Handmade Holidays

Nov/Dec '12 issue - The Essential Herbal Magazine

By Kristin Henningsen M.S., R.Y.T.
Banyon Moon Botanicals

More and more people are turning to handmade gifts this holiday season.  Whether it is from the current economic climate, a greener conscience, or a brilliant burst of creativity, the trend is certainly catching on.  Handmade gifts are a great way to show appreciation for the ones you love. 

This season, celebrate by helping those you love decrease their stress and increase their health and wellness.  Two simple, but powerful ways to do this are by soaking in a bath and/or drinking a cup of herbal tea.  Herbal baths and teas have strong medicinal value.  Benefits can range from gently soothing a sore muscle, to invigorating yourself on a dreary winter's day.

Follow these herbal recipes below to make quick and easy, yet thoughtful gifts.  Think of them as templates, and feel free to let your creative juices dictate the final product.  

Muscle Ease Bath Salt

1/2 cup Sea Salt                                                                      
1/2 cup Baking Soda
1/2 cup Epsom Salt                                             
20 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
15 drops Lavender Essential Oil
5 drops Rosemary Essential Oil

                ~Mix all ingredients well.  Add to bath by tablespoons to desired strength.

Dreamy Bath Salt Blend

1/2 cup Sea Salt                               
1/2 cup Baking Soda
1/2 cup Epsom Salt                         
5 drops each of Rose, Chamomile, Lavender, and Jasmine Essential Oil

                ~Mix all ingredients well.  Add to bath by tablespoons to desired strength.

FairyTale Tea

1/2 cup Raspberry Leaf              
1/2 cup Lemon Balm                     
1/2 cup Chamomile                        
1/4 cup Peppermint                     
1/4 cup Spearmint                       
1/4 cup Rose hips                     
1/4 cup Lavender            

            ~Blend all ingredients together for a delicious and fragrant tea blend.    *yields 20 oz.

 

Minty Magic Tea

2 cups Peppermint                         
1 cup Spearmint              
1/4 cup Lemon Balm

                ~Blend ingredients together for an uplifting and refreshing tea blend. *Yields 20 oz.

You can store Bath Salts and Teas in simple Ball Mason Jars, or any interesting jar you find.  Hot glue pretty paper onto the jar for a label, tie a ribbon around the top, and you have a beautiful homemade gift for family and friends.  While you're at it, go ahead and make one for yourself too. 

Let your gifts come from the heart this holiday season.  You and your family will truly feel the benefits in body, mind, and spirit.