HERBAL COMFORTS
Relax ~ Take time for yourself ~ You're worth it
The earth provides us with so many natural sources of comfort if we only take advatage of them. Below are some of my favorite herbal comforts with the how-to-do included. Try some, and as you learn to love herbs and appreciate the wonderful properties they have to give for the taking you'll begin to formulate recipes on your own.
OF LAVENDER
Before my time on earth is through I wish to walk through an acre of blooming lavender. For now may I dream of lavender fields, for lavender is love.~ Carolyn
LAVENDER LAUNDRY SPRITZ
To make, mix 4 ounces of alcohol-based lavender scented water or room freshner with 24 ounces of distilled water. (don't use oil-based room sprays as the oil may damage fabric). Pour the mixture into a clear spray bottle, and make a label. Include instructions to use the spray on pillowcases or linens just before pressing. Note: I make the "4 oz of alcohol-based lavender scented water" this calls for simply putting a lot of lavender stems into a bottle and cover them with alcohol. Allow to steep in a sunny window for a few days till the scent of lavender has infused into the alcohol. I keep a few bottles of that going for a number of uses. Often I will just spritz it through the air for a clean fresh natural scent. This "spritz" in a spray bottle makes a nice little gift. Hand write a fancy label on it or tie a few sprigs of dried lavender around the neck of the bottle with a thin satin ribbon.
LAVENDER HAIR RINSE
1 empty quart jar
white vinegar
lavender flowers (dried)
plastic sandwich bag
Fill the jar half full with lavender flowers. Now fill almost to the top with white vinegar Put the baggie over the opening and then screw on the lid. (the baggie keeps the vinegar from reacting to the metal lid) Tip several times to mix. Store in a dark place (under the bathroom sink perhaps) for two weeks. Strain - you can put it in a pretty container at this point. To use mix 1/4 c of lavender mix to 1 cup water and pour through hair in the final rinse. You can also use chamomile flowers for this and especially for blondes it works well to bring out natural highlights.
LAVENDER BODY POWDER
1 Tbs. baking soda
1/2 cup dried lavender flowers
1 cup corn starch
Blend ingredients in a food processor for two minutes to obtain a very fine grind. Sprinkle on skin and rub in after a bath or sprinkle on sheets to keep them fresher.
SHOE FRESHENERS (from Helen in Oz)
These are simple to make and are great gifts. Use lavender or mint to soothe tired feet.
To Make One Set:
1. Cut 2 pieces of cotton / muslin fabric, 8" by 14".
2. Fold each fabric piece in half lengthwise, right-sides facing in.
3. Sew 1/4 inch seam along both long sides and one short side.
4. Turn right-side out.
5. Stuff "tube" 3/4ths of the way with filler and dried herb.
6. Turn in top edges and tie shut with ribbon ot twine.
To use, just stick each shoe freshener inside a shoe when you are not
wearing them.
Mint also helps with smelly shoes.
LAVENDER OIL
If you just want to obtain lavender scented oil, all you have to do is place the lavender buds in a glass jar and cover the buds with vegetable oil such as Sweet Almond, grapeseed, hazelnut, or olive oil (or you could mix all those oils together!) cover, and let steep in a cool dark area for a few weeks.
The oil will take on the fragrance of the lavender and it makes a great body oil. After the lavender is done steeping, you could strain the lavender buds out, pour it into pretty glass bottles and give them as gifts.
LAVENDER PILLOW TUCKS
Place a few sprigs of lavender inside of pillow case for relaxing sleep. You can also sew little lavender pillows to tuck between case and pillow for guests. Using 100% cotton or washed muslin cut a rectangular shape 4" x 5", right sides together sew three sides up, turn the fabric, stuff with dired lavbender flowers and hand sew the opening. It's nice to hand embrodier a sprig of lavender on the front of the little pillow tuck so your quests are certain what is in it. (If you're entertaining house quests treat them to ironed pillowcases to lay their heads upon. It takes but a minute, and they feel so good. Don't forget to treat yourself often to this simple comfort that makes sleep so soothing.