Revitalizing Bath Blend - Bath Blend of the Month

This lemony bath combination will soothe and relax, while revitalizing muscles and energy.  And being the summit of harvesting, you can use fresh herbs too.  See below for a single batch using fresh herbs.

Revitalizing Bath Blend 

• ½ cup lavender flowers
• ¼ cup lemon verbena
• ¼ cup lemon balm (You can substitute ½ cup of one or the other)
• ½ cup lemon or orange peel
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 6 drops lemon grass essential oil 

Combine all herbs in a plastic bowl. Add oils by the drop and stir with a plastic spoon or spatula (not with your hands.) Allow to meld for an hour and then place about ¼ cup in a cotton muslin bag or heat-sealed tea bag.

TO USE: allow bath bag to steep in hot bath water for 3 to 5 minutes before bathing.

Fresh Herb Version (makes 1 bath)

• 2 Tbls fresh or dried lavender buds
• 2 Tbls fresh lemon verbena leaves, crushed
• 2 Tbls lemon balm leaves, torn
• 2 Tbls frsh lemon zest
• 6 drops of matching essential oils, if desired

Nail Whitener - Bath Blend of the Month

 I wear gloves when I garden, but the soil gets into the gloves and under my nails and as a result can still discolor my nails.  I also wear a brownish red nail polish in the summer to cover the staining under my nails which can also result in nail discoloration.  I found this recipe in an article from 2012 in the Herb Companion (Mother Earth Living) by Janice Cox author of Natural Beauty at Home, for a nail lightener that will fade this discoloration overtime, so by summer end I can get my nails looking like new again.

Nail Whitener

• 2 Tbls. orange flower water
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

Mix ingredients together and pour into a clean container.

TO USE: With a clean cotton swab or cotton ball, apply to clean dry nails and allow to dry. Repeat 2 or 3 times.  This can be done every couple of days until your nails are back to thier natural color.  Make sure you moisturize your hands and cuticles, as lemon juice can be drying. Try out this cuticle balm.

Citrus Dry Perfume - Bath Blend of the Month

Summer fresh scent to use instead of perfume to scent skin and hair.

Citrus Dry Perfume

• 1 teaspoon orris root powder
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 Tablespoon finely powdered dry orange peel
• 1 teaspoon finely powdered dry lemon peel
• 2 drops lemon essential oil
• 2 drops begamot essential oil

Mix together all the ingredients.  Place items in a food processor, blender or coffee grinder and process until you havve a smooth, fine powder.  Place the perfume in a clean container with a tight fitting lid.

TO USE: Rub a small amount of this scented powder on your skin where you would apply perfume or cologne.

Lemon Hair Spray - Bath Blend of the Month

 A gentle hair spray without flamible chemicals is hard to be found, but this quick to make item can add body to long tresses, keep a hairstyle in check and can be used as a setting lotion or hold hair in place after styling.

Be aware the oil from the lemon peel used to make this can lighten some hair types, especially if you spend a large amount of time in the sun.

Lemon Hair Spray

• Zest of 1 full lemon
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 Tbls witch hazel liquid (available in the skin care aisle)

Place lemon zest in a ceramic container and pour boiling water over it. Let sit for several hours, or even overnight.  Strain out the zest and sitr the witch hazel into the liquid. Pour result into a spray bottle.

TO USE: Before or after styling your hair, spray a small amount onto your hair to add body and hold the style.

Spring Cleaning -- Bath Blend of the Month

Here are two recipes to clean the shower that can give you a sparkly clean shower and bath so you can enjoy your bath blends.

My hubby uses bar soap to wash, which leaves tremendous amounts of residue in the bathtub and shower walls.  He loves to spray a shower spray as he gets out of the shower to stop the possible build up and it works very well to cut down the number of times we have to scrub clean the shower.

Get your shower and bath spring cleaned and enjoy the bath blend we share next month!

So here are the two items we use:

Shower Spray

• 1 tsp liquid dawn or castile soap
  
• 1 T jet dry / Finish
• ½ cup hydrogen peroxide
• ½ cup rubbing alcohol
• (the rest) 3 cups water

Add active ingredients, then add water to fill a 32 ounce spray bottle.

To USE: Spray the shower after each use and spray water on the walls the next time you get in to cut down on the build up of soap scum on the walls, shower doors and shower curtains.

Shower Cleaner

• 1 cup dawn or liquid castile soap
• The rest white vinegar

Fill a 32-ounce spray bottle.  Shake well to combine.

To USE: Spray on shower let sit 30 min and rinse away. If the surface is super dirty, get a scrub brush or scrubber on a stick and scrub the walls after you spray them, then re-spray wait 30 minutes and rinse.  Repeat as needed.

Stimulating Tub Tea - Bath Blend of the Month

This blend is perfect for energizing in the before spring doldrums.  It has lavender and lemon verbena as well as citrus peel.

The lavender is balancing and will rejuvenate when combined with citrus scents. With lemon verbena the scent is relaxing and the effect is anti-bacterial.  Add to that the antibacterial and anti-viral properties of the citrus peel and you have a blend that will stimulate as well as heal. And the lemongrass essential oil is a great germ-fighter.

Stimulating Bathtub Tea

• ½ cup lavender flower buds
• ½ cup lemon verbena (or lemon balm) leaves
• ½ cup chopped lemon or orange peel
• 10 drop lavender essential oil
• 6 drops lemongrass essential oil

Mix well in a large bowl.  Add essential oil.  Place ¼ cup of mixture into a cotton sachet or the center of a wash cloth and tie shut. 

To Use: Place sachet in hot bath water for 3 to 5 minutes before sliding in to enjoy the bath.

 

 

Green Lavender Bath Soak - Bath Blend of the Month

This lovely bath soak features lavender leaves and other fresh green herbs from your garden, such as mint, rosemary, sage, thyme, or plantain.

Green Lavender Bath Soak 

Blend equal parts of fresh chopped green herbs in any combination you want, and Epsom salt in a mini food processor.

Spread the green colored salt over a sheet of wax paper and allow to air dry for a day or two, then crumble or re-blend the mix to an even texture.

If desired, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda, to help soften the water, and a few drops of lavender essential oil, for scent.

Add a half batch, or the whole amount, into a comfortably warm bath while the water is running.

For easier cleanup, pour the bath soak into a muslin tea bag or old sock before adding to the tub.

Zap out Muscle Aches - Bath Blend of the Month

Zap Out Muscle Aches

No hot water bottle or heating pad handy? Try moistening a thick hand towel, or modest-size bath towel, folding it, then heating it in a microwave oven for about I minute and 30 seconds. Check to make sure it's not too hot, then press this "moist heat" pad on aching muscles. When it cools down, reheat for about 30 seconds. Use a face towel for smaller aches.

If you have an old clean sock and a few herbs and rice, you can make something herby to use in the mircowave as well. Here is a blend you can create, place in a sock (or if you are sewing inclined, create a small fabirc pillow,) and warm up to place on sore muscles and joints.

Zap out Muscle Mixture

Take a clean, heavyweight sock such as a cotton tube sock. 

4-5 cups of raw rice

1/4 cup lavender buds

1/8 cup chopped ginger

1 Tbls Valerian root

Fill the sock about 1/2 full with rice and add the herbs and spices.  Tie a knot in the top of the sock or wrap string around it and tie firmly. Massage the sock to distribute the herbs.

To Use: Warm in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, until it's the right temperature. It's a heating pad that will fit against sore muscles, especially sore necks. Take care not to get it wet.

Moonlit Comfort Soak - Bath Blend of the Month

Here's a calming, nurturing Cancer Zodiac Bath Blend that reflects Cancer’s deep emotional sensitivity, love of comfort, and connection to water. Cancer is ruled by the Moon, which governs tides, intuition, and the home—so this bath soak is all about soothing the senses and creating a cocoon of self-care.

♋ Cancer Zodiac Bath Blend

Moonlit Comfort Soak

For emotional balance, relaxation, and heart-centered restoration

• 1/4 cup chamomile flowers (calming, soothing for skin and spirit)
• 1/4 cup lemon balm (uplifting and gentle; helps ease anxiety)
• 2 Tbsp rose petals (emotional heart support, self-love)
• 1 Tbsp lavender buds (relaxing and comforting)
• 1/4 cup Epsom salt (muscle-relaxing and energetically grounding)
• 1/4 cup sea salt (cleansing and detoxifying)
• Optional: 3–5 drops chamomile or rose essential oil, added just before bath time (never directly to dry herbs for long-term storage)

Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Store in an airtight jar. 

To Use: For each bath, scoop about 1/2 cup of the blend into a muslin bag, tea infuser, or directly into the tub (if you're okay with a bit of floating flora). Fill your tub with warm water, add the herbal blend, and let it steep for a few minutes before getting in. Soak for at least 20 minutes, ideally with candlelight or moonlight for the full Cancer effect.

Tip for Cancer Energy:

For extra comfort, pair your soak with soft music, a cup of warm tea made with Backyard Patch Cancer Herb Blend, and journaling or meditation to honor the nurturing, intuitive self.

Gemini Zodiac Bath Blend - Bath Blend of the Month

Gemini is an Air sign ruled by Mercury, associated with communication, curiosity, and a light, energetic spirit. A bath blend for Gemini should be mentally refreshing, gently uplifting, and soothing to help ground their often-busy minds.

♊ Gemini Zodiac Bath Blend

Purpose: To refresh the mind, relax the body, and bring clarity and calm to Gemini's energetic spirit.

• 2 Tbsp Gemini Zodiac Herb Blend
  (Includes herbs lemon balm, lavender, dill, marjoram, and licorice root—aromatic, stimulating, and clarifying.)

• 1/4 cup Epsom salts
  (Relieves muscle tension and supports magnesium levels for relaxation.)

• 2 Tbsp baking soda
  (Softens water and soothes the skin.)

• 1 Tbsp dried chamomile flowers (optional)
  (To calm the nerves and enhance the soothing element.)

• 10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
  (Balances Gemini’s energy and promotes peaceful thoughts.)

• Muslin bag or reusable tea sachet

Directions:

Combine the Gemini Zodiac Blend, Epsom salts, baking soda, and (if using) chamomile in a bowl. Add essential oil drops and mix well. Spoon 3 Tablspoons of mixture into a muslin bag or sachet. Store remaining in a tightly lidded jar. 

To Use: Hang the bag under the faucet as you fill the tub with warm water, allowing the herbs to steep and release their fragrance. Soak for 20–30 minutes. Breathe deeply, relax, and let your thoughts float like the air sign you are.

Aroma Balm Solid Perfume - Bath Blend of the Month

This is a wonderful item to make for yourself or as a gift. The essential oils in the blend give an aroma that help with anxiety, stress, and tension. If you are making only a couple for yourself, cut the recipe down to ¼ the original size. For the full recipe, you need 12 to 14 round 1-ounce tins or heat resistant jars to pour the liquid into.  It is best to warm the base ingredients in a double boiler or a bowl over water, rather than directly on the stove.

Base --

• 1 ½ cup almond oil
  
• ½ cup grapeseed oil
• 1 tsp vitamin E oil
• ½ cup beeswax pastilles or grated beeswax

Essential oil blend –

• 20 drops clary sage
• 20 drop sweet marjoram
• 20 drop vetiver
• 10 drop juniper
• 10 drop lavender

Directions:

Mix essential oils together in a glass bottle and roll between the palms of your hands to combine.  Set aside.

Using a double boiler, gently warm carrier oils over medium heat.  Add the beeswax and stir together until completely melted to liquid, but do not boil.  Remove from heat and immediately pour into 1 oz, containers.  Drop 6 drops of essential oil blend into each tin and screw lids on tight.  Makes 14.

Taurus Zodiac Blend - Bath Blend of the Month

On May 20, 2025 we will be launching a new line of herb seasoning blends with a blend for each sign of the zodiac.  Because we are in the middle of the time for Taurus, we decided to share a bit about this one blend that will be part of the series. (SEE BOTTOM FOR DETALS)

Zodiac Herb Blends: Spotlight on Taurus

Taurus season (April 20 – May 20) is a time of grounded energy, indulgence, and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. As an earth sign ruled by Venus, Taurus is drawn to comfort, beauty, and stability. In our Zodiac Herb Blend for Taurus, we’ve captured these qualities using a selection of herbs that align with the sign’s essence: mint, lavender, thyme, and basil.

The Taurus Herb Blend: A Harmony of Earthy Comfort

Each herb in this blend is chosen for its connection to Taurus’s traits—soothing, nourishing, and enhancing both relaxation and enjoyment. Let’s take a closer look at how each herb plays a role in supporting Taurus energy:

• Mint – Refreshing and invigorating, mint represents Taurus’s steady but sensual nature. It soothes digestion and promotes mental clarity, helping Taurus balance their love for indulgence with well-being.

• Lavender – Known for its calming and restorative properties, lavender is the perfect match for Taurus’s need for relaxation and tranquility. It promotes restful sleep and a sense of inner peace.

• Thyme – A grounding and protective herb, thyme embodies Taurus’s resilience and reliability. It supports respiratory health and adds warmth and depth to any dish or tea blend.

• Basil – Symbolizing prosperity and abundance, basil enhances Taurus’s love of luxury and good food. It’s uplifting and adds a fresh, aromatic quality to this blend.

  

Ways to Use the Taurus Blend

Taurus thrives on sensory experiences, so this blend is designed to be as versatile as the sign itself! Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• Aromatic Bath Soak: Add 2 Tbls of the Taurus Zodiac Blend to a muslin bag and let it steep in warm bathwater for a luxurious, stress-relieving soak.

Substitution: Combine equal amounts of mint, lavender, basil and thyme to create a bath sachet.

To Use: Place sachet under the faucet and fill the bath with warm water.  Use the bag as a scrubber to exfoliate and reguvinate the skin. If using in the shower, add a few small pieces of soap in the bag and rub until it lathers.

• Taurus Tea Ritual: Brew a soothing cup by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of the Taurus Zodiac blend in hot water for 5-7 minutes. The combination of mint and lavender will relax the body, while thyme and basil provide a comforting earthiness.

• Culinary Indulgence: Sprinkle the Taurus Zodiac blend over roasted vegetables, stir into soups, or infuse it into olive oil for a delicious Taurus-approved drizzle.

• Homemade Herbal Sachets: Place a couple Tablespoons the Taurus Zodiac blend in small cloth pouches to tuck into drawers or under pillows for a gentle, relaxing aroma.

Embracing Taurus Energy with Herbs

Taurus season invites us to slow down, savor the moment, and surround ourselves with things that bring comfort and joy. Whether you're a Taurus yourself or simply want to channel some of this earth sign’s steady, sensual energy, incorporating these herbs into your daily life can help cultivate a sense of peace, pleasure, and well-being.

♉Starting May 20, you can pick up the blends in person at the Lombard Farmer's Markets or preorder on our website beginning today.

Spring to Summer Muscle Massage OIl - Bath Blend of the Month

I don't know about you, but even though the days are warmer and I can garden (almost) I tend to get achy. I don't drink enough water, the house is dry, my exercise falls off because it is wet outdoors.  This is the time of swollen ankles and sore muscles.  So I whip up this massage oil.  I can smooth it into my legs and have the hubby do my shoulders. The oils help rehydrate my skin and the essential oils work on the aches.

Spring to Summer Massage Oil

This relaxing massage oil increases circulation and helps the body eliminate lactic acid and other metabolic byproducts for instant muscle pain relief. Essential oils provide deep relaxation and help alleviate pain.

• 3 ounces almond oil
• 1 ounce jojoba oil
• 10 drops birch essential oil
• 20 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil

1. Mix ingredients together and store in a tightly capped glass bottle.
2. Use as desired for massage, keeping away from the eyes and mucous membranes.

Spring Awakening Bath Soak Recipe - Bath Blend of the Month

Benefits of Ingredients in this simple bath sachet:

Peppermint:

Peppermint is known for its invigorating and refreshing properties. It can help to relieve headaches, reduce muscle pain, and improve mental clarity. The cooling sensation it provides is perfect for awakening the senses.

Eucalyptus:

Eucalyptus has powerful anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties. It's excellent for soothing sore muscles, easing respiratory issues, and providing a sense of calm. The aromatic fragrance helps to clear the mind and revitalize the spirit.

Lemon Balm:

Lemon balm is celebrated for its calming and uplifting effects. It can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and promote a sense of well-being. The gentle citrus aroma adds a delightful freshness, making it ideal for a spring-themed soak.

Embrace the energy of the new season and rejuvenate your spirit with this refreshing and revitalizing bath blend.

Spring Awakenings Bath Soak  

1 cup of dried peppermint leaves 

1 cup of dried eucalyptus leaves  

1/2 cup of dried lemon balm 

10 drops of peppermint essential oil

10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

Directions:

Mix the dried peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemon balm in a bowl.  Add the essential oils to the dried mix, and blend thoroughly. Store in a jar with a tight fitting lid.

·      TO USE: Fill muslin bags or rounds of cheesecloth with 2 to 4 TBLS of the mixture and tie securely. Place a bag in your warm bath water and let it steep for a few minutes before entering the tub. Relax and enjoy!

Rose Petal Relaxation Bath - Bath Blend of the Month

Give yourself some love this Valentine’s Day with this soothing, heart-opening bath for self-love and relaxation.

Rose Petal Relaxation Bath: Love Yourself This Valentine’s

• 1 cup Epsom salt
• ½ cup dried rose petals
• 2 tbsp baking soda
• 3 drops rose geranium or rose absolute essential oil.

Combine ingredients in a jar and shake well to blend.  

To Use: Add ¼ cup to warm bathwater swirl to dissolve salts, slip in and relax with a mug of rosehip tea.

NOTE: If you do not want to clean rose petals from the tub, wrap the salts in a wash cloth or place in a muslin bag. 

Bath or Shower Ball - Bath Blend of the Month

This quick blend is a nice combination of sweet scents for relaxation as well as soothing herbs for skin.  Use it in a tea ball or muslin bag and enjoy as a soak in the bath or as a rub in the shower.

Bath Tea Ball

1/3 cup rosemary

1/3 cup rose petals

1/3 cup lavender buds

Combine dry herbs into a jar with a tight fitting lid and shake well. Scoop 1 to 2 Tablespoons in a tea ball for the bath or in a cotton muslin bag for the shower.

TO USE: Add 1 to 2 Tbls to a tea ball and hang under the tap while filling the bathtub.  Or add 1 to 2 Tbls to a muslin bag and hang from the shower head while letting water warm.  Then use the bag to scrub skin while showering to enrich skin with the herbal benefits.

Quick Lip or Cuticle Balm - Bath Blend of the Month

This quick and easy balm can be used on lips or cuticles and is simple to make with three ingredients and a microwave.  It is a perfect last minute gift or a way to pamper yourself in this hectic season.

Lip or Cuticle Balm

5 Tble coconut oil

3 Tbls beeswax, grated

12 drops essential oil your choice of scent

Place coconut oil and beeswax in a glass bowl and microwave on high in 30 second intervals, stirring in between.  Add essential oil to melted mixture and stir well. Pour liquid into a two ounce tin and allow to cool.

To USE: spread by finger on lips or cuticles to avoid and repair dryness.

 

Rose and Lemon Verbena Bathroom Potpourri - Bath Blend of the Month

As we get into the entertaining season we may want to bolster the scents in the bathroom with something refreshing and yet not cloying.  This blend of herbs and flowers with seasonal spices will give off a pleasant scent.  You can place it in a quart jar with a string of lights or just place in a lidded jar with openings to let the scent cloak the room in fresh herbal smells.

Rose and Lemon Verbena Jar Potpourri

3 broken cinnamon sticks

1/4 cup statice flowers

1/4 cup rose petals

1/4 cup lemon verbena leaves

1/4 cup whole cloves

1/4 cup orchid flowers (optional or substitute lavender buds)

5 to 10 drop rose geranium or rose absolute oil

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.  Pour into a quart canning jar allowing lots of air space.  If you want added fun place a string of white lights in the jar first and pour the potpourri around it.  Plug the lights in and this will accelerate the release of scent.  Or just place an open lid on the jar or a circle of fabric at the top and allow to infuse with the air naturally. Place on the back of the toilet or on a shelf in the bathroom for colorful scented decor.

Rose and Herb Bath Tablets - Bath Blend of the Month

Time for another Bath Blend of the Month.  This recipe also makes a great gift.  You can choose any herbs you want to make the recipe, but I suggest roses or a combination with roses because these help soften and and soothe skin, especially if you have been outside in fall or winter wind.

Honey, the main ingredient in these tablets is a humectant meaning it brings moisture to the skin. So enjoy a calming and relaxing bath and rejuvenate your skin as well. 

Honey Bath Tablets

1/2 cups fine grain see salt

1 Tbls white clay

1/2 Tbls dried herb (I suggest either dried rose petals, or a combination of roses, rosemary and lavender)

1/2 cup pure honey

Combine class, herbs and sea salt in a bowl.  Warm honey to 300 degrees use a thermometer to be sure. Pour hot honey over mixture in bowl and stir to combine. Spoon into candy molds, pressing down with back of spoon. Cool completely. Unmold onto plastic wrap.  Individually wrap the tables and store in an air tight container. (makes 6 to 8 Tablets.)

TO USE: Place one tablet in your bath as you are filling to tub and allow to dissolve.  Slip in and unjoy with a cup of tea sweetened with honey.

Lavender Body Butter - Bath Blend of the Month

Getting rough patches on your elbows, knees and heels from the summer activities?  This is the recipe for you. This smoothing and soothing body butter is packed with oils to nourish and fortify your skin.

Lavender Body Butter

1/4 cup cocoa butter

2 Tbls sunflower oil

1 Tbls coconut oil

1 Tbls flaxseed oil

2 Tbls grated beeswax

1 tsp vitamin E oil

5 to 6 drop 100%  lavender essential oil

Combine all the ingredients in a double boiler (or in a bowl over a saucepan of boiling water), except the essential oil and heat gently until melted. Stir well, then remove from heat and stir in lavender essential oil.  Pour the mixture into clean containers. I recommend 4-ounce mason jars.  Allow to cool. You can pop into a refrigerator to speed up the cooling process.

TO USE: Massage into your skin, especially rough spots, like elbows, heels and knees.