Body Butter In the Extreme

One of the things you realize quickly once you start using Essential Oils and researching healthy alternatives, is that you can formulate different items you usually buy in stores, with who knows what in them, but in a healthy and even beneficial way.

Body butters are very easy to make.  You need to make sure to keep your proportion of solid oils and butters and liquid oil to 3:1.  I say solid oils, because Organic Coconut Oil is solid at room temperature and for this purpose is considered a solid.  For every 1 1/2 cups of solid butter or oil, add 1/2 cup of a liquid oil.  The liquid can be any that you choose.  Use a skin nourishing oil.  Olive oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, grape seed oil, or safflower oil will work fine as will many others.  Then add a teaspoon of Vitamin E.  That’s it, except for the essential oil of your choice which should be added after cooling before whipping stage.

There is a trick in keeping your butters from being gritty.  Keep the oils in the double boiler on very low heat after they melt for 20 minutes.  In fact please remove the word boil from your consciousness.  The butters should never “boil.”  We buy raw butters for a reason.  Don’t cook it out. You may have to wait longer, but keep your heat very low.  Most butters will melt at just above room temperature, all become liquid at around 90 degrees.  Be patient.

After the 20 minutes, put the top of the double boiler in ice water and wait for it to cool slightly.  When you start to see it solidify on the sides of the bowl, it’s time to get busy with your mixer.  Leave it in the ice water while you do this.  It speeds the process.  Add the Essential Oils of your choice, and beat it up like you’re making frosting. Scrape the sides of the bowl to keep the solidifying butters involved in the process.  It’s easy to beat, begins to solidify as you beat, and begins to look like frosting.

Mango butter is white.  It is made from the seed of the mango, so don’t expect it to smell like mango.  That was a disappointment.  However it is pretty much unscented, so whatever oil you put in it will not be overpowered.  It has some skin protective qualities where sun is concerned, so I was not concerned making a body butter with Citrus Bliss, a heavenly blend of Citrus oils with a little vanilla, that is usually referred to as Invigorating Blend.

Citrus Bliss is a a mood supportive blend of oils that helps to energize you and lift your spirits. There are UV cautions after application but in this case, in its diluted quantity in the Mango Butter which naturally protects your skin from sunburn, it should not be an issue.

Combine these in the top of a double boiler over low heat:
1 Cup of Raw Mango Butter (get it here http://www.amazon.com/Mango-Butter-White-Raw-Lb/dp/B00AEIVIGS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427568014&sr=8-1&keywords=mango+butter
1/2 Cup Organic Coconut Butter (I get it at BJ’s but it’s available everywhere, including Amazon).
1/2 Cup of liquid oil of your choice. Use cold pressed.
1 tsp. Raw Organic Vitamin E (optional).

Once the oil melts (and this could take a while, but be patient-you don’t want to cook out all of the good stuff), let it stay over the heat for 20 minutes.  After 20 minutes, take the top of the double boiler and set it in a bowl of ice water.  Don’t let any water get into the oils.

After about 15 or 20 minutes you’ll start to see a layer of solids on the outside of the bowl.  Now add about 30-40 drops of Citrus Bliss (or the oil of your choice which you can get here: http://www.mydoterra.com/sharonbwilbur/#/ .  Stop adding when it smells the way you want it to.  Scrape the sides of the bowl with your spoon and start beating.  Once it’s the consistency of creamy frosting, it’s time to load it into your jars.  This recipe will fill almost four 4 oz jars.

Hints: You can replace the Mango Butter with Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, or any butter as long as you keep those proportions.  They do have more of a scent, so might need more Essential Oil to get your desired result.

Happy buttering!

 

Advertisement

Grapefruit Essential Oil

Cold pressed from the rind of the grapefruit, the essential oil is citrus-y, floral and fruity.  It’s clean and fresh.

Grapefruit is said to aid in weight loss and is often used in weight loss products.  Since I have a bit of a weight problem myself, I’ve started using a drop in my seltzer in mid afternoon to give me a boost in my energy level and to calm those food cravings.

Grapefruit is said to help with hangovers, by diffusion or inhaling the oil from a cotton ball or piece of tissue on which a drop of oil is placed, or directly from the bottle.

I like to use it in the shower.  Turn off the shower for a moment after you’ve finished washing, put a couple of drops in your palm, rub your hands together and rub it over your wet skin.  Stay away from sensitive areas.  Turn the water back on and rinse off.  It just makes me feel better. Or you could dilute with a carrier oil for an after shower body oil.  Grapefruit doesn’t have the extreme UV sensitivity of other citrus based essential oils, so you don’t have to worry about sun exposure.  Grapefruit is useful in skin preparations for oily skin.  Combined with witch hazel it can be an astringent tonic for oily skin. 

Properties:

• stimulant
• tonic
• antidepressant
• antiseptic
• disinfectant
• diuretic

Grapefruit is generally considered safe for human consumption, so it can be used as a dietary supplement, or used in cooking.  It shouldn’t be used for children under 6, and adult dilution is 1 drop per 4 oz. of beverage.  For children over 6 dilution should be higher.  Make sure you only use 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils.  They can be found at doTERRA.  http://www.mydoterra.com/sharonbwilbur/

Obviously the same warnings always apply.  If you’re under a doctor’s care for a condition requiring medication check with your physician for any possible interactions with your other medication.  The FDA has not evaluated the effectiveness of any claims.

 

 

Peppermint Essential Oil

Mentha piperita is peppermint’s botanical name.  It was first thought to be a species, but it is now known to be a hybrid cross of spearmint and watermint.  It doesn’t produce seeds, but spreads by its roots.  The essential oil is steam distilled from the whole plant. 

Peppermint has a high menthol content, which makes it refreshing and stimulating.  If you find yourself tired at mid afternoon, a drop rubbed between your palms and inhaled can stimulate and refresh your emotions.

What I find so helpful is that it can reduce digestive problems.  It can be calming to the stomach, either taken internally or rubbed on the stomach area.  Adding a drop to your water can freshen your breath, settle your stomach, and reduce heartburn symptoms.  It is also said to reduce flatulence.

Its menthol properties make it useful for respiratory support in adults when rubbed on the chest or as I was told, on the bottoms of your feet instead of products containing menthol and petroleum.  Add it to fractionated coconut oil for a cooling massage oil.  It is stimulating and refreshing when diffused.

I’ve used it in my homemade lip balm.  When a few drops are combined with beeswax, coconut and cocoa butter its just plain yummy.

It should not be used on children under 6, and used with greater dilution on children over 6.  If pregnant or nursing, check with your physician.  Always if you are in the care of a physician for a medical condition, check with them to make sure that the use of a particular essential oil will not interfere with any medication you are taking.

If you’re taking essential oils internally always make sure they are 100% Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade.  You can find two kinds of peppermint essential oil at doTERRA.  The beadlets are pure peppermint essential oil in a small round caspsule in an easy to carry vial for a quick burst of freshness.  http://www.mydoterra.com/sharonbwilbur/

 

 

 

 

 

Organic Homemade Lip Balm

On my journey learning about essential oils, I came across some homemade remedies using organic materials.

I don’t know about you, but winter is chapped lip time.  The wind and the cold is just brutal to lips.  Using petroleum based products is not very appetizing, nor is it likely healthy.  With just a few supplies in less than half an hour, you can make your own far superior products.  All of the supplies are available through Amazon.  You’ll need an eye-dropper or what they call a pipette to transfer the balm into your lip balm tubes or pots.  You can use either; it’s up to you.   The disposable pipettes make cleanup a lot easier.

You can also get cocoa butter, beeswax and coconut oil at Amazon.  Remember, both coconut oil and cocoa butter will melt in your hand, or in a container in your pocket. You need the beeswax to help keep it solid.  I usually carry mine in my purse.

This balm is very luxurious and long lasting.

Ingredients:

1/2 oz. beeswax.  I used Organic, premium quality, cosmetic grade from HansiOrganics (sold on Amazon).
2 TBS Organic Cocoa Butter (also at Amazon).
1 TBS Organic Coconut Oil, not fractionated.
1 Vitamin E Capsule contents
10 drops of your choice of essential oil. I used Peppermint (available here: http://www.mydoterra.com/sharonbwilbur/)
Makes 6 tubes

In a glass pint or smaller jar placed in a small pan with a small amount of water in kind of a double boiler effect, slowly melt the beeswax, cocoa butter and coconut oil. Cut the end off of the Vitamin E capsule and dump into the glass jar. The beeswax will melt slowly. When contents are completely melted, add the essential oil and stir.

Then take your pipette and transfer the melted mixture to the container you choose. As they start to harden they will shrink slightly and can be topped off. If you keep it in the hot water it will stay liquid long enough for you to do this. That’s how easy it is.

This can be changed to a healing balm by changing the essential oil. You can choose any that are considered safe. There are essential oils that speed healing of Herpes Simplex cold sores.  Lavender, Tea Tree and Oregano Essential Oils are all good choices. Whatever you choose, keep it at 10 drops essential oil for this mixture. While there are studies on individual essential oils for their effectiveness against Herpes Simplex, they have not been verified by the FDA.  Results may vary.

Anything you use on your lips should obviously be safe, so always use 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils.

With all natural remedies, if you are under the care of a doctor, or are pregnant or nursing, consult your medical provider.  As always, make sure the oils you use will not interfere with any medications you are taking, or if you plan to use them on children, that they are safe.

 

Patchouli Essential Oil

Patchouli is an essential oil extracted by steam distillation from the leaf of the plant Pogostemon cablin, a bushy herb related to mint.   The fragrance is slightly minty, musky, and very pleasant.  Its is used in the perfume industry and to scent laundry products and other soaps.

Patchouli is said to be beneficial to skin, and can be used to reduce wrinkles, stretch marks and scars.  When diffused, the fragrance can be grounding and balancing.  Balancing is a term used in essential oils to describe a helpful effect on emotions which can work many ways to improve mood.  For instance if you happen to be depressed it can cheer you, and if you are over excited it can calm you.  It is used in an aromatherapy recipe previously posted for autumn scents.

To diffuse, use 3 or 4 drops in your diffuser.  For topical use dilute with fractionated coconut oil to to avoid skin sensitivity.  Usual dilution rate is 5 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil.

USES:

• Combine it with Peppermint and apply directly to the forehead, temples or back of neck for headache.
• Add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer to smooth the skin.
• It can calm emotions when combined with Vetiver and rubbed on the bottoms of feet.
• It has anti-fungal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Always if you are pregnant or nursing or under a doctor’s care check with your physician.  Can be sensitive to skin.  Avoid contact with sensitive areas and eyes.  Not for use in children, and should be stored out of their reach.  http://www.mydoterra.com/sharonbwilbur/

 

 

Cassia Essential Oil

Cinnamomum cassia is its botanical name.  The oil is extracted using steam distillation from the bark.  It has a warm, spicy scent, very much like cinnamon.  Cassia has been used since ancient times, mentioned for use as far back as the Old Testament. 

Cassia has been used for emotional and physical well-being.  It is said to contribute to a healthy immune system, settle the stomach and aid digestion.  Blended with citrus or clove and ginger essential oils it becomes a wonderful holiday scent when diffused.

Cassia is very strong, however and should be diluted.  It can be very irritating to mucous membranes if inhaled or applied directly to the skin. It can be diluted with coconut oil for a warming massage or to soothe specific sore muscles and joints.

Combining a drop with lemon in a glass of water can ward off hunger and aid digestion.

It can be used sparingly in cooking as a spice.  Remember, essential oils are much stronger than the spices in your cupboard.

Directions:

• Diffuse 3 to 4 drops in your diffuser.
• Dilute 1 drop in 8 oz. of liquid.
• Dilute 1 to 2 drops in 2 tbs of carrier oil.  Test in a small area.  Increase if necessary.

Do not use with children under 6 and in children older than 6 greater dilution should be used.  If pregnant or nursing, check with your doctor.  Always avoid sensitive areas.

Only Certified Therapeutic Grade Essential oils can be taken internally.   http://www.mydoterra.com/sharonbwilbur/

Health claims for essential oils have not been verified by the FDA.  The FDA does issue a “generally recognized as safe” for human consumption designation (21CFR182.20).  Cassia has that designation.  If you have a health condition and are on medication, check with your doctor before use to avoid interactions with your medication.

 

 

 

Autumn Scents and Comfort With Essential Oils

Fall is here.  Thoughts turn to apple pie, pumpkin spice, and warmth of home and hearth.  A doTERRA recipe I saw on Facebook for a diffuser scent invokes all of those feelings, and may provide additional benefits.

Diffusers used with essential oils should be ultrasonic or cool steam type.  Heat can change the components of essential oils, losing some of the benefits.  I get mine at Amazon.  There are several types of diffusers available.

I mix this recipe in a small amber glass bottle so that I have it ready.  It really is something you’ll want to use again and again.  It’s diffusing in the living room right now, and the scent is heavenly.

Autumn Scents:

•   2 drops Cassia
•   2 drops Patchouli
•   2 drops Wild Orange

Cassia is in the Laurel family and is closely related to Cinnamon.  The scent is similar but stronger.  It can be irritating to mucous membranes so usually needs to be combined with other oils, or diluted with a carrier oil if using topically.   Cassia is warming and can be soothing to aching muscles and joints (dilute with fractionated coconut oil). It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral.  It has historically been used for many ailments and is generally considered safe for consumption, but only in a diluted state because of possible sensitivity.  If you add a drop or two with lemon to your water, it can settle your stomach and help to reduce hunger cravings. It should not be used with children under 6 or while pregnant or nursing.

From the Mint family, Patchouli’s scent is sweet and musky.  It is said to have many health properties and may even work as insect repellant.  It can be grounding and balancing to the emotions when used in aromatherapy and is frequently used for wounds, tissue repair, or other skin conditions such as wrinkles, scars and stretch marks when used topically.  It can can be used aromatically, topically and can be taken internally, but not by children under 6 and further dilution is recommended for children older than 6.  Consult your doctor if pregnant or nursing.

Wild Orange is from the Citrus family.  Its scent is similar to an orange held up to the nose.  It can be used to cleanse and purify both surfaces when diluted to make a multipurpose spray, or the air if diffused.  When diffused it is uplifting and energizing.  It contains powerful antioxidants making it valuable for overall health.  It also may have benefits against seasonal threats.  I often add a drop to my water as a flavoring agent.  It can’t hurt right?  It can be diffused, used topically or taken internally, but not for children under 6 and should be diluted for children older than 6. If you’re pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor.  If used topically, avoid sunlight or UV rays for 12 hours.

No essential oils should be taken internally unless they are 100% pure therapeutic grade.  It sometimes takes tons of material to yield a pound of essential oil.  Some sellers use additives so be cautious about sources.  I trust doTERRA, and this is a great source:  http://www.mydoterra.com/sharonbwilbur/

Any health benefits mentioned above have not been evaluated by the FDA, and if you have medical conditions you should always consult your doctor before taking anything medicinally to assure there are no harmful interactions with medication you are taking.