(For Dry to Normal Skin)
* note herbal infused oils are not the same as essential oils, their scents are not as strong. If you would like to enhance the scent of your oil add essential oil while mixing the herbs.
Combine all the herbs, and essential oil.Place 2 ounces of your mixture in a wide mouthed dark glass jar. Add enough oil to cover the herbs by about 2–3 inches. Close lid tightly. Let the jar sit in a warm place for 2 weeks, shaking the mixture every day.
After 2 weeks strain the herbs from the oil using a cheesecloth or a fine lined strainer. Add a few more drops of essential oil if your mixture needs to smell stronger. Mix well. Pour the strained oil into dark amber glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Store in a cool dark place, out of direct sunlight.
This week I was having a conversation with my Mom. We were talking about extremes in health and diet. Growing up in a very health aware family I was exposed to many ideas on health and sometimes opposing views on proper nutrition. I am fully convinced that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to health. Our bodies, while sharing many similarities are not identical. Everyone has a different makeup and body chemistry.
Not everything that works for one person will work or is suited for everyone. I personally have struggled with depression and was advised to use St. John’s Wort, which has helped many with depression; however I cannot take it for that issue. You may ask why someone who so strongly promotes herbs and teas would admit that they do not always work the same for everyone, but I think it is important to make sure that we are fully informed about how natural medicine works.
Treat your natural medicine as just that medicine. If you experience a negative reaction to natural form of treatment stop using it and contact your doctor or health care provider. Don’t think that your doctor will not work with you either. Many doctors understand that people seeking to use alternative health methods. Often your doctor can offer you advice on using natural remedies or point you in the right direction.
If you find that a particular diet is not working for you examine how you feel and make adjustments to your diet. Do not lock yourself into a diet, a lifestyle or health mentality that keeps you from staying open and discovering your true health needs. You are unique and there is no one person just like you on this planet. Enjoy that thought and then find the joy and freedom of embracing a health plan that is right for your body. Your body will tell you when you are healthy or when you are ill. Trust it.
Essential oils are amazing little gifts from the earth. Their potent and powerful properties work wonders in the human body, relaxing, calming and healing the mind. But just like any good thing they can be misused or improperly handled resulting in skin irritations and other bodily discomforts.
Here are a few precautions that you should take into consideration when using essential oils.
Not all oils that claim to be essential oils are %100 pure. Many times the word “fragrance” is used. Fragrances are not the same as essential oils, they may have fillers and imitation oils or they may come from hybrid plants that do not give the same health and healing properties you are looking for. You may find oils the say they are natural but are an oil blend. You want to look for %100 pure therapeutic grade essential oils. Organic is better to ensure that you are not getting pesticides in your oil. Look for the Latin or scientific plant name on each bottle you buy. Check to see if the country of origin is listed on the bottle and packaging.
While many oils may be used on the skin safely there are some oils that should not be applied if you are going to be immediately exposed to sun after applying to skin. These oils interact with the sun and can cause burning and or irritation. This is also known as Photosensitization (photocontact dermatitis) a reaction to a substance applied to the skin that occurs only in the presence of UV light in the UVA range, it may be either phototoxic or photo allergenic. (source) Always remember essential oils are very strong and highly concentrated these need to be mixed with a carrier oil before topically applying them to the skin as they may cause burning and damage to the skin. If you have sensitive skin you should also be careful even with oils that are considered generally safe for the skin. If you find that you have any irritation in the area that you are using oils stop using immediately . Also when dealing with children and the elderly use caution, their skin is often very sensitive.
Do not use in high sun exposure
Carrier oils
Oils like lavender, chamomile, and frankincense are generally considered safe to use on skin with a carrier oil. Some people can use these without diluting the oil. But you have to remember that while these are considered safe, each person’s sensitivity level is different. Thoroughly research all oils and herbs before using.
I use essential oils in one way or another every day. I keep note of how the oil affect my skin, body, mind and mood. Remember essential oils are natural medicines and should be treated as such. Keep all essential oils and herbs out of reach of pets and children.
Sarvatah LLC 