How to Make Aromatherapy Relief Roll-ons for Headaches, Cramps + Insomnia
I love my ever-growing stash of essential oils. Make-up used to be my impulse purchase; now it’s a new essential oil. So one of my goals is to figure out how to use the darn things, whether it’s in green cleaning or staying healthy. Few essential oils can be applied ‘neat’ or straight onto the skin. Most need to be diluted in a carrier oil, and making an aromatherapy roll-on is hands down the easiest and most effective way to apply essential oils for my family (did I mention I have 3 squirmy kids?).
How to make Aromatherapy Roll-ons
The hardest part of this process is getting your ingredients together. Here’s what you’ll need:
Remove the roller ball from the top of the bottle. Add the appropriate number of drops of each essential oil. Fill the rest of the bottle with carrier oil. Reattach roller ball at the top. Shake well. Store in cool, dark place.
To use, roll the bottle between your hands before each use to ensure the essential oils are properly mixed. Then apply to pressure points on the body, such as the temples, behind the ears, bottoms of the feet, insides of the wrist. Or really anywhere that feels good to you!
Essential oil blends for Aromatherapy Roll-ons
Original article and pictures take helloglow.co site
I talk about herbs a lot on this site and one of the questions I always get is:
“How do I make an herbal infusion?”
Well, if you can make a cup of tea, you're already making an herbal infusion! It's so easy to do and can provide amazing medicinal benefits when using herbs that support the body's function. I personally drink two quarts of herbal infusions every day to support my own healing journey.
You can hardly turn in any health food store without seeing them on a shelf. The hardest part is knowing how to use them safely. Sure, you are going to get a lot of information on the internet and from reps that sell the oils, but is it TRUTH? My biggest concern with some of the information is that you should put the oils directly on your skin for good benefits. I have some issues with that blanket statement. First, anything you put on your skin gets absorbed in as little as 26 seconds and next, conventional wisdom will tell you that you shouldn’t put ANY oil on your skin “neat”, as in with no dilution or carrier oil. Since I like to error on the side of over-caution, I needed a different way to have the oils and their aromatic benefits without worry of over doing it topically. Not everyone responds to the same oils in the same way, so I needed to make a necklace.
First, get yourself some terra cotta clay.
You can find it online pretty cheap here. This stuff is amazing in that it’s air dry, so you don’t have to worry about baking it! Take about 1/2 fistful of the clay out and place it on some parchment or waxed paper. Roll it out until it’s about 1/2″ thick.
Carefully, using any size or shape object you’d like, cut out some shapes.
I used an old cough syrup measuring cap since I re-purposed the bottle and didn’t want to just toss the cap out. Remove the clay around the shape without disturbing the clay if possible. It’s pretty pliable, so you will have to work slowly with that in order to avoid misshaping the clay. Of course, you could always go for the “rustic” look and make it as misshapen as you’d like.
Using a small object, create a hole in the shape.
I used the end of one of my tools in this kit. It was pretty easy to push through and get the hole in place. You’ll want to make sure to not get it too close to the edge of the necklace shape, or you risk the clay breaking easily. Allow to dry overnight. The next day, carefully clean any rough edges with a clay tool or light sandpaper.
String some cord into the hole.
I am liking the “natural” look of jute twine right now, but you could use any chain, rope, or necklace you already have for this. Tie a necklace clasp at one end, and place a drop of craft glue to keep the knot from coming undone. Personalize it! Add in charms you like as well to make this uniquely your necklace. Once you are finished, tie the other end of the clasp to the other end of the twine and place a drop of glue.
To use, simply add 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oils directly to the terracotta clay.
Then, you can lift and “sniff” as needed, or allow the aromas to drift naturally to your nose. My favorites to add to this are peppermint and orange when I need a boost of energy, lavender when I need to relax, or patchouli when I am wanting a “natural perfume” scent. One word of caution: these can be smelled by others, so be careful with what oils you choose around small children. Not all oils are safe for use for children, even in aromatherapy.
You want to keep your necklace dry.
Don’t get it wet, and just refreshen the oils as needed. I have only had to add 2-3 drops of oil on this for an entire day of use.
Be sure to pin this to your favorite board for later
Original article and pictures take thehomesteadinghippy.com site
Elderberries have been used for many, many years for natural health.
Elderberry wine was traditionally used for influenza and the ill effects of the chills, and the juice of the black elderberry has historically been an invaluable remedy. The elder has often been called the ‘medicine chest” of the country people. [source]
I always have some dried elderberries on hand to make syrups, but I have recently discovered tinctures as well. It’s been my first source of cold and flu prevention in our family for a long time along a good diet, plenty of rest and good hand washing to help as well. I like the tinctures myself, because they are quickly absorbed and since it’s in alcohol, shelf life is nearly indefinite.
Here’s how I make Elderberry Tincture
You will need dried elderberries and alcohol. Best part of making your own medicines? Having lots of different boozes on hand Anyway, I used vodka for mine, but you can use rum, or brandy as well. You want the higher proof alcohol, the 80% kind to get the best extract for this.
In a pint jar, place 1 cup of the dried elderberries and cover with the alcohol. Cap tightly and shake it up. Every day or so for the next 6 weeks, when you think about it, give it another good shake. After 6 weeks, strain the elderberries off and discard to the compost pile. Place your tincture in a glass bottle with a dropper and store in a dark, cool place.
To use
for my hubby, myself and our older teens, I place 3-4 drops directly under the tongue 3 times a day when we are feeling under the weather. During the winter, when the days are shorter and sunlight is at a minimum, I use 3 drops for each of us once a day. For my younger kids, ages 7-10, I use 2 drops under the tongue when feeling under the weather 3 times a day and one drop daily as maintenance.
What are some of your favorite natural cold symptom relievers? Will you make an elderberry tincture this season? Be sure to pin this for later
Original article and pictures take thehomesteadinghippy.com site
How to make all natural lotion – this easy recipe is inexpensive and works very well!
This past year, I’ve become more interested in making my own bath and body products. When I was pregnant for the first time, I started doing a lot of reading about all of the nasty chemicals in a lot of store bought products, and I started reading the labels, and avoiding parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances, etc.
I have my favorite natural products that I use, but I think it’s fun to make my own products as well. I have had very good luck with my homemade deodorant – it really is the only natural deodorant that works for me! Believe me, I’ve tried them all…they work for a while, and then stop working. Usually at a very inconvenient time. :( This Christmas, I also made homemade lip balm, and that was a big hit! And such an easy and cute present to make and give.
A couple of weeks ago I ran out of lotion, so I decided I would try to make my own. To be honest, the basic ingredients for deodorant, lip balm and lotion are basically the same, so it’s easy to experiment once you make the initial investment in oils, butters, and beeswax. I adapted a recipe from Wellness Mama, and I bought a really tiny jelly jar from Michael’s- I would say it’s about a 2.5 ounce jar. This recipe was the perfect amount to fill that jar.
(The ingredient list does include some Amazon affiliate links).
1. If your beeswax is in chunks or bars, you will need to grate it. I bought a cheap grater from the Dollar Tree to use just for beeswax. Grate it before measuring. If you buy beeswax pellets, you will skip this step.
2. Place the beeswax, almond oil, coconut oil, and shea butter in a glass mason jar (this is just a container for mixing, not a container for storing. It should be a larger jar). Place the glass jar inside of a pan that has a couple of inches of water in it, and turn heat on medium.
3. As the water starts to simmer, the ingredients will melt. Stir occasionally to help them melt. It will take about 7-8 minutes for everything to melt fully.
4. Once everything is melted, remove the pan from the heat and add the Vitamin E Oil by poking a hole into the capsule and squeezing out the oil, and the essential oils of your choice. (Be sure to research your essential oils, not all of them are safe for your skin. Lavender, sweet orange, tangerine, and peppermint are okay for body products. This is a great guide to essential oil use and safety.
5. Carefully pour your lotion into the container that you want to store it in. Be careful, wear oven mitts! The oils are really hot.
6. Let lotion cool completely before using.
This lotion absorbs well into the skin, and is really moisturizing. The texture is a little bit more oily than the kind of lotion you might buy at the store. I really like how it makes my skin feel, and I love the lavender and sweet orange scent.
One of our friends who makes body products suggests using something other than your finger to remove the lotion from the jar, since it does not contain preservatives, and your fingers can introduce bacteria into the jar. However, this makes such a small amount, it really depends on how quickly you think you will use this lotion. A small wooden stick or spoon is a great way to keep your lotion pure.
If you want to read more about essential oils, I wrote about them HERE.
Does sneezing, wheezing, and watery eyes sound familiar?
It’s allergy season, for many that may mean intense suffering for the next several months. For others, it could be a mild irritation.
Often, seasonal allergies are connected to an unhealthy gut. While many (if not most) people who suffer from seasonal allergies could benefit from a gut healing protocol such as GAPS. Not everyone has the time for it, or might not feel quite up to the challenge quite yet.
Thankfully, there are God-given plants in nature that work together to help our bodies fight off allergic responses.
My favorite way to ease allergy symptoms is to use a seasonal allergy tincture with three of my go-to herbs: nettle, dandelion root, and dried rose hips.
All three of these herbs contain bioflavonoids, namely quercetin, (as well as numerous other vitamins and nutrients) that work as natural antihistamines.
When our bodies come in contact with allergens, they produce histamine as a response. Bioflavonoids work to block the release of histamine.
This seasonal allergy tincture uses apple cider vinegar instead of the typical vodka. Raw apple cider vinegar, with the “mother” helps balance your GI track, resulting in your body’s natural defense to battle seasonal allergies. If you prefer to use vodka instead, the tincture will still be effective but will but not as powerful.
If you feel like you need step by step tutorial on how to make an herbal tincture, you can find one here. Or, if you prefer, you can make this in an herbal glycerite instead. Do you need something now to offer relief while you wait for the tincture to be ready? Try our rooibos allergy tea!
Seasonal Allergy Tincture
Mix the herbs together filling a glass jar 3/4 of the way full. Cover with vodka or apple cider vinegar, screw on the lid, and give it a good shake.
Store in a dark place, such as a cabinet for at least four weeks. Shake everyday.
Strain through a cheese cloth or old t-shirt, squeezing out as much liquid as possible. Store in a glass jar. The tincture will retain its potency for at least two years. Store in a dark location.
For ease of use, use keep a small amount in an amber glass dropper bottle.
Have you used a seasonal allergy tincture?
Original article and pictures take modernalternativehealth.com site
How to Make a Roll On Essential Oil Blend for Stress Relief.
This roll on essential oil blend is perfect for keeping in your purse. Just apply whenever you need a little stress relief!
I thought I’d share this easy tutorial to make your own roll on essential oil blend for stress relief. We could all use a little help with stress I think, right?
Sometimes I get in a DIY/healthy/essential oil mood and make my own bath and beauty products. For example: deodorant, lotion, and perfume. When I get in these moods and spread out my essential oils, droppers, carrier oils, and bottles, Darryl likes to refer to me as a “mad scientist.” :)
I love playing around with essential oils and seeing what combinations I like and how they affect my mood. I made a stress relief roll-on last week and I’ve been using it everyday and love it, so I thought I’d share the recipe.
This was so easy to make, and I’ve been enjoying the benefits of these oils so much! If you are new to essential oils, don’t be intimidated, give this roll on essential oil blend a try! It’s very simple to make, and I think you’ll love it.
Add the essential oils. Shake or roll gently to combine.
To use, simply roll on wrists or neck.
I don’t have any special allegiance to any particular brand of essential oils, I usually get the Aura Cacia brand at Whole Foods, or I order from Plant Therapy. You do want to make sure that the bergamot essential oil says “Bergaptene-Free” on it, because bergamot oil is a very phototoxic oil, which means that it can burn your skin if you are wearing it and expose that skin to sunlight. The Bergaptene-Free version has most of the components that cause sunburn removed.
To use this, simply roll on to your wrists, sides of your neck, or even your collarbone. Enjoy the lovely fragrance and feel the stress reducing effects of these oils.
The essential oil diffuser locket pictured above is available in my shop.
Have you made any of your own beauty products before?
