This geranium body moisturiser was surprisingly easy to make. While I’ve been making different moisturising products for a while, I have mostly been making the more basic body butters that don’t have as many ingredients or complicated steps. For this I used a basic recipe for a more solid moisturiser but I really wanted something that would dispense through a pump rather than having to scoop out of a jar so I experimented with adding more liquid. I also took the opportunity to try out … [Read more...]

When I was having difficulty sleeping following Covid infection, it was suggested that using magnesium might be helpful. Getting a good night's sleep is crucial for overall well-being and has numerous benefits for your physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance. It is especially important for recovery from illness. I was willing to try anything and tried massaging magnesium body butter into the soles of my feet before bed. I am now sleeping better and whilst it may be as much due to … [Read more...]

I first remember coming across Tiger Balm as a teenager on a trip to Hong Kong: little tins of potent smelling ointment were being sold in every market we visited. I am always transported back there when I smell that familiar smell. Tiger Balm has its origins in the ancient courts of Chinese emperors. "It all began when Aw Chu Kin, a Chinese herbalist working in the Emperor’s court, left China and set up a small medicine shop called Eng Aun Tong in Rangoon in the late 1870s, where he would … [Read more...]

I'm 'on a roll' at the moment, replenishing my first aid cabinet with handmade balms and creams. Continuing the 'theme' of tending to gardening injuries, this time I tried making a Natural Muscle Rub. This recipe come courtesy of Go Native New Zealand who have lots of great recipes on their website as well as supplying all the ingredients of course. This Natural Muscle Rub is described as "a 100% natural, fiery muscle rub that absorbs quickly and deeply to soothe aching arms and legs. Great … [Read more...]

This Arnica Balm recipe is even simpler than the recipe I recently shared for Calendula Body Butter that used oil infused with calendula petals. This recipe uses oil infused with arnica and an equal amount of cocoa butter - that's it! Arnica is commonly used to provide pain relief for muscle aches, sprains and bruises, reducing pain and inflammation and supports the healing process. I use it particularly on bruises (which I always seem to get after a day in the garden even if I can't remember … [Read more...]

I have been gradually trying different moisturiser recipes to find one that is relatively easy to make and that feels really nice to use. I was using up some ingredients and found some Calendula Oil that I had infused for making Natural Calendula Antiseptic Cream. Calendula flowers have been used by many ancient cultures for their healing powers and natural abilities to soothe dry and irritated skin, so it is a great addition to a moisturiser. This is a variation on a previous recipe for … [Read more...]

I'll be honest - I had never heard of hydrosols before I did my Distillation Course in anticipation of finally receiving the still I had ordered. But I had used them in cooking. You will all be familiar with rose water and perhaps orange blossom water - these are hydrosols. Essentially when plant materials are hydro- or steam-distilled the resulting condensed steam is known as hydrosols or aromatic waters. In some cases the distillation is done primarily to produce essential oils and hydrosols … [Read more...]