Natural Remedy for Migraines/Headaches

In aromatherapy the top five essential oils that help a migraine or headache are peppermint, sandalwood, lavender, eucalyptus and rosemary. I like to blend all five oils to create a magical concoction that I can rub on my temples to relax my nerves and at the same time breathe in the relaxing aroma. Keep in mind, if you have skin sensitivity you may not want to rub directly on your skin. You can drop some of the blended oil in a bath so that it's slightly diluted.

Blend 12 drops of each essential oil and 1 tbsp of unscented massage oil (jojoba oil, olive oil, etc.) in a dark blue or dark brown bottle. Store the bottles of oil away from heat, moisture, and light as this can degrade the oil. Keep the bottles tightly closed when not in use to keep freshness.

Happy relaxing!

A Little Candle Magic

Candle Rituals have been around for centuries. Do you remember your first candle ritual when you had your birthday? The candles were lit and you were told to close your eyes, make a wish and blow out the candles. Well, candle spells are very similar. You light the candles, maybe close your eyes while visualizing what you wish for! It is a combination of the need or desire, and the ability to visualize the outcome. You must truly believe and visualize though. Certain colors correspond to certain desires.

I'm going to burn a green candle for prosperity and visualize my life full of abundance, perfect health, financial security and surrounded by loved ones! It's best to do this during the waxing moon (as the moon grows larger, so shall your desire for prosperity).

What do you wish for? ~

The Book of Wisdom

Have you ever thought of starting a book of things you just love and can't forget? Well the Aunt's had a great one in Practical Magic. It was the Book of Shadows (aka a book of their spells). Well why not do one with your special recipes or plants you don't want to forget the names of that are delicately pressed into the pages of the book? I have a book of recipes of lotions, soaps, bath bombs, and bath truffles that I want to keep when I used to make soap as a small side business (at work).

I think it would be wonderful to make one like this....

Oh! Does anyone know where I can get this sweater? I'm dying for one like it!

Chocolate ~ The Food of Wisdom and Power

~Chocolat ~

"George Rocher..was the young apothecary of the town of Aulus-Les-Bains. It was Anouk's favourite story. Always told in the same words. George was honest, prosperous and trusted by his customers. But George was not content. He felt there should be more to life than dispensing liver oil. In the spring of the Societe Pharmeceutique formed an expedition to Central America to study the medicinal properties of certain natural compounds. George was the expedition's most eager volunteer. But his adventure took a turn he did not expect. One night, he was invited to drink unrefined cacao with a pinch of chilli. The very same drink the ancient Maya used in their sacred ceremonies. The Maya believed cacao held the power to unlock hidden yearnings and reveal destinies. And so it was that George first saw Chitza. Now, George had been raised a good Catholic but in his romance with Chitza he was willing to slightly bend the rules of Christian courtship. The tribal elders tried to warn George about her. She was one of the wanderers. Her people moved with the North Wind from village to village dispensing ancient remedies never settling down. Not a good choice for a bride. George did not heed their warning and for a while, it seemed that he and Chitza might lead a happy life together in France. Alas, the clever North Wind had other plans. One morning, George awoke to discover that Chitza and the little girl Vianne had gone away. Mother and daughter were fated to wander from village to village dispensing ancient cacao remedies travelling with the wind. Just as Chitza's people had done for generations. Just as Chitza's people had done for generations."

So you see, Chocolate IS good for you. :)

And one day I'd like to open a Chocolaterie like Vianne. :)

From my favorite movie and story.

Go Natural for Easter!

This year I am going to try several techniques to dye my eggs and one of them is the natural way! Take a look at these beauties.

Here are the simple instructions:

1. Place the eggs in a single layer in a pan. Add water until the eggs are covered.
2. Add one teaspoon of vinegar.
3. Add the natural dye meaning the natural food you will be using to color the water. Use more dye material for more eggs or for a more intense color.
4. Bring water to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Let boil until desired color. If you want more intensely colored eggs, temporarily remove the eggs from the liquid. Strain the dye through a coffee filter (unless you want speckled eggs). Cover the eggs with the filtered dye and let them remain in the refrigerator overnight.

Here is just a small list of what kinds of foods you can use for dyes and what colors they will create and what the colors represent!

Lavender (Good luck and happiness):

Small Quantity of Purple Grape Juice, Violet Blossoms, plus 2 tsp Lemon Juice

Blue (Wisdom, patience, piece, calmness, communication)

Canned Blueberries, Red Cabbage Leaves (boiled), Purple Grape Juice

Green (Prosperity...and not just the monetary type!)

Spinach Leaves (boiled)Liquid Chlorophyll

Greenish Yellow (New beginnings, prosperity)

Yellow Delicious Apple Peels (boiled)

Yellow (Friendship, healing, beauty, life light)

Orange or Lemon Peels (boiled)Carrot Tops (boiled)Celery Seed (boiled)Ground Cumin (boiled)Ground Turmeric (boiled)

Brown (Security, friendship, nature)

Strong Coffee, Instant Coffee, Black Walnut Shells (boiled)

Orange (Opportunities, mental alertness, kindness)

Yellow Onion Skins (boiled)

Pink (Self love, friendship, calmness)

Beets, Cranberries or Juice,Raspberries.Red Grape Juice.Juice from Pickled Beets

Red (Courage, strength, passion, joy)

Lots of Red Onions Skins (boiled)

Lifting your Spirit with the Lemon!

The lemon has been long known for its healing powers and used in so many different ways from recipes for food we eat to recipes we use for cosmetic healing purposes. In fact, the lemon is so powerful that it was used by the Romans as their cure for all types of poison. It has also been known to heal hiccups and to cure nausea. It's also high in Vitamin C! These are only a few benefits of the wondrous miracle we call lemons! There are so many fun uses for lemon. Let's look at a few. :)

Aromatherapy

Did you know sniffing or smelling a lemon will naturally lift your spirits? You don't need those anti-depressant pills. You can reach for a lemon, slice it in half and put it up to your nose for that citrusy, refreshing scent!

If you want to fill your little cottage with the scent of fresh lemons try making these gentle inviting natural candles by Martha Stewart.

Lemon Candles

12 Lemons
1 lb Beeswax
Lemon essential oil

1. Cut the lemons lengthwise. Squeeze out as much of the juice as possible without tearing the skin. Hollow out the lemon halves with a melon baller.

2. In a double boiler, heat beeswax until melted, about 180 degrees. Check temperature with a candy thermometer. Turn off the heat, and add lemon oil (about 5-10 drops)

3. Cut 3 inches of wick; tie a knot at one end. Thread the loose end through a wick holder, and pull so the knot is secure under the holder.

4. Dip the wick and holder with wax until coated; this will stiffen and straighten the wick. Press the wick holder into the bottom of the lemon half to affix. Let the wick dry.

5. Pour the wax into the lemon half, and fill to the edge. Use a small paintbrush to coat the rim of the lemon with wax. Let the candle dry for about 4 hours.

Photograph and Instructions courtesy of Martha Stewart

Fresh Fruit Topper

Have you ever tried honeydew with squeezed lemon juice over it? Delish!

As a Refreshing Drink!

Try this refreshing twist on Lemonade!

Ginger Lemonade

2-4 inch piece Ginger, fresh
8 cups Water (boiling)
1/2-1 cup Fresh squeezed Lemon juice* (to taste)
1/3-1 cup Sugar or Honey (to taste)

Directions

1. Peel and grate fresh ginger with a fine mesh grater.
2. Squeeze the grated ginger to obtain the juice, discarding the pulp.
3. To the boiling water add the lemon and ginger juice.
4. Turn the temperature to low and allow mixture to steep for 20-30 minutes.
5. Dissolve the sugar/honey into the mixture.

Chill. Serve in your best and beautiful pitcher, garnish with lemon slices. Serve over ice!

As a Beauty Treatment

Make your own natural lemon sugar scrub. This is great for the elbows that are rough.

Lemon Sugar Scrub

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup olive oil

1 TBS lemon zest (grated)

Mix all and scrub on your body to soften. :)

And most important....

"When fate hands you a lemon, make lemonade."

~Dale Carnegie~

Honey - A Natural Cough Syrup

Did you know honey is a natural cough syrup? I made some and used it when I was sick a few weeks ago and it worked wonders! Here's a great recipe that includes lemon as well:

Honey Lemon Cough Syrup

- Over the stove top on very, very low heat put a pint of honey (preferably raw) in a pan. Whatever you do, do not boil the honey as it changes it's medicinal properties).

- In a separate pan take a whole lemon and boil 2-3 minutes until the lemon is softened. The boiling will kill any bacteria that is on the skin.

- Let the lemon cool enough to handle then cut in slices and place in the honey mixture. Let this mixture cook on warm heat for about an hour.

- After an hour, strain the lemon and lemon seeds from the honey. Let cool then bottle in a jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator. This will keep for about 2 months when refrigerated.

About 1/2-1 teaspoon for a child and 1 tablespoon for adults as often as needed.