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

Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Carrot Seed oil is steam distilled from the seeds of Queen Anne’s Lace (daucus carota), or the wild carrot plant.  It has a very strong earthy and warm aroma.  I really like the grounding scent of this oil.  My daughter is repulsed by it, probably only because of it’s potency.  It’s a matter of personal preference.  Just a drop adds a pleasant base to oils like ylang ylang and lavender when mixed together in a carrier oil for a face moisturizer.  This is one incredible oil that packs a healthy punch.  But be careful that what you are buying is 100% pure daucus carota essential oil, harvested from the seeds of Queen Anne’s Lace.  There are many places to buy carrot seed oil, make sure the company you decide to buy from is reputable.  Native American Nutritionals is one of my favorite places to look in cases like this, when the oil I want isn’t carried by doTERRA.  They also have very high standards in every single oil they put their name on.  Young Living would be another safe option.  I would be very wary of any low cost carrot seed oil on the market. Never buy any oil if it is labeled as “natural” “fragrance” or listed to be used for “aromatherapy”.  Cheap carrot seed oil is likely adulterated in some way, which decreases or may even eliminates some of the health benefits.  Keep in mind that fragrance oil or “natural oil” is not the same as pure essential oil.

Benefits of Carrot Seed Oil:
• Antiseptic
• Antiviral
• Detoxifies
• Diuretic
• Disinfectant
• Digestive Support
• Purifier
• Stimulant
• Tonic

Carrot Seed oil is an effective antiseptic.  When applied to wounds, it can prevent infections.  It can cure infections of the skin as well as numerous skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, carbuncles, sores and ulcers.  When ingested* as directed it can help cure infections of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract.  It effectively relieves bloating and gas as well by regulating the flow of digestive juices.  It also helps your body to flush toxins from your system because it is a diuretic.  This benefits tissues, blood, muscles, kidneys and the liver.  Also, it’s immune-boosting antioxidants help fight off viral infections such as the flu, mumps and the common cold.

In addition to wounds, its benefits for the hair and skin are numerous.  It’s disinfectant qualities are incredible.  To use this oil as a skin cleanser, add a drop to a teaspoon of olive, almond or jojoba oil and massage into your face.  After 3-5 minutes, rinse your skin with lukewarm water and blot dry.  I use a little carrot oil in lotions, salves and hair and scalp conditioners.  Suitable for all skin and hair types, it can help keep your skin looking young, nourished and rejuvenated.  Mature skin benefits greatly by the improved elasticity and texture.  Carrot Seed oil can also help reduce the size and appearance of scars, wrinkles, discoloration, cellulite, and prevents sagging while evening out your tone and texture.  To reduce the potential of photosensitivity, always dilute with a carrier oil when applied topically.  If you experience issues with photosensitivity, try to reduce or eliminate your sun exposure for 12 hours after use.  On the scalp, Carrot Seed essential oil encourages new hair growth while helping to prevent hair loss.  It improves elasticity in hair, even in curly hair, preventing breakage and frizz.

For me, Carrot Seed oil’s real magic lies in its ability to rejuvenate your skin, tissues and blood at the cellular level.  It stimulates growth of new cells and tissues, which is helpful, especially to the mature body that might be slowing down.  It is believed that this quality in conjunction with its antioxidant properties, purifying and detoxifying benefits, neutralizes free radicals and even helps fight cancerous cells.

As a stimulant, this oil really performs.  Carrot Seed oil stimulates the circulatory system as well as metabolic function.  It stimulates the production of hormones and enzymes, as well as gastric juices and bile.  It also helps keep your digestive system on track, by promoting movement through the intestines.

Women who suffer from endometriosis or other painful menstruation conditions will find relief when using this oil.  It helps keep your hormones steady and improves the process, which results in less pain and more regularity.  For centuries, women used the seeds of wild carrot to prevent pregnancy.  This oil is more potent than a spoonful of seeds, and may cause bleeding, so please use care*. 

*Do not use this oil if you are pregnant.  Ask your doctor how this oil can help you before use if you are nursing.  Because Carrot Seed is a stimulant, do not use on anyone with Epilepsy or if there is a risk of seizure.  Can be used diluted one drop of essential oil to 5 drops of carrier oil topically on children over 6.  If you have any medical condition or are taking medications, consult your doctor before use.  Do not use internally at all unless the supplier suggests it as an appropriate use.  When taking internally, so so strictly as directed by a doctor or certified aromatherapist.  Carrot Seed oil overdose can cause vomiting and convulsions. 

The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA.

 

Love Your Skin with Tamanu, Jojoba and Essential Oils!

Oils for your face?  Well I used to be skeptical.  Beauty products have always been a miss for me.  When I was a teen, the ones that fought acne dried my skin out terribly, the moisturizers always seemed to bring back the zits, and I still had the oily skin.  As I aged, the pimples declined in number but the oily skin persisted, with the errant zit showing its ugly self when I least expected it.  I gave up spending a fortune on ineffective face washes, astringents and moisturizers years ago and had been using olive oil for a while to clean and moisturize my face because it was the only thing I found to work –– until I found the magic of Tamanu nut oil, Jojoba oil and the benefits of essential oils.  Olive oil alone was okay to clean my face, but it really didn’t help cut the amount of oil my skin produced. It also did nothing for blackheads.  These are two recipes that I have created and used with success on two different skin types.  Try one.  You won’t be disappointed.  If you have combination skin, try the recipe for oily skin.  The initial cost may seem fairly high for all of the ingredients but are cheaper in the long run.  Store them in a cool, dark place, and the oils are good for a year, more for the essential oils if stored with the same care, and you’ll never again have to spend hundreds falling for beauty product promises that end up in landfills because they just don’t work.

Base Oil Blend:
• 20 Drops   Tamanu Nut Oil
• 20 Drops   Jojoba Oil

Oily Skin Recipe:
• 4 drops   Carrot Seed essential oil
• 6 drops   Ylang Ylang or Lavender essential oil
• 6 drops   Bergamot essential oil
• 6 drops   Lemon essential oil

Other essential oils that treat oily and combination skin: Frankincense, Clary Sage, Helichrysum, Cypress, Orange, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood and Tea Tree.

Dry Skin Recipe:
• 4 drops   Cedarwood essential oil
• 4 drops   Carrot Seed essential oil
• 6 drops   Ylang Ylang or Lavendar essential oil
• 6 drops   Lemon essential oil
• 2 drops   Geranium essential oil

Other essential oils that treat dry skin: Myrrh, Clary Sage, Jasmine, Patchouli, Roman Chamomile, Rose Otto, Rosewood and Sandalwood.

Tamanu Nut Oil Benefits:
Antibacterial – acne fighter, aids in healing cuts
Astringent
Anti-inflammatory
Inhibits staph and candida infections
Aids skin regeneration – reduces appearance of scars & wrinkles
The oil actually protects your skin from the sun with an SPF of 20!

To make Tamanu oil, the nuts are harvested, dried for a month and then cold pressed.  There should be no additives, no other method of extraction should be considered and the origination should be Madagascar.  The oil is a deep, earthy olive-yellow in color and has a pleasant, nutty aroma.  It is a must for creating your own personal facial moisturizer, regardless of your skin type.  From young to mature skin, there are just too many benefits to leave it out.  It is gentle and can be applied directly to your skin.  In 2 weeks my oily skin was balanced with improved texture, my pores less visible, blackheads nearly gone and my skin tone evened out.  My neighbor’s incredibly dry skin was smooth and hydrated, less tight-feeling and had experienced improved texture.  She swears she will never go back to the chemical-laden cream hunt.  Just like essential oils, you don’t need a lot.  It can be used alone, but it blends really nicely with Jojoba oil, which I recommend.

Jojoba is an incredible oil in its own right because it contains virtually all vitamins and minerals required for healthy skin (and hair), plus it has many of the same benefits of tamanu oil!  It mimics your own sebum production, so your skin actually creates less, stopping that unsightly shine from developing in oily and combination skin.  People with dry skin can count on relief that lasts all day long.

Both oils can be used in the oil-cleaning method.  To do this, massage 3 to 4 drops onto your face and neck.  Let it sit for a bit so it can mingle with the oils in your skin, and then rinse with warm water.  They both fight stretchmarks, heal chapped lips and last a long time, regardless of weather when applied. Other uses include burn relief, including sunburns. They are also considered a good treatment for nail fungus as well as athlete’s foot.

People are having good results in fighting eczema and psoriasis with tamanu oil, reducing itching, moisturizing the skin and killing bacteria that can cause infections.  Also people with shingles have had good results.

Moms, remember to use tamanu nut oil if your baby is suffering from diaper rash.  You’ll never go back to the old Butt Paste standby. It is an all natural, gentle, soothing, antibacterial, antifungal and healing oil.  Do not use on any child who has a nut allergy.

Dogs, cats and horses with skin problems can be topically treated with tamanu nut oil.  It is regarded as safe for them.

***Tamanu oil is regarded as safe but do not use it if you have any allergy to nuts.***

Please see additional information on essential oils before using, and as always, if you are taking medications or have health issues, consult a doctor before using any essential oil.

Questions and comments are always welcome.  Thanks for stopping by.

 

Pure, therapeutic grade essential oils can be purchased at:  http://www.mydoterra.com/stephaniegorman

Lavender Essential Oil

Hands down, Lavender oil is one of the most used oils in my arsenal.  I diffuse it alone or with Lemon or Bergamot, or Rosemary, Melaleuca or Eucalyptus.  As well as antidepressant properties, it is antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal and also can be a sedative.  I add it to my lotions because in addition to the pleasant scent, it offers the same benefits to the skin as it does to the air.  It may also help with acne, wrinkles and even balance the oils in your hair and scalp.

Pure Lavender Essential Oil has so many uses, and it is regarded as generally safe for human consumption by the FDA.  Always make sure you have 100% pure therapeutic grade oil.

Lavender Benefits Include:

• Anti-convulsant
• Antidepressant
• Anti-fungal
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antitoxic
• Antimicrobial
• Antiseptic
• Antihistimine
• May minimize scarring
• Helps to balance body systems
• Reduces discomfort of rashes, insect bites and stings
• Relieves headaches

 

Lavender can be used in cooking and in beverages.  Some people will put a drop under their tongue to treat ailments ranging from edema to inflammation, from tension to depression.  It will lower fevers, help with pain, blood clotting disorders, and even expel parasites from the system.

Don’t forget to try this oil in a homemade insect (mosquitoes & ticks) repellant!

Test for sensitivity before use.  Some adults that don’t tolerate the straight oil well can try diluting it first before abandoning it altogether.  Lavender can be applied neat (undiluted) in adults and children older than 6.  On children under 6, dilute in carrier oil or water before using.  Should also be diluted for use on dogs and more so for cats.

Check with your doctor before use if you are pregnant or nursing.

100% therapeutic grade Lavender essential oil can be purchased at: http://www.mydoterra.com/stephaniegorman