My Own Natural Recipes
by Kimberly S. Jones
06/16/14

Because I've been holding classes to show others how to get started on that road to natural living, I wanted to be able to show you that it does get easier as you go. I've been on this path since November 2013. Now, just 7 months later, I am making my own creations! Starting small can lead to big differences in the end. As you learn more about the products you're using (in recipes that you were given by others to begin with, no doubt), you'll discover more and more uses for them.

Please keep in mind as you go that your body is different from other people's bodies and you may respond in a different way. What works great for me, may not work as well for you (or your dishwasher because of soft or hard water, etc.) Feel free to make each recipe you find your own. There's usually more than one way to skin a cat...or whatever it is you're trying to do. (Who came up with that one, anyway? Sicko!)

First, let me tell you what I use that I call a liquid castile base. If you know me at all, you'll know that I am very penurious! I do not spend money lightly. Oh, I can spend money freely, but if I can save anything, I will work very hard to do so. You may go out and buy a bottle of liquid castile soap and be done with it, but I can't bring myself to do that. So, here's how to make the liquid castile base (not my own recipe):

Liquid Castile Base

Ingredients:
1  bar pure castile soap (I get this one here; usually on sale at EarthFare for 2/$7,00)
16 cups distilled water

Directions:
Boil the 16 cups of distilled water. Once the water starts to boil even slightly, you may turn the heat off. In the meantime, grate the bar of soap with a standard grater. You don't have to do grate it too finely.


Add soap to water in pot after the heat has been turned off and stir it in.



Leave it to set over night. It will thicken up quite a bit. You can leave it in the pot, or add it to a jug (milk, water, or other).

In the morning, you can start using your Liquid Castile Base in recipes (or as is). Here's one...

Face Cleaner for Acne

In a small glass bowl or measuring cup, combine the following:

1/2 cup Liquid Castile Base - removes everyday dirt, oil, and impurities
1/2 cup Witch Hazel - Controls oil, eliminates shine, and balances skin
12 drops tea tree oil - an anti-bacterial astringent
10 drops lavender oil - tones the skin, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing
6 drops palmarosa oil - helps stimulate cellular regeneration and add moisture
8 drops lemon oil - helps break down oil molecules and cleanses the top layer of skin to reveal a smooth, soft complexion

Once combined, pour mixture into a 4-ounce glass jar (like this one). If you do not already know, essential oils are so powerful against toxins they will eventually eat through plastics. An amber or cobalt jar will protect the oils from damaging light and allow your product to last longer. Store in a cool dark place and shake before each use.

Facial Mist for Acne

In a small glass bowl or measuring cup, combine the following:

1/2 cup pure liquid aloe vera - a lubricating astringent
5 drops Vitamin E -  a natural preservative
20 drops geranium oil - decreases sebum production and balances the skin; also has wound-healing properties to help with scarring
10 drops rosemary oil - has antibacterial and antiseptic properties and is high in antioxidants, it increases blood circulation and promotes healing while reducing scarring of damaged skin
18 drops lavender oil - tones the skin, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing
14 drops lemongrass oil - constricts the skin, which minimizes pores and limits secretions of oil (Lemongrass is very powerful and may cause irritation. If this occurs, you may consider limiting the number of drops in your recipe)
3 drops rosehip seed oil - regenerates the skin so it's good for problem skin. Adds moisture back to the recipe, but should not be used in large quantities on oily skin.
4 - 10 drops coconut oil - pulls oils from pores, adds moisture back to the recipe, and alleviates inflammation

Once combined, pour mixture into a 4-ounce glass jar (like this one). Add a sprayer to the top of the jar. Mist after cleaning and if face starts to appear shiny.

Hemorrhoid and/or Itchy Anus Medicine

This is one of those "Necessity is the mother of invention" creations. I'm embarrassed to say that I created this one in the middle of the night when I found it very hard to sleep with an itchy, burning anus. It was caused by my allowing myself a few treats that my body didn't approve of and so I had to suffer through the results. Well, at least until I came up with some relief, as shown below (note: this is not for severe issues. Seek medical help for more-than-mild symptoms).

In a small glass bowl or measuring cup, combine the following:

1/2 cup Witch Hazel - astringent that cleanses and soothes problem area
1/2 tablespoon coconut oil - dilutes essential oils and spreads them further
5 drops lavender oil - reduces inflammation, and promotes healing
5 drops peppermint oil - provides cooling relief of burning and itching. If fissures are present, this may burn a little initially but will calm down after several minutes
2 drops Vitamin E oil - a natural preservative

Pour this mixture into a small 4 ounce jar like this. Add 12 or so 100% cotton pads like this (I found mine at Wal-Mart for $2.04). Now, you're done!

To make a cream, add more coconut oil and emulsify in the blender. Either method of application is beneficial.

Oh, did I mention that the uses aren't limited to your bootie? The ingredients make this a perfect remedy for bags under the eyes, sinus issues, or minor cuts, bruises, or burns...just don't get too close to the eyes. If you do, just dilute with more natural fats, such as olive oil or milk. I like a little peppermint under my eyes because it wakes me up, but too much may cause some irritation.

Have fun creating! Let me know if you come up with any of your own ideas.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for educational purposes only and cannot diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. None of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA. Please see my full disclaimer here.

Note: Some people are having reactions to Essential Oils that are not 100% Therapeutic Grade. Oils that do not have the word "therapeutic" on the bottle and do not provide the Latin name should probably be avoided for application to your body or ingestion. I recommend Young Living essential oils. Don't trust "therapeutic" in the titles written by sellers!! So many companies and people are shady. If it's not on the bottle-- don't trust it! Read this for more information about how there is an increase in promoting adulterated essential oils! 

I recommend signing up with Young Living. There really is no obligation when you sign up except they ask that you spend $50 a year in essential oil purchases, which is kind of like a Sam's or Costco membership. Signing up as a wholesale member allows you to get wholesale prices!