Hi everyone! I wanted to take some time here in the middle of the week and insert a special post to give you some DIY tips and recipes for pampering and a little self-care. In my conversations with family and co-workers, it has come up time and time again how the current news environment, efforts to keep family healthy and go about life are wearing them down and I have been providing some thoughts and “recipe” cards so to speak for them to take a little time to care for themselves. I wanted to share the same tips to all of you. Stay strong, stay joyful, stay positive! And I hope these will inspire!
THE DO-IT-YOURSELF DIFFUSER
A budget-friendly way to diffuse oils: Put a tea kettle on, boil some water, let the boiled water cool down a bit, pour into a glass or ceramic bowl and add 10-20 drops of a favorite essential oil (I usually choose either lavender, peppermint or vanilla) and place the bowl of scented water wherever you want to enjoy its aroma and therapeutic effects!
ESSENTIAL OILS IN A FACIAL STEAMER
Fill a facial steamer’s reservoir with either distilled or filtered water. Put 8 to 15 drops of an essential oil or oil blend (eucalyptus is great in this) in the receptacle provided for it, usually near the device’s steam vent. (Note: some facial steamers may require that the oil be applied to a cotton ball or cloth, which is then placed in the receptacle.) Turn the device on and let it heat up and start producing steam. Use the device’s nozzle to direct the steam toward the area you want to treat. ***Caution: since steam can burn your skin, pay attention and do not overuse the steamer!
HOW TO MAKE A WARM COMPRESS – Heal with Heat
Fill a basin (not made of plastic – a glass casserole type dish works great) with about a pint of water as hot as you can comfortably stand. Add 3 or 4 drops of your selected essential oil. If you are going to do an essential oil blend, add no more than 4 drops total. For your compress, choose a hand towel, or small piece of thick fabric such as flannel or a cloth bandage. Place the compress on the surface of the water and let the compress get completely saturated. Lift the compress from the bowl of water and wring out the excess fluid. Place the wet compress on the area to be treated. If necessary you can hold the compress in place with another hand towel. When the compress cools to body temperature, replace it with another warm compress.
****To make a COLD COMPRESS, follow the same instructions as above but use refrigerated water or a basin filled with ice water!
PILLOW SPRAY.
If you need a quick tip to help relax you as you climb into bed in the evening, make this simple spray for your pillow using oils that promote peace such as ylang ylang, lavender, geranium, vanilla or others. I take 3 ounces of water, 2 drops of lavender essential oil, 2 drops of chamomile essential oil and 1 drop of orange essential oil and put in a spray bottle and shake well. I spritz my pillows just before turning off the lights!
QUICK FIX SUGAR SCRUB
Combine 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, 2 drops of water and a few drops of a essential oil. Gently massage into face, being careful to avoid the eyes. Rinse with cool water and pat dry. To soothe irritated skin from the cold, choose peppermint oil. For dry skin, choose rose essential oil. To relax, choose lavender essential oil. To energize, orange or lemon essential oils are great!
See you back this weekend as we continue together on the path to wellness. Be happy. Be healthy everyone!
Lemon and Rosemary 