Bath and Body

[_Cheshire_]

The Perfect Sugar Scrub

The cream in this mixture gives it the richest texture while the
sugar gently exfoliates dead skin to expose fresher skin underneath.
The balance of ingredients produces a scrub that is oily enough to
moisturize, yet will not separate out much.

Do not use The Perfect Sugar Scrub on broken or delicate skin. It's
best on elbows, heels, knees but if you scrub gently, you can use it
on most of your body and your hands to soften them. Avoid use on
tender areas like face, neck and breasts.

Yield: 1 Full Body Application

Ingredients:
4 ounces white or brown sugar (depending on the color you'd like your
scrub to be)
3 tablespoons sweet almond oil
2 tablespoons liquid whipping cream
30 drops pink grapefruit essential oil
20 drops lemon essential oil
3 drops patchouli essential oil
2 drops rose absolute
2 drops ylang ylang essential oil
1 drop cinammon leaf essential oil

Blending Procedure:

Measure the sugar into a bowl and set aside. You can use brown sugar, but you'll only get a pretty yellow color from the essential oils if you use white sugar.

Measure the cream and oil into a bowl and stir well to combine. Make
sure the cream is fully dispersed into the oil so you get a smooth
mixture.

Pour the smooth cream/oil mixture into the sugar and stir well to
combine. Add the essential oils last and stir again. Store in the
refrigerator in an air tight container (preferably glass). Look at
the expiration date on the panel of the cream carton to determine
approximate shelf life.

Use different oils to suit your scent preference and to compliment your magickal intent, if any.

[_Cheshire_]

Sweet Honey of a Bath -

Herbalists have praised honey as a beauty aid for centuries with very good reason. It is a terrific humectant--meaning it helps our skin to retain moisture, making it softer and smoother, and rejuvenating our appearance.
When we invite the golden sweetness of honey into our tub, it becomes a skin-nourishing treat for body and soul. Let the bees show you the way to smoother, fresher-looking skin:

2 tablespoons honey
1 cup hot water
2 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

1. Dissolve the honey in the hot water, then add essential oil and stir to mix.
2. Pour mixture into bathwater and soak for 10 to 15 minutes.

[_Cheshire_]

Sugar and Spice Bath

Ingredients:
1 cup baking soda
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves

Mix together all the ingredients until well blended. To use: Add
2 Tablespoons of the bath mix to a warm tub.
Store the mixture in a clean, dry container.

[_Cheshire_]

Spa Treatments

White Russian Deep Hair Conditioner
Splurge Spa Recipe
1/4 cup moisturizing milk
1/4 cup Kahlua

*Affordable at Home Version
1/4 cup cooled coffee
1 tsp sugar
1/2 cup milk
Combine ingredients and apply to freshly washed hair; then wrap hair
with plastic wrap and over with towel to retain heat. Wait 10 minutes
and rinse well.

Chocolate Champagne Body Wrap Spa Recipe
4-5 fresh strawberries
1/3 cup honey
1/2 cup chocolate morsels (chips)
1/2 cup champagne

*Affordable version
4-5 frozen strawberries, thawed
1/3 cup honey
1/2 cup chocolate morsels (chips)
1/2 cup sparkling cider
Additional items: small clean paint brush, plastic cling wrap, water
bottle

Melt morsels in microwave. While cooling, puree strawberries and honey,
then add to chocolate. Apply to entire body with pain brush, starting at
feet. Once covered, spritz on a military of cider and water and wrap
well with cling wrap. Wait 15 minutes. Rinse.

Footsie White Choco Latte Spa Recipe
2 cups moisturizing milk
1 cup Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

*Affordable Recipe
3 cups milk
1 tsp cocoa butter
1.2 tsp vanilla extract
Mis: foot basin and hand towel
nail polish

Heat milk until warm and mix with cocoa butter and vanilla extract in
basin. Soak feet for 10 minutes, rinse, Pat dry, then massage more cocoa
butter into feet and coat nails with polish.

Lemon Drop Martini Facial Scrub Spa Recipe
1 tsp Absolute Citron Vodka
1 T. sugar

*Affordable version
1 tsp lemon juice
1 T. sugar

Mix sugar with lemon juice to make a paste. Then use fingers to massage
over clean, dry skin for one minute. Rinse well.

Hot Buttered Thumb Manicure
Spa Recipe
1 T brown sugar
1 cup milk
1 tsp Rum
sprinkle each of cinnamon and nutmeg

*Affordable recipe
1 T brown sugar
1 cup milk
sprinkle each nutmeg and cinnamon
Additional items
small bowl and hand towel
hand cream and nail polish

Fill small bowl with milk and cinnamon. Soak hands for 5
minutes, then rinse well. Mix brown sugar and nutmeg with enough water
to make a paste, massage into hands, then rinse and pat dry. Massage
hands with lotion and slick nails with a festive shade of polish.

[_Cheshire_]

Soothing Herb Bath Tea

1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers
1 tablespoon old fashioned oatmeal
2 tablespoons Epson salts
1 tablespoon dried lavender buds
1 tablespoon dried calendula petals

Mix all the ingredients together and place in a square of
cheese cloth or muslin. Tie tightly and place it in a glass
bowl or mug. Pour over 1 cup boiling water and allow it
to brew about 15 minutes or so. Run your bath and pour
in the "tea", swish to mix it in the bath water. You can
put the tea bag, still tied, in the bath or even use it as a
washcloth to gently rub your skin. Notes: if you don't
have calendula petals you can leave them out. Dried rose
petals are also nice.



Soothing Bath Tea

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons dried thyme
2 tablespoons dried calendula blossoms
2 cups boiling water

Add the herbs to the boiling water and simmer, covered,
for 10 minutes. Remove the infusion from the heat and
let it cook to lukewarm. Strain the infusion and add to
your bathwater.

[_Cheshire_]

Soap of the Magi

Here is an easy soap recipe I found while surfing the net.
It's not too early to begin those Holiday gifts.

5 Ounces Glycerine Soap
1/8 teaspoon Myrrh Oil
1/8 teaspoon Frankincense Oil
Bronze and Gold Mica Dust
Ultra fine gold fabric glitter
Oval soap mold

Melt 1/2 of the soap.
Stir in the Frankincense oil and Gold mica dust.
Pour into 2 molds filling only half way.
Melt the other 1/2 of the soap.
Stir in Myrrh oil and Bronze mica dust.
Spoon over 1st layer of soap. Set, unmold.
Give the bars a light dusting of the gold glitter
and you have a soap of gold, frankincense and Myrrh
the gifts of the Magi. If you've frozen the soap
allow it to thaw and dry before adding the glitter or wrapping.

Simple Ritual Soaps

This is a very super simple way to create your own ritual soaps. Ritual soaps can be created to cleanse and purify yourself as part of an overall ritual. Think about your purpose and then select herbs and oils to correspond to your need.

You will need: 1 bar of plain white soap, unscented (like Ivory brand soap)
1/4 cup of very warm water, several drops of essential oil and crushed herbs

Grate the bar of soap using a simple metal kitchen grater (if you use a food processor it may or may not work, and I believe magick is more empowered with spirit when you use simple hand tools).

Place the grated soap into a bowl and add the remaining ingredients.Knead the soap, water, oils, and herbs together with your hands and form your soap into simple ball shapes or some other simple shape.

Since you do not need a lot of ritual soap at one time, I usually make about 3 or 4 small shaped soaps from this recipe. While you are making your soaps keep your magickal purpose in mind and perhaps sing or chant something appropriate, for instance:

"Air moves us, Fire transforms us, Water heals us, Earth grounds us, and the power of the Wheel goes round and round, and the power of the Wheel goes round!"

While using your ritual soaps, whether in the bath or shower, you can visualize the soap/herbs/oils healing,cleansing and purifying you! and the water rinsing away your problems and any negative stress. While these soaps can be created specifically for ritual, they can also be used as a soothing soap to effectively calm your spirit and invigorate you in a positive way.

Simple Oatmeal Soap

1/2 cup ground oatmeal
1/2 cup soap shavings
1 1/2 tablespoons sweet almond or olive oil
1 tablespoon water

Place soap shavings in a plastic bag, and pound them into
smaller pieces. Place the soap in a blender, add oatmeal,
and process until mixture it's "grainy" in texture.. Pour it
into a bowl and remove any larger pieces. Add the oil and
water, then "knead" it to mix and form it into a firm ball.
Set it aside for at least 2 hours until it dries. (You can use
leftover soap that you've grated---small sample bars can
be used too as long as the fragrances don't clash.

Old Fashioned Witch Soap

. 4 lbs lard
· 13 oz lye (1 can)
· 5 cups cold water
· 1tbsp lavender oil
· 1 tbsp patchouli oil
· 1 cup fresh strawberry juice
· 1/4 cup dried soap bark herb (optional

Procedure
In a large enamel or iron kettle, melt the lard over very low heat. (Never use metal) In aseparate pot, stir together the lye & the water. Heat lard until small bubbles begin to appear - do not boil.
Remove from the heat & slowly pour the lye solution into the lard. With a big wooden spoon, stir in the lavender & patchouli oils, the strawberry juice & soap bark herb. Simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour into 2-inch deep greased pan & allow to cool overnight. Cut the soap into squares and leave in the pan for at least 3 days before removing. Place the Soap bars on waxed paper & allow them to age in a draft-free area approximately 4-6 weeks before using.

Soapballs

skill level: easiest
cost: under $5
craft time: 2 minutes


bar of Ivory Soap (This only works with Ivory)
microwave
paper towel

Cut a bar of Ivory soap into 4 equal pieces.
Place one piece on a paper towel and microwave for approximately 30 seconds.
The timing depends on your microwave.
Watch the soap "grow".
Take the expanded soap out with the paper towel and form into a ball.
Be careful, the soap may be hot.
Then repeat the process with the other soap pieces.
Wrap in tulle or just set around your house.
These permanent soap balls can also be used for a fun time in the bath.

Lammas Maple Oatmeal Soap

1 bar Ivory soap, grated
oatmeal, 1/8 to 1/4 cup
a little maple syrup
soap moulds

Mix soap, oatmeal, and maple in a
microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave for 30 seconds.
Pour into soap moulds, let cool.

Honey Patchouli Soap

4 bars unscented glycerin soap cubed
1 T. French clay (for opacity) optional
1 T. honey (optional)
10 drops patchouli or other
essential oil of your choice

-Microwave soap on high for 60 seconds
and then in ten second intervals until melted
Mix clay, honey, and patchouli to form a paste
Add paste to melted soap and stir
Pour into mold and allow to harden

Fresh Mint Soap
4 bars unscented glycerin soap cubed
1 T. Mint leaves (finely crushed)
1/2 tsp. Peppermint essential oil
1/2 tsp. Spearmint essential oil
Follow directions for "Honey Patchouli Soap"

Citrus Oatmeal Soap
4 bars unscented glycerin soap cubed
1 T. ground Oatmeal
1/4 t. grated orange peal
1/4 t. orange colorant
4-5 drops grapefruit seed extract
10 drops sweet orange EO
1 capsule vitamin E
Follow directions for "Honey Patchouli Soap"[/b]

[_Cheshire_]

Buttery Body Balm
Adapted from Natural Beauty Basics, by Dorie Byers (Vital Health Publishing, 2001).
Here is an elegant formula for a rich and luscious body balm especially formulated to banish winter dryness and itchy flakes. A lovely combination of shea butter and cocoa butter is the secret to silkier, softer skin--and this creamy balm can be slathered all over.

1 tablespoon shea butter
2 teaspoons cocoa butter
2 teaspoons apricot kernel oil
800 IU Vitamin E
1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
1/4 teaspoon lecithin
5 drops grapefruit seed extract
3 drops lemon essential oil
3 drops rose geranium essential oil

1. Melt the butters and oil together over boiling water. Remove from heat when melted.
2. Add vitamin E and lecithin, then whisk in aloe vera gel and grapefruit seed extract.
3. When almost cool, add essential oils. Mix well.
4. Store in a wide mouth jar.

Natural skin treatments
Natural homemade recipes for your skin are simple to make and cost-effective. What you put on your skin is just as important as what you eat. Commercial products often contain chemicals that are absorbed by your skin finding their way into the bloodstream which can be harmful to your overall health.

Virgin coconut oil/butter makes for a good moisturizer by providing a protective layer that locks in natural moisture. Coconut oil solidifies at temperatures below 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the coconut butter in small lip balm or eye cream jars or any small sterilized jar. For a lip balm, use coconut butter on its own or add peppermint or spearmint oil. As an acne treatment, add a couple of drops of tea tree, lavender, or patchouli oil. For wrinkles, add rose, orange or patchouli oil. To treat eczema, add chamomile, geranium, or orange oil. To treat broken capillaries, add rose, palmarosa, or parsley oil. To treat cellulite, add grapefruit, tangerine, or orange oil. For stretch marks, add palmarosa or neroli oil. To treat burns, add geranium, patchouli or lavender oil.

For sunburned skin, break open a leaf of an Aloe Vera plant and smooth onto the skin. The gel is also good for other types of burns and has soothing, cooling, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Strawberry
juice, cucumbers and avocados are also soothing to sunburned skin.

For tired eyes, place cucumber slices over your eyes. For dark circles around your eyes, place cooled tea bags over your eyes.

For a homemade facial toner, mix green tea, chamomile or ginseng tea (made with mineral water or distilled water) with lavender or lemon oil. Green tea is rich in antioxidants which fight free radicals that damage and age the skin. Green tea is said to diminish fine lines. Lavender oil is a good toner and lemon oil is a good rejuvenator and toner. Add Vitamin C crystals as a preservative and antioxidant. MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane) is a natural source of organic sulfur good for the skin. Add MSM crystals to your toner or eat high sulfur foods such as kale or watercress.

Prick a capsule of Vitamin A, E, or wheat germ oil and smooth directly onto your skin, add to coconut, almond or apricot oil, or to your toner. Vitamin A is a potent antioxidant and Vitamin E is said to slow down the aging process. Almond oil soothes and lubricates the skin. Apricot oil protects and softens the skin. Wheat germ oil promotes skin elasticity.

For a moisturizing and refreshing mask, mix avocado with shredded cucumber. Avocados are rich in protein and Vitamin A. Cucumbers are cooling and cleansing. Use a mashed banana for a skin firming mask.

To lighten age spots, rub lemon directly onto your skin.

For a body powder, mix cornstarch and baking soda with your favorite essential oil. For a foot powder, mix cornstarch, baking soda and tea tree or peppermint oil. Baking soda acts as a deodorizer and soothes the skin. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic, germicide, antibacterial, and fungicide. Peppermint oil is soothing to the feet and swollen ankles.

Drinking plenty of water, eating raw fruits and vegetables, and getting plenty of rest are one of the best ways to achieving healthy and radiant skin. What goes into your body is reflective on your skin.

Soft Skin Lotion Recipe

1 cup dried chamomile
4 tablespoons honey
1 cup milk
8 teaspoons wheat germ

Steep chamomile in milk for a few hours. Strain, keeping liquid. Add honey and wheat germ to liquid mixture.
Blend well. Place in a bottle. Refrigerate any used portions. Keeps up to a week.

Here is a nice winter lotion:

* ½ cup distilled water
* ½ cup olive oil
* 1 TBS lecithin
* 6-8 drops of geranium oil
* 2-4 drops Myrrh oil
* 400 IU Vitamin E oil (1-2 open capsules)

Geranium oil is good for supporting balance and rejuvenating dry skin conditions and for wrinkled and matured skin.

Myrrh is a gentle oil that is effective in replenishing moisture.

Vitamin E oil is an excellent antioxidant and helps to protect the skin as well as a nice preservative.

Blend all ingredients in the blender either on whip or cream. You will have a nice creamy firm lotion. Add more water to make a lighter lotion. Store in the refrigerator in hot climates or store in a cool place. Shake well before use.

[being-singular-plural]

Wow Cheshire,

Thanks for your great info and work here.

Blessings,

bsp

[_Cheshire_]

Oh, I'm not EVEN done lol. Thanks fir the appreciation!!

MAKE-YOUR-OWN BATH SALT SOAP

Make your own melt-and-pour bath salt soap and enjoy the benefits of a salt bath in the shower. It's quick, it's easy and it's very affordable to make with utensils you already have in your kitchen.


What you will need:

melt and pour soap base

sea salt

essential oil(s)


microwave safe glass large glass measuring cup (4 cup size) or bowl (the spout makes for easier pouring)

soap molds or heat-resistant container

cookie sheet or tin foil shaped like a tray with raised sides


Where to find it:

Melt and pour soap base :

Some local craft stores supply melt-and-pour soap bases. I have found these to be overpriced and lacking in quality so I personally use an online supplier.

Sea salt:


Sea salt can usually be found at any grocer or bulk food supply store. It can also be purchased from online suppliers relatively inexpensively.


What to do:

Using a cookie sheet or tin foil tray, sprinkle sea salt evenly over the bottom and set aside.

Cut your melt-and-pour soap base into 1 or 2-inch cubes and place in your measuring cup/bowl. How much you use depends on how much soap you want to make and how big your mold/container is. One way is to simply first cut the melt-and-pour in cakes as big as the size of the resulting bar you desire and then cube it. If you want to be meticulous, you can use a scale or go by the volume each mold or contain holds.


***Don't get stressed over measuring. Melt-and-pour soap base can always be re-melted, so if you over guess, just let it harden in a contain or soap mold, wrap it after it hardens, and save it for next time. You can afford to be lazy about measuring like me!***


Place the measuring cup/bowl into your microwave and microwave on high for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in-between. Once almost all the base is melted, remove and stir until all pieces have melted.


***If you dont have a microwave oven, melt-and-pour soap base can also easily be melted with a double-boiler method.***


Now is the time to add essential oils if you choose to do so. I usually let my soap base cool down just a bit before adding essential oils so the heat doesn't cause them to evaporate off too quickly.

Carefully (it's hot!) pour a thin layer of your melted soap over the sea salt in your tray, just enough to cover it, about 1/8 inch. Let it stand and cool for a few minutes then place in the freezer for 15 minutes. Set your melted soap base aside during this time. Stir it slowly during the 15 minutes so it doesn't set up. If it does, give it a few seconds on the microwave again.


***TIP: (optional) Stir the soap base slowly and minimally or you will have air bubbles. They don't hurt anything, some people just prefer more visually-appealing soap. If you want added insurance against air bubbles, spray your poured molds with rubbing alcohol. The bubbles will quickly rise and vanish.***


After 15 minutes, remove the soap/sea salt from the freezer and peel from the tray. Now you can either use a knife or your hands to break the salt soap into small pieces or strips.

Next take your pieces/strips and fill your soap molds/heat resistant container and pour the remaining soap base into the molds. Let stand until it hardens. I find that giving the mold about 10 or 15 minutes in the freezer after it hardens makes it easier to get out of the molds.

I usually let my bars sit in open air for about 24 hours and then put them in zip lock bags for storing so they don't dry out too much. The soap can be used as soon as the bar is completely hardened, however.


OTHER PACKAGING IDEAS:

If you want to go for a more pleasing and professional appearance, there are suppliers who offer decorative plastic wrap and packaging just for homemade soaps. These are wonderful and relatively inexpensive for making gifts of your creation.


CREATIVE SUGGESTIONS:

I like to pour different colors of soap over the sea salts and then clear soap over the pieces. You can use either food grade colors or colors made just for soaps. Craft stores supply colors or you can find them online.

Herbal Bath Bags

1/2 cup dried or 3 cups packed fresh herbs
1 8-inch square of muslin or cheesecloth

Centre the herbs in the fabric, bring the edges together, and secure tightly
with string. To soften the water, you can add dried milk powder or a few
teaspoons of oatmeal. Allow the bag to float in the water as the bath
fills, or leave the string on and tie it to the tap so that the water runs
through it as the bath fills.



Simple Solution:
printer friendly version


Any of the following may be used to create a bath bag:

For Everyday Use
old nylons, odd socks, pieces of fabric with raw edges

For Gifts or Special Occasions
hand-sewn bags, muslin tea bags, cotton washcloths, pretty handkerchiefs

Simply place a handful of bath herbs or materials in the center of the fabric, gather up the edges, and fasten with a rubber band, adding ribbon if you intend to give as a gift. If using a sock or nylon, just knot the end.

To use:
Tie the bath bag on the waterspout as the tub is filling, or toss it in like a big tea bag. Scrub yourself with the bag, squeezing it often to release the oils from the herbs.

SOOTHING OAT BATH BAG
INGREDIENTS

1/3 cup rolled oats
2 tablespoons dried lavender or 6 drops lavender essential oil
Mix ingredients and place in bath bag. Rub bath bag all over, allowing the pleasant slipperiness to soothe your skin

Herbal Bath Bags

Piece of muslin or foot from old stocking
Length of String
4 Tablespoons Herbs - single or combination
1 Tablespoon ground oatmeal

Stir herbs and oatmeal together and place in center of muslin or toe of stocking. Gather into a pouch and tie with string. Allow running bath water to flow through bag while tub is filling, then let it float in tub.


Woodland Fairy Bath

One handful each:

Sassafras leaves
Eucalyptus leaves
Pine needles
Rosemary
Strawberry leaves

Infuse fresh sprigs of each of the above ingredients
into 2 quarts of boiling water for five minutes.
Strain, then add the scented water to your bath.


Suggested Herbs To Use In Herbal Bath Bags

Herbs for stimulating baths:
basil, bay, calendula, citronella, fennel, horseradish, lavender, lemon verbena, lovage root, marjoram, mint, nettle, pine needles, queen of the meadow, sage, rosemary, savory,thyme, vetiver root.

Herbs for soothing baths:
catnip, chamomile, comfrey, elder, primrose, hyssop, jasmine, juniper berries, lemon balm, linden flowers, marshmallow root, melilot, mullein, passionflower flowers, roses, slippery elm inner bark, tansy,
violet, valerian root, vervain.


Re-Energizing Herbal Bath

1/2 cup Lavender
1/2 cup Rose Petals
1/2 cup Sage
1/2 cup Rosemary

Relaxing Herbal Bath

2 tbsp. Rosemary
3 Tbsp. Basil

Rejuvenation Herbal Bath


1/2 Cup Lavender
1/2 Cup Rose Petals
1/2 Cup Sage
1/2 Cup Rosemary

Skin Toner Herbal Bath


1 Cup Chamomile
1/4 Cup Comfrey
1/4 Cup Lavender
1/4 Cup Lemon Peel
1/2 Cup Peppermint
1/4 Cup Rose hips, Crushed
1/4 Cup Rosemary
1/4 Cup Sage

Hard Days End Herbal Bath


1/2 Cup Lavender
1/2 Cup Uncooked Oatmeal
1/4 Cup Dry Orange Peel
1/2 Cup Chamomile
1/4 Cup Rosemary
12 Bay Leaves, Crushed

Sports Remedy Herbal Bath


1 Cup Chamomile
12 Bay Leaves, Crushed
1/4 Cup Rose Petals
1/4 Cup Sage
1/4 Cup Rosemary
1/4 Cup Oregano

Make Your Own Bath Salts

A nice quiet soaking in bath salts is a spirituality and cleansing ritual as old as time. Salt bathing draws impurities from the bodies (both physical and ethereal) as well as replenishes trace minerals and soothes skin irritations.

This is why spas all over the world turn to baths like this for part their natural approach to spiritual and healthful cleansing. Most of us cant afford a trip to a spa, so a nice healing bath with salts made to your own need and taste is a nice and relatively inexpensive alternative.

Combining your own special salts with soothing music and a light meditation is an excellent way to revitalize and relax your spirit as well as your body. You can use plain salts or tweak them to suit your moods and needs. You can even Reiki charge your salts. I use coarse sea salt or dead sea salt . They have higher mineral content then table salt and are considered to even help with pain relief of stiff muscles and joints.

I like to add a small amount of a light oil to some of my salts to add more nutrients and to avoid drying of the skin (especially in the winter). If you dont like the residual oil ring in the tub that can result, add some powdered oatmeal instead. It lends moisturizing and soothing too. I powder my own in a coffee grinder.

The "cherry on the sundae," however, is adding essential oils and turning my bath into an aromatherapy experience. Essential oils carry so many benefits... physical, mental, emotional and even spiritual.

Most oils, such as lavender and orange, are considered very safe oils but there are oils that can have side effects (sensitization, photo-sensitivization, some not be used during pregnancy or with certain medical conditions, etc.) so be sure to familiarize yourself with the oils you choose to use. It is recommended most essential oils not be used "neat" on the skin.

EASY MAKE-YOUR-OWN BATH SALTS

What you will need:

1 pound of sea salt (of your choice)

1 teaspoon of a light oil such as grapeseed or apricot

10 to 20 drops of your chosen essential oil(s) other additives (optional... see below for suggestions)

a large mixing bowl (glass is best if you have it... sometimes essential oils can mess with plastic) container with sealing lid

scoop (optional)


What To Do:

In your bowl, combine your sea salt, oil and essential oil and toss thoroughly. Add mixture to your glass jar(s) and you're done! It's as easy as that! Now you're off to the tub... Experiment with the amount you like to add to your bath. I use a couple heaping tablespoons (or more depending on my need and mood).


OPTIONAL ADDITIVES:

Ground herbs and/or powdered oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal can be used, however they do leave a little mess and if use too much you could risk clogging your drain.

Epsom salts can be added for additional healing reasons, and if you like, coloring can be added too.

If you wish to add coloring, food coloring works fine or colorants may be purchased online. It takes alot of mixing to cover the salt. You should mix the color with your oil before tossing to ensure even distribution.


IDEAS FOR STORING YOUR BATH SALT:

Fruit jars, mason jars, candy jars (check your walmart) or if you are especially frugal a washed-out and sterilized mayo jar all work wonderfully.

There are also many sources out there that sell decorative jars and tubes to store salts like this if you decide you want a nicer look on your tubside or give them as gifts.

Make Your Own Bathsalts

The basic ingredients are table salt, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) &
Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate). Some herbalists also use borax. Add the
salts to a large bowl in these proportions:

3 parts Epsom salts
2 parts baking soda
1 part table salt (or borax)
Essential (scented, herbal/floral) Oils

Mix thoroughly using your hands to stir the ingredients. Some people will
tell you to use a spoon or other utensil, although others find the salts
work better if you use your hands. This is now the base from which you can
create a wide variety of bath salts. You can add colours to bath salts. Use
plain food colouring for this purpose, letting it fall drop by drop onto the
salt base. If two or more colours are required to mix an exotic hue (such as
purple), mix these in a spoon first and then add to the salts to avoid
creating a two-toned product, unless of course, you plan on a two or three
tone salt. Add many drops for a darker coloured salt; fewer for a lightly
hued salt. Mix the colour into the salts until it is evenly distributed;
again use your hands or you may use a utensil.

Now add the essential oils drop by drop, one ingredient at a time, until the
scent seems right. using your hands and fingertips, mix it until all salt
particles are moistened. This may take up to fifteen minutes or longer. As
to proportions, rely on your nose to determine the exact quantities. The
more potent the finished products' scent, the less will have to be used for
each bath. They should be strongly scented.

To use, add from 2 tablespoons to one-half cup of the bath salts to a full
tub. Mix with your hands into the water. Enjoy your homemade bath salts!

Fizzing Bath Salts

16oz baking soda
8oz citric acid
8oz sea salt or epsom salt
essential Oils as desired

Break up any lumps in the baking soda. Add essential oil and mix in well. Add citric acid and salt. Blend well. Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup per bath.

Layered Bath Salts
Colored
bath salts are so easy and cheap to make that even small children can
join the fun. This is an ideal classroom project, teaching primary
colours and colour mixing, while the children get to make an attractive
homemade gift for mom.

Directions for Layered Bathsalts
Supplies:
Gift jar with a lid (baby food, small jam jars etc. work well)
epsom salts
funnel
red, blue and yellow food colouring
fabric scrap to cover lid
ribbon
cups and spoons for mixing
rubber band
Skills:
Simple measuring, mixing, pouring and colour identification.
What to do:
Pour the salts into the gift jar, then divide more or
less equally into six cups. Add food colouring to each cup. Start with
the primary colours (red, yellow and blue), adding drops of colour
until you get the desired pastel hue. Mix thoroughly with a spoon.
Now begin to combine blue/yellow, red/blue, yellow/red, for shades of green, mauve and orange.
Funnel each coloured layer into the gift jar, packing
down each layer slightly with a spoon as you go. This part is like sand
art; the layers don't have to be flat or even, as hills and valleys
only add to the visual appeal.
Make sure the jar is packed to the top to prevent the
layers from moving or mixing when you're finished. Cut a circle of
fabric to fit over the lid. Fasten with an elastic band and finish with
a ribbon.
Suggestion:
School children could make a gift tag to go with their
gift jar of bath salts, using colours to match those in their project.
A nice treat for Mother's Day or a wonderful Christmas craft!

Vanilla Bath Salts

Ingredients:
Vanilla essential oil ( 6-7 drops , depending on how much you like to make)

Epson Salts (again quantity depends on how much you want to make)

Food coloring. I like to mess around here and blend up nice colors, like cool blues and purples.

Containers to put them in. I usually use little glass containers with flip tops. These can be found at any craft store.

What you need to do.
Blend the epson salts and the food coloring together with the vanilla E.O. in a bowl with a spoon. Use a plastic one if you can because the food coloring does stain wooden ones and you don't want to use one that you will eat with.

Let it site for a little bit, about 10-15 minutes or over night if you prefer . This way it soaks up all of the yummy vanilla scent.

Then place in little glass bottles and put near bath tub.
When using sprinkle in as much as you think you need to make the bath smell nice.

You can use all sorts of E.O's and colors.

Herbal Bath Crystals

1/2 cup Sea Salt
1/2 cup Epsom Salts
1/2 cup fresh herbs leaves or flowers
1/4 cup Baking Soda
few drops essential oils

Blend the above ingredients in a food processor
or blender. Some oils to try: Lemon Balm, Rosemary,
Patchouli, High John, Rose, Geranium & Grapefruit.
Place 1/4 cup of the mixture under running warm
water for fragrant herbal bath.


I think you would be able to pass on the food processor or blender step unless you are giving as a gift or the herbs aren't blending in so well with the salts.

Bubbling Bath Salts

2 cups Sea Salt

1 cup Table Salt

2 Tablespoons Cosmetic Glitter

Several drops of Essential Oil or Fragrance Oil

1/4 cup Baby Shampoo


Combine first three ingredients, stir until smooth. Add oil, a few drops at a time until you reach desired scent strength, stir well. Drizzle mixture with shampoo and spread on wax paper until dry.

Store in a container with a lid. Add desired amount to running bath.

Honey/olive oil hair conditioner

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup honey

put in a jar and leave out in the sun for a bit..i usually leave it all day, i suppose you could also heat them on the stove..tho i'd be careful not to bring it to a full boil..shake well and apply to hair..cover with a warm towel or plastic wrap and leave in for about an hour. Shampoo out and rinse well.

Skin Softening Lavender & Honey Milk Bath

1 cup milk

5 tbs. baking soda

2 tbs. honey

5 drops Lavender EO (you could use your fav.)

put milk in a bowl, add baking soda and mix, add honey stirring till everything is dissolved..add EO last..add to a running bath and enjoy!

Herbal Milk Baths

1 c. cornstarch

1 c. dry milk powder

2 tsp. favorite herbs

Combine ingredients, add to a clean jar. Add 1/2 cup to hot bath water. (i would put in cheesecloth and tie with a ribbon)


Bath Jelly

1/2 c. water

1 envelope unflavored gelatin

1/2 c. bubble bath or body wash

Boil water and dissolve gelatin. Add bubble bath very slowly. Stir gently. Pour in container. Put in fridge to gel. To use, put small amount of jelly under tap, or use as a bath gel.


Bran Bath Ritual

1/4 c. bran (penetrates the pores and helps deep clean away dirt and grime)

1/4 c. oatmeal

Pour into an old sock. Toss into bath water as tub is filling. Use the sock as a sponge during bathing.

Basic Body Scrub

The sugar is mildly anti-bacterial and helps heal minor skin irritations. The salt is an efficient body buffer, and the oatmeal soothes the skin as it gently removes dead skin cells.

4 oz. granulated white sugar

4 oz. finely ground sea salt

4 oz. coarsely ground oatmeal

Mix the ingredients in a large bowl. Transfer to a jar with a screw on lid. To use, pour small amount in your hand and massage into wet skin. Rinse throughly.

BLUEBERRY (or Strawberry) TONIC



3 tbs. steamed, crushed blueberries or strawberries

1/2 cup plain yogurt

Make this mask the day you plan to use
it. In a blender at low speed blend until well mixed and fluffy.
Apply to face and neck. Rinse off with tepid water after 15 to 20 minutes. If
mask is too runny after blending, refrigerate for one hour. Soothes and nourishes skin.

Natural homemade conditioner

Ylang Ylang Conditioner

Supplies:

Coconut oil

Ylang Ylang essential oil


Process:

Use a sealable or corked bottle. Fill it with 10 tablespoon of coconut oil, add in 16 drops of ylang ylang essential oil. Place lid (or cork) on, and shake vigorously. Shake before each use. This conditioner has a beautiful scent and is especially good for oily hair.


Jasmine Conditioner
Supplies:

Coconut oil

Jasmine essential oil


Process:

Use a sealable or corked bottle. Fill it with 10 tablespoon of coconut oil, add in 12 drops of jasmine essential oil. Place lid (or cork) on, and shake vigorously. Shake before each use. This conditioner has a relaxing scent and is especially good for dry hair.


Egg and Olive Oil Masque

Supplies:

2 raw egg yolks

Olive oil

Honey


Process:

Gently heat 3 teaspoons of olive oil while beating egg yolks till frothy. Mix oil, beaten eggs and 2 teaspoons of honey into a bowl and beat with electric mixer for 2 more minutes. Rub mixture throughout hair and wrap hair in a towel for 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. This mixture should be used immediately and not stored.


Avocado Hair Masque

Supplies:

1 Avocado

1 cup Mayonnaise


Process:

This masque can be made ahead of time and stored for up to 48 hours – the masque will turn browner the older it gets. Peel and pit the avocado. Cut avocado into slices and smash with a fork. Using either a mixer or blender, whip avocado until smooth. Add one cup of mayonnaise and mix for two more minutes until well blended. Rub masque throughout hair thickly. Let sit for 20 minutes. This is a deep conditioner. After rinsing, you do need to shampoo your hair in order to remove any mayonnaise residue left behind.


Rosemary Conditioner

Supplies:

Carrier Oil (such as olive oil, almond oil, or coconut oil)

Rosemary essential oil


Process:

Use a sealable or corked bottle. Fill it with 10 tablespoon of your carrier oil, add in 16 drops of rosemary essential oil. Place lid (or cork) on, and shake vigorously. Shake before each use.


Coconut and Avocado Conditioner
Supplies:

Coconut milk (You can buy this by the can)

Avocado


Process:

This conditioner can be made ahead of time and stored for up to 48 hours – the masque will turn browner the older it gets. Peel and pit the avocado. Cut avocado into slices and smash with a fork. Using either a mixer or blender, whip avocado until smooth. Slowly add in the coconut milk and continue blending until it reaches the desired thickness. This conditioner can be left on for a couple of minutes, or for up to 20 minutes for a deeper conditioning.


Egg and Mineral Oil Conditioner

Supplies:

1 cup water

Mineral oil

1 egg yoke


Process:

Beat egg yoke until frothy. Add one teaspoon mineral oil and continue to beat at high speed for 3 minutes. Slowly add 1 cup water while beating mixture at a medium speed for another 2 minutes. This conditioner should be used immediately and not stored.


Citric Acid Rinse

Supplies:

Citric Acid

Water


Process:

Add ¼ teaspoon to one pint water. Pour through hair. This rinse can be stored for up to 7 days in the refrigerator. Stir or shake before using.


Herbal Deep Conditioner

Supplies:

2 egg yolks

Olive oil

Chamomile tea

Rosemary essential oil

Tea tree oil


Process:

Make 1 cup of chamomile tea and set aside. Beat 2 egg yolks until frothy, add 2 tsp of olive oil and beat for an additional 3 minutes. Slowly pour in chamomile tea, 3 drops of rosemary essential oil and 3 drops of tea tree oil, and beat for 2 more minutes. Thoroughly rub mixture throughout hair. Cover your head with a towel for up to 45 minutes. Rinse the mixture out of your hair and shampoo as usual.


Olive Oil and Avocado Deep Conditioner

Supplies:

Olive oil

Mayonnaise

Avocado


Process:

This conditioner can be made ahead of time and stored for up to 48 hours – the masque will turn browner the older it gets. Peel and pit the avocado. Cut avocado in

Sleep Like a Baby Bath


When you are overtired or overstimulated, here's a simple way to relax
and send yourself off to restful sleep. The preparation for this bath
may seem like too much work when you're exhausted, but the ritual of
preparation is actually a part of the relaxation process.

1 handful of chamomile flowers
2 chamomile tea bags
Sandalwood incense
Candles
1 quart of water

Start by steeping chamomile flowers in a quart of water for twenty
minutes. During this twenty-minute period, cover your head with a towel
and position your head of the stove and inhale the healing aroma of the
chamomile steam. Strain and pour the liquid into your bath. Next, using
the two tea bags, make yourself a cup of chamomile tea to sip in the
bathtub. Steep lightly and save the tea bags. Put on some relaxing
music. Light the candles and incense. Once immersed in the tub, close
your eyes and place a warm tea bag over each eye. Imagine yourself
drifting off to the seashore, where you are stretched out on the
comforting sand. The sun is gently warming your body. Imagine the
rolling sounds of the waves as your let yourself drift.

Common Bath Salts

When preparing bath salts keep your mind on the purpose of the bath
salt. For a base salt use Epsom Salt and Sea Salt. Place
approximately 2 cups of base salt in a clean dry quart jar. Add
fragrances and coloring. Place lid onto jar, tighten, shake jar
vigorously until blended. Store bath salts in an airtight well
labeled container.

SACRED RITES-use before any spell-- 10 drops lemon oil 10 drops
lavender oi 5 drops cinnamon oil 5 drops jasmine oil 5 drops anise
oil color dark blue or green

BRIGHT AUORA-to wash away bad vibes-- 15 drops pepermint oil 10
drops lavender oil 10 drops vanilla oil 5 drops almond extract color
none

SPELL BREAKER-use when you've been zapped- 10 drops clove oil 10
drops pepermint oil 10 drops lemon oil 10 drops eucalyptus oil color
dark green

PASSAGES-to help cope with life changes-- 10 drops lime oil 10 drops
lemon oil 10 drops peppermint oil 10 drops almond extract color is
your choice

DREAM TIME-to help with dream recall-- 10 drops jasmine oil 5 drops
lavender oil 5 drops orange oil color light blue

HELP-use when you need help-- 15 drops peppermint oil 10 drops
cinnamon oil 10 drops lemon oil 10 drops vanilla extract 10 drops
almond extract color orange

ASTRAL FLIGHT-help with astral projection-- 10 drops orange oil 10
drops anise oil 5 drops jasmine oil 5 drops eucalyptus oil 5 drops
wintergreen oil color light blue or yellow

BLESSING-to help contact your device sorce-- 20 drops almond extract
10 drops rose oil 5 drops lavender oil 5 drops lemon oil 5 drops
cinnamon oil color blue

ANGELIC-use when contacting Angelic realms- 15 drops lavender oil 10
drops almond extract 10 drops vanilla extract colors pink or light
green

PERSONAL POWER-FOR personal energy- 10 drops of your favorite scent
10 drops lemon oil 5 drops pepermint oil 5 drops orange oil color
your choice

Troubled Skin Bath
Summer can cause a variety of irritations to your skin. Try soaking in the Troubled Skin Bath as an aid in relieving some of them.

1/4 cup fresh or 2 tablespoons dried thyme
1/4 cup fresh or 2 tablespoons dried calendula blossoms
1 quart boiling water

Add the herbs to the boiling water and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove the infusion from the heat and let it cook to lukewarm. Strain the infusion and add to your bathwater.

Deodorizing Bath
All of the herbs in this recipe contain ingredients that will deodorize your body. It is a wonderful herbal mixture to enjoy after a hot day of working in the garden.

1/4 cup fresh or 2 tablespoons dried thyme
1/4 cup fresh or 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds
1/4 cup fresh or 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
1 muslin bath bag
1 quart boiling water

Add the fresh or dried herbs to the bag and close snugly. Add the bag to the water and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Remove the infusion from the heat and cool to lukewarm. Add the infusion and bag to your bathwater, using the bag of herbs as a washcloth.

Fragrant Bath
The herbs in this recipe will give you a fresh, pleasantly scented bath.

1/4 cup fresh or 2 tablespoons dried sweet marjoram
2 tablespoons fresh or 1 tablespoons dried lavender buds
2 tablespoons fresh or 1 tablespoons dried peppermint
1 muslin bath bag
1 quart boiling water

Add the fresh or dried herbs to the muslin bag and close snugly. Infuse the bath bag or herbs in the boiling water and simmer, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes. Let the infusion cool to lukewarm, then add it and the bath bag to your bathwater.

Relaxation Bath
1/2 cup fresh or 1/4 cup dried lemon balm
1/2 cup fresh or 1/4 cup dried German chamomile blossoms
2 cups boiling water

Add the herbs to the boiling water. Cover and infuse for 20 minutes. Strain and add to your bathwater.

Simple Remedy for Tired Eyes
Simple-Old Fashioned Remedy

A key ingredient in many natural eye care treatments in Chamomile.
It is rich in anti-inflammatory substances and used here can soothe
tired inflamed eyes.

Take 2 Chamomile Tea Bags
8 oz. of Spring Water

Bring the water to a boil, pour over the tea bags in a large cup. Steep
for one minute, remove tea bags and place in the freezer
for five minutes while you sip the tea. Place cool tea bags over your
eyes, lie back and relax.
This quick simple treatment is guaranteed to destress you and bring a
sparkle to your eyes.

Healing Salt Crystals
Simple Solution
The easy-to-find ingredients for this wonderful bathing mixture help to relieve soreness and aching joints and muscles. Soothing and relaxing, Healing Salt Crystals draw out impurities from your body and deoderize, too!

With many of the healing properties of a seaside spa, this formula is perfect for the day after a strenuous workout, or for any time you need a little healing time-out. If you can’t get away to the beach, you can at least relax in a tub with these lovely crystals.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup borax
2 cups Epsom salts
½ cup coarse sea salt
¼ cup baking soda
¼ cup white clay
½ cup dried lavender
10 drops lavender essential oil

1. In a large bowl, mix together the borax, salts, baking soda, and clay, then mix in the dried lavender, stirring with a wire whisk.

2. Scent the mixture with the oil, mixing well with the whisk. Cover the bowl with a towel and leave overnight to fix the scent.

3. In the morning, thoroughly mix again and package in jars, zip-seal or muslin bags, or envelopes.

To Use:
Add ¼ to ½ cup healing salt crystals to a tubful of warm water

EPSOM SALT TIPS
Adapted from the Epsom Salt Industry Council
Epsom Salt Council
Note: Check with a doctor before using if you have any health concerns.

* Relaxing and Sedative Bath: Soak in warm water and 2 cups of Epsom Salt.

* Face Cleaner: To clean your face at night, mix a half-teaspoon of Epsom Salt with your regular cleansing cream. Just massage into skin and rinse with cold water.

* Homemade Skin Mask: Apply the mask to damp skin. For normal to oily skin, mix 1 tablespoon of cognac, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of nonfat dry milk, the juice of 1 lemon, and a half-teaspoon of Epsom Salt. For normal to dry skin mix 1/4 cup of grated carrot, 1 1/2 teaspoons of mayonnaise and a half-teaspoon of Epsom Salt.

* Foot Soak: Soothe aches, remove odors, and soften rough skin with a foot soak. Add 1/2 cup of Epsom Salt to a large pan of warm water. Soak feet for as long as it feels right. Rinse and dry.

* Skin Exfoliator: Massage handfuls of Epsom Salt over your wet skin, starting with your feet and continuing up towards the face. Have a bath to rinse.

* Remove Excess Oil from Hair: Epsom Salt soaks up excess oil from hair. Add 9 tablespoons of Epsom Salt to 1/2 cup of oily hair shampoo. Apply one tablespoon of the liquid to your hair when it is dry; rinse with cold water. Pour lemon juice or organic apple cider vinegar through the hair, leave on for 5-10 minutes, and then rinse.

* Hairspray: Combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of lemon juice, and 1 cup Epsom Salt. Combine, cover, and let set for 24 hours. The next day, pour the mixture into your dry hair and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then shampoo as normal.

* Hair Volumizer: Combine equal parts of deep conditioner and Epsom Salt. Warm in a pan. Work the warm mixture through your hair and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse.

* Soak Sprains and Bruises: Epsom Salt will reduce the swelling of sprains and bruises. Add 2 cups Epsom Salt to a warm bath, and soak.

* Splinter Remover: Soak in Epsom Salt, it will draw out the splinter.

Lively Berry Mask To Perk Up Tired Skin

Mix equal parts raspberries or strawberries and plain yogurt. Apply to clean skin and allow to dry, then rinse with warm water.

Here is a mask that can be made with strawberries or blueberries, especially formulated to reduce oiliness and exfoliate dead skin, so a fresher, dewier face will emerge!

Berry Oat Mask

1 cup strawberries or blueberries
1 cup rolled oats
1 tablespoon organically-produced honey
6 whole almonds

Puree all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Apply evenly to freshly-washed face and allow to dry, around 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water, followed by a cool-water splash. (Blueberries will stain clothing, so do take care).

Quickest Strawberry Scrub Ever

Strawberry’s main skin-pleasing ingredient is alpha-hydroxy acid, a great little substance that helps us slough off dead skin cells so that new, youthful skin is revealed. Here’s a ridiculously easy way to get some of strawberry’s benefits in a New York minute: just cut a berry in half, rub it over your face, and let it sit there for a few minutes, then rinse. Instantly softer, smoother skin!


Strawberry Foot Scrub
Feet can use a little help in summer, when sandals expose rough dead skin for all to see. This easy scrub helps slough it all away:

INGREDIENTS
8 strawberries
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoons kosher salt

Mix ingredients into a paste, massage well into feet, then rinse and dry.

Puffy Eye Remedy
Just place a few strawberry slices under your eyes and relax for 10 minutes, then remove the slices and moisturize.

Berry Good Acne Remedy
Many of us older women are learning the hard way that you don’t have to be a teen to have acne! But whatever your age, if you get occasional blemishes, this formula is for you:

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup sliced strawberries
1 tablespoon sour cream

Mash well to combine, then apply this mixture to your face and allow to stay for 10 minutes or so. Rinse thoroughly.

Strawberry Mask for Oily Skin
Mix equal parts fresh strawberries and plain unsweetened yogurt, mashing to combine. Apply to face, allowing to stay on for around 10 minutes, Rinse.

Strawberry Tooth-WhitenerSimply rub crushed fresh strawberry pulp directly on your teeth to clean and gently remove stains.

Strawberry Hair Conditioner
If you want glossy, silky hair, this one’s for you:

INGREDIENTS
8 fresh strawberries
1 tablespoon mayonnaise

Mash ingredients thoroughly and massage into damp hair. Cover with a shower cap and a warm towel. Allow to stay on hair for at least 10 minutes, then shampoo as usual.


Bath bombs


10 T baking soda

5 T powdered sugar (or cornstarch)

5 T citric acid

5 droppers full of fragrance or essential oil

2 T almond oil (too much or too little causes problems!)


Mix dry ingredients together. Gradually drizzle oils in. Spoon into molds (ice cube trays are good, but get creative!) Press very, very hard. Let dry several hours. cure 2 weeks before using.

Bath Oil - 1 cup safflower,sunflower or soybean oil
6-12 drops essential oil
mix together and store in a dark bottle

Bubble bath
1 cup 'gentle' dishwashing liquid
1/4 cup glycerin
6-8 drops essential oil
food coloring (optional)
mix together and store

Dusting/Bath powder
1 cup cornstarch
2 tsp baking soda
10-12 drops essential oil
mix cornstarch and baking soda, add oil til desired fragrance

Ancient Forest Bubble Bath

8 oz. unscented liquid soap
2 oz. distilled water
5 drops fir needle oil
4 drops rosewood oil
4 drops juniper berry oil
2 drops cypress oil
2 drops patchouli oil
2 drops orange oil
Increase drops to no more than 10-15 total per tub of water on one
use recipes, if you prefer a stronger scent. In the recipes using an 8
ounce base you can increase it up to a total of 25-30 drops.

Aromatherapy Bubble Baths that Heal the Spirit

Bubble Bath Mix - Makes One Bath
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 tablespoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2-3 drops essential oil

Bubble Bath Mix - Bulk Quantity
1 cup baking soda
1 cup cream of tartar
1/4 cup cornstarch
Up to 5 drops essential oil per bath (optional)
Combine the baking soda, cream of tartar, and cornstarch in a jar. Use a
few tablespoons per bath. Add the essential oil at the time of the bath;
otherwise the baking soda will neutralize the scent during storage.

Bath Cookies

2 cups Sea Salt

1/2 cup Baking Soda

1/2 cup Corn Startch

2 tablespoons Olive Oil

1 Vitamin E Oil capsule

2 Eggs

Several drops Essential Oil or Fragrance oil (your choice of scent)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Lightly beat eggs, mix in olive oil, add fragrance oil a few drops at a time (the amount depends on how strongly scented you want your finished product)...usually 20-25 drops per batch. Set egg/oil mixture aside.

Mix salt, baking soda and cornstarch in seperate bowl. Slowly add to egg/oil mixture a little bit at a time and mix until dough forms.

Roll into 1" balls, place on cookie sheet, bake 5-7 minutes or until well set (do not over cook). Let air dry over night.

Use 1-2 cookies per bath. Store in covered container.

**You should use bowls, utensils and cookie sheet that will not be used for food preperation again as fragrance oils and some essential oils should not be taken internally**

Cinnamon Soap
Magical intent:
Cinnamon attracts things "quickly"
Makes One 14-ounce bar or
2 small molded bars.
You will need;
Unscented glycerin soap (1 block aprox 1 lb)
10 drops cinnamon oil
1 drop red food coloring {optional}
Cinnamon bark broken into small pieces

Most glycerin soap comes in blocks/bars,
cut up in small pieces & place soap into
a microwave safe bowl.

Heat soap for about 40 sec. in the micro until liquefied.
Stir in the cinnamon oil, coloring until well mixed, add
cinnamon bark pieces, not to many.

(You can chant while you stir, if soap is for magical purposes)
Pour the soap into a mold that you have added cinnamon oil to.
Let set for three hours or until hardened. Smells great !!!

(If you have a problem removing soap from mold, place
mold in freezer for 10 mins, it will pop right out.


I'm still not done, and you know? It's tiring trying to halfass organize all these recipes LOL.

[_Cheshire_]

Tired Foot Bath

3 drops Lavender essential oil
3 drops Rosemary essential oil
4 drops Lemon essential oil

Add the essential oils to warm water and mix well. This blend comes in handy when you've been on your feet all day. The Lavender soothes the feet and the Rosemary and Lemon refresh, revive, and stimulate circulation.

The Ultimate Footbath

-- A bowl or pan deep enough for an ankle-deep bath
-- Enough smooth pebbles or marbles to cover the bottom of the pan
-- 2 tablespoons of dried yarrow *
-- 2 tablespoons of dried wintergreen
-- 5 to 10 drops of one of the following essential oils: lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, camphor, peppermint
-- 1/3 cup sea salt, Epsom salts or baking soda

* Sage can be substituted for yarrow if desired.

1. Choose a bowl with a wide bottom that is deep enough for an ankle-deep bath. Cover the bottom of the bowl with smooth pebbles or marbles.

2. Boil enough water to fill the bowl, then remove from heat.

3. Tie wintergreen and sage in cheesecloth or a bath tea bag. Steep the herbs in water for 15 minutes, then remove the herbs.

4. Fill the bowl with hot tea and add essential oil and salt. Swirl to dissolve.

5. Soak for 15 minutes, massaging your feet over the pebbles.

6. Dry your feet and apply a moisturizer. Put on socks to soften your feet.

Sandalwood Foot Rub

½ cup almond oil
¼ cup apricot kernel oil
1 tbsp cocoa butter
2 tbsp beeswax
10 drps sandalwood essential oil
heat safe glass bowl
small saucepan

Combine almond and apricot kernel oils with cocoa butter and beeswax in the glass bowl (I use a measuring cup) and place into a saucepan filled with about 2 inches of water.

Heat the mixture over medium heat until the beeswax has melted completely.
Remove from heat, and as it cools slightly, add the essentail oil.
Pour into lidded containers - cool throughly and seal.

Makes 1 cup of foot rub.

Note - all waxes are flammable, heat gently and never leave unattended

Rosemary Mint Foot Scrub

You'll need:
Epson salt, Kosher salt or sea salt
Olive, grapeseed or almond oil
2 drops rosemary essential oil
2 drops peppermint essential oil

Fill a wide-mouthed jar 3/4 full with one or more of the salts.
Add one of the oils until the salt is just covered. Add the oils
and mix well. Scrub your feet, especially the rough or calloused
areas, well. Leave the salt mixture on your feet and wrap with a
warm damp towel. Wrap again with a dry towel over top of this.
Keep this on for about 5 minutes, unwrap and gently wipe off the
salts and rub in any excess oil into your skin.

Rosemary Foot Treatment
You'll need:
1 cup of whole milk
6 sprigs of rosemary
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
Optional: 5 drops of peppermint essential oil

In a saucepan, simmer milk, mint and rosemary for 15
minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Strain and add in the peppermint essential oil if you are
using it. Soak a clean dry cloth with the mixture and wrap
the cloth around your feet. This is enough for one time.
Discard the soak afterwards.

Refreshing Foot Gel

Ingredients:
1/2 cup aloe vera gel
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon witch hazel
3 to 4 drops peppermint essential oil

Combine aloe vera, cornstarch and witch hazel together in a
microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes,
stirring every 30 seconds, until warmed and thick. Cool
completely. If using, stir in peppermint oil. Store in an
airtight container. Gently rub into your feet, and your legs
if they are in need of soothing too.

Pamper Your Feet this Summer

Regular foot massage benefits the whole body. Here are some ideas for blends to help refresh those tired and sometimes swollen feet.

3 drops Lavender
2 drops Chamomile
10 ml or 1/3 oz carrier oil

or
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Peppermint
in 10 ml carrier oil

If you stand on your feet all day here is
a treatment to help with swelling and circulation.
1 drop Cypress
1 drop Lavender

Add to a bowl of warm water to which about 12 smooth round pebbles have been added. Roll the soles of your feet slowly over the pebbles
for a few minutes, then dry your feet.

[/b]

[_Cheshire_]

Bath Mush
1/4 cup aloe gel (the pure kind from the health food store)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup sea or rock salt
1/4 cup heavy cream or powdered milk
2 t. jojoba oil (optional)
5 drops essential oil

Sounds like a gooey mess, doesn't it? But it works wonders on your
skin. It leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth. This is a blend
made right before the bath. I guess it could be stored in the
refrigerator for abut a week, but that sounds a little yucky to me.
All measurements are approximate since I usually just "eyeball" it.
You have to stir it well when you pour it into the bath water to make
it disperse, but it's worth it.

Cellulite Blend

This mixture stimulates circulation.

Eucalyptus Citriodora 2 ml
Lemon 2 ml
Cedarwood 2ml
Sage 2ml
Cypress 2 ml
Niaouli 2ml
in 100 ml Hazelnut oil

Apply 2-3 times per days for 30 days.

Chamomile Shampoo

2 tsp.. dried chamomile
1/4 cup boiling water
1/4 cup baby shampoo (or another mild variety)

Pour the boiling water over the chamomile and steep for 30 minutes,
strain, then mix into the shampoo and use as usual.

Chamomile Hair Conditioner

1/3 cup chamomile flowers
1/3 cup olive, safflower or sunflower oil
Clean jar with lid

Combine the chamomile and oil in a jar with a lid. Place on a sunny
windowsill and shake the jar at once a day. After two weeks, strain
out the herbs. To apply, use about 2-4 teaspoons, depending on the
length of your hair. Brush out your hair and apply to the hair ends,
avoiding the scalp. Leave on about ten minutes, then shampoo out.

Chamomile Hair Rinse

1 cup boiling water
1 tsp. chamomile flowers

Pour the water over the chamomile; steep until it cools to lukewarm.
Strain out the flowers. This will soothe your scalp. To use pour over
your hair as a rinse after shampooing.

Herbal Foot Soak

2 ounces mixed fresh herbs-peppermint, rosemary, chamomile
4 cups boiling water
1 tablespoon borax
1 tablespoon Epsom salts

Roughly chop the herbs. Put in a bowl, pour in boiling water. Let
stand 1 hour; strain. Place the "tea" water into a tub or bowl large
enough to hold both feet and another 6-7 cups of warm water. Stir in
borax and Epsom salts.

Soak feet 15 to 20 minutes. Add hot water if needed to keep the
temperature as warm as desired. Afterwards use a good lotion and
place cotton socks on your feet for the evening!

Citrus and Herb Bath

You will need:
3 or 4 chamomile tea bags
3 or 4 fresh oranges, sliced
Equal parts lavender and lemon rind

Place in a muslin bag or a square of muslin tied tightly with string. Add to warm bath as the tub and filling and while bathing.

Dandelion Shampoo

4 TB baby shampoo
2 C. purified water.
1/2c fresh dandelions
1/2tb cherry bark
1/2tb spearmint leaves
2 tsp olive oil
5 drops grapefruit EO

Put dandelion heads in a 20 oz canning jar. Boil water and pour over flower heads. Cover jar with lid and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Add cherry bark and spearmint to jar. Cover and allow to steep for an additional 10 min. Strain. Reserve liquid. Using funnel, pour shampoo & dandelion liquid into a pretty container. Add olive oil and EO. Shake gently to combine for each use.

Shampooing tips:
-only a small amount of shampoo is needed
-use fingertips to create a lather and massage your scalp
-rinse hair thoroughly and completely between washings
-to remove any residue, try a vinegar rinse
-wash with warm water and rinse with cool water for shiny hair
-apply favorite conditioner, wrap head in towel, and let sit 10 min
before rinsing
-pat hair dry, don't scrub
-comb hair starting at ends to prevent breakage

Evening Herbal Bath

Steep 1 Tbsp Chamomile flowers in 1 quart of water that has been brought to a boil.
Steep until cool.
Drain herbs and add 8 drops Lavender essential oil to liquid.
Add to bath water.
Can store in refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Helps calm the body and induce sleep.
Safe for children too.

Fairy Garden Milk Bath

This milk bath will help to nourish your skin and leave it soft and delicately scented with a delicate aroma reminiscent of a magical fairy realm!

1 cup powdered milk
5 drops Neroli
(Citrus aurantium)
2 drops Cedarwood
(Cedrus atlantica)
1 drop Rose Geranium
(Pelargonium graveolens)

Combine all ingredients in a small glass jar, stir well to combine and leave to rest for a few days. This will allow the essential oils to be absorbed into the milk powder. Run a warm bath, add the entire contents of your jar, dim the lights, light a candle then lay back and let your imagination take flight.


French Flour Formula for Shiny, Silky Hair
This simple flouring technique is all the rage in France, where the
women are known for their beauty and this easy formula gives them
lustrous, manageable hair. Evidently, flour smoothes the scales of the
hair shaft. Who knew?

Find out the easy technique for hair so smooth and shiny, you'll say
"magnifique!" No more frizzies!

1/2 cup white spelt flour
1/2 cup barley flour
1 cup distilled water
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 plastic bag that can fit over the hair

To Make:
1. Sift the flours together in a large bowl.
2. Pour the water and vinegar over the flours and mix well.

To Use:

1. Spoon the flour mixture onto your dry hair.
2. Smooth the paste all over the hair shafts. (This treatment is for the
hair. It is not harmful for the scalp, but the focus is on getting the
paste on the individual strands of hair.)
3. Sweep the coated hair up on top of your head and cover with a plastic
bag, securing with a hair clip or clothespin.
4. Leave on for 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Remove plastic bag and rinse the mixture off hair thoroughly using
cool water. (Hot water will make the flour stick to the hair shafts.)
6. Shampoo as usual, rinsing with cool water.

Hair Treatments
Make a herbal oil using one of the above herbs and a polyunsaturated
vegetable oil such as peach kernel, almond or sunflower. Alternatively,
add 6 drops of essential oil to 2 tablespoons of almond oil or any
vegetable oil. Warm the oil, pour a small amount into your palm and rub
your hands together. Massage well into the scalp and along the hair
strands. Repeat as necessary. Cover the head with foil and a plastic
shower cap and wrap in a hot towel, replacing the towel when it cools.
Try to leave on for 20 to 30 minutes for greatest penetration, then wash
off with a mild shampoo.

Quick Herbal Shampoo
Pour one application of a mild baby shampoo into a cup and add 2
tablespoons of a strong decoction of your selected herb, or 4 drops of
essential oil. Mix together and use in the normal manner.

Soapwort Shampoo
A very gentle cleansing champoo which doesn't make much lather - but
then lather does not equal cleaning power.
2 Tbs finely chopped Soapwort root or a handful of leaves and stems
1 large handful of herb ( see above )
2 1/2 cups boiling water
Pour the boiling water over the soapwort and herb and infuse for at
least 30 minutes. Strain and use when cool. About half a cup should be
enough for average-length hair.

Dry Shampoo
2 Tbs powdered Orris Root
2 Tbs powdered Arrowroot.
Mix together. Part the hair in narrow regular bands and sprinkle the
powder along each row. Leave on for 10 minutes to absorb any grease and
then brush out vigorously and thoroughly until the hair is shiny.

Herbal Hair Rinses
Use these after your shampoo as the quickest and easiest way to improve
hair shine. Prepare the herbal rinse before shampooing so it will have
cooled when you are ready to use it.
1 Tbs selected herb
1 Tbs cider vinegar ( or lemon juice for fair hair )
4 cups boiling water
Infuse the herb in water until cool. Strain well. Add the vinegar. Pour
through the hair, massaging the scalp. Catch the runoff in a bowl and
repeat until either your patience or arms give out. If the final rinse
is of cool rather than warm water, it makes all the outer cells on the
hair strands lie flat, fiving a smooth, shiny finish.

Rosewater Pick-Me-Up
This is an excellent way to clean and revive your hair between shampoos.
Orange-flower water can be used instead, or Lavender water for greasy
hair. You will need a number of 4 inch squares of gauze dipped in
Rosewater. Force the gauze over a natural bristle brush and stroke
through the hair in sections, removing dirt as you brush. Repeat with
fresh gauze squares until the cloth picks up no more dirt. This
treatment also gives a lovely fragrance to the hair.

Herbal Bathing
Herbal bathing is a great way to relax, heal and support healthy skin function. The skin is the largest organ in the body. It contributes to many important functions such as secretion, absorption, excretion, temperature regulation, immune function, and sensory reception. The skin has receptor sites that transfer information through the nervous system to the spinal cord and brain. It not only provides a boundary between us and the rest of the world, but because of its millions of receptor sites, is a major player in how we perceive, experience, and interact with the world.

The skin is also a major organ of elimination just like our lungs, kidneys and colon. It plays a key role in helping our body to eliminate toxins, heavy metals, and carcinogenic substances. Herbs have many healing benefits for the skin and there are many simple herbal bathing treatments that can help our skin do its job of keeping us healthy.

Nerve Tonic Bath

4 gallons water
½ cup lavender leaf and flower
½ cup oatstraw
½ cup lemon balm
1 cup whole oats

Invigorating Bath

4 gallons water
½ cup rosemary
½ cup calendula
½ cup yarrow leaf
and flower

Bedtime Bath

4 gallons water
2 cups lavender
1 cup chamomile

Pleasure Bath

4 gallons water
4 cups rose petals

De-tox Bath

4 gallons water
1 cup burdock root
1 cup elder flowers
1 cup yarrow flowers
1 cup Epsom salts

Kami's Calming Garden Bath

2 cups lavender flowers
2 cups lemon verbena leaf
1 cup rosemary leaf and flower
1 cup California poppy leaf and flower
½ cup catnip leaf

Healing Flower Bath

½ cup fresh calendula flowers
½ cup fresh lavender flowers
½ cup rose geranium leaf
½ cup fresh rose petals
¼ cup fresh peppermint leaf

Herbs for Hair Care

To condition dry hair: Burdock root, Comfrey, Elderflowers, Marsh
Mallow, Parsley, Sage, Stinging Nettle.

To condition greasy hair: Calendula, Horsetail, Lemon juice, Lemon-Balm,
Lavender, Mints, Rosemary, Southernwood, Witch Hazel and Yarrow.

To prevent dandruff: Burdock root, Chamomile, Garlic and Onion bulbs
(powerful but unpleasantly scented ), Goosegrass, Parsley, rosemary,
Southernwood, Stinging Nettle and Thyme.

To soothe scalp irritation: catmint (leaves and flowering tops),Chamomile, Comfrey.

To provide a hair tonic ( giving body and luster ): Calendula,
Goosegrass, Horsetail, Linden flowers, Nasturtium, Parsley, Rosemary,
Sage, Southernwood, Stinging Nettles and Watercress.

Homemade Facial Masks
Avocado ~
Mash half of an avocado and apply to your face. Apply to face and leave it on for 20 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.
Banana, Honey & Sour Cream ~
Mash 1/2 banana, add 1 tablespoon honey and 2 tablespoons sour cream. Apply to face and leave it on for 10 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

Almonds & Berries ~
In a food processor or blender, combine 1/2 cucumber, 1 tablespoon yogurt, a few strawberries, and 1 teaspoon honey. Apply to face and leave it on until it dries. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

Cornmeal ~
Mix two tablespoons of cornmeal mixed with a bit of water to make a thick paste. Apply to face and leave it on for 10 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

Apricots & Cream ~
Soak 1 cup dried apricots in water until softened. Then puree in blender or food processor with 2 tablespoons skim milk powder. Apply to face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

Cucumber & Yogurt ~
Puree 1/2 peeled, sliced cucumber in a blender or food processor and add 1 tablespoon yogurt. Apply to face and leave it on for 20 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

Homemade Facial Scrubs and Masks
Make a paste from a little oatmeal and water. Apply to face and allow to dry. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.
Mash 1/2 banana and add 1 tablespoon honey and 2 tablespoons sour cream. Apply to face and let set for about 10 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

Two tablespoons of cornmeal mixed with enough water to make a thick paste makes a great inexpensive facial mask. Gently apply to face and wash off.

In a food processor or blender, combine 1/2 cucumber, 1 tablespoon yogurt, a few strawberries, and 1 teaspoon honey. Apply to face and allow to dry. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

Grind 1 tablespoon almonds into a fine meal in a blender or food processor. Mix almond meal together with 1 tablespoon honey and 1 egg white. Apply to face and let set for about 15 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

To loosen blackheads, combine equal parts baking soda and water in your hand and rub gently on your skin for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Mash half of an avocado and apply to entire face. Let set for about 20 minutes and then gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

Soak 1 cup dried apricots in water until softened. Puree in blender or food processor with 2 tablespoons skim milk powder. Apply to face and let set about 15 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

Puree 1/2 peeled, sliced cucumber in a blender or food processor and add 1 tablespoon yogurt. Apply to face and let set about 20 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

Crush a handful of strawberries and mix well with 1 teaspoon honey. Apply to face and let set for about 15 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

Mix 1 1/2 teaspoons honey, the juice from 1/2 of a lemon, and 1 small carton plain yogurt. Stir in 1 whipped egg white. Apply to face and let set about 15 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

1. Honey Pat. This is the best way to bring a lively glow to your face and body while you moisturize and smooth. And it’s so much fun! Just bring one of those cute little honey-bears into the tub with you. Squeeze some honey anywhere on your skin and pat it with both hands. As you continue to pat your skin, the honey gets really sticky, and will pull up your skin gently with every pat. This is the BEST for circulation, and you’ll end up with a gorgeous glow. Rinse off the honey when you’ve had enough.

2. Honey Bath. If you don’t have time to pat-and-glow, just add 1/4 cup or so of honey to your bath. Mmmm--sweet, silky, and luscious skin.

3. Honey Shiny Hair. Mix 1 teaspoon honey, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and 1 quart of warm water. After shampooing, simply pour through hair. Let your hair dry as you normally would; you don‘t need to rinse it out.

4. Moisturizing Honey Mask. Mix 2 tablespoons honey and 2 teaspoons milk or cream. Smooth on face and allow to remain for 10 minutes, then rinse.

5. Honey-Apple Toner. This sweet alpha-hydroxy miracle will help to firm, smooth, and moisturize your skin. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 peeled, cored apple with a tablespoon of honey and pulse until smooth. Apply pulp gently to face and allow to remain for 15 minutes, then rinse.

6. Good-Enough-to-Eat Facial Cleansing Scrub. Combine 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon finely-ground almonds, 2 tablespoons dry oatmeal, and enough lemon juice to moisten. Massage mixture gently onto face, then rinse with warm water.

7. Honey Hair Conditioning Treatment. This great formula combines the benefits of honey and olive oil for lustrous, silky, healthy hair and scalp. Simply combine 1/2 cup honey and 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup olive oil (depending on the dryness of your hair and scalp). Saturate hair and scalp with this conditioner, then put on a shower cap and allow the conditioner to remain for 30 minutes before you shampoo and rinse as usual.

Aroma Tip: Hot Oil Treatment
3 oz. coconut oil melted
12 drops of Lavender eo

Melt the coconut oil and add 12 drops of Lavender. After washing
your hair, place hot oil on your hair for 1 hour. Wash out later
with non moisturizing shampoo and use light conditioner. This will
clean hair of buildup. My hair is color treated and it did not take
the color out, but it really cleaned it up and my hair was soft and
shiny.

Cucumber - Kitchen Cupboard Beauty Tips
Cucumber is the perfect treat for summer skin: reduce that heat-induced greasy feeling, soothe itchiness, tighten pores, reduce eye puffiness, and reveal truly radiant, dewy-fresh skin with the cooling, refreshing ways of cucumber. Here are the easy formulas:

Cucumber Astringent
An easy way to reduce oily shine:
Coarsely chop 1/2 a cucumber, peeled, and place in a blender; blend until smooth. Apply liberally to face and allow to stay on for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat face dry.

Nourishing Cucumber-Avocado Facial Mask
This magic formula does it all: nourishes, tightens pores, and helps slough off dead skin cells to reveal fresher skin.

Place the following ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth:
1/2 cup coarsely chopped peeled cucumber
1/2 cup coarsely chopped peeled avocado
1 egg white
2 teaspoons powdered milk

Refrigerate for 30 minutes, then apply to face and neck. Leave the mask in place for 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Splash cool water on after that, then gently pat dry.

Clear Skin Mask
If you are occasionally troubled by blemishes, this easy mask will help to prevent them.

Place the following in a blender and blend until smooth:
1/2 cucumber, peeled
1 tablespoon instant nonfat dry milk
1 teaspoon plain yogurt

Apply to face and leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Radiant Facial Treatment
If your complexion is dull and oily, this easy formula will help you look glowing and radiant:

1 teaspoon grated cucumber
splash of rosewater

Apply to face and allow to stay for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Quick Fix for Puffy Eyes
Time-honored because it works:
Slice two thin rounds of cucumber, lie down, and place the cucumber slices over your eyes. Rest for 15 minutes, then remove cucumber.

Two Ways to Reduce Dark Circles Under Eyes
These are great for tightening sagging under-eye skin, too:

1. Apply grated cucumber, either alone or mixed with an equal measure of carrot juice, to area beneath eyes. Allow to stay on for 20 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

2. Mix grated cucumber with milk and refrigerate 30 minutes, then apply to under-eye skin and allow to stay on for 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

Magickal Baths
Below are a couple of "quick fixes" for aspiring witches on the run.

ALL PURPOSE AURA CLEANER: Half a cup of sea or Epsom salts plus half a cup of baking soda dumped in the tub is the potion used to purify the aura and clear it of all negative attachments so that you are surrounded by a rainbow of opportunities again.

BARLEY WATER BATH: This is for protection and to dispel evil with a capital E. This is definitely the one to do if you are feeling haunted by something that seems unseemly and of supernatural origin. Boil whole barley until it is soft in a pot. Drain and save the water. Pour into the bath. Bad spirits will run like hell.

CHAMOMILE: Chamomile not only relaxes you, but you can use it as a magical bath to draw money to you. Many preparations are available commercially but you can also make an infusion out of the buds or even throw the buds directly into the bath. I do not advise this if you are allergic to ragweed.

CHOCOLATE CHERRY BATH: Ok this one is completely decadent and is designed to bring more erotic pleasure into your life. First of all you should know that there are commercial chocolate bubble bath preparations out there on the market, but they can be somewhat hard to find in some areas. So what you need to do first, is mix yourself up a little glass of chocolate milk. The milk is good for your skin and the chocolate raises your serotonin levels - the pleasure chemicals in your brain. It also makes the water a very nice loving looking pink. You dump this into the tub as the hot water is pouring into the tub and then you pop nine whole cherries into the bath with you. Then you are supposed to sit there and eat each cherry, while imagining what a good time you are going to have with your lover. The little bobbing cherries are like all your "little ducks" lined up in a row when it comes to your romantic intentions. Rinse off good after this. You'll need it.

FAME AND GLORY BATH: This one is from Lexa Rosean (author of The Supermarket Sorceress series of books). I tried it and I LOVED it. Cut an apple in nine pieces, or alternately throw nine whole shiny apples into the tub. Use green and golden apples if you want your fame to come with some money attached. Then add nine bay leaves. Get in the tub and immerse yourself for exactly nine minutes, and then get out. It is supposed to be a good one for artists and writers.

GINGER-LIME BATH: You can buy this commercially (made by Ombra). Which is way easier than grating the ginger, peeling the lime and making a "bath tea" out of it, or you can cut up some ginger and lime and make an infusion of it a pot. The ginger is to relax and focus you and the lime is for self-control, discipline and a clear head. This is a great bath for those who need to "get down to business fast."

FRUIT BLOSSOM BATHS: Once again these are available commercially which will do, but it is really really nice to take a handful of blossoms from a tree and dump them in your bath. Apple Blossoms, Apricot Blossoms, Cherry Blossoms and Orange Blossoms all correspond to the planet Venus and are ideal for attracting love, fidelity and marriage proposals.

HONEYSUCKLE: You can buy this as a bubble bath or once again, just throw the flowers into the tub. Honeysuckle attracts wealth, riches, honours, marriage proposals and treasures. This is one way to draw the bird to the blossom. It also honours Chuparosa - the Divine Hummingbird of Love.

HOPS: You can buy hops in a commercially prepared bubble bath (OMBRA) or you can pour half a cup of beer in the bath for spiritual cleansing (and also a peaceful sleep.) David from Psychic Realm suggests combining a half a cup of sea salt, the juice of a lemon and a half of cup of beer for spiritual purification and protection from astral attack.

LAVENDER: Lavender corresponds to the planet Mercury and is used to improve communication, attract happiness and achieve piece of mind. It is also a very seductive flower that was used by prostitutes as a magic charm to attract customers many years ago. Many commercial preparations are available, but throwing in a few of the live buds might bring you a wealthy and generous lover.

OAT BEAUTY BATH: OK, most of us don't live near a field, but if you gather your own oats and throw the sheaves into the bathtub with you, you are performing a significant act of magical transformation. Oats are very feminine and appeal to the Goddess energies. They soften the skin, make the eyes glow and give you a youthful appearance. You can throw a cup of raw, uncooked oats into the bath if you're in hurry or you can buy a commercial preparation. Aveeno makes a good one.

ORANGE AND MINT LEAVES: This is a bath to make yourself more attractive and your skin smell really nice. Take nine mint leaves and nine orange segments and dump them in the bath with you. You don't have to eat the mint and orange leaves this time (thank God) but you can if you get hungry.) When you get out of the bath, you are not supposed to rinse off, just towel yourself off lightly so that the scent lingers. You could also try mixing an orange bath gel with a mint one.

PINEAPPLE: Pineapple juice is used to bring luck, money and wealth, and if you are a savage purist, you can throw nine chunks of the raw stuff right in your bath. However I warn you, that it is pretty messy. Some people prefer to throw in the dried rinds. Just adding a spoonful of the juice or making an infusion from the dried rinds and immersing yourself from head to toe in it for a couple of minutes should make you luckier than a leprechaun.

ROSE: Roses correspond to Venus and attract love, luck and protection. There are tons of rose-scented products on the market, including essential oils - though David from Psychic Realm points out that Essential Rose Oil is incredibly expensive and you may want to stick with fragrance oils used in perfumes and baths. If you want to go all out and make yourself a powerful love attracting bath, tint the scented water pink with a touch of food colouring and cast a pinch or two some multicoloured glitter (from a craft store) in there to strengthen your magical intentions.

ROSEMARY: Rosemary is a powerful "wish granting" herb. Ombra makes an excellent commercial bath, but you can make an infusion of this from the spice jar in your cupboard or put a bit of the essential oil in your bath (but make it just one drop - rosemary is strong and can irritate the skin - so I mean it, use one drop!) A bath in rosemary uplifts the spirits and is used to create lust, attract love and improve communication skills. It is also corresponds to the Virgin Mary, so if you are in need of a lucky break, a bath in this may enable you to be shown some mercy.

SAFFRON BATH: Saffron was sacred to the Moon and Fertility Goddess, Ashtoreth. Saffron is a very expensive spice and you need to only add a couple of strands to your bath water to turn it a yellow colour. Don't add too much or you will turn yellow. You'll be a jaundiced colour. So either make an infusion from it first or just add one strand. Saffron was used to purify oneself before healing rituals, increase psychic powers and also attract love, happiness, lust, and strength.

SAGE BATH: Sage is an herb of wisdom. Make a brew of the herb and pour it into your bath. Some companies (like Ombra and Kniepp) make a sage bath, but you can also just buy the tea bags. This is a good bath to take just before studying for a test or if you are trying to find a solution to a problem.

Mineral Mud Bath

Mud is one of nature's enriching cleansers -- drawing out the negative ions from the skin. This is as great mix for relieving conditions such as rheumatism and arthritis and skin problems such as acne and eczema.

2 drops sandalwood oil
1T. carrier oil
1 cup natural clay
1 cup ground oats
1/2 cup avocado oil

Run a warm bath. Dilute the Sandalwood oil in the carrier oil, then mix all the ingredients together to make a delicious body mud. Smooth the mud over the body while standing in the bath or shower. Allow the nourishing avocado oil to absorb into the skin by sitting on a chair or on the side of the bath for a few minutes. When dry, submerge the body in the warm bath water and allow the mud to melt away.

Olive Oil In Your Beauty Routine?

We all know that olive oil is wonderful and healthy for us to cook with, but what about its other uses? Truthfully, olive oil is another main ingredient in several beauty products you can buy on the shelf. See for yourself how you can make your own skin cocktails and save a little money at the same time.

1. A mixture of 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup vinegar, & 1/4 cup water used as a night cream will make your skin glow. The olive oil softens and moisturizes and the vinegar lightens discolorations, kills bacteria and loosens dead skin cells. Splash water on your face before applying.

2. Olive oil can be used as cleansing cream if your skin is dry.

3. For a facial, wet face thoroughly, then massage olive oil into your skin. Use about a half teaspoon of sugar and scrub your face with that, then wipe off gently with a warm, wet cloth until the sugar is all gone.

4. Use olive oil on your feet with clean white cotton socks. Helps to soften up you feet and it absorbs better than baby oil.

5. It seems when you pour olive oil out there is always a drip, so wipe it up with your hand and rub it in to your elbows. Wonderful softening properties.

6. Use olive oil as bath oil. Two to three tablespoons will do the trick.

7. Use olive oil for your hair. Not only does it condition, but it also gets rid of the frizz. Put a small drop into your palm & then rub both hands together & apply it to dry hair.

Just a few of the many creative uses for olive oil in your skin care routine. Not only is it cheap, but it will go alot further than most products you can buy. Have fun and be creative.

Orange Geranium French Clay Body Mask

This is a fantastically fragrant blend of delicious ingredients that will bring a smile to your face while removing excess dirt and build- up from the surface of your skin.

5 ounces white clay (kaolin)
5 ounces French green clay
1/2 ounce honey
6 ounces distilled water
10 drops sweet orange essential oil
5 drops geranium essential oil

Blending Procedure:

Combine the white and green clays in a bowl and stir to mix fully.
Set aside.

In a heat proof bowl, warm the distilled water in the microwave. Do
not boil the water; make it warm to the touch.

Add the honey to the water and stir well to combine. Add the honey
water to the clay a little at a time, mixing between each addition
until a smooth and spreadable paste is formed. If the mixture is too
dry after adding all of the honey water, add more water and stir to
incorporate. If the mixture is too wet and runny after adding all of
the honey water, add more clay and stir to incorporate.

Add the essential oils and stir well to combine. To use, place an old
sheet or plastic bags together on a carpeted floor. Sit down and
apply the mask to clean, damp skin. Relax for 15-20 minutes so the
clay can exercise its drawing powers. Rinse well in the shower and
follow with the moisturizer of your choice. Enjoy!!

[[scifichick]]

I tried "The Perfect Sugar Scrub". It's great! Very easy to make and so unexpensive. I actually had a commercial scrub, also sugar based and this is very similar. Love it! Definitely will make more of it. Thanks for sharing!

[_Cheshire_]

Thanks for posting the review.

Beware the "French Flour Formula for Silky Hair". It DOES work as promised, but the flour is nearly impossible to remove from your hair. Be sure you sift it prior to mixing, and add extra water, olive oil, or whatever to make it way less thick than the paste it was designated to become.

[_Cheshire_]

Avocado Scalp Soother
1 egg
1/2 avocado, peeled and mashed
2 tablespoons wheat germ oil

Process egg in a blender until frothy. Add the avocado and oil, blending until smooth. Use immediately.

If you have long hair, divide your hair into several sections and apply the paste first to the scalp and then work outward, massaging the paste along the hair shaft. Cover your head with a plastic cap and leave on for 30 minutes.

To cleanse your hair, rinse first with lukewarm water for 5 minutes and then use any mild shampoo formula.

Baking Soda Rinse
1/2 cup baking soda
1 cup warm water

Dissolve baking soda in warm water. Pour over hair after shampooing. Massage into the hair and scalp for several minutes, then rinse. This will efficiently clean and shine the hair.

Beer Shampoo
The proteins from the malt and hops in the beer coat the hair and build it up and help repair damage. It leaves the hair with wonderful body.

3/4 cup beer (any cheap brand)
1 cup inexpensive shampoo

Boil the beer until it reduces to 1/4 cup. Cool the beer and add it to the 1 cup of inexpensive shampoo.

Beer Shampoo
1/2 pint beer (any brand)
1 bar castile soap, grated
2 ounces glycerin
1 ounce hops (tea)


For darkening gray hair.

3 tablespoons black tea
3 tablespoons sage
1 teapot freshly boiled water

Steep black tea and sage in water. Allow to cool and use as a hair rinse, pouring the tea repeatedly over the hair. Rinse with tepid water.

Castile Shampoo
2 cups warm water
2 bars castile soap, grated (or other gentle complexion soap)
1 ounce glycerin
3 drops perfume
1 ounce chamomile tea

Chamomile Hair Rinse
4 ounces distilled water
1 ounce glycerin
8 ounces chamomile tea (let tea steep,
then remove liquid from the dregs)
1 ounce coconut oil
1 ounce powdered orrisroot
3 drops tincture of violet or rose

Champagne Hair Rinse
This is an old French secret for making hair shiny, silky, and healthy. If you have light-colored hair, it brings out the golden lights in it. It will not dry or damage the tresses.

1/2 cup old champagne
1/2 cup hot water

Mix; after shampooing and rinsing well, pour the mixture through the hair. DO NOT rinse again. You can use a conditioner before using the Champagne Hair Rinse if desired. The hair is left looking vital and lustrous, with pale champagne highlights.


Cherry Bark and Black Tea Hair Color
Prepare a strong tea from black tea leaves and cherry bark. Use as a rinse after shampooing, finishing with a water rinse.

Cherry-Almond Hair Mist Shine
2 cups warm water
4 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon cherry extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix and put into a spray bottle.

Cholesterol Hair Treatment
2 egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon shampoo
1 cup warm (not hot) water

Beat all together. Apply to wet hair; massage in; leave on for 5 minutes and rinse.

Classic Hair Color
For darkening dark brown and black hair.

1/3 cup walnut shells, black tea,
cherry tree bark or cloves
2 1/2 cups water

Simmer colorant in water in a nonmetal pot for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, then strain when cool, saving the liquid. Apply to hair as a final rinse.

Coffee Rinse
For brunettes and redheads.

8 cups warm brewed coffee

After shampooing rinse hair with coffee. Do not rinse it out. Your hair will be rich and shiny.

Dandruff Control Rinse
1 cup apple cider vinegar
6 aspirins, crushed
1/4 cup witch hazel

Combine all ingredients and store in a tightly capped jar or bottle. After shampooing, gently massage rinse into your hair, leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse again with warm water.

Dry End Treatment
8 ounces safflower or vegetable oil
2 ounces beeswax
22 ounces distilled water
1/2 ounce Triethanolamine

Mix safflower oil, beeswax and stearic acid. Heat to boiling. At the same time, in another pot, heat distilled water and Triethanolamine. After heating, add the distilled water solution to the oil mixture and stir continuously until the solution has cooled.

To use the emulsion, put a small amount on palms, rub hands together, and apply to dry ends, massaging in gently.

NOTE: Triethanolamine is a liquid available at drugstores.

Dry, Flaking Scalp Remedy
2 ounces glycerin
1/2 ounce apple cider vinegar

Mix. Section hair and apply the mixture with cotton balls. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse.

Egg Shampoo
2 cups water
2 bars castile soap, grated
1 ounce tincture of benzoin
3 egg yolks
2 ounces glycerin
3 drops perfume


For oily hair.

3 tablespoons Epsom salt*
1/2 cup liquid shampoo

Dissolve Epsom salt in shampoo. Pour it through the hair, working it into the scalp, then wash again with plain shampoo.

* Use only 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt when the humidity is high.

Flaky Scalp Shampoo
1/2 cup CLEAR shampoo
1/2 cup water
3 egg yolks
1 teaspoon lemon extract

Rinse with a little apple cider vinegar mixed with 1 cup water.

Lemon Hair Spray
This is simple, but it works well. It also adds body to fine, limp hair, and it gives light hair added shine.

2 lemons, sliced
2 cups hot water

Place lemon slices and water in a glass or enamel pan and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until the water is reduced to 1 cup - about 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Line a strainer with cheesecloth and strain the mixture. Squeeze the cloth out thoroughly to get all the juice. Pour the strained mixture into a pump-type container. Mixture will keep for 1 to 2 months in the refrigerator.

Lemon Rinse
For light hair.

2 cups white vinegar
2 cups water
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup chamomile flowers

Combine ingredients in a glass or enamel pan and boil for 15 minutes. Strain, cool and store in a tightly capped bottle.

After shampooing, pour 1/2 cup over the hair, then rinse.

Lemon-Lime Highlighter
For blond hair.

Juice of 1 lemon
1 ounce mild shampoo
Juice of 2 limes

Mix all ingredients. Leave on hair for 15 to 20 minutes while under a dryer or in the sun. Rinse out.

Liquid Brilliantine
3 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons castor oil
4 teaspoons mink oil
3 teaspoons liquid lecithin
3/4 cup mineral oil
Few drops of essential oil

Mix all the ingredients together. When you shampoo your hair, this mixture floats away very easily. The castor oil helps to hold the hair in place after combing. You may also use this mixture under a hot cap.

Marigold Hair Color
For red lights in blonde or brown hair.

1/3 cup crushed marigold flowers
2 1/2 cups water

Simmer flowers in water in a nonmetal pot for 20 minutes. Remove from heat; strain when cool, saving the liquid. After washing hair, apply the marigold decoction as a final rinse, pouring it over the hair and catching it in a basin to reapply several times. (Red wine may be added to the liquid to intensify the effect.) Allow hair to dry naturally in the sun, if possible. Repeat the rinsing process with subsequent shampoos until you achieve the desired shade

Mayonnaise Conditioner
1/2 cup mayonnaise
Few drops shampoo
Lukewarm water

Mix the mayonnaise and shampoo and just enough water to mix. Apply to hair after a regular shampoo, leave on for 10 minutes, then shampoo out.

Rosemary Rinse
For dull hair.

4 tablespoons rosemary
2 cups water

Boil rosemary in water for 10 minutes. Strain; cool.

Pour one cup over damp, shampooed hair. Massage into scalp. Rinse. Save the rest for another treatment.

Rosemary-Sage Hair Shine Rinse
3 tablespoons rosemary
1 1/2 quarts water
2 tablespoons sage

Boil all together for 15 minutes. Strain; let come to room temperature and refrigerate. Pour this over your hair and let it sit for 2 minutes. Rinse. Your hair should have a nice shine.

Russian Hair Treatment Pack
This is better than a simple hot oil treatment. It leaves the hair looking stunningly-thick, luxuriant, and shiny. The effects last a long time, even the light scent of the essential oil will linger through several shampoos.

2 egg yolks, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon oil (safflower, almond, coconut, or walnut
1 drop essential oil (lemon, tangerine, jasmine, rose,
sandalwood, rosemary)

Before applying, moisten the hair very slightly by running wet fingers through it, then massage the egg mixture into hair and scalp. Wrap head in a towel (and plastic if desired) and sit back in a sauna, take a long hot bath, or relax in a warm place. (The heat of a sauna is the best environment for this treatment.) Leave the pack on for one hour, if possible, even two or three!

To cleanse, rinse hair in warm water, then apply a lot of shampoo directly to the hair, wash well, and rinse. If you've used enough shampoo, only one wash is needed.

Silk Rub
Following a shampoo and rinse, dry the hair with a piece of clean silk (a Hermes square, for example). Gently rub the hair with silk section by section. This will give you incredibly silken locks, resplendent with body and shine.

[Starpetra]

Far out Cheshire, I'll never have to go to the body shop or Lush again. You must have fantastic skin, hair, nails, everything.
Thanks for the recipes, I can't wait to try some.

Starpetra