Floral Waters

I read this about floral waters on the internet:


Briefly stated, a hydrosol is the aromatic water that remains after producing an essential oil via steam or water distillation. Hydrosols are sometimes also referred to as a floral water or distillate water.
The plant matter used in essential oil distillation imparts a wonderful aroma to the water. This hydrosol offers therapeutic benefit, and some plants are specifically distilled for the resulting hydrosol instead of the hydrosol being simply a byproduct of the distillation.

Unlike essential oils that should be deluted prior to application to the skin, hydrosols are water soluble, are much more gentle than their essential oil counterparts and can be used directly on the skin without further dilution.

Hydrosols can be used in place of water in creating natural fragrances, lotions, creams, facial toners and other skin care products. They can also be added to the bath, and used on their own as a light cologne or body spray. Hydrosol can be added to finger bowls for elegant, romantic dinners. Examples of commonly available hydrosols are rose, roman chamomile, neroli and lavender.

It kept giving me ideas about what to do with my floral waters. I have arabic friend that I remember his mom was using Orange Blossom Floral Water when his kids were having an upset stomach. Now, I cant do THAT. But I can use them in my facial treatments.

I made an astrigent with Orange Blossom Floral Water, Witch Hazel, Lime and Grapefruit Essential Oils.

Orange Blossom water helps inhibit sebum production in oily skins, making this an especially useful skin care product for teenagers who often have an excess of skin oils. Regenerative properties promotes the production of collagen and fights wrinkles by helping old cells to shred off. Purifying, cleansing and moisturizing.

Witch Hazel is one of nature's best astringents, there is probably no better tonic or toner for skin care preparations. In skin care Witch Hazel can be used as toner or in place of a cleanser. It is particularly beneficial for oil and problem skin through its more gentle properties.

Used in a base cream, lotion or as a wash, grapefruit oil can help to clear a greasy, congested and acne skin, while also helping the tissue get rid of cellulite and drain any excess retained water.

Lime has an astringent and toning action to clear oily skin and acne, and also helps with herpes, insect bites and cuts.





Rose Floral Water...wow....this is one of the best tonics in the world. Tonics stimulate the circulation, reduce oiliness, and help refine open pores and unevenly textured skin. They are usually applied after cleansing to ensure complete removal of any residue left from creams and lotions.

I made Tonic with Rose Water and Palmarosa Essential Oil.

Palmarosa oil moisturizes the skin, while balancing the hydration levels and stimulating cell regeneration. It balances production of sebum, to keep the skin supple and elastic and is valuable for use with acne, dermatitis, preventing scarring, rejuvenating and regenerating the skin, as well as fighting minor skin infections, sore tired feet and athlete's foot.

Rose Water is a gently cleansing and toning product for all skin types. Maintains the pH balance, stimulates regeneration processes, has a calming effect in acne and sunburns. As a result the skin texture becomes even and elastic.

This can be used by people with mature AND young skin!

Now I am even thinking of adding them maybe to my lotions, making some mists with them....the opportunities are endless!

Grab some before my sale ends OCTOBER 31!

Essential OIls for some common illnesess

ABDOMINAL PAIN

Abdominal Pain should be checked by a doctor if it persists and increases in intensity because it could be appendicitis or another condition that needs to be properly diagnosed.

Upper Abdominal Area.
Apply the following oil over the painful area in a clockwise direction:

Peppermint 3 drops
Clove 2 drops

Diluted in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (sunflower, olive, jojoba, sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed etc)

Lower Abdominal Area.
Apply the following oil over the painful area in a clockwise direction:

Thyme 2 drops
Eucalyptus 3 drops

Diluted in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (sunflower, olive, jojoba, sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed etc)




ATHLETES FOOT

Make up a mixture of 2 drops of tea tree and 1 drop of lavender, dip a cotton-wool ball into it and smear it between the toes and around the nails. Also, make up the following massage oil and rub it over your feet, paying special attention to the toes:

Tea tree 5 drops
Lemon 1 drop

Diluted in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (sunflower, olive, jojoba, sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed etc)





CHAPPED SKIN

Make up the following oil and massage over the chapped area, including the face if affected:

Geranium 10 drops
Chamomile 10 drops
Lemon 5 drops
Lavender 5 drops

Diluted in 2 teaspoon vegetable oil (sunflower, olive, jojoba, sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed etc)




COMMON COLDS

Use the following oils in a hot bath. Lie back and inhale deeply:
Thyme 2 drops
Tea tree 2 drops
Eucalyptus 1 drop
Lemon 3 drops

For steam inhalation method, use one drop each of the following: tea tree, lavender, thyme and clove.

Carry with you tissue on which you have placed one drop each of red thyme, peppermint, eucalyptus and clove, and inhale deeply whenever possible.

Massage around the chest, neck and sinus area (forehead, nose and cheekbones) with the following:

Lemon 1 drop
Eucalyptus 2 drops
Rosemary 3 drops

Diluted in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (sunflower, olive, jojoba, sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed etc)




COUGHS

Dry cough. Mix 2 drops of eucalyptus and 2 drops of lemon oil with 2 tablespoons honey. Take 1 teaspoon of this and dilute in a wine glass of wam water. Sip it slowly.

Massage over the back and chest with:

Eucalyptus 3 drops
Thyme 2 drops

Diluted in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (sunflower, olive, jojoba, sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed etc)

For the steam inhalation method, use 3 drops of lavender.

Cough with mucus. Follow the treatment outlined above except for the drink. For this mix of the following essential oils into the tablespoon of honey:

Eucalyptus 2 drops
Thyme 1 drop
Tea tree 1 drop

Blend together and use 1 drop only.




HAY FEVER

Put 1 drop each of chamomile and lemon essential oils onto a tissue and inhale. Add the following combination to baths:

Chamomile 2 drops
Lemon 2 drops
Lavender 1 drop

Massage the neck, chest and back with:

Chamomile 2 drops
Geranium 1 drop
Lemon 1 drop

Diluted in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (sunflower, olive, jojoba, sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed etc)

Because hey fever affects people in different ways, treatment is often a case of trial and error. Experiment with the essential oils.




LARYNGITIS

Use steam inhalations with the following oils added:

Chamomile 2 drops
Lavender 3 drops
Thyme 1 drop

Massage all over the neck area and behind the ears with the following:

Chamomile 5 drops
Thyme 1 drop
Lemon 2 drops

Diluted in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (sunflower, olive, jojoba, sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed etc)

To reduce the soreness, make a drink by adding 2 drops of lemon and 1 drop lavender to 2 teaspoons of honey and mixing it into a wine glassfull of rosewater which has been boiled.

Violet Leaf Absolut Essential Oil and the cost

Its been bothering me for a while. I know the awesome properties of this oil. But I dont know if people would be willing to pay for a product with this in it. See, Violet Leaf is very good for the skin. It opens up the pores, , it soothes red, irritated, dry, itchy and sensitive skin. It helps A LOT with psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. Its excellent for oily skin. It helps with acne and blackheads. If I use it with Rose Absolute (or Rose Morroc) and Yarrow, they all become powerful antioxidants known to help, clean, detoxify and sooth the skin while assisting in the prevention of free radical damage.

Now, Violet Leaf Essential Oil is also good for any kind of cough, whooping cough, helps circulation. Soothing and cooling and can be used to treat swelling and bruises. It acts as expectorant and demulcent and may be used for laryngitis and tonsillitis also. They can relieve fibrosis and rheumatism. Grieves reports anti-cancer and anti-tumor activity of the leaves.





On emotional field, its soothing, relaxing, aids sleep, comforting and reassuring. Comforts grief and loss, encouraging, promotes independence and acceptance of change.


Its renowned in spiritual circles, used in ceremonies and healing for its high vibrational qualities.

I bought it on an impuls and until now I didnt know what to do with it. I expected floral aroma, but I was wrong. Its very green. And I mean VERY GREEN scent, like freshly cut stem of the flower, not the flower itself.

What kind of scents would you like to see in my shop?

I am debating AGAIN what to buy and what not. You can help me out to see what actually people like. Please vote on the poll on the right.




Fragrance Choices:

Dragon Blood - autumn-like warm, woody and earthy scent, with notes of amber, vanilla, sandalwood, light tones of powdery musks and hints of asian florals to bring out subtle spice undertones

Almond Biscotti - a delicate biscuit with hints of toasted sweet almonds.

Desert Rose - an alluring rose tapered with musks and sandalwoods

Dragon's Breath - Earthy, yet smooth, a silky blend of Champa, vanillas, heliotrope that is a more delicate version of the classic Dragon's Blood.

Enchanted Evening - Spicy and sharp yet seductive oriental composition of musks, lilies, patchoulis, sandalwoods

Coconut Lime Verbena - The smoothness of coconut infused with lime zest grounded by unique verbena provides a nice rounded scent.

Blueberry

Butt Naked - resh green apples perfectly harmonized with refreshing melons and juicy pears.

Black Berry

Banana

Geisha - A delicate infusion of asian spices, musks and florals, very feminine, seductive and complex.

Hazelnut Cappuccino - Roasted coffee, light chocolate with nutty, full bodied hazelnuts.

Hot Rose - Soft rose with a hint of cinnamon to spice things up

Indian Luck - Warm, unique, and intriquing -- a ubiquitous blend of soft middle eastern spices and soft earthy woods.

Kiwi




ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ABOUT A FRAGRANCE CHOICE ARE WELCOME IN THE COMMENTS.

THANK YOU.

HEADLINE: Chatting with Bohtieque Design, a shop on Etsy

What is your stores name and what do you sell (and anything else that you wanna share about it)?



My store's name is Bohtieque Design, and I design and sell labels and cards, mostly. I started out with photo announcements, but then posted one or two label designs and they just took off, so I concentrate on them the most!



How long have you been crafting for yourself before you decided to share your designs with other?



Actually, I've been working with graphic design for probably 8 years, but before my son came along, I was doing business identity design for small businesses. After my son came home, I changed over to photo announcements and cards. A year later, I started my Etsy shop.



Where do you get your inspiration?



Everywhere. I do often look at fabric designs, old photos and images and design blogs for inspiration.





How do you see yourself down the road?



In a few years, I'd like to see myself doing something very similar, still connecting one on one with clients and still working Etsy in the evenings and summers. I really love my day job--teaching--so I wouldn't want to leave. Hopefully, though, I'll be able to buy a few of those cool Pottery Barn office organization systems, though, so I'll be sitting in a well organized office. (And that, of course, is a total dream. Organizational system or not, I'm still a mess.)



Do you do this for fun or for serious business?



I do this seriously--I think I do most things seriously. I've got a few goals for what I want my business to get me, and those goals require that I take it seriously.



Do you ever get a creative block? If yes, how frustrating is it and how do you deal with that?



I do, sometimes. It usually isn't too hard to get over. Instead of sitting there being upset about it, I'll grab my camera and go take some shots, organize the mess a little, do some cooking or gaze at the TV for a while. Sooner or later, the block just disappears.





What is one favorite thing that you made and felt bad selling it - only because you liked it so much?



I never feel bad--most of my things can be remade easily. I do sometimes feel a little bad when my favorites, like http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15335763, don't get sales. I want so share them with people!



What is a normal day like for you?



Get up at 5 a.m., get ready while checking convos and working up proofs, and leave before 7 a.m. I work until 4:30 or so, then come home and spend time with my family, who really DO rock. After my son goes to bed, I work on Etsy until 10 or 11. It's a busy, packed day!



What else interests you besides your craft?



I LOVE photography. Love. Love. Love. Did I say I love photography?



Is there something you would like to say as the end of the talk?



I love Etsy--and I am doing my best to buy only Etsy work Christmas--it's so worth it!

COFFEE MOCHA Lotion with HEMP SEED OIL is IN!!!!!

I have been thinking a lot lately is it OK to make Coffee Mocha Lotion. I know it smells good....who doesnt like a cup of freshly brewed mocha? Its so creamy and the aroma so rich, that it captures your senses and takes you away.

Soooo, I grabbed my tools and my oils and had to whip up something. The coffee aroma from the essential oil had me right away. I was laughing thinking how I just want to drink this. But - you would find me in the ER from lotion overdoze :-) The chocolate fragrance oil was so rich and dark in the scent, that I wished I had a bar of chocolate. But hey! If I cant eat that calorie-full-thing, then at least my nose is getting a whiff of the fat free thing, right?

Luckily for me...tee heeee....I had an ounse of leftover. So, guess what? Yeap, I am keeping it so I can use it on myself. I already put a little bit on my arm and I am in LOVE!!! Who needs real coffee anyways?

Well, not really. I DO need real coffee too. Maybe thats why I like this scent so much.



Yeap, that one above is mine!

:-)

HEADLINE: Chatting with earthandsunfolk, a shop on Etsy

What is your stores name and what do you sell (and anything else that you wanna share about it)?



earthandsunfolk ~ eco~friendly goods



How long have you been crafting for yourself before you decided to share your designs with other?



i've always been interested in some form of art. sewing is my main focus right now and i've been doing it for about 6 years.



Where do you get your inspiration?



nature..all the beautiful things around me!



Is there a funny story where you accidentally screwed something up, but it turned out better than you planned?


(can't think of one really! yes i have made my share of mistakes though!)







How do you see yourself down the road?


hopefully making a good living from my work...becoming more self sufficient and living off of our own land with my family.whatever the future holds for me, it will be happy.



Do you do this for fun or for serious business?


earthandsunfolk is a seriously fun business.



Do you ever get a creative block? If yes, how frustrating is it and how do you deal with that?


i do a lot...that's probably why i work on several different pieces at once. it helps to change things up a bit.



What is one favorite thing that you made and felt bad selling it - only because you liked it so much?


i usually want to keep most of my things, but i love that something my hands created falls into other hands that appreciate it!





What is a normal day like for you?


raising three girls and trying to keep the house from falling completely apart while i sqeeze in as much sewing and etsy time as i can....then a few hours sleep so i can start all over again!



What else interests you besides your craft?


live music...i love jambands and bluegrass and going to festivals with my family. we also love going up into the mountains and getting lost.


Is there something you would like to say as the end of the talk?


my favorite quote "My fault, my failure, is not in the passions I have, but in my lack of control of them."
~Jack Kerouac


www.earthandsunfolk.etsy.com

Eucalyptus

The Australian aborigines have used eucalyptus for
hundreds of years as a remedy for fever, wounds,
coughs, asthma, and joint pain. Australian settlers
named the eucalyptus the fever tree because of its disease-
fighting properties. Baron Ferdinand von Miller, a
German botanist and explorer, was responsible for making
the properties of eucalyptus known to the world in
the mid-1800s. Likening eucalyptus’ scent to that of cajaput
oil (a disinfectant), von Miller suggested that eucalyptus
might also be used as a disinfectant in fever districts.
Seeds of the tree were sent to Algiers, France and
planted. The trees thrived and, because of the drying action
of the roots, turned one of the marshiest areas of Algiers
into a dry and healthy environment, thereby driving
away malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Eucalyptus trees
were then planted in temperate areas around the world to
prevent malaria. As a result, eucalyptus trees are now
cultivated in China, India, Portugal, Spain, Egypt, South
and North Africa, Algeria, South America, and in the
southern portion of the United States.
Commercial production of eucalyptus began in Victoria,
Australia in 1860. The nineteenth century eclectic
doctors adopted eucalyptus as a treatment for fevers,
laryngitis, asthma, chronic bronchitis, whooping
cough, gonorrhea, ulcers, gangrenous tissue, edema,
and gastrointestinal disturbances. European doctors used
eucalyptus oil to sterilize their surgical and medical
equipment. Eucalyptus leaves were often made into cigars
or cigarettes and smoked to relieve asthma and
bronchial congestion.
Modern medicines around the world have included
eucalyptus in their practices. Indian ayurvedics use eucalyptus
to treat headaches resulting from colds. Eucalyptus
is listed in the Indian Pharmacopoeia as an expectorant
and in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as a skin irritant
used in nerve pain. In France, eucalyptus leaves are applied
topically to relieve congestion from colds and to
treat acute bronchial disease. A standardized eucalyptus
tea is licensed in Germany to treat bronchitis and throat
inflammations. Eucalyptus is also an ingredient in German
herbal cough preparations. The German Commission
E has approved the internal use of eucalyptus to
treat congestion of the respiratory tract, and the external
use to treat rheumatic complaints. In the United States,
eucalyptus is a component of many decongestant and expectorating
cough and cold remedies, such as cough
drops, cough syrups, and vapor baths. Eucalyptus is
often used in veterinary medicine. It is used to treat horses
with flu, dogs with distemper, and to treat parasitic
skin conditions.






GENERAL USE


Eucalyptus is most popular for its ability to clear
congestion due to colds, coughs, flu, asthma, and sinusitis.
The tannins found in eucalyptus have astringent
properties that reduce mucous membrane inflammation
of the upper respiratory tract. Eucalyptol, the chemical
component of the oil, works to loosen phlegm. Cough
drops containing eucalyptus promote saliva production,
which increases swallowing and lessens the coughing
impulse. Earaches can also be treated with eucalyptus.
When inhaled, the eucalyptus fumes open the eustachian
tubes, draining fluids and relieving pressure. Eucalyptus
enhances breathing, which makes it an effective
remedy for asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, whooping
cough, and colds.
Eucalyptus is a component of many topical arthritis
creams and analgesic ointments. When applied to the skin,
eucalyptus stimulates blood flow and creates a warm feeling
to the area, relieving pain in muscles and joints
The oil extracted from the eucalyptus leaf has powerful
antiseptic, deodorizing, and antibacterial properties. It is especially
effective in killing several strains of Staphylococcus
bacteria. A mixture of 2% eucalyptus oil evaporated in
an aroma lamp has been shown to destroy 70% of the
Staphylococcus bacteria in the affected room. When the oil
is applied to cuts, scrapes, and other minor wounds, it inhibits
infections and viruses. A 2002 report out of Australia
made researchers around the world take note when two
cases of patients with staph infections resistant to traditional
antibiotic therapy responded to a mixture of eucalyptus leaf
oil abstract. The Australian researchers recommended formal
clinical trials to test the therapy, based on an ancient
aboriginal remedy. Eucalyptus also fights plaque-forming
bacteria and is used to treat gum disease and gingivitis.
In large doses, the oil can be a kidney irritant and
can induce excretion of bodily fluids and waste products.
Eucalyptus oil added to water may be gargled to relieve
sore throat pain or used as a mouthwash to heal mouth
sores or gum disorders. Consequently, eucalyptus is an
ingredient in many commercial mouthwashes.
Eucalyptus’ pain-relieving properties make it a good
remedy for muscle tension. One study showed that a
mixture of eucalyptus, peppermint, and ethanol oils successfully
relieved headache-related muscle tension.
Eucalyptus may lower blood sugar levels. Placing a
drop of the oil on the tongue may reduce nausea. The oil
has also been used to kill dust mites and fleas.
Eucalyptus oil is one of the most well-known fragrances
in aromatherapy. Two species of eucalyptus are
used in aromatherapy oils: E. globulus and E. citriodora.
The essential oil of eucalyptus is used to relieve cramps,
cleanse the blood, heal wounds, disinfect the air, and to
treat conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, throat and
sinus infections, fevers, kidney infections, rheumatism,
bladder infections, and sore muscles.
The essential oil can be diluted and added to a massage
oil to ease aching muscles. The oil can be added to
hot water and inhaled to reduce nasal congestion. It can
also be diffused in the room of a sick patient to disinfect
the air.
Some believe that inhaling the diffused oil can enhance
concentration and thought processes. Studies have
shown that inhalation of the cineole compound of eucalyptus
stimulates coordination and motor activities in
mice. Eucalyptus oil may also uplift the spirit during
times of emotional overload or general sluggishness.
Applying a diluted oil to the skin instead of inhaling
it increases the rate of absorption into the blood. Often
the speed with which it is absorbed is so fast, the odor
can be detected on the breath within minutes
The oil is also an effective febrifuge, and a cold
compress with eucalyptus oil added to it has a cooling
effect that is useful in helping to reduce a fever. The essential
oil of eucalyptus is also used to treat wounds, herpes
simplex virus, skin ulcers, and acne. Combined with
water, the oil makes an effective insect repellant. Because
of its skin-moistening properties, the oil is often an
ingredient in dandruff shampoo.
Eucalyptus oil may be combined with other oils that
have similar properties, such as niaouli, pine, Swiss pine,
hyssop, and thyme oils. It also mixes well with lemon,
verbena, balm, and lavender oils.





PREPARATIONS

Eucalyptus is available as a tincture, cream, ointment,
essential oil, or lozenge. Many health food stores
carry fresh or dried eucalyptus leaf in bulk. Eucalyptus
can be ingested through the use of teas or tincture preparations,
inhaled, or applied externally.
Eucalyptus infusion is ingested to treat coughs,
colds, bronchitis, congestion, and throat infections. To
create an infusion, 1 cup of boiling water is poured over
1-2 teaspoons of crushed eucalyptus leaves. The mixture
is covered and steeped for 10 minutes and is then
strained. Up to 2 cups can be drunk daily.
Inhaling eucalyptus vapors is beneficial for sinus
and bronchial congestion that occurs with bronchitis,
whooping cough, colds, asthma, influenza, and other
respiratory illnesses. A drop of eucalyptus oil or two to
three fresh or dried leaves are added to a pan of boiling
water or to a commercial vaporizer. The pan is removed
from the heat, a towel is placed over the pan and the patient’s
head, and the patient inhales the rising steam. Patients
should close their eyes when inhaling the steam to
protect them from eucalyptus’ strong fumes.
For healing wounds and preventing infection, the
wound is washed and then diluted eucalyptus oil or
crushed eucalyptus leaves are applied to the affected area.
For relief of muscle aches or arthritis pain, several
drops of the diluted oil are rubbed onto the affected area,
or a few drops of diluted oil are added to bath water for a
healing bath. Adding eucalyptus leaves wrapped in a
cloth to running bath water is also effective.
For gum disease, a few drops of diluted oil are
placed on a fingertip and massaged into the gums.
Tinctures should contain 5-10% essential oil of eucalyptus.
A person can take 1 ml three times daily.
Ointments should contain 5-20% essential oil of eucalyptus.
The person should use as directed for chapped
hands, joint and muscle pains, and dandruff.



PRECAUTIONS


Children or infants should not be treated with eucalyptus.
Of special note, eucalyptus oil should not be applied
to the facial areas (especially the nose or eyes) of
small children or infants. Pregnant or breast-feeding
women should not use eucalyptus.
People with digestive problems, stomach or intestinal
inflammations, biliary duct disorders, or liver disease
should not take eucalyptus.
Undiluted eucalyptus oil should never be ingested.
Small amounts of undiluted oil (even in amounts as little as
one teaspoon) are toxic and may cause circulatory problems,
collapse, suffocation, or death. Eucalyptus oil should
always be diluted in a carrier oil such as almond, grapeseed,
or other vegetable oil before applying to the skin.



SIDE EFFECTS



Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur in rare
cases. Applying eucalyptus to the skin may cause a rash
in those who are sensitive or allergic to eucalyptus.


INTERACTIONS


Eucalyptus works to detoxify the body. If it is used
simultaneously with other drugs, the effects of those
drugs may be weakened.