Sweet Sleep Tea - Tea Blend of the Month

I have had several people asking me about sleep teas and although I have several, I went looking for some recipes from other sources as base for some new ideas.  I found this great recipe from Tina Sams in her book “Living with Lavender.”

Tina experiences the same problem I do which is the inability to stay asleep or getting back to sleep after waking up. She is the one who turned me onto Holy Basil (Tulsi) to help control that. This recipe has a wonderful combination of relaxing herbs and stress reducing herbs that can also help one to sleep.

For more information on Tina and her many herb books and publications, check out her website www.EssentialHerbal.com

Sweet Sleep Herbs

• 1 Tbls lemon balm
• 1 Tbls chamomile
• 1 Tbls passion flower (leaves, flowers and/or stems)
• 1 tsp hibiscus
• 1 tsp rose petals
• 1 tsp lavender buds

Chop the ingredients so they are a consistent size and mix together, storing in a tight sealing jar. 

TO USE: Place 1 tsp in  cup of boiling water and steep 10 to 15 minutes.  Sweeten with a bit of honey if needed.

Homemade Body Butter - Bath Blend of the Month

This will make a great gift, as well as a wonderful item for personal use during the drying winter months.  And your work will keep for up to 6 months.  That should last your through the winter. Like with all beauty items, you will have to weigh the ingredients to create the correct ratio. You will also need a hand mixer or an immersion blender.

Homemade Body Butter

• 6 oz Coconut Oil
  
• 2 oz Cocoa Butter
• 2 oz Essential Oil of Choice
• Food Coloring (Optional)

Directions:

Clean your container in warm soapy water and allow to dry. While your container is drying melt both your coconut oil and cocoa butter. You can melt them over a double boiler, or in a microwave safe bowl in the microwave in 20 second bursts, stirring in between each burst.

Once the oil and butter have melted, place them in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes. Do not place in freezer. Once the oils and butter are opaque, using a stand or hand mixer or an immersion blender and beat on high for 4-5 minutes.

The mixture should become thick and creamy. If after 5 minutes of beating it doesn’t become thick, refrigerate for 5 more minutes and beat again.

Once the oils become creamy, refrigerate for 5 more minutes. After 5 minutes, add in your essential oil and food coloring and beat until well incorporated.

Once stiff peaks form, spoon into your clean container and seal. Will last up to 6 months in an airtight container.