermint Lotion #2

Relieves itching.

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup witch hazel

3-4 drops peppermint oil

Oil of eucalyptus or cade can be used in place of peppermint, if you prefer. Pour the water and alcohol into a bottle, then add the oil. Cap and shake well. Apply to your skin with a clean cloth.

Homemade Herbal Body Lotion

From Sisters of the Hearth files

Our daily baths and showers, while keeping us clean and sweet smelling, can also rob our skin of its natural oils and moisture. To compensate for the loss of oil, the skin produces more of it, which can lead to enlarged pores and other cosmetic problems. When the skin is robbed of too much moisture, it loses its ability to store water and nutrients.

To prevent loss of oil and moisture after bathing or showering, pat yourself dry instead of rubbing, and take time to apply a body lotion every day. Lotions or oils that are moisturizing and light are best. These tend to retain the pH value of your skin and protect it against irritation. Massaging lotion onto the skin also has an added benefit - it helps to tone your muscles.

Applying lotion properly:

Smooth body lotion onto your skin when it is still slightly damp. The lotion blends with the water and is drawn more easily into the skin, providing additional moisture and sealing in the water that was absorbed during your shower. To enhance the effect, give yourself a dry brush massage before applying the lotion. Use a soft, natural bristle brush in light, circular strokes. This will slough off dead skin cells, stimulate blood flow and open pores.

Witch-hazel extract for skin problems:

A diluted extract of witch-hazel leaves and twigs will help alleviate skin inflammation and acne. Witch hazel has an anti-inflammatory effect and acts as a disinfectant, which enables it to provide relief to painful and slow-to-heal pustules. Witch hazel is also mildly astringent, and will reduce and constrict your pores, making them appear smaller.

Jojoba oil for oily skin:

Oily skin that tends to develop blemishes often has an imbalance of acid and alkaline, usually because of the use of harsh astringents and cleansers. The skin, therefore, can't adequately protect itself from bacteria. To restore balance to the skin's protective coating, use a body lotion which contains jojoba oil. It will help to ease inflammation and encourage skin flora to normalize. Plus, jojoba oil is highly penetrative and will not further clog your pores.

Apricot-kernel oil for skin:

Apricot-kernel oil is a nurturing, conditioning treatment for normal skin. The oil's fine consistency allows it to quickly penetrate, giving your skin a naturally fresh and soft luster. It is also recognized as one of the most delicate oils, making it a good ingredient for use in homemade lotions. Apricot-kernel oil is an excellent back massage oil, as well.

Anhydrous lanolin:

Anhydrous lanolin, one of the ingredients in the homemade body lotion, is simply lanolin with the water removed. It is available in health-food stores.

Body Lotions

For oily skin

1/4 cup jojoba oil

1 tsp. beeswax

1 tbsp. anhydrous lanolin ("wool fat")

1/3 cup witch-hazel extract

1/2 tsp. borax powder

For normal skin

1/4 cup apricot-kernel oil

1 tsp. beeswax

1 tbsp. anhydrous lanolin

1/2 cup distilled water

1/2 tsp. borax powder

For dry skin

1/4 cup avocado oil

1 tsp. beeswax

1 tbsp. anhydrous lanolin

1/3 cup aloe-vera juice

1/2 tsp. borax powder

1. Slowly heat the oil, beeswax and lanolin in a double boiler until liquefied; remove from heat. (The beeswax and lanolin give lotion a creamy consistency.)

2. Heat the witch-hazel extract, distilled water or the aloe-vera juice and borax over low heat, until the borax is dissolved; add the oil, beeswax and lanolin blend, stirring constantly with a whisk until a creamy emulsion forms. Remove from heat.

3. Cool and then pour into clean bottles.

Homemade water-based lotions have a short shelf-life, so use your lotion within 2 months. Additional bottles, however, will keep, refrigerated, for about 4 months.

A Light Moisturizer

1/2 cup distilled water

3 tsp. glycerin

5 drops lemon essential oil

Pour the ingredients into a storage or spritz bottle and shake vigorously. apply with a cotton ball or spray lightly.

GODDESS RECIPES:OILS, PERFUMES  and Powders

The following recipes are not mine, they were sent to me by a member of a Kitchen Witches group I had moderated.

The Goddess Perfumes were removed for safety reasons and concerns I had over some of their ingredients.

PRE-RITUAL BATH SCENTS:

To cleanse and relax the body before a ritual, and to energize the psychic centres. Fill small sachets of muslin cloth with equal amounts of the following herbs:

Basil (for psychic energy)

Borage (to strengthen the inner self)

Lavender (to banish mental and emotional stress)

Centuary (a traditional witch herb)

Rue (a traditional bathing herb)

Put a sachet into your bath five minutes before you get in, to give the aromatics time to work.

DIANA OF THE MOON INCENSE:

It is recommended that it be made in the hour and the day of the Moon - i.e. the first or eighth hour after sunrise, or the third or tenth hour after sunset, on a Monday.

Thoroughly mix equal amounts of the following:

Gum mastic

Jasmine

Mandrake

Orris root

add a few drops of wintergreen oil and moisten with a little clear

mineral oil.

AINE of KNOCKAINE INCENSE:

1/2 oz (15gm) meadowsweet flowers and leaf (gathered when the

plant is in full bloom and dried)

1/2 oz (15gm) finely chopped pine needles

1/2 fl.oz. (15cc) lemon verbena oil

By the way, meadowsweet blossom also makes a delicious wine.

How to Make Honey Powder

Scented powders are the talk of the town and if you have ever wondered how to make the Scented Honey Powder you see in catalogues and small boutiques , here is your chance.This powder can be stored in a beautiful salt shaker and sprinkled on your linens as well.

1 tablespoon of vanilla powder (the baking type)

1 cup of cornstarch.

Mix then add 1 tablespoon of pure honey to the mixture. Work it in to the cornstarch and rub the crumbs between your hands until it turns into very tiny dust particles. Apply to the body with a large feather puff.

Vanilla powder can be found in the baking section of your grocery and if you cannot find it in yours than check a well known mail order source like William Sonoma.