Herbal Gifts for Mom
by Karyn Maier
Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Can you think of anyone more deserving of pampering? Let all the mothers and moms-to-be in your circle know how special they are when you present one or more of these sweetly-scented gifts made with natural ingredients.
Almond, Orange & Coconut Moisturizer
2 teaspoons beeswax pastilles
4 tablespoons sweet almond oil
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
2 tablespoons neroli (orange blossom) hydrosol
6 drops sweet orange oil
Combine the beeswax, almond oil and coconut oil in the top of a double boiler. Heat the oils until completely melted and combined with stirring. Warm the hydrosol in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Add the warmed hydrosol to the oil mixture in a slow stream while beating with a whisk or hand mixer on low-medium speed. Continue beating until a smooth cream forms. Stir in essential oil. Transfer into a glass jar or similar container with a lid and label.
Lavender & Rose Bath Sachets
3 cups dried red or pink roses
2 cups dried lavender flowers
Muslin bags
Combine the roses and lavender in a large bowl and stir with a wooden spoon to evenly disperse. Using a scoop or large spoon, fill one or more muslin bags with the herb mixture and tie off with a piece of ribbon or homespun. Tips: Make the bags look prettier by stamping them with designs using a natural dye. See our article on how to make natural dyes here.
Herbal Bath Gel
1 cup filtered water
1 tablespoon dried comfrey
1 tablespoon dried peppermint
1 tablespoon dried lavender
1 tablespoon dried sweet woodruff
5 tablespoons liquid castile soap
2 tablespoons witch hazel extract
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
2 tablespoons plain gelatin (or 2 tablespoons agar)
5 drops vertiver essential oil
3 drops sweet orange essential oil
Combine the water, comfrey, peppermint, lavender and sweet woodruff in a saucepan; heat just to boiling. Cover and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain; reserving the infused liquid in bowl or large measuring cup. Add castile soap; stir. Combine with witch hazel extract and glycerin in a small bowl; add to herb-infused mixture. Add gelatin (or agar) and stir until dissolved. Transfer the finished bath gel into a bottle with a lid, cap and label. Embellish with ribbon and a tuft of lavender or other herb, if you wish.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out the formulas in our library:
You can find the herbs, oils, castile soap, glycerin, witch hazel, hydrosols (floral waters) and glassware to make these products here.
