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Homemade Herbal Deodorant

I have always tried to find deodorants with healthy ingredients, but I’ve found that, unless you make it yourself, it can always be better. I have always put off making my own deodorant until I had more time or whatever excuse I could think of that day, but then I decided to include it in my Spring Cleaning week. I just take a little time to make all of my products at once. It ends up being a fun day and your house will smell amazing!

I found this recipe at The Angry Chicken. I only changed a few things. Here is exactly what I did.

To start…and I use this technique quite a bit when making homemade beauty products…I fill a medium sized pot about 1/2 full and put a glass bowl on top of the pot. Make sure the bowl is bigger than the pot so that it can be taken off easily. I made the mistake of finding a bowl that fit just right and then found that it has a nice suction to it when I tried to remove it. Turn the burn on, boil the water and then let it just simmer while you blend ingredients in the bowl. For this recipe, I put the following in the bowl and mixed well until melted.

3 Tablespoons shea butter
3 Tablespoons baking soda
2 Tablespoons corn starch
2 Tablespoons cocoa butter

Once these were melted, I put about 10 drops of Vitamin E oil. I know some people use the capsules, and just puncture them. My health food store had the oil in a dropper bottle, so I thought that would be easier. Mix well.

Turn off the burner and add your essential oils. I added

8 drops of patchouli
15 drops of lavender
6 drops of tea tree

Patchouli itself works as a deodorant, and lavender and tea tree are great smells and anti-bacterial. All of these oils are also good for your skin along with the shea and cocoa butters.
Mix well.
Pour into small glass jars or any container you like. I let mine sit in the refrigerator until it had hardened. To use, just rub your fingers around on the deodorant and apply.

A Quick Hair Mask

I do this about once a week, but I tend to have very dry hair. Let your hair decide how often this needs to happen. Take about a 1/4 of a cup of olive oil (this really depends on how long your hair is and how much you want to use. If you make too much just save if for the next time.) Add 2-3 drops each of rosemary, lavender and tea tree.(more if you use more olive oil) If you put this in a container with a lid, you can just put the top on and shake well. (I keep a lot of glass jars around.) If you do a big batch, let if sit for a while to really blend. If you've done a small batch, you're ready to go. Just work into your hair as much as you like. I really coat it well. I also leave it on overnight or sometimes during the day. I just put my hair up and it looks wet. But I work from home, so I can get away with that. Leave it on for at least an hour if you can and then wash your hair as you normally would.

Now for the really quick version...just rub a few drops of the rosemary, tea tree and lavender into the roots of your hair, then coat your hair with olive oil. Don't over think this stuff...really!

Welcome to my Spring Cleaning...body and home!

I believe that season changes are important to acknowledge. Nature does, and I've learned that mother nature is a very good teacher and role model. So as nature is busy with all of her beautiful changes, I'm sure you've noticed, your body follows suit. I like to honor those changes by taking time to do my "Spring Cleaning". Don't worry, I'm not talking about closets and spare rooms. I like to take a minute to re-evaluate what I'm doing for my body and home and loved ones, and then make changes where necessary. It's also a great time to clean out all of the unnecessary clutter (body, home, life, whatever!). And for the fun part...it's when I take time to find new products to make and to stock up on my old favorites! I've thought a lot about how to present this to you, and I think I will just go head to toe.

A New Season

So spring is here. Maybe not officially, but it's here. There are a few things I like to do at each season change. To prepare for spring, I like to do a neti pot and some ear candling to give my sinuses a fighting chance and just to do a little spring cleaning in there...you know what I mean. I also like to make a plan (I love a good plan!) for the essential oil products I'm going to need. So I thought this year, I would share that with you. Next week will be my prep for spring week and I will keep you posted on everything I'm doing. Hopefully you will come out of this with some good ideas for things that work for you. I would love to hear from you. Tell me what you would like to make or problems you may need help with. We can prepare for spring together!

Quick and Natural Energy Boost

Step 1...rosemary scalp massage
Step 2...grapefruit leg massage
Step 3...basil and peppermint foot massage

Some years I don't really even notice daylight savings time. Sundays are usually a day of rest. This weekend, however, was full of celebration! But not a lot of rest. So, the time change did a bit of a number on me. Here is how I get a quick and natural boost of energy. First, put a couple of drops of rosemary on your hand and rub your fingertips in the oil. Massage your scalp vigorously for a few seconds. The rosemary will give you energy as will the scalp massage. The rosemary is also great for your roots. (Bald heads...try adding a little cream first.) Secondly, drop a few drops of grapefruit and a dime sized amount of olive oil in the palm of your hand. Rub into each leg quickly to increase circulation. (Bonus, grapefruit is great for cellulite!) Finally drop a drop of basil and 2 drops of peppermint on your hand, take several deep breaths and then rub into the bottom of each foot. There you go! Now you smell great and your body has the energy it needs...naturally!

Visit HealthyByBalance.com to purchase your essential oils and for more information.

Steam Bath for Sinus Problems

I don't know about you, but the weather is keeping me on my toes at the moment. The drastic temp changes and the crazy wind are giving my sinuses a run for their money...whatever that means. Luckily, I have my essential oils to keep me sane. A great way to combat allergies, colds, sinus or breathing problems is a steam bath. This time of year, I'm adding 2 drops of peppermint, 1 drop of basil, 1 drop of rosemary and 1 drop of tea tree. This is a pretty strong mix so start with your face farther away and your eyes closed until you feel comfortable getting closer. Keep your eyes closed the entire time. Click here for more information.

Lemon for Focus

In banks in Japan, lemon essential oil is diffused in the air because they believe it helps with focus. Add a few drops in a diffuser or just keep a tissue with some lemon oil near you when you need a little extra help focusing. I also love to add basil which is another great oil for the brain. Some fun side affects will be enhanced mood, better breathing and increased circulation.

Frankincense for Scars

Frankincense is such a great oil for your first aid kit. It will help heal and cut or wound, and I find that it will help stop the bleeding. It's also great for scarring. You can use this on old or new scars. Just put a drop or two of frankincense directly on the scar and then use cross friction which just mean two fingers going in the opposite direction. The frankincense can be very drying, so if you use the oil in the same place multiple times, add a cream.

Lavender and Rosemary Hair Rinse

Washing your hair everyday is not only unnecessary, but can be very damaging. Some people are lucky enough to wake up with their hair looking great or at least fixable. I am not that girl. I need to at least wet the hair, but I would like to also freshen it up a bit. I found this site about a trend of going "no poo" which is just a hysterical way of saying I'm no longer washing my hair. You still get to clean your hair, just not with harsh shampoos. It's very natural and healthy. Not to mention cheaper. If I'm being completely honest, I do still wash my hair with actual shampoo (I hope this does not tarnish your opinion of me). But I love to incorporate the idea of "no poo" into my routine to give my hair a break. I only use shampoo about once a week. For instructions on going "no poo" click here. I, of course, will have to add some essential oils. Here's my version of "no poo"...1 cup baking soda, 5 drops lavender, 4 drops rosemary. You can dissolve this in warm water and make a rinse, or just take the lazy way...put a handful on your wet head, rub it in, then rinse.

Easy Way to Keep the Bathroom Fresh

February 29, 2012

Easy Way to Keep The Bathroom Fresh

A great diffuser for essential oils is water. One easy way to use water to get your oils in the air is to drop a few drops of essential oils in the toilet. Stay away from any oil with a tint like cinnamon, ginger or patchouli. This will leave a stain. If you're not sure, drop one drop on a tissue. If it's clear, you're fine! I use lavender, peppermint, grapefruit, lemon and orange quite a bit in my toilet. This technique works especially well in bathrooms as they are relatively small rooms. Also, most oils have germ fighting properties which is never a bad thing in a bathroom!

Lemon Grease Fighter

Lemon essential oil is an amazing grease fighter. When I do dishes by hand, I soak them in hot water with baking soda and about 5 drops of lemon essential oil. The baking soda and lemon will soften all of the dried food and once the water has cooled enough to stick you hand in, there is little to no scrubbing required. Trust me, I have put this to the test! And as always, the great thing is how great your kitchen will smell while the dishes are soaking. I love the smell of lemon around this time of year. I feel like I'm helping to welcome spring into my home! And it's never to early to welcome spring in. Feel free to add other oils that you like.

Bottom of the Feet Blend

Bottom of the Feet Blend

Every day, I put essential oils on the bottom of my feet. Click here to find out why! I use different blends for different reasons. Today I used 1 drop of patchouli, 3 drops of grapefruit, 1 drop of basil and 2 drops of cinnamon. Do not be afraid of the patchouli! Even those who grew up in the 70's and are adamantly opposed to patchouli, like the scent when I blend it with a citrus oil such as grapefruit. Try different blends to find what you like. This blend is a mood elevator. It will help with stress, depression, anxiety, headaches, athletes foot or fungal infections. It will help increase your circulation and work to rid your body of toxins. This blend will help you focus and will protect you against germs and bacteria. And most importantly...you and your shoes will smell amazing all day!

Foot Soak

1 cup baking soda (for softer skin)
or
1 cup Epsom Salts (for sore feet)
4 drops of peppermint for a refreshing soak
or
5 drops of lavender for a relaxing soak
Mix well. To use, put as much as you like in a large bowl or container big enough for your feet, add warm water and enjoy! And a fun side effect is that it’s a great way to get the aroma in the air.

Citrus Glass and Surface Cleaner

I make my own cleaners because the chemicals in store bought cleaners really bother my head. This got me thinking. If this stuff is bad for me to breath in, why am I spraying it in my house! Not to mention on surfaces in my kitchen that touch my food! Essential oils to the rescue yet again. I use about 15 drops of essential oil for every 8 oz of water. This does not have to be exact. If you can smell the oils, they are working. Here is what I keep in my kitchen...

8 oz water
3 drops lemon
3 drops orange
3 drops grapefruit
3 drops cinnamon
3 drops thyme

When making a cleaner for the kitchen, I always use lemon which is a fantastic grease cutter and thyme which is a strong anti-bacterial oil. Cinnamon is also a great germ fighter. But feel free to mix it up and make it smell the way you like!

Shake well and remember that it will get stronger the longer it sits. Use it just as you would use any household cleaner or window cleaner, shaking well each time. Enjoy!

February 20, 2012

Lavender for Burns

Lavender saved my hand today! My coffee maker and I had a bit of an argument today and it responded by spitting scalding hot water on me...how rude! But I grabbed my lavender and put a few drops on the area. It immediately felt better and no mark at all! Yay!

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Well, just because the weather can't make up its mind, doesn't mean it's not still winter. Which means it's still hot chocolate weather! And as I'm sure everyone is aware by now, I kinda like my peppermint. For a strong peppermint flavor, drop a drop of peppermint in the bottom of your mug and add your hot chocolate. For a milder peppermint flavor, take a cup of your hot chocolate mix, add a couple of drops of peppermint and mix well. Let this sit overnight if possible. The oils will really blend with the hot chocolate well. Feel free to add more or less depending on how strong you like it! Just use the hot chocolate mix as you normally would and enjoy!

Headed out for some fun this weekend? An easy way to keep your oils close...drop a few drops of your favorites on a tissue or handkerchief. I use peppermint, lavender, lemon and basil. This keeps my head feeling great no matter what I come in contact with. And I've made a friend or two this way!

quick face scrub for your winter face...1 cup of baking soda and about 9 drops of essential oils. One example for normal skin would be 3 drops each of lavender, frankincense, and lemon. Mix well and let sit overnight if possible. To use, put a small amount in the palm of your hand a add just a drop or 2 of water to make a thick paste. Rub into your skin in a circular motion and rinse. This is a great exfoliator and will soften and brighten your skin. I use this about one every week or 2 as needed. You can also use this blend instead of shampoo. Rub into your scalp while hair is dry then rinse out. Click here to buy the oils and for more recipes. www.healthybybalance.com

Need fresh breath in a hurry…grab the peppermint essential oil that I know you keep with you at all times right! Drop a drop in your hand or a cup if you have one handy, add just a little water, swish and spit! Not only will you have crazy fresh breath and make lots of new friends, the peppermint can help protect you from a cold or the flu and can help with mouth or gum infections.

Peppermint and Ginger Tea

Ginger and Peppermint Tea
I like mine a bit strong and I love the aroma so feel free to start with less oil if that's what you prefer.
I drop 1 drop of ginger and 2 drops of peppermint essential oil in the bottom of a mug, then I add hot water and tea bag. I use a plain green tea.
Be sure to take a moment and breath in the steam and the oils. It's a great way to get them into your system quickly and begin the detox,
but it will also calm your body and let your mind know it's going to be a good few minutes!This tea is a great way to detox. Ginger has warming and soothing properties which help with digestion, sinus trouble, achy muscles and just clearing out the gunk.
Peppermint is also great for digestion, sinus problems, and sore and achy muscles. These oils together are great for so many things. I drink this tea daily. Try it
and let me know what you think!

And of course visit HealthyByBalance.com for more recipes and ideas and to order your essential oils.