Mens All Natural Bath and Body Products Using Essential Oils

I was at a loss for ideas for the men on my Christmas list so I started to dabble in essential oil ideas. I tried out a few things and had my husband test them to see if he approved. Below is what I came up with in a pinch. Great for gifts for Birthdays or Fathers Day too! 

Merry Christmas & Enjoy!

1. #2 Spray, Stink away, Poo-pourri or Stink no more spray. 

A spray made up of essential oils that you spray into the toilet bowl before you go, it will trap the smell in the water and there will be no stink. My husband really went to town with this one... he ended up coming up with personalized names for each person he was gifting it to.

In a 2 ounce glass bottle combine:

2oz. Distilled water

3-4 drops glycerine
1/2 teapoon epson salts

20-30 drops of essential oils of choice (see list below for ideas)

Shake well.

Have fun with it & Make up some fun labels.

2. Men's Muscle Bath

 
Using the benefits of magnesium,baking soda and essential oils to help with soreness, fatigue and stress (and so much more!). 

1 cup epsom salts

1/2 cup baking soda

6-8 drops essential oils, I used 4-6 lemongrass and 2-3 cedar wood (or other oils based on your preference)

3. Men's Foaming Shaving Gel 

This has a nice lather and great smell. My husband gave this one a thumbs up.

1/2 cup aloe gel (I have this kind)
1/2 cup liquid castile soap (I use this kind)
2 Tablespoon Almond oil (I used my calendula infused)
A few drops of vegetable glycerin
4 capsules or about 1/2 tsp vitamin E
10-15 drops essential oils (I used 8 of Cedarwood, 8 Lavender and 4 Lemon)

Put in a 10 ounce or larger foaming soap container. 

4. Men's Super Magnesium Oil 


Magnesium oil is a great way to get more magnesium, adding essential oils can give you more benefits. Spray the magnesium oil on your body after you get out of the shower. Let it absorb into your skin a few minutes before getting dressed. The fist time you use it you may notice a tingle or itchy sensation. This will subside the more it is used. Start with a few sprays and work your way up to 10-15 sprays a day.

For a 16 ounce spray bottle or larger. Boil 1 cup water and 1 cup magnesium flakes (like this) until flakes are dissolved completely. Let cool. Pour into spray bottle. Add 8 drops Valor essential oil and shake well (see list below for other essential oil ideas)

Essential oils to try with your guys: this is not an all inclusive list and everyone had different likes/dislikes but here is what I have found to be popular with the men I know. Please note if you are using any citrus oils you should use glass bottles or containers as the citrus will eat away at plastic. Also citrus oils can increase sun sensitivity and should be avoided when you will be in the sun or exposed to UV rays.

Cedar wood

Citrus Fresh

Lemon, Orange, Tangerine or any citrus oil

Lemon grass

Idaho balsam fir

Ginger

Vanilla

Vetiver

Sandalwood
Evergreen Essenece

Cypress
Pine
Shutran

Looking for more ideas? You can view moer projects here:
Five New Fabulous Christmas Gifts you can Make with Essential Oils
Five more DIY gifts for Christmas using Essential Oils
5 Easy DIY Christmas Gifts with Essential Oils


New to essential oils? Check out my post on how to buy oils and learn more!

Blessings!

If you enjoyed this post, I’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to a friend, or sharing it on Google+, Twitter or Facebook.

Hot oil infusion using calendula

Two weeks until Christmas and I am preparing to bake cookies. Gathering supplies and realize I need to get my cookie rack which is covered in calendula. Ugh, I need to finish my calendula! I had picked it from my garden in the fall and left it on the drying rack in the storage room. Promptly forgotten.

This was my first year growing calendula and it was super easy! Not only does it deter pests from your garden but it is also medicinal. I will certainly be adding this every year.

What is calendula?

It is a plant where the flower (and other parts) can be used to make medicine. It is part of the marigold family but not the same as the ornamental marigolds you find at the local flower mart.

It can be used for multiple things....best known for skin benefits. It can relieve dryness or chapping, diaper rashes, minor wounds and cuts, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, or other skin problems. It has anti-fungal (think yeast infection, athletes foot), anti-inflammatory (swelling from injury, sprained muscles and bruises), antiseptic and anti-microbial properties (healing of cuts, bug bites, acne).

How to make a hot oil infusion:

It is super easy to make an oil infusion. There are two methods- cold and hot. Cold is preferred but due to time constraints I needed to make a hot infusion so I could use some of my calendula oil in gifts I was making.

I filled a mason jar with calendula and then added sweet almond oil to cover the flowers plus about one inch above. I then poured it into my crock pot on warm. I left if for the afternoon (3-4 hours) then turned it off. I did not have time to filter it the first day so I left it to cool until the next day then began the filtering process.

I used a large funnel and a coffee filter. I placed it where I could leave it for several hours to allow the slow drip process to happen without preying hands or sniffy animals. (both trouble makers in my house) Once done I put a lid on the jar, labeled it and put it in a dark cupboard for when its time to make my next creation using sweet almond oil, this time with the added benefit of calendula infused!

Here is my calendula dry on the rack.

It was so dry it was very easy to remove the petals.

Here is my harvest. Isn't it pretty?

 Here you see the sweet almond oil and the calendula in my crock pot on warm.

I used a coffee filter and large funnel to let the oil slowly filter through.

 I left it to drip for several hours to get the most I could out of it. Beautiful golden color.

The oil will keep for a long time but it is best practice to try to use it up in a year. So keep planting!!

Blessings!

If you enjoyed this post, I’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to a friend, or sharing it on Google+, Twitter or Facebook.

Essential Oils- getting signed up and joining the Lemon Droppers!

What is all the hype about?

What are essential oils? How do they work?

Why would I choose Young Living?

How should I start?

Lets discuss this a little....

What are essential oils? How do they work?
The Essential Oils Pocket Reference (5th edition) is a handy tool for learning more about the chemistry of the oils and finding out how essential oils can work for you by looking up the oil, or the ailment. This excerpt is taken out of the first chapter to describe essential oils a little more to you:

"Essential oils and plant extracts have been woven into history since the beginning of time and are considered by many to be the missing link in modern medicine. They have been used medicinally to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses and to combat insect, bug, and snake bites in addition to treating all kinds of mysterious maladies. Oils and extracts stimulate tissue and nerve regeneration.”

"An essential oil is that aromatic, volatile liquid that is within many shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, and seeds and that is usually extracted through steam distillation.

The chemistry of an essential oil is very complex and may consist of hundreds of different and unique chemical compounds. Moreover, essential oils are highly concentrated and far more potent than dried herbs because of the distillation process that makes them so concentrated. It requires a large volume of plant material to produce small amounts of a distilled essential oil."
Here is a short 3 minute video to help explain....EO Video
Because EOs are composites of hundreds of different chemicals, they can exert many different effects on the body. For example:

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has a fresh, sweet, floral, herbaceous aroma that is soothing and refreshing. Because it is the most versatile of all essential oils, no home should be without it. Lavender is an adaptogen, and therefore can assist the body when adapting to stress or imbalances. It is a great aid for relaxing and winding down before bedtime, yet has balancing properties that can also boost stamina and energy. Therapeutic-grade lavender is highly regarded for skin and beauty. It may be used to soothe and cleanse common cuts, bruises, and skin irritations. The French scientist René Gattefossé was among the first to discover these properties when he was severely burned in a laboratory explosion. Lavender may also be used to enhance the flavor of foods.

Importantly, because of their complexity, EOs do not disturb the body's natural balance or homeostasis; if one constituent exerts too strong an effect, another constituent may block or counteract it. Synthetic chemicals, in contrast, usually have only one action and often disrupt the body's hormones.

Why Young Living?

Most essential oil companies don’t even distill their own oils which is the most important part of the process to ensure the medicinal qualities of the oils is not lost. Young Living is the world leader in cultivating, distilling and producing therapeutic grade essential oils. They are the ONLY essential oil company in existence that does every part of the process themselves. Because they have complete quality control YL can 100% guarantee that their oils are pure. This is Young Living’s Seed to Seal guarantee. You can also watch this Seed to Seal Video

How should I start?
If you are ready to jump in and try the oils – this is what you need. The Premium Starter Kit is the best, most economical way to get your oils. It comes with the Premium Oils Collection – the 10 most popular oils, a diffuser (which has totally changed my life), and one additional oil – Citrus Fresh. It also comes with 12 sample packets and an AromaGlide Roller Fitment. All of this is only $160. If you were to purchase them all separately, it would be over $300.

It is one of the BEST purchases I have ever made. Absolutely no regrets! As a bonus if you are joining my team you are part of the Lemon Droppers!

I want to make sure you have some fabulous resources at your fingertips. Lemon Droppers have some AMAZING resources, if I do say so myself….

1) Lemon Aid Library- This is an exclusive Facebook group, which is a fabulous community to learn more about how others are using their oils. Once you become a member, you will have access to this amazing resource and community of oilers.

2) I have a private facebook group where I share specials, tips and class information. Message me if you want to be in it!

3) I send each of my new team members a special gift to help get you started

4) I offer free monthly online classes to help you get familiar with each oils use along with recipes and ideas

5) I offer monthly in person classes to introduce you further into the uses of essential oils, including make and takes.

6) I have this blog where I share my journey with essential oils among other things in life. Join me on this journey!

Are you ready?
It is super easy just click on the link below...
Sign up for Young Living Starter Kit Here

DIY baby wipes with no yucky stuff!

There are tons of resources out there on how to make baby wipes. It is important to note why you are making them. Is it just to save money or is it to save money and save the health of your family? If you just want to save money you can find recipes that still use toxic ingredients however that is not what I sough out to do when I started my research.

I have tried a few different versions and this is one I like best.

I found ziplock containers that work well. They sell the 7 cup in a 2 pack which is perfect since you cut your paper towel roll in half! It will be slightly larger when you cut it but don't worry, you can squish it in.

I use the select-a-size type roll of paper towels as I like the nice squares when you cut the roll in half. Use a sharp knife to cut. I have found if you only cut in the downward direction you can avoid ripping it to shreds. You can leave the tube in or remove it... Pictured here you see it removed.

I mix all my ingredients right in the container. Once mixed well, add the paper towel roll.

Once your 1/2 of a paper towel roll is in the container, put the top on... then squish! (Sometimes it helps to get it on the floor so you can get above it.) After the top is secure I then leave it upside down for several hours to let the mixture seep into the entire roll. When you are ready- just pop the top. (If you have not removed the cardboard tube now is the time.) Then you will take the wipe from the center of the roll. Enjoy!

I use these for baby wipes, face wipes, you name it. You can keep some in your car or put a bunch in a ziplock to carry with you. Costs less than 75 cents to make an entire tub. I made them for a year before having to buy any replacement ingredients (beyond papertowels). I have been using the same tubs for over 2 1/2 years.

Here are the ingredients I use: (affiliate links included)
1 3/4 cup boiled water- allow to cool
2 tablespoons sweet almond oil like this
2 tablespoons Dr Bronners baby mild liquid castile soap-unscented like this
1 tablespoon witch hazel like this one
1 tablespoon aloe vera gel like this
1 teaspoon or liquid from 2-4 capsules of vitamin E like this
15-20 drops of Young Living Lavender essential oils (optional) Looking for more information about why to choose or how to buy Young Living Oils?

Blessings!

If you enjoyed this post, I’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to a friend, or sharing it on Google+, Twitter or Facebook.

5 Easy DIY Christmas Gifts with Essential Oils

I love giving homemade gifts. Below you will find how to make five natural gifts with essential oils. These are such wonderful gifts to give and so easy to make! We made these gifts at a make and take party recently and they were really easy and fun! Enjoy!

Tropical Bath Salt Trio:

The first is bath salts. To make them festive package them in clear Christmas ornaments. The ornaments I show here hold about 1/2 cup Epson salt. I used a funnel to get the salt in and then added essential oil. I was going with a Tropical Holiday Theme so I choose 3 different tropical scented oils. You can choose scents that you want to use to make your theme such as Peace and Calming, Lavender or Peppermint. Place them in a cookie box and tie with raffia. Super easy and cute!

1.        Remove tops from  3 clear ornaments

2.        With funnel add Epson salt- about 1/2 cup each

3.        Drop 3 drops of Jade Lemon oil into first ornament, add top and label = Invigorate

4.        Drop 3 drops of Tangerine oil into second ornament, add top and label = Uplift

5.        Drop 3 drops of Citrus Fresh oil into third ornament, add top and label = Relax

6.        Place 3 ornaments into box, wrap with raffia and tag

Silent Night Pillow Mist

The second is a linen spray. I chose to use lavender and continuing with the Christmas theme I called it Silent Night Pillow Mist. I used a 2 ounce glass bottle. I paired it with a sleep mask, we bagged and tagged- what a cute gift!

1.   Fill about 1/2 way or 1 oz. with Vodka

2.   Add 1 oz. distilled water

3.   Add 2-3 drops vegetable glycerine

4.   Add 15 drops Lavender Essential Oil

5.   Screw top on and add label

Candy Cane Sugar Scrub

Sugar scrubs are so easy. I used 4 oz. mason jars and added cute labels to the top. You can make a nice nail kit by wrapping the jar with nail polish, buffer, file & cuticle pusher.

1.      Pour 1/3 cup sugar into jar

2.      Add 2 1/2 Tablespoons grapeseed oil (you can also use olive, almond, coconut)

3.      Add 1 capsule of vitamin E or a few drops (cut open and squeeze liquid into jar)

4.      Mix carefully

5.      Add 3-4 drops peppermint essential oil

6.      Mix well, careful not to spill

7.      Add lid with label

Joy to the World Roll On:

Making a roll on perfume is easy. Here is one I called Joy to the World- which is a great romantic perfume with a luxuriously exotic scent which also has benefits to revitalize, uplift, and bring joy to the wearer!

1.  Remove top and roller

2.  Add 10 drops of Joy & 10 drops of Lemon

3.  Add Sweet Almond Oil - about 80% full*

      *need room to snap in roll-on

4.  Snap roll-on top onto bottle

5.  Screw on lid

6.  Add Sticker, Bow and Tag as desired

Peppermint Brownie In a Jar:

This is a great gift for the foodies in your life or those who love sweets. Making a simple jar recipe- while adding essential oils makes them extra special and unique. These are great paired with some kitchen items like a hot pad or mixing spoon.

Place ingredients in jar one at time, pressing down as you go. 

Screw on lid and add a fabric cover or label with a bow if desired

Jar contents:

·         1 cup flour

·         1 teaspoon salt

·         1 teaspoon baking powder

·         1/2 cup dark cocoa powder

·         3/4 cup brown sugar

·         1 cup white sugar mixed with 7 drops Young Living Peppermint Essential Oil (mix in separate bowl prior to placing in jar)

·         1 1/2  cup semi-sweet or various chocolate chips

Instructions for tag:

1.      Pour the contents of the jar in a mixing bowl and whisk with one teaspoon vanilla extract, 2/3 cup oil and four eggs.

2.      Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes in a greased 13 X 9 glass baking dish. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Merry Christmas!!

Looking for more ideas? You can view more projects here:

Five New Fabulous Christmas Gifts you can Make with Essential Oils

Five more DIY gifts for Christmas using Essential Oils

Mens All Natural Bath and Body Products Using Essential Oils

If you enjoyed this post, I’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to a friend, or sharing it on Google+, Twitter or Facebook.