Tools for Natural Living

Essential oils are steam distilled from raw plant material to capture the potent, aromatic volatile oils of an herb or flower. Because a little goes a long way, only a few drops are needed to lend fragrance and aromatherapeutic benefits to bath water. Try one of the following blends for your next soak ... Skin Type Normal Skin: sandalwood, neroli, patchouli, frankincense Dry Skin: chamomile, geranium, lavender, rose Oily Skin: neroli, cypress, clary-sage, orange Blemished Ski

If you see signs of too much fun in the sun when you look in the mirror, or if you just want to brighten a dull complexion, this is the facial treatment for you. Just 3 simple ingredients provide all the benefits of a visit to the spa, but without the expense. Ingredients 1 tablespoon powdered aloe vera ½ cup strong green tea, cooled 2 drops peppermint essential oil Directions Combine all ingredients in a small bowl with a fork. Set aside for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken, addin

This gentle milk cleanser lifts impurities while leaving skin feeling soft and refreshed. It’s the perfect treatment for dry, mature or sensitive skin. Ingredients ½ cup buttermilk (full fat) 2 tablespoons dried calendula flowers 1 tablespoon dried red clover flowers 1 tablespoon dried parsley 1 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds Directions Gently heat the buttermilk in a saucepan until very warm, but do not allow to boil. Turn off the heat, add herbs and cover. Let steep for 2 ho

Red clover (Trifolium pretense) is a perennial herb native to Europe, Asia and Africa and naturalized in North America. The flowers have a long history of use in traditional healing systems as a diuretic, liver and blood cleanser and expectorant. Because the flowers contain compounds called isoflavones that exert estrogen-like effects, red clover is commonly used to ease unpleasant menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes. The herb is also associated with decreasing the risk

Oatstraw (Avena sativa), also known as oat grass and avena, consists of the aerial parts of the oat plant, namely the leaves, stems and milky tops. This plant is best known as an ancient cereal grain, the seeds of which are probably familiar to you as oatmeal in your morning breakfast bowl. The “straw” portion of the plant is an old-fashioned remedy for dry, itchy skin when tossed into a warm bath. Most pharmacies still carry oat powders for this purpose. Avena is known as th

Holy Basil, Rama (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also called Tulsi Rama, is one of three varieties of Asian basils used in tea blends. The herb’s flavor profile is unique and refreshing with floral highlights and a spicy, citrus-like finish. A close relative to sweet basil, Tulsi Rama is also the most widely cultivated holy basil in North America. In Ayurveda, the traditional healing system of India, Tulsi is considered an adaptogen and an herb of longevity. The aerial parts of the pl

This dessert may look fancy, but it's actually quite simple to make. A hint of peppery thyme is baked into the pastry dough, where its flavor melds with a tangy raspberry filling. For the pastry: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon organic dried thyme 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes 4 tablespoons ice water For the fruit filling 3 tablespoon non-GMO cornstarch 3/4 cup turbinado sugar, plus 1 tablespoon 3 1/2 cups organic raspberries 2 tablespoon

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial member of the mint family original to the Mediterranean and southern Europe and widely cultivated elsewhere. In fact, in addition to its culinary value, the herb is grown on a commercial scale for use in the pharmaceutical, fragrance and cosmetic industries. Traditionally, lemon balm is used to ease anxiety and to promote relaxation, often in combination with valerian, hops, skullcap or passionflower. Used topically, lemon balm

The color of this beverage will vary from faint pink to violet depending on the type of lavender flowers used. For best results, use Dutch lavender (Lavandula x intermedia Emeric ex Loisel), although other species will be just as flavorful. Ingredients 2 cups boiling water 3/4 cup organic lavender flowers 2 cups cold water 1 cup fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup sugar Directions Place the lavender in a heat-proof pitcher and add the boiling water. Cover and let steep 15-20 minutes. S

This light and refreshing body splash is perfect to use after your morning shower. What a sunny way to start your day! Ingredients 1 ½ cups filtered water ½ cup vodka or gin 1 tablespoon dried lemon verbena 1 tablespoon dried orange peel, chopped 1 tablespoon dried lemon peel, chopped 15 drops sweet orange essential oil 8 drops mandarin essential oil Directions Combine the lemon verbena, orange peel and lemon peel in a mason jar. Cap and let infuse for 7 to 10 days. Strain, r