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DIY & Recipes

DIY & Recipes
Deep Warmth: Ginger Infused Body Oil

If thoughts of coziness and warmth sound good to you right now… you’ll love this ginger infused oil recipe. 

It’s simple, but it really packs a punch! And that’s because we’re working with ginger. This is not a shy herb – its stimulating, its warming, its pungent – and when you massage ginger oil over your body, you’ll know its there!

You can use ginger infused oil directly on your skin. It is a hot/warm herb (and super potent when you dry it from fresh) so make sure that your skin can tolerate it before slathering it on.

But don’t be afraid to use it. Ginger infused oil is very restorative, and used to treat inflammation – even eczema and acne. If you need to, you can always “dilute it” with other oils…

What is Ginger Infused Oil used for?

Ginger infused oil is a great herbal remedy to have at home – not only for warming up cold limbs in the Wintertime, but for easing menstrual cramps, nausea, inflammation, arthritic pain and body aches. It will keep for 6 months, so once you make it, you’ll have it to use over and over again! 

Warming cold limbs:
Ginger is warming because it stimulates circulation, and brings blood to the extremities and skin.
Ginger has a quality of warmth that spreads throughout the entire body. (source)
People with a cold body constitution, regardless of the season, benefit from the warmth of ginger.
It’s also good for conditions related to poor circulation like varicose veins and cellulite.
If you get cold feet at night, massage ginger oil before going to bed.
You can also increase the sensation of heat in your bath, by adding ginger to the water. (source)

And – the somatic experience of warmth, is very calming.
In a single-blind study, people reported feeling significant changes towards relaxation, emotional balance, deep and slow breathing as well as warm hands and feet after using a ginger compress on the chest. 

Nausea:
Researches found in a study that applying a solution of 5% ginger essential oil in grape seed oil nasal-cutaneously oil prevented postoperative nausea (source)
You might try applying ginger infused oil over your chest, and around your nose.
And if it doesn’t help, you can add in ginger essential oil to boost the blend and get closer to the trial results.

Pain Relieving:
Ginger has pain reducing effect, and can be used topically to relieve body pain.
Clinical studies have found topical use of ginger to be effective for muscle soreness, osteoarthritis, lower back pain and migraines. (source)
If you’re using ginger infused oil for therapeutic treatment, it’s a good idea to also consume ginger as tea and in your food, to bolster the benefits. 

The process of making ginger infused oil

GINGER INFUSED OIL RECIPE

Ingredients:

  • 1 ounce (weight) of dried ginger, powdered
  • 7 ounces (volume) of plant oil (jojoba, sunflower, safflower…)

Drying the Ginger: 

  • If you’re going to make the effort of dehydrating ginger, make lots.
  • You can store it in a jar, use it to make tea. Grind it into a powder to use in cooking… its so nice to have freshly dried ginger in the pantry
  • I peel my ginger. Out of habit, but I’m trying to quit.  It’s laborious, so it’s up to you. I use a spoon to peel off the skin.
  • Slice the ginger evenly, and nice and thin, so that it dehydrates faster.
  • Oven or dehydrator? Use what you have, but I will say the dehydrator is my top favorite kitchen tool!
  • Dehydrator: 120 F – roughly 4 hours
  • Oven: lowest setting, leave the door cracked open. Keep an eye on it! 

Making the Infusion:

  • Once the ginger is dry, blend it into a powder.
  • Why powder it? It will make a more potent oil, breaking down the plant cell walls to release the constituents.
  • Weigh out 1 ounce of ginger powder, by weight.
  • If you make herbal recipes, its a good idea to get a weighing scale. This one is $10
  • Pour the ginger powder into a jar. And then fill the jar with 7 ounces (by volume) of oil.
  • Blend well and cover with the lid.

Warmth helps the infusion process.

  • And cuts down the infusion time, drastically!
  • I use my boxed dehydrator for making oil infusions – its the best! 
  • This is the one I have.
  • Take out the trays, and place the jar right into the dehydrator.
  • Set it at 120 F for 3 consecutive days.
  • Shake the jar twice per day.
  • Or, place the jar in a dark but warm spot in the house, and let it infuse for 6 weeks. Shake it as often as you can remember.

Decanting the Oil:

  • Strain out the oil, using a very fine mesh strainer. 
  • I like this one.
  • Store the oil in a glass bottle.
  • Label and keep away from sunlight.
  • Use within 6 months.

Why do we measure in weight and volume? Herbs are measured by weight, because they vary in density. Some herbs are big and fluffly. Some herbs are small and compact. To get an equal amount of both, we need to weigh it. Whereas oil is measured, and sold, by volume.

When you make an herbal infusion and measure out your ingredients – the standard ratio of herb to oil is 1:7 (weight to volume). It makes a strong infusion, and potent, therapeutic oil.  

What's the best oil to use for infusions?

I recommend using supermarket oil like sunflower or safflower oil, almond, grapeseed and rice bran oil. I don’t love using olive oil, simply because it has a olive aroma.

  • Choose unrefined, cold-pressed, or very lightly processed like expeller pressed
    (heat degrades the nutritional value, but you are infusing herbs and nutrients back into the oil… so I think it’s okay)
  • This is the type of oil that I often see in supermarketsand use for skin care: Spectrum Organics
  • If you use an edible oil, that means you can also  use your ginger oil infusion in your food too! It’s seriously delicious. 

For herbal infusions, I like to use supermarket oils because they’re more accessible and less expensive than specialty skincare oils. If you go to a food store, like Whole Foods, take note of the price of grape-seed oil in the food aisle, and the grape-seed oil in the skincare aisle. There’s a big price difference! But, for your skin, they’re both the same. The difference is that oil for food goes through different regulations to be food-safe.

Just to recap...

Ginger oil is good for: 
Circulation and flow, when you feel stiff and heavy in your body. 
Easing menstrual cramps
Relieving joint aches and body tension
Warming cold limbs 
Bringing energy to a tired body 
I also love ginger oil because it’s grounding, calming and just really cozy! 

Happy infusing! x
January 13, 2022

DIY & Recipes
Autumn Skin Poultice
  • With changes in weather, we can notice changes in our skin
  • Take care of your skin with traditional herbal remedies
  • In skin care terms, an herbal “poultice” is an herbal mask, made with healing herbs
  • Create this blend for skin that needs warmth, moisture and a boost of circulation

Autumn is settling in – and with the changes in weather, we might notice changes in our skin and body too. Which, can be frustrating when those changes are unwanted and uncomfortable!

Some really common changes that you might notice in your “Autumn Skin” are:

  • dryness, dehydration and flaking
  • loss of complexion, dullness

And herbs, are such amazing support systems – that you can pick and choose from to specifically help rebalance what you need.

In this article, we’ll make a dry herbal POULTICE (think herbal mask) that smells like Autumn, and will deeply hydrate and soften any dryness – with warming herbs that will bring radiance, flow, and circulation to your skin!

First, what’s a POULTICE?

In skin care terms, a poultice is essentially a mask treatment.
In herbal terms, a poultice is damp herbal material applied onto the body…

From Healthine “What is a Poultice and How Can I Use it to Relieve Inflammation?“

Personally, I don’t love the word “poultice” or let’s be honest, the look of a poulitce… 👀 But I try to use herbal definitions for skin care because it speaks more directly to the intention and philosophy of skin care that I resonate with.

The way that a poultice works, is that the herbs are gathered fresh or dry and then moistened and mashed. This breaks open the plant’s cellular walls, releases the healing constituents to interact on the skin.

A poultice can effectively treat anything from inflammation to rashes, burns, eczema, acne, and even deeper within like muscle aches, joint pain, cramps… Traditionally they’re used for “first-aid situations, but you can make a poultice for any skin care need…”

And it doesn’t have to look like a mushy salad!

Here’s a fun video of what this poultice will look like – it’s almost bouncy – it has the most amazing consistency!

You can make a healing poultice that is creamy, and aromatic, and incredibly enjoyable…
You can make a poultice for your face, scalp, and hair, or anywhere on the body…
And you can pick and choose herbs and ingredients to suit your skin and its needs.

Next, let me show you how I chose this blend of herbs, and how I prepare it into a wearable mask treatment.

A Poultice for Autumn Skin + Creating an Herbal Blend

First, let’s take care of the discomfort and dryness caused by the dry, cold air.

There’s a class of herbs called EMOLLLIENTS, which have the effect of softening and moistening dry tissues. Emollients are useful when your skin wants protection and soothing. It gives your skin the moisture it needs, and at the same time, soothes the discomfort caused by the dry, cold air.

Some great emollient herbs are aloe, comfrey, chickweed, linden, oats, marshmallow root…

I’m going with Marshmallow root. It’s full of mucilage (another “fun” herbal word) which coats the skin, calms inflammation, and delivers tons of moisture. It’s also a very nourishing herb, it’s full of nutrients that will help to strengthen the skin barrier.

Then, we can restore vitality and glow to the skin

If ever you’re feeling dull or lackluster – exfoliation makes a big difference. It’s also helpful for dry skin conditions. Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells, stimulate blood circulation, and brighten your skin’s appearance.

There are herbs (and fruits) rich in plant acids, which act as a chemical exfoliator.

Hibiscus stands out for me – because it’s made up of about 20% plant acids! In a very gentle, but effective way, hibiscus exfoliates and restores vitality back to sallow skin.

To balance the blend, I’m choosing to add warming herbs

Both marshmallow root and hibiscus are cooling herbs. And that’s important to know because we don’t want to add more coolness to a cold condition.

So I want to balance out the marshmallow-hibiscus blend with a warming herb.

Calendula always jumps to mind! It’s THE herb for the skin. For any situation where you want to boost and support healing of the tissues (eczema, acne, inflammation, cracked dry skin…) – calendula is a great choice. And it has a warm constitution, which is just what cold skin craves!

I’m also adding in cardamom, for its aromatherapy and physiological benefits. It gives the most gorgeous, cozy aroma – which in aromatherapy is used to clear stagnation and fatigue. And it enhances the intention of the blend – cardamom is warming, it stimulates blood flow to the skin and promotes skin elasticity.

With the therapeutic blend complete, I want to think about consistency.

I find that adding a creamy factor gives any herbal blend a really nice consistency. My favorite ingredients to add are: colloidal oats/oat flour, clay or milk powder

To complement the intention of this blend, oats would be good for their soothing and softening qualities. And milk powders would be good for their moisturizing and exfoliating properties.

I’m choosing to add colloidal oats because there’s already some exfoliation going on with the hibiscus…

Step by step – making an herbal poultice

First, create your herbal blend and pour it into a small blender. Grind into a fine powder.

Then, pour the herbal powder through a sieve. This removes any large pieces, and helps to create a very smooth texture.

You can see what’s removed when you use a sieve! All of this plant fiber that didn’t blend finely…
When it comes to skin care, having attention to detail makes a big difference in the feel of the product you’re making and elevates the experience.

Combine the herbal powder, with an equal amount of colloidal oats (or oat flour) to give it body and creamy texture. Mix well.

Then store the herbs in a jar and label it.

To use, scoop out about 1 tbsp of the herbal powder blend. Moisten it with warm water, and a few drops of plant oil (like jojoba or a serum you’re using), and then apply it directly onto the skin.

You can use this mask daily, I recommend that you apply it before your shower, and then rinse it off just before you get out of the shower – for an easy, no-mess experience.

Happy Autumn! I hope this mask helps you feel more comfortable in your skin as you enjoy the cooler outdoors!

Autumn Skin Poultice Recipe

This dry herbal powder is non-perishable. You can keep it for 3-6 months. Keep it away from water, and only moisten it when you’re going to make a mask treatment.

Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp Marshmallow Root, powdered
  • 2 tbsp Hibiscus, powdered
  • 1 tbsp Calendula, powdered
  • 3 cadamom pods, powdered
  • 4-6 tbsp colloidal oats (or oat flour)

Process:

  • Grind the dry herbs to a powder
  • Pour through a sieve
  • Combine with equal amounts of colloidal oats
  • Store in a container, and label it
  • To use: scoop out 1 tbsp of herbal powder blend. Moisten with water and a few drops of oil until it forms a rich, creamy consistency. Apply onto clean skin. Leave on for 15 mintues and then wash off (in the shower it’s less messy!)
  • Finish with a few drops of oil on your skin to lock in all the moisture.
November 7, 2021

DIY & Recipes
Good Night Tinctured Bath Salts

Are you tossing and turning at night? Waking up feeling tired?

There is so much hope for you to create small changes, and see huge transformation in how you feel.  Especially when you incorporate herbs with lifestyle changes and emotional awareness. I’m excited to share a skincare herbal remedy that can help you to create a supportive routine, that will help you release stress and tension in your body. And, incorporate specific herbs that help you to get the rest you need.

And remember, there is a season for everything. You won’t feel tired  forever – trust in your body, the messages its sending you right now. And take the teachings from herbs that support and remind the body how to access more calm, balance and energy within you. 

In this article, we’ll talk about: 

  • Sleep + Nervous System Connection 
  • Bathing for Sleep
  • External use of herbs for sleep
  • Using Tinctures in the Bath

Sleep + Nervous System Connection

There’s an important connection between the state of your nervous system – the stress in your body – and your ability to get deep restorative sleep. If you are in a constant (even if low-level) state of stress, it takes a toll on the nervous system – and it shows.

Your sympathetic nervous system switches on and a whole cascade of effects sets into motion.

One of the physiological effects of stress – is that it makes the muscles contract. It’s a natural reflex, to protect the body from injury. But, when you experience prolonged stress, the body holds physical tension.

You might realize that your breathing has been shallow, not deep. Sometimes you might even realize that you’ve been holding your breath. You feel tension in your shoulders, your back…  you feel like you’ve been contracting, closed up in a protective way.

And all of these physical cues inform the brain that there is still danger… 

The body needs to feel safe to get into a state where you can access deep, restorative sleep.

So, when you’re not able to self-regulate, and bring your body back into a state of rest and restoration – it means your nervous system is stuck in this state of hyperactive awareness. It’s more sensitive, more reactive. Anxious thoughts course through your mind…

And this impacts your ability to get the sleep that you need.

There are relaxing herbs that can support the nervous system and promote relaxation. But ultimately, sleep disturbances are a signal that you need to address what’s at the root of the stress.

Self-exploration is a big part of skincare herbalism. Creating the opportunity in your daily routine – to connect with your body and notice.

  • What parts of your body are asking to be nurtured right now?
  • What are the things that give you energy?
  • What are the things that drain your energy?
  • Where do you need to create more boundaries around time and your energy?
 

Bathing for Sleep

As a skincare herbalist, I often recommend making an herbal bath soak to help with stress, and sleep disturbances. And even if you don’t have a bath – simply doing a footbath can greatly influence the way you feel in your body.

Bathing, or hydrotherapy, is a calming activity that informs the nervous system you are safe and sound. The parasympathetic system switches on – you can rest, restore and sleep.

It’s always a good idea to add herbs to your bath, because your skin, body and mind is so open and receptive to receiving the herbal benefits. In the warm water, your pores open up – and its a wonderful opportunity for deep healing. Herbs elevate the benefits of bathing – and when it comes to sleep – we can use our relaxing, sedative, soothing herbs in the bath. 

As you soak, you might also enjoy a cup of tea, or take a tincture in a glass of water –  to stack those benefits inside and out!

External use of herbs for sleep

This bath features a blend of herbs  that work together to release tension, soothe the body and ease the nervous system into a state of rest. 

GINGER POWDER: A warming herb, that promotes circulation, flow and melts away tension. In my book, Natural Homemade Skincare, I share a recipe using mustard powder, for the same effect – but I think ginger pairs well with the other herbs in this blend. 
.
The bath salts will have a pungent, cozy, gingery aroma – especially if you use fresh ground ginger. I recommend that you dehydrate slices of fresh ginger at home. And blitz it to create you own, super potent and fresh ginger powder. It’s worth the effort. 

PASSIONFLOWER: used to relax the nerves, and promote sleep. Passionflower is a cooling herb, it relieves hot, physical and emotional inflammation. Externally, passionflower is used for its analgesic (pain relieving), antispasmodic (relieves muscle spasms),  and anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s important to remember, when the skin feels calm, and soothed – this communicates a message of wellbeing to the nervous system. 

KAVA KAVA:  A traditional drink of the islands of the South Pacific, it has a long history of use as a ceremonial drink. Kava is a mild narcotic and sedative – you feel serene and calm. It’s often recommended for those who experience social anxiety.

Externally it has been used to support skin healing. Kava Kava is my go-to in the bath for deeply relaxes muscles, aches and tension. It relaxes smooth muscles, works on nerve pain, headaches and body aches.

Kava kava is a root, which would need to be decocted. Which is why I like to use the tincture form in the bath…

  • Cautions: Both Passionflower and Kava Kava are not recommend for use during pregnancy. Although, this more so refers to internal use, I also recommend the same cautions for external use. In general, when pregnant always consult your doctor before using herbs. 

Using Tinctures in the Bath

If you enjoy adding herbs to your bath, using the tinctured version of an herb – elevates the effects. Any herb that you would brew into a tea and add to the bathwater – you can use in its  tinctured form for the bath.

The first time I used tinctures in the bath, was a Kava Kava tincture (click link) to help with neck pain. And with just one tinctured bath – I felt so much relief!

What is a tincture? A tincture is a concentrate herbal preparation, most often made with alcohol as the solvent, sometimes with glycerine added. Its very potent – one dropper full of tincture equals about 3 cups of herbal tea.

You can add herbal tinctures directly into the bath water. And you can infuse tinctures into Epsom salt – which is what I’m doing in the photo above.

You simply need to add the tincture to the Epsom salt, and then dehydrate it to remove the water. Its a good idea to pre-make a big batch of salt baths, and then use it as needed. 

Good Night Tinctured Bath Salts

Makes 8 cups. Use 1 cup per bath. 

Ingredients:

  • 4 dropper fulls of Kava Kava Tincture 
  • 4 dropper fulls of Passionflower Tincture 
  • 8 Cups Epsom Salt
  • 1/4 cup dried ginger powder
  • 1/4 cup dried Blue Lotus flowers (source)
  • 1-2 tbsp plant oil (jojoba, sunflower, almond…)
  • 80 drops Green Mandarin essential oil

Method: 

  • Prepare the ginger powder: I highly recommend preparing your own  ginger powder. It will be more potent, more fragrant. Thinly slice fresh ginger, lay flat on dehydrating sheet. set to dehydrate for 3-4 hours at 120. If you do not have a dehydrator, use the oven at the lowest setting, with the door left cracked open. Once fully dry, place in the blender and blitz to a powder.
  • Prepare the tinctured salt: take 1 cup of the epsom salt, and add the kava kava and passionfruit tincture. Stir well to combine. Lay the damp, tinctured salt flat on a dehydrating sheet, set to dehydrate for 1-2 hours at 120. If you do not have a dehydrator, use the oven at the lowest setting, with the door left cracked open.
  • Mix the oils: In a small bowl, combine the essential oil into the carrier oil. Stir well.
  • Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the epsom salt, tinctured salts, and the oil. Stir very well to combine evenly. Add the ginger powder and dried petals.

  • Notes:
    • The Blue Lotus petals add beauty to the bath salts. I believe strongly in the healing of beauty – especially for anger and frustration. It also has a connection to peaceful qualities. You can use lavender, or chamomile flowers. When using whole dried herbs in the bath, it’s a good idea to use a little bag (click) so it doesn’t clog up the drain.
    • 80 drops of essential oil is for 8 baths worth of salts. It’s recommended to use no more than 10 drops of essential oil per bath. 
    • I like Green Mandarin essential oil, its sweet and relaxing – fruity but grounded. Other relaxing esssential oils: lavender, clary sage, sweet orange, bergamot, frankincense
August 31, 2021

DIY & Recipes  ·  Skin & Wellness
Chai Elixer

It’s become a regular routine. I add a splash of Chai Elixer into a shot of milk and sip it slowly. It tastes like… if Baileys’ came out with a Chai flavored cocktail. Creamy. You can definitely taste the brandy, it’s deliciously smooth. But the dominating flavors comes from the Chai spices, which not only taste amazing – but is the most lovely, potent, feel-good medicine. In this article, I’ll show you the recipe for the Chai Elixer that I cannot stop making!

Benefits of Chai Elixer

Chai is the ultimate comfort food – it restores, replenishes , soothes and strengthens you. It’s what you crave in the Fall and Winter, because it keeps the warmth and fire in your belly, and your circulation moving.  My favorite thing about Chai is that coziness it fills me with – especially in times of stress. When you’re feeling dull, detached, uninspired and tired of feeling that way – I recommend that you bring Chai into your days.
The Chai that I learned how to make includes lots of turmeric, black pepper, and vanilla – which is a natural remedy for soothing inflammation in the body. 
The combination of warming + anti-inflammatory properties, creates flow and energy in the body, but also calm and soothing to your whole system. It’s a very healing combination – good for pain, for stress, and for inflammatory conditions that show up on the skin for example acne and eczema.
The day that I turned my powdered Chai recipe into a liquid Elixer – was a game changer! All you need is a a splash of this concentrated Chai in a cup of milk…. and you’re in HEAVEN.

What is an elixer?

An elixer is an herbal infusion made with alcohol + honey or maple syrup. It’s essentially a sweetened tincture.
A tincture is a preparation of herbs infused into alcohol for 6 weeks. During that time,  plant cell walls burst open, releasing the healing constituents, vitamins, nutrients, flavors and aroma into the alcohol.
Why alcohol? Alcohol is very good at extracting out the medicine of herbs. It also preserves the medicine, eliminating bacterial activity. The final product it very shelf stable and just like liquor, it lasts for years and years.
I’m a huge fan of tinctures and elixers, they’re incredibly potent and very easy to make. One dropper full, is the equivalent of drinking 3 cups of tea! I love the efficiency and simplicity of it.
But it has to be said: not all tinctures taste great. Some taste down right like medicine. It’s so concentrated in flavor (bitter, pungent, spicy…) and part of herbalism is the creativity of working with our herbs and flavours and making medicine that tastes good. Elixers, for me, are a simple way of improving the taste, adding that touch of sweetness that softens the flavours in your mouth.

What if I can't use alcohol or honey?

You can make an elixer that is alcohol-free and vegan using apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup. In herbalism, we call this an Oxymel. 
It’s very similar medicine, BUT in terms of flavor,  it becomes something different. And with the vinegar, I wouldn’t necessarily pour it into milk and call a Chai.
I recommend that you try making a Chai Oxymel and take it by the spoonful, or add it to your cooking in creative ways!
But if you really want a good creamy Chai drink to sip on – with no alcohol – I think the original Chai recipe is for you.

Chai Elixer Recipe

October 20, 2020

DIY & Recipes  ·  Ingredient Education
How to Prepare Fresh Moringa for Skincare – and why you want to!

I have never grown a more easy plant than the Moringa! 

Its called the “healthiest plant” and grows wildly abundant. In one year, it can grow up to 22 feet or 7 meters if you let it! Its a heat-loving plant, and sub-tropical cultures all around the world in South America, Africa and Asia have a long relationship with moringa, and cook with the leaves. 

A little moringa in your food and skincare – adds a HUGE boost of nourishment!

In this article, we’re going to prepare and preserve fresh Moringa to be used topically to nourish your skin. We’ll talk about the benefits and how to use it.

Benefits of Moringa for Skincare

As an herbalist, I don’t really seperate what’s good for your body and what’s good for your skin. In my world, we’re consuming whole foods, inside and out. The skin is your largest organ – and it requires nutrients from food to create healthy cells, to heal and function optimally. 

The difference with “feeding” the skin, is in how we prepare the ingredients. I’lll show you that in detail below. 

First, let’s take a look at the benefits Moringa Leaf for your skin (and body). 
Click below to read more on each:

Anti-oxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-microbial, Nutritive

Antioxidants help the skin better respond to stress with resilience. 
Anti-inflammatory and Anti-microbial are important for skin that is healing, for clearing breakouts, and preventing infection. 
Nutritive herbs provide high amounts of nutrient to the body

Moringa has a high content of chlorophyll, which on the skin has a protective and anti-inflammatory effect. It also acts as a purifier, cleansing and  releasing toxins in the skin.
Chrolophylll is very good for all skin types, but especially good for skin experiencing acne and breakouts. And for those who live and work in environments where there is toxin or pollution in the air.

A natural retinol that helps to promote healhty skin regeneration and slow down the signs of aging.  Many anti-aging products on the market are made with an isolate of retinol which can be harsh and aggravating to the skin. Vitamin A, as part of a complete whole-food packet of nutrients, is very gentle and can be used daily in your skincare. 

Vitamin C is a very important skincare nutrient – it helps to promote collagen. It brightens the skin and helps to prevent hyperpigmentation.
Vitamin C is very fragile, and can be lost in the drying process. If your goal in using Moringa leaf is to help create brighter, even skin tone, make sure to dry the leaves in a very low temperature.
You can also use fresh moringa, and prepare a fresh skincare mask. Remember that vitamin C is water soluble – you might blend fresh moringa with avocado, and a little water to draw out the vitamins. 
Another option, is to infuse fresh Moringa into witch hazel, and create an herbal extract or tincture for your skin. You can then apply this green-tinted witch hazel over areas where you have hyperpigmentation. 

Moringa is wildly rich in minerals, including magnesium, calcium, sulfur… 

Minerals are the building blocks of healthy cells, and help with the processes of the skin and in retaining hydration. To benefit from minerals topically, you might want to create a moringa bath. Blend dried moringa into epsom salts and soak in the dark green, mineral rich waters!

 

To preserve the Moringa leaves, you want to  dehydrate it and remove all the water content.

You can do this it in a slightly warm oven – but I always forget to check – and have burned too many things. So I use a dehydrator. This is the model that I use, its not fancy or expensive but it does the job.

If you plan to preserve food regularly and make skincare, a dehydrator is a worthwhile investment. I wrote a comprehensive buying guide that you can read here. 

Dehydration Method: Haphazardly fill the trays with Moringa stalks (its totally fine if it overlaps) Set to (95 F / 35 C) for about 4-6 hours, or until totally dry.  

This low-and-slow method removes the water content, but helps to preserve the nutrients. 

Paper Bag Method: Or, you can place fresh Moringa leaves in a paper bag and let it sit in a dry area until it becomes crispy dry. If you do this method, remove the thick stalks, and only dry the leaves so that it all dries evenly. 

Creating Moringa Powder from Dried Moringa Leaves

Once the leaves are dried, you can blend it in a blender into the most vibrant green powder – blasting open the cells walls of the plant, and making the nutrients available for your skin. 
You do need to store it carefully, as more of the surface area is exposed to oxygen it can begin to degrade more quickly. Powders generally have a shelf life of 6 months.
I recommend that you keep it in the freezer, where it will stay bone dry, vibrant and fresh.
Powdering Method: If you haven’t already, remove the stems. They’re so fibrous, like strands of thread, and do not powder easily at all! Toss the leaves into a blender, bullet blender or coffee grinder (that you don’t use for coffee) and blend until powdery fine. 

I’m taking a recipe from my book, Super Greens Powder Mask – but using our freshly made Moringa powder instead! Its smart to use the recipes in the book as a base – and play with the ingredients! Check out the book here. 

RECIPE USING MORINGA POWDER

To address hyperpigmentation and aging skin – I would add Moringa powder to the Vitamin C Mask which is a recipe that you can find in my book Natural Homemade Skincare, pg 94.
Rich in protein, vitamins and minerals…. moringa is amazing for healhty hair growth! You might infuse moringa leaves into a plant oil or apple cider vinegar and make hair treatments.
Here today, I’m leaning on the purifying. brightening and nutritive qualities of Morniga to make a powdered cleanser that you can also wear as a mask. I’ve been using this blend recently, and my skin looks much brighter, it feels smoother in texture and softer!
You could even make a large batch of this powdered blend, and scoop it into a bath with sea salts or epsom salts for a purifying, mineral rich soak.  This would be especially good if you’re treating the whole body, or addressing body acne

Sweet Moringa Cleansing Mask

Ingredient Spotlight: 

  • Moringa: helps clear impurities from the skin, promote healthy regeneration and bright complexion. Great for all skin types, and for acneic conditions.
  • Licorice Root: rich in saponins, makes a good natural cleanser. Helps to even out skin tone. The “sweet” in the name, licorice root has a sweet taste, like sugar! Sweet tasting herbs strengthens and nourishes your skin’s vitality.
  • Kaolin Clay: gentle clay that gently stimulates, deeply cleanses and brightens the skin.

Want to know how to choose the best herbs for your skin's needs? Click here to book a Skin Wellness session with me and receive a personalized skin reading!

Ingredients:
In parts, which means it can be teaspoons, tablespoons, cups, grams…

  • 1 part Moringa Powder
  • 1 part Licorice Root Powder
  • 1 part Kaolin Clay

Directions:

  • Blend all of the powders together
  • Store in a container, for 3-6 months. No need to refridgerate
  •  To use: scoop out 1 tablespoon. In the palm of your hand or in a bowl, compbine with dropletes of water to form a creamy consisency. 
  • Apply onto your skin. Leave it on until the clay just begins to dry, about 5 mintues. If you want to leave it on longer 15-20 minutes as a mask – keep misting your skin with water or rose water to keep the mask damp. 
  • Wet your fingers and in a circular motion, begin to massage, gently exfoliating your skin 
  • Rinse off with water and follow immediately with drops of plant oil to seal it all in. 
  • Feel your skin – I bet it feels amazing!! 
July 15, 2020

DIY & Recipes  ·  Tools, Tips & Tricks
Sitz Bath 101

Have you heard of a sitz bath before? Also called a sitting bath, it’s a very gentle and natural way to take care of your whole pelvic area. It can be used by men and women, but for this article – and my personal experience – I’ll focus on the ways that you can use a sitz bath to care for vaginal health.  

Sitz baths are commonly recommended for women in postpartum, to support healing and prevent infection. But it can also be used for regular care, to soothe discomfort, maintain vitality and to tone tissue. 

So, let’s talk about how to prepare and choose ingredients for your perfect sitz bath.

What is a sitz bath?

A sitz bath is like a miniature tub that you fit into the toilet and sit into, placing your bottom in the water. This water is going to be medicinal, with herbs and botanicals. I picked up a sitz bath online for $20. If this treatment is something that interests you, it might be handy to have! Otherwise, you can find a basin that you fit into comfortably, or fill your tub only a few inches.

This is the model that I have.

With a long history of use, sitz baths were a form of water healing. It was used to heal external conditions – tears, infections – but it was also used to help internal distresses too like cramping and constipation.

Below is an original sitz bath in a home built in 1914. It was a permanent fixture in the bathroom, used regularly. Compared to our modern version, the old-fashioned version looks much more roomy! 

1914 Craftsman House

Sitting your lower body into a sitz bath can help to soothe irritations, it promotes relaxation and most people find it an enjoyable way to treat vaginal conditions. I have to say too, it feels deeply empowering to give special care to these parts of yourself. It creates flow and vivaciousness that counters the stagnation and heaviness we can feel physically and emotionally. 

How often can I do it? You can do a sitz bath anytime you feel discomfort, daily until you feel better. Or, just for regular self care – once per week. Or you might create a ritual of doing your sitz bath every month. 

Sitz Bath Ingredients

Here are some ingredient that you can add to your sitz bath and personalize it for your needs and wants. Click to read more on each.

Hot water relaxes, Cold water tones, Warm water soothes. 

Water alone, without added ingredients,  is very helpful in soothing and treating the affected area because it promotes circulation which boosts healing.

  • Fill your basin with water
 

Cleansing and promotes healing. Look for sea salt, the kind that you would consume or you can use epsom salts. DO NOT use cosmetic salts with fragrance, or colorants.

  • Pour 1/4 cup of salt into your sitz bath basin

You can use them, but in very small amounts and always with the addition of a carrier oil. Never add essential oil directly to the water – it will float on the top and may irritate your skin. Instead, add the essential oil to a carrier oil, like sweet almond oil and then pour into the water. 

You might choose: lavender (antimicrobial), chamomile (anti inflammatory), rose (toning), frankincense (rejuvenating) or for a sensual aroma you might choose jasmine, vanilla or ylang ylang.

  • Add 2-3 drops of essential oil to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, like sweet almond oil. 

Can help soothe irritations, rashes and rebalance a healthy skin pH. It can be helpful too in rebalancing flora – treating bacterial or yeast overgrowth.

  • Always use diluted vinegar for external treatments: 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar for every cup of water that goes into your sitz bath basin. 

Can nourish, heal and support the body in different ways. Any herb that you drink as tea, you can bathe in, including a sitz bath. So you can use pantry and supermarket herbs, even your herbal tea blends as long they have no favorings. Only pure herbs. 

  • To add herbs, make a strong herbal infusion: 2 tbsp dried herb to 2 cups of water, steep for 20 minutes. And then pour into the sitz bath. 

Which herbs are best to use?

Rather than focusing on a specific herb to use – I always like to focus on herbal actions, which is a term that tells us how an herb interacts with the body. This umbrella term gives us a variety of herbs that you can choose from…

ASTRINGENT HERBS: Have a toning action on tissue. Use these herbs to help tighten and tone the vaginal wall, like an herbal kegel. 

  • Rose, Witch Hazel bark (or witch hazel solution), Oak Bark, Yarrow, Plantain, Self-heal, Damiana, Kava Kava, Lemon Balm, Motherwort, Pau D’arco, Raspberry Leaf, Peach leaf, Uva Ursi (good for excessive discharges)

EMOLLIENT HERBS: Rich in mucileage that hydrates and softens tissue. Use these herbs to bring moisture back to vaginal dryness. (Best to infuse emollient herbs into cold water, not hot water, to extract out the musileage) 

  • Marshmallow (root), Oatstraw, Linden (leaf & flower), Comfrey Leaf, Mullein, Corn Silk (you can use the silk from supermarket corn cobs) Plant oils (sweet almond oil), Peach leaf, Raspberry

ANTI-MICROBIAL HERBS: Have a cleansing action. Use these herbs to clear up urinary tract infections and yeast infections and to maintain a healthy natural flora balance of yeast and bacteria. Lemon balm is antiviral and can be used for treating herpes blisters. 

  • Lavender, Lemon balm, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Nettle, Organ Grapefruit, Goldenseal (only buy organically farm-grown), Ginger (a pinch – brings energy to the pelvic area,)

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY HERBS: Reduce swelling and inflammation. Use these herbs to soothe vaginal discomforts, alleviate pain and itching that may be associated with the cause of inflammation. Good for post-pardum healing too.

  • Chamomile, Calendula, Linden, Rosemary, Damiana, Violet,  Red Clover,  Frankincense, Hibiscus, Plantain, Raspberry, Self-heal, Yarrow, Ginger (a pinch – brings energy to the pelvic area) 

VULNERARY HERBS: Helps to heal broken tissue and tears. Use these herbs to promote healing in any vaginal issues where you might feel tender and in need of care.

  • Calendula, Plantain, Comfrey (great for wounds and tears), Yarrow

All of these herbs are nourishing and promote wellness  – you don’t need a specific concern or issue to use any of these herbs in a sitz bath! Use the herbs that you have available and that you enjoy.

It’s especially nice to use fragrant herbs that smell amazing and make you feel good! 

Sitz Bath Recipes

A sitz bath treatment is about 10-20 minutes. Gather your ingredients, grab a book and set yourself up for an enjoyable soak. Pick inspiration below, or use the herbal actions guide above, get creative and create your own blend – and be a kitchen herbalist! 

Tips:

  • Fold a towel behind your back to make it comfy sitting on the commode
  • End the treatment with oil self massage. Lubricate your whole pelvic area, the perineum and vulva with a natural oil, like sweet almond oil. You can add a few drops of vanilla, jasmine or rose essential oil to the almond oil and create a fragrant serum. 

Sitz Bath for Healing:  Calendula + Chamomile + Lavender + Salt

This blend features vulnerary and anti-inflammatory herbs, really good for postpardum healing. Its a good idea to add anti-microbial herbs to prevent infection while healing. 

Brew 1 tbsp of calendula, 1 tbsp chamomile, 1 tbsp lavender in 2 cups of hot water for 20 minutes. Pour into the sitz bath basin. Add ¼ cup of salt. Sit and soak.

Sitz Bath for Rebalancing Flora:  Lavender + Lemon Balm + Apple Cider Vinegar

This blend features antimicrobial and anti-fungal herbs that keep bacteria and yeast infections in check. Lemon balm is also a potent antiviral, especially good to add for someone dealing with herpes blisters.

Brew 1 tbsp of lavender and 1 tbsp lemon balm in 2 cups of hot water for 20 minutes. Pour into the sitz bath basin. Add ¼ cup of salt. Sit and soak.

Sitz Bath for Juicy Vivaciousness:  Linden + Rose (for energy to the pelvic area) Sweet Almond Oil + Cold Water

This blend features emollient and astringent herbs to bring moisture and to tone soft tissue. Using cold water brings energy to the area and helps the toning effect. 

Combine 1 tbsp linden and 1 tbsp rose in 2 cups of cold water. Let it sit to infuse for 8-12 hours in the fridge. Prepare the sitz bath basin and pour in the cold water infusion. Add 1 teaspoon of almond oil. Sit and soak. 

Sitz Bath for TLC:  Rose + Lavender, Chamomile + Calendula + Salt + Sweet Almond Oil 

This blend features a blend of aromatic, soothing and rejuvenating herbs. It’s a spa date for this important part of yourself. 

First brew 1 tbsp each of Rose, Lavender, Chamomile, Calendula into 4 cups of hot water or 20 minute – allowing it to cool to a comfortable temperature for your skin. Pour into the sitz bath basin. Add ¼ cup of salt and 1 tsp of oil. Sit and soak

Sitz Bath Meditation:  Salt + Sweet Almond Oil + Frankincense Essential OilEs + Bergamot Essential Oil 

This blend features aromatic salts. If you are feeling ungrounded, uninspired, and disconnected – meditating into your pelvic area is a wonderful way to connect with and bring energy to your creativity, power, sensuality and joy for life.  

In a bowl add 1 tsp sweet almond oil, 2 drops of Frankincense and 1 drop of bergamot oil (3 drops total). 

Other essential oil options for meditation: Cardamom, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Jasmine, Neroli, Sweet Orange

I hope this article inspired you to set up a sitz bath, and feel the benefits of caring for your vaginal health – a part of the body that holds so much power, yet is often neglected. I like how Rosemary Gladstar put it “When its warm and flowing well down there, there’s a vivaciousness. You feel like spring is happening in your body.”

July 3, 2020

DIY & Recipes
My book is out in the world!
“This book is full of inspiring beauty recipes that simplify and demystify skin care.”
Liv Lo
Liv LoTV presenter and creator of FitSphere
“Militza's book is filled with practical recipes that will fill your home and your heart with the rich healing power of plants. .”
Emily Ruff
Emily RuffDirector of the Florida School of Holistic Living
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I’m beyond excited to tell you that my book, Natural Homemade Skincare is officially out in the world and available for pre-order!!

It’s been a long process. It took nearly 1 year to fully complete the book. And about 10 years of daydreaming, developing and preparing myself to be able to write it… 

My dream has always been to create a skincare book that felt like a cookbook. And when I think about my favorite types of recipes – it’s always been those that you look at and realize – I can actually make this right now! 

It’s simple in its ingredients and preparations – but has that wow experience when you try it. 

If you enjoy the type of recipes and information that I share here on the blog  – this book gives you that in a tangible form – easy for you to delve into and follow. 

The book starts with a routine that you can follow exact – anytime you want to “reset” your skin. If you feel off balance ( too oily, too dry, too sensitive…), this routine has helped – I’m not kidding – thousands of people! And wait until you see the ingredients, it’s amazing how simple our skin needs it. 

Then you’ll find recipes for every step of you skincare needs:  to cleanse, tone, moisturise, soften, soothe, and even a “treats” section to just pamper yourself well!

The best part is that the ingredients are SIMPLE. It’s in your supermarket, in your pantry, the farmer’s market and your garden. 

I think that’s the way to go – there’s simply no need for expensive, single-use ingredients. Not in my kitchen anyway. I think it’s important to make wellness accessible, practical and easy to bring into our everyday life.

It’s filled with traditional skincare making techniques that I picked up over the years – and that I developed myself from my own experiences. So you’ll see the exact techniques that I use to create the skincare I share here on the blog!

This book is a manifesto of sustainable living. Being connected to yourself and nature. I hope it helps you feel inspired and makes your skin (and your heart) radiate! 

From my heart to yours. 

Thank you so much fo your support. You can pre-order the book here. 

June 19, 2020

DIY & Recipes
Ginger & Lemon Wellness Boost Body Scrub

Ginger and lemon is a classic combination to boost wellness. Both bring stimulating, moving, and uplifting qualities. So good for when you’re feeling depleted, stagnant or generally under the weather. And you can also use them preventively – for their antiviral, antioxidant immune boosting support. 

This body scrub is a feel good, wellness treat for your skin. It gives you the health benefits of ginger and lemon –  infused in the most fluffy, creamy sugar scrub that will leave your skin bright, restored and feeling amazing

How to prepare ginger and lemon for skincare

Making skincare from fresh, whole food ingredients gives your skin the whole packet of nutrients – all of the vitamins, minerals, and nourishment. You can make a body scrub with fresh ingredients, like this Strawberry Scrub, but the shelf life would be only 1-3 days. And that’s because fresh foods have water in them, and water can create bacteria and mold growth. 
My favorite way to prepare skincare is to remove the water content, by dehydrating fresh foods. This helps to preserve the skincare recipe so that you get those benefits of the whole food ingredient, and also a longer shelf life.
I recommend that you dehydrate a large batch of ginger and lemon, and store it in a mason jar in your pantry. Once dehydrated it will last up to 1 year! They can be used in so many ways:  to make tea, to flavor food, and to make skincare recipes.
Simply slice the ingredients thinly and set it to dehydrate in the oven, at the lowest temperature. Check them often so that it doesn’t burn. You can also look into purchasing a dehydrator, especially if you plan to preserve food more regularly. 

Dried Powders

Once you have dried ginger and lemon slices – you need to powder them to use as skincare. Simply blitz it in a blender, until powdery fine. This is the same process you would do with any fresh food that you want to make into a powder for masks or scrubs! This powder will last for 6 months.

Making the body scrub

Body scrubs are incredibly easy to make and my favorite recipe to teach because when you scrub your skin, you can feel the difference right away. It smooths and plums dry skin, and leaves you feeling supple and soft. But more than that – scrubbing the skin is a very healhty, invigorating practice for overall wellness. I recommend it at least once per week. 
With all of my scrubs, I always choose a fine grain, and blend it in the blender to break down the grains even finer. Scrubbing should feel gentle and luxurious, never scratchy and grainy. Add the powders and sugar together in a blender and blitz a few seconds.

Ginger and Lemon Body Scrub Recipe

  • 1 cup fine grain sugar 
  • 1 tbsp ginger powder 
  • 1 tsp lemon powder 
  • 3 tbsp coconut oil, or oil of choice 
  • 1 tbsp rolled oats ground to a flour or colloidal oats (optional but highly recommended)
  • optional: 10 drops lemon essential oil 

  • Grind rolled oats to a flour, or start with colloidal oats. 
  •  In a blender add the sugar and all the dried ingredients.
  • Blend for a few seconds, just before the sugar tuns to powdered sugar
  • Pour it out in a large bowl
  • Drizzle in the oil and combine well
  • Store the scrub in a jar with a lid, you do not need to refrigerate
  • To use: In the shower, wet your skin. Turn off the water and scrub all over. 
May 16, 2020

DIY & Recipes  ·  Skin & Wellness
Lemon & Chamomile Bitters for Gut Health

These are stressful times, and emotions can show up in the body – and create physical imbalances. For many people, like myself, stress can trigger what I can only describe as a grumpy belly. Bloating and loud gurgling noises after eating, you might feel indigestion, heartburn, gas or cramping.

 

And often too, our skin tells us when our digestion is off balance. As an herbalist, I work with the skin to pick up on those cues: Acne, rosacea, psoriasis. Even dry, flaky skin and dullness… can be the skin expressing our body’s need for digestive support.

 

Bitters can be a helpful response, to guide you to optimal digestion – which may then help clear conditions that showed up on the skin. In this article I’ll show you how to make your own delicious bitters, with simple ingredients. It does take time to make, and you can purchase bitters online faster, but I think this is an opportunity to learn how to work with herbs and create your own wellness.

DIGESTIVE BITTERS

Bitters are an old herbal remedy. It’s made with herbs that have a strong bitter taste, that are infused in spirits. You take a few drops just before eating a meal, like an Apéritif.

 

The taste of bitterness on the tongue, is what kick starts the whole digestive process – stimulating stomach acids, bile and enzymes to break down food, and better absorb nutrients. It supports the liver functions, to clear waste and toxins from the body.

 

You can also include bitter tasting foods into your diet to support a healthier digestion, like kale, arugula and radishes.

How to use bitters

The simplest way is to take a 1/4 teaspoon before you eat. You can also add it to sparkling water and drink it that way. By the way, bitters in sparkling water is actually an old remedy for hangovers! 

Bitters are also used in cocktail recipes, you can add it to alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. I love adding bitters to my daily Herbal Tonics for that extra gut support. 

Here’s a simple recipe that turned out delicious. The secret is to use the whole lemon, the inner fruit and the outer rind. It gives such a bright and lemony flavor, but you still get that hit of bitterness that makes this a potent digestive blend.

 

Chamomile not only is a bitter herb, but also a good gut herb that helps to calm and soothe. The lemon peel is also a bitter element, and provides lots of Vitamin C too! I like to add just a touch of maple syrup for flavor, but you don’t want to add too much!

Lemon & Chamomile Bitters

Ingredients:

  • 1 Lemon
  • 2 tbsp Chamomile 
  • 4oz Brandy 
  • 1 tsp Maple Syrup

Method:

  • Cut the lemon, the whole fruit and rind into small pieces.
  • Fill a mason jar with the lemon.
  • Add in the dried chamomile and maple syrup.
  • Pour in the brandy until it fully covers the botanicals.
  • Close the lid and let it sit for 6 weeks
  • After 6 weeks, strain and store the bitters in a smaller bottle, or if you have one with a dropper top (like this)
May 7, 2020

DIY & Recipes
Liniment Remedy: Achy Joints & Muscles

There’s a famous herbal pain remedy called Kloss Liniment – created by American herbalist, Jethro Kloss. It became incredibly popular as an external treatment for pain – and throughout the years the recipe has been made in households and even adapted into products. Another famous liniment, 9 Oils, from the 19th century was initially made for horses until people started using it. You may have heard of Tiger Balm, developed by a Chinese herbalist in 1870, it still remains a popular pain relief treatment.
All of these different variations of liniments for pain – throughout time and the world – all have the same herbal principle in common: They’re made with herbs specific to giving a cooling and warming sensation, moving blood flow, soothing inflammation and reducing pain.
Liniments are a useful remedy to help ease cramps, swelling, muscle aches, arthritic pain and sore joints. In this article, you’ll learn how to make your own liniment, to soothe you aching pains away!

Medicinal, pain-relieving herbs infuse in rubbing alcohol for 4 weeks to create a potent liniment

What is a Liniment

A liniment is a rubbing mixture for the skin, made with medicinal herbs infused into rubbing alcohol or grain alcohol. Liniments are for external use only, rubbed onto skin, the alcohol evaporates very quickly, allowing the herbs to rapidly penetrate the skin, muscles and tissue.
They’re often made specifically for treating pain and inflammation, but depending on the herb choices you can also address different conditions: to cool an area, disinfect a cut or wound, to soothe bruises, sprain, sunburn and reduce varicose veins.
The beauty of learning about herbs is that you can create a liniment with herbs that are specific to your needs, and that are accessible to you.
For example, the original Kloss Liniment recipe features anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving echinacea, goldenseal, myrrh and cayenne. You can source all of those herbs online, and follow a recipe shared by one of my herb  mentors: https://learningherbs.com/remedies-recipes/jethro-kloss/
But just like cooking and following a recipe, it’s more beneficial to understand the goal and purpose of the ingredients, so that you can feel comfortable making substitutions and making your own creations.

Liniment Formulation

When I think about creating a blend, or formulation, I think about the condition we’re treating and the herbal actions that support the healing of that condition. An herbal action is the effect that the herb has on the body.
Specifically for sore, aching, swollen, inflammatory conditions, I start to think about the following actions:

  • Anti-inflammatory: Herbs that alleviate inflammation
    Chamomile, Ashwagandha, Black Pepper, Calendula, Violet, Rose, Meadowsweet, Frankincense, Myrrh, California Poppy 
  • Analgesic: Herbs that help to relieve pain
    Arnica, Myrrh, Peppermint, Rosemary, Yarrow, Comfrey, Willow Bark, Cayenne, Frankincense, California Poppy 
  • Circulatory: Herbs that increase blood flow
    Rosemary, Ginger, Lavender, Gotu Kola, Cardamom  
  • Antispasmodic: Herbs that help to ease cramping
    Basil, Ginger, Juniper, Ashwagandha, Licorice, Rosemary, Kava Kava, Myrrh, California Poppy
  • Warming: Herbs that provide a warming sensation
    Ginger, Juniper, Black Pepper, Cayenne, Cardamom
  • Cooling: Herbs that provide a cooling sensation: 
    Lavender, Peppermint, Spearmint, also Menthol Crystals

As you can see, one herb can have many different actions. And this means that you can simplify your formula and focus on just a few herbs, which together meets all the needs.
The blend that I came up with uses common pantry herbs, with all the healing actions that you’d want from an achy joint and muscle pain-relieving remedy. My hope is that this blend feels attainable to you, something that you can make from supermarket ingredients. But from the above list of herbs and actions, you can create your own blend too!
Once you have chosen your herbs, simply get some rubbing alcohol and you’re ready to start making! 

Rubbing alcohol extracts out the benefits from the herbs

Do I have to use alcohol?

Alcohol is a solvent that very effectively draws out the healing constituents of herbs. It’s a very easy way to make external medicine. But being an alcohol-based remedy, you wouldn’t use a liniment as daily “skincare” on your face, or all over your body. It’s for specific areas of the body that need relief. 
Liniments are usually made with rubbing alcohol (70% alcohol), but you can also use witch hazel (14% alcohol) which is far less drying on the skin. Plus you get the added anti-inflammatory and astringent benefits of witch hazel. Another option is apple cider vinegar.
The benefit of using rubbing alcohol is that it’s inexpensive, readily available, and if you’re only using it occasionally as a first-aid remedy –  any negative points of using alcohol on skin will not be an issue.

Achy Rub Recipe

An herbal liniment for achy joints and muscles

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp dried Chamomile
  • 2 Tbsp dried Rosemary
  • 2 Tbsp dried Lavender
  • 2 Tbsp dried Peppermint
  • 2 Tbsp dried Ginger
  • 1 Tbsp Cayenne Powder
  • 2 cups rubbing alcohol, Witch Hazel or Vinegar

    *You can substitute any dried ingredients for fresh, triple the amount

Method:

  • In a clean quart jar, add in all of the herbal ingredients
  • Pour in the rubbing alcohol, until fully covered
  • Now lit it sit to infuse for 4 weeks.
  • During that time, shake the jar often to encourage the exraction
  • After 4 weeks, strain out the herbs and discard
  • Reserve the liquid.
  • Bottle the liniment in mist bottle (like this) for easy application.
  • Spray onto the achy area, several times per day, rubbing the liniment in.
    * This is a nice set to invest in for all your future projects.
April 9, 2020

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