Herbal Baby ~ Bedtime Bath Blend!

I love this herbal bath blend. It's similar to what I used for my son when he was a baby, only new and improved. He's now 9, and this still works like a charm for a nice calming bath blend before bed! A little chamomile tea with honey + this herbal bath = sleepy, calm child. <3 Even I enjoy bathing in this blend. (So really, it's not just for babies!)

This gentle mix is soothing to little skin. Oatmeal is great for moisturizing and nourishing skin as well as relieving dry skin issues.

I've combined Chamomile which is good for relieving skin irritations, softening skin, and helping your littles sleep soundly and peacefully through the night. Lavender which releases a subtle therapeutic aroma helping calm baby and relax them before bedtime. & Calendula which is amazing for so many healing purposes and any skin issues. (You can also see our posts Calendula Tea, Poultice + Salve for all the amazing benefits of Calendula. - I am also working on a herbal spotlight)

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

Ingredients:

• Chamomile Flowers


• Lavender Buds


• Calendula Flowers


• Oatmeal


• Epsom Salts (Optional-detoxing benefits below)


• Baking Soda (Optional - ")

(*Buying Organic ingredients is best*)

Honestly, I never really measure out ingredients too strictly for bath blends. I'd say if you're filling a 'ready to go' mason jar with oatmeal you can add 2-4 tsp of each herb to your jar.+ 1-4 tbs of Epsom Salts + 1-4 tbs baking soda. (alternatively, you can add half and half oatmeal to salts for older kids and parents. There is a great ratio chart linked to below for detox baths) *Just a quick reminder though, if you are putting half salts in the bath, be sure to have a glass or bottle of water (or something to hydrate) near by as even though the salts are very beneficial, they can also dehydrate.

Tools:

• Blender, coffee grinder, food processor or mortar and pestle for crushing the oatmeal.


• Airtight Mason Jar (Or other such jar)


• Organza Baggies (reusable)


• Stir Stick (I use chop sticks)

(Amazon has all these wonderful tools if you're buying online)

TO MAKE:

Start by blending up or crushing the oats, then using a mixing bowl or your jar - add in the rest of the dry ingredients. Stir or shake well until everything is blended together. (a few drops of lavender essential oil is a great option, especially for older kids)

TO USE:

Fill an organza baggie full of your mixture adding in anywhere up to 1/3 cup of the mixture for children. MRH offers the great idea of also using the baggie as a gentle wash cloth. (I wouldn't recommend adding mixture directly to the water and using a drain screen for this particular blend as some of the oats don't dissolve and they make a bit of a slippery gloopy mess.)

Soak for 20 or so minutes, relax and let the stresses of the day sooth themselves away.

Follow up with some coconut oil as a moisturizer after they are toweled off.

<3

For those of you adding in Epsom Salts & Baking Soda:

Why Give Your Kids a Detox Bath? - from The Paleo Mama's Post How to give your kids a detox bath:

1. To flush out toxins that have built up in our body. THIS is a great article on how and why we should take detox baths.


2. To strengthen our immune system. 


3. To promote sleep and relaxation. 


4. Help muscles and nerves function properly. Great for growing kids.


5. Helps promote concentration.

<3

Plain Oatmeal & Calendula Baths can be used to help relieve:

• Chicken pox


• Poison ivy, oak and sumac


• Dry skin


• Insect bites


• Eczema


• Diaper Rash


• Itchiness


• Windburn


• Sunburn


• Shingles

Here is an excerpt from Mountain Rose Herbs about using their Baby's bath herbs in your baby's bath:

This herbal bath blend has a sweet floral aroma that is calming for both infant and parent. Adding herbs to your little one’s bath is a gentle way to absorb the healing properties of these soothing botanicals. These loose bath herbs come with a reusable muslin bag, so you are free to add as much or as little of this aromatic blend to a bath as you wish. The filled bag also makes a gentle washcloth for sensitive skin, or a delightful squishy toy to play with.
Contains: organic Calendula flowers, organic Chamomile flowers, organic Oat tops, organic Lavender flowers, and organic Rose petals.

[caption id="attachment_959" align="aligncenter" width="288"] Baby's Bath Herbs - From Mountain Rose[/caption]

Mountain Rose Herbs also offers a wonderful selection of items for Babies and Children. You can find the Baby's Bath Herbs as well as the rest of the collection here. We also wrote a bit about some of their products here in our post 'Herbal Baby ~ All Natural Product Options for your Littles'.

<3

HAPPY HERBAL BATHING!

Do YOU have any favorite herbal bath blends you use at home?

I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs for all of your herbal healing needs!
Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

Epsom salt can act as a laxative if a child swallows the bath water, leading to increased bowel movements. It goes without saying but children should never be left unsupervised while in the bath, and should be monitored to prevent drinking the bath water with Epsom salts.

Citrus Peel Vinegar Spray Cleaner - DIY all natural

Citrus cleaners are so effective and versatile for cleaning so many different surfaces. I chose to use orange peels for this recipe. This would equal out to be the equivalent of your standard orange cleaner, for a fraction of the cost. + no nasty chemicals are involved so it's safe for the whole family. This is a great all purpose cleaner, the oils from the orange peels have disinfectant properties which helps to kill off bacteria around the home. It is very effective for stains and odors in carpets and laundry as well as everyday dirt and grime and doubles as a natural degreaser.

We added a post on All Purpose Vinegar Spray (with essential oils) but this mix is for the people {like me} who dislike the smell of pure vinegar. The mix of orange seems to dull it out quite a bit PLUS you can add in cinnamon sticks or vanilla beans for an extra yummy smelling spray, or you can use the orange peels alone. ( I mixed in some vanilla & it smells like orange creamsicles! :D )



What You'll Need:

• Citrus Peels (Orange, Lemon, Lime, or Tangerine)


• Cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans (optional)


• Distilled White Vinegar (or alternatively you could use apple cider vinegar)


• Distilled Water (optional)


• Airtight Glass Jar (a recycled jam jar works great for this)


• Fine Mesh Strainer.


• Funnel


• Spray Bottle


• Essential Oils (Optional)

To Make:

• Fill your jar with citrus peels and pour vinegar over them right to the top. (you can grate the peels for further effectiveness)


• Seal the jar and allow to stand in a cool dark place for 2 or so weeks. (I kept this batch in the fridge) You can also shake the jar everyday to get more out of the peels. The vinegar will start to colour orange.


• Once the standing period is over, (or when you've reached your desired consistency) strain the peels reserving the liquid. (I put the strainer right over a funnel into the spray bottle)

• I dilute mine equal parts: Vinegar Mixture to Water (You can keep the concentrate for more stubborn cleaning jobs)


• If the scent isn't strong enough for you, (or you can still smell too much vinegar) you can add in a few drops of essential oil.

That's it! You're ready to start cleaning away! <3

I made a pretty big list of uses in the last cleaner's profile, (Which you can check out here) so I don't want to double up BUT this is an all around all purpose cleaner.

What are your favorite all natural cleaners to make?

Happy Cleaning! <3

I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs for all of your herbal healing needs!
Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

Natural Spray Cleaner - DIY

Vinegar is the perfect all natural - all in one - disinfectant cleaner. It's perfect for so many surfaces and dries streak free so there is no need for a ton of different cleaners. There are no harsh chemicals to worry about for you or your family. PLUS - it's much less expensive than your typical cleaning products. Vinegar is just as effective at killing harmful bacteria and viruses as bleach.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• Equal parts Distilled White Vinegar & Distilled Water


• 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil blend. (Tea Tree Oil has antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-fungal properties and Lemon is also antiseptic, anti-fungal, and antiviral. Both of these oils work well to disinfect.)

I recycled an old spray bottle for this project BUT you can purchase all kinds of different ones from Amazon.

WHAT THIS IS GOOD FOR:

• All around disinfectant


• Cleaning stained or sticky counter tops, tiles, and appliances.


• Streak free interior or exterior windows.


• De-stinks and kills bacteria in recycle bins, green bins and garbage cans.


• Deodorizes stinky shoes.


• Acts as a room / carpet / surface deodorizer.


• Clean stains or stick on walls and floors


• Acts as a Goo-Remover (especially with lemon oil mixed in)


• Removes soap scum and mildew on tiles in the bathroom, shower, shower curtain, tub and sink.


• Removes soil or stains on clothing, carpets or shoes.


• Helps clear out musty washing machines, dishwashers or humidifiers.


• Provides a streak free shine to mirrors, glass, chrome and stainless steel.


• Cuts through grease on the oven or other appliances.


• Removes mineral and lime buildups from kettles and coffee pots. (Run a mix of vinegar and water through the kettle or coffee pot to safely clean it out. Rinse thoroughly by running plain water through until there is no longer a vinegar smell. You will notice how much more fresh your next coffee / tea tastes. )


• Removes lime and mineral buildup on shower heads and drains. (Fill a plastic bag with vinegar mix and using an elastic band, secure it to the faucet or shower head. leave on overnight.)


• Removes old coffee stains on tea cups.


• Removes stuck on wax.


• Removing permanent marker accidents.


• Disinfects cutting boards


• As a fabric freshener / softener by adding 1/2 cup into your wash.


• Washing off patio furniture, siding, tables etc.


• Baseboards, crown molding etc.


• As a mopping mixture.

AND A MILLION OTHER THINGS I'M SURE! ;)

TO USE (standard cleaning) :

Spray generously and allow to sit for a few minutes. The longer you let it soak, the easier it is to remove grime. I like to use a rough sponge for tough areas.

I let our bathroom get a little lotta scary to show you just what this cleaner can do! ^_^

BRACE YOURSELF -

(I'll add in more before and after photos with follow-up posts - I'm working on a stubborn stain one now)

What are your favorite ways to clean the house all naturally? <3


Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

Quick & Easy DIY Scented Tealight Candles.

I've always had a love for making my own candles. I used to make herbal healing candles for my friends all the time. I do still make big candles from scratch but when I'm in a rush or want a few quick scented candles around the house, - this is the fastest & easiest way to do it.

What You'll Need:

• an old pan


• plain ol' tealight candles in a metal container (not the plastic ones) These Beeswax ones would be the healthiest choice.


• essential oils of choice (& a dropper)

To Make:

• Using an old pan, heat on the stove on low heat. (*Please be careful not to burn yourself)


• Place the candles on the pan and allow to melt. (it's easier to keep the wicks under control if you don't allow the wax to melt all the way through.) (You may need a toothpick to prop them back up)

• Once the wax has melted, turn off the heat and add in as many drops of your favorite essential or fragrance oils as you'd like. (I added 10 drops of Coconut & 10 drops of Nag Champa to these ones. They smell heavenly)


• Keep an eye on the wicks while the pan is cooling. Once they begin to set you can put them in the fridge to speed the cooling process. (be sure to place them on an heat mat.)

TAH-DAH! Simple & effective scented tealight candles! <3 I will write a post about making other candles as well. <3



What are your favorite candle scents? <3

Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

Stink be Gone! Natural Deodorant Spray!

This Heavy Duty Recipe for Natural Deodorant is for the SERIOUS STINKERS! ;) <3 {I was one, don't worry! You're not alone!} There is nothing more embarrassing than trying to avoid hugging friends and family because you stink! I was sick and tired of constantly having this issue!

I have been trying different all natural recipes for a few months, hoping to find something I could share with you guys, but I was struggling to find something effective enough for me personally. FINALLY, I found this original recipe for Spray Deodorant from Katie Wellness Mama & had to try it out! She's brilliant & offers so many amazing recipes. Magnesium Oil! Of course! ~ Brilliant!

Katie's recipe is based around people with a sensitivity to baking soda (so if you are - skip this recipe and head on over to hers.) After trying out this recipe I must say - It IS effective!! BUT - I need the stink sucking power of baking soda. :/ For some reason, after having my son - I STINK! My hormones must be totally crazy because I never had this problem before having children. I remember the "good ol' days" in high school where I didn't need deodorant at all, I could hit the gym, go for a long jog, all while staying fresh. This however, is no longer the case! Needless to say, in my adult years, I need a heavy duty deodorant to mask my hippie stink! ^_^ I understand that some people are sensitive to baking soda but I seem to be okay with it and so I decided to try and combine some things from some original deodorant recipes I was trying with this new and awesome one from Katie.

Even before converting to all natural products, I could only find ONE store brand that could keep my underarms smelling fresh. I needed to mimic that effect. ;) (even though I'd rather stink then use chemicals any day)

The standard recipes I was trying before were okay, but really wouldn't last long at all for me. Plus, scooping melted goop wasn't fun, and if I refrigerated it I would end up with clumps and chunks from thinking I wasn't putting enough on. "what's all over you!?" my son would often ask. I tried so many different things. Tweaked every recipe I could find, and to my disappointment, nothing was strong enough. It wouldn't even be an hour after a shower and the stink would come creeping up on me. {This is turning into a gross post! - My sincere apologies.} Needless to say, I am really enjoying this spray! No mess, no white marks on shirts, no itch, just pure power! (+ You can customize the scent to fit your preference)

Anyways.... I'll get on to the recipe: 

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• 200 ml Magnesium Oil OR fill your container with steaming hot distilled water and add in 2-3 tbs of the magnesium flakes. (Here is another post from Wellness Mama on how to make your own Magnesium Oil! as well as the benefits of it.)


• 1 tsp Witch Hazel (optional)


• 1-2 tsp Baking Soda


• 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil (Tea Tree is antibacterial & antiseptic making it great for killing bacteria. It's a little strong on it's own so I like to blend it lightly with other oils)


• Funnel


• Spray bottle

Essential Oil Blend I used:

• 3 drops Tea Tree


• 5 drops Coconut Oil


• 5 drops Nag Champa Oil

IT SMELLS AMAZING!

To Make:

• Fill your container with your magnesium oil OR hot distilled water and magnesium flakes. Leaving a little room at the top.


• Using a funnel - scoop in 1-2 tsp of baking soda


• Shake vigorously until everything is dissolved.


• drop in your essential oil blend


• shake some more.

You are ready to rock this! - Shake well before each use. (we know how oil and water don't mix)

After your shower spray on your under arms and allow to dry.

I must say THIS WORKS! I am stink free! I can hug freely! FINALLY! I hope this helps you too!

*NOTE* It's important to remember, if you are just starting out on your natural journey, your underarms need time to detox. You may be smelly for a while as well. ^_^ The magnesium oil will help to detoxify faster.

Katie also recommends spraying a mix of 1:1 equal parts apple cider vinegar and water before applying natural deodorant. Thank You Katie for the tip!

Here is a post from Rapid Home Remedies on Eliminating underarm odors naturally. Lots of great herbal suggestions! Here is a post from Wellness Mama on the benefits and importance of magnesium oil.

Do you make all natural deodorant? What ingredients do you find most effective?

Oil Cleansing Method - For Radiant Looking Skin.

I've been using this method on my face religiously & I have to say it has solved so many issues I was having before. Before cleansing my face this way I was riddled with dry flaking skin, acne, redness, uneven skin tone, dull skin, - BLAH. Now - my face is looking much more clear, clean and radiant. I am so happy I started doing this.

I use oils on my face for many different things. (I'm currently working on a post on my facial care regiment)

This method is so simple & very effective. Basically, the idea is to NOT strip your face of it's natural oils. Foaming cleansers and soaps often do more damage than good. This method is naturally moisturizing, combats skin issues, evens out scars and wrinkles, and keeps your natural oil production flowing properly.

My favorite oil to use is calendula infused coconut oil. (Infusing your own oils) Sometimes I use our Calendula Healing Salve all over my face, neck and chest, and sometimes I use the Calendula Acne Blend. (The plain Calendula salve works wonderfully for an all over facial moisturizer)

Here is a list of choosing the right carrier oil for your skin type. Coconut oil is usually a safe bet when in doubt.

You can also add in a few drops of other essential oils to help with other skin issues. If your skin is very acne prone, adding in a few drops of Lavender & Tea Tree oil could be very beneficial and speed up the healing process. (they also help with oily skin) (The Calendula Acne Blend has both of these oils in it)

TO USE:

Once you've chosen your desired oils that will benefit your skin type:

• Generously slather the oil on your face, let it sit for a few minutes.


• Soak a gentle facecloth in warm water. (I like it a little steamy but please be careful not to burn your beautiful face)


• lay the warm cloth over your face to help allow your pores to pull in the nourishing benefits.


• Gently wipe the rest of the oil off


• I like to finish off by splashing my face with cool water to then close my pores and seal in the goodness.

There is no need to pre-soak your face, this will do all the cleaning you need. It will also remove makeup with no effort whatsoever.

* Remember, if you are just starting out on your green journey, your skin needs a chance to detox first, so this may take a few days or weeks (depending how many different products you usually use on your face) for your skin to get used to your new rhythm but believe me, it will be so worth it in the end.

<3

If you don't want to make this yourself, you can purchase a beautiful Oil Cleansing Serum from our friend Deb over at Sunny Bungalow HERE.

[caption id="attachment_787" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Facial Oil Cleanse - All Natural Handmade[/caption]

What Sunny Bungalow says about the Oil Cleanse Serum:

Skin - all of it - secretes oil. Even if your face feels dry, it still has oil on it.

With this alternative cleansing method, you wipe away all the icky dirty oil from your face and replenishing it with clean, nourishing oil. According to chemistry and the principals of solubility, "like" dissolves "like."

There are no harsh chemicals involved, No suds. Nothing to strip your skin of its oil. This is preferable because, when your strip your skin of its sebum, it goes into overdrive, trying to create more, which leads to clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, and irritation.

The instructions for use are simple: All it takes is one dropper full of this nourishing oil rubbed into your face, then wiped off with a warm facecloth every day. This method cleanses away dirt and makeup, and rejuvenates your skin.

Pros:
- It whisks away makeup in a flash.
- It doesn't strip the skin of its natural oils
- No chemicals, harsh additives, detergents or preservatives

Cons:
- It may take a week or two for your skin to adjust to this new regimen

Google "oil cleanse method" for many websites that go into further details on the benefits for this alternative cleansing method.

Ingredients: Castor oil, Apricot oil, Rosehip seed oil, Pomegranate oil. Essential oils of: Grapefruit, Ylang Ylang, Carrot seed, and Geranium.

1 oz should last roughly one month.

HAPPY CLEANSING! <3

Do you use an oil cleansing method? How does it work for you? I'd love for you to share with us in the comments below!

I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs for all of your herbal healing needs!
Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

We've been nominated for a Liebster Award!!

Michelle from Mom On The Moon has nominated The Herbal Healing Mama for a Liebster Award! - Thank You! <3

The Liebster award is a series of questions given from bloggers to new bloggers with under 200 followers. I think it's a beautiful way to get to know other bloggers in the community.

Rules

1. Answer the questions given and then come up with 10 new ones to ask your nominations.

2. Nominate 8 other blogs, let them know you have nominated them and put a link to their blog in your post.

3. No Tag backs.

4. Nominations must have under 200 followers on any platform.

5. You must tell all the blogs that you nominate that you have nominated them.

<3

Here are my answers to the questions from Mommy on the Moon: 

1. Did you always see yourself as a blogger?  If not, then what?

I've always dabbled in blogging but I never knew I would take such a serious go at it. When I was a child I always said I would love to be a writer but as I grew into an adult I didn't think I had the capabilities. I always had the dream I would open up a little shop called "Briar-Rose's Blessed Boutique" and sell all natural, handmade healing items. I guess in a way I am doing a part of that, but instead, I am sharing my recipes with whoever is interested in reading them. I have done so many different things in such a short time, (photographer/graphics & enhancements, jewelry designer, I even modeled for a while) none of which were really what I thought I was supposed to be doing. I think I've finally found my passion.

 
2. What was your favorite subject in school?

My favorite was art, music and English. Mostly because I was awful at everything else.

 
3. How long have you been blogging?

On and off for quite a few years but they were always just random personal blogs. I have just recently decided to take things seriously and I launched The Herbal Healing Mama in May 2014.

 
4. What’s your go-to meal when you’re in a rush?

Probably bagels or toasted tomato sandwiches. Mmmm.

 
5. What’s the background noise that helps you concentrate when writing a blog post?  Music? Silence?

I find this changes for me. Sometimes (and most often) I need complete silence. Sometimes it's too quiet and I turn on some quiet music or put a TV show on in the background.

 
6. Do you have any pets? If so, what kind? If not, why not?

This is an interesting question. ^_^ I currently have 3 cats but not entirely by choice. We adopted a kitten last year but recently my son showed up home with 2 more kittens. We are trying to re-home at least one before we get too attached. It's a little chaotic with 3 cats running about, breaking everything & eating my plants.

 
7. What is your favorite holiday and why?

We celebrate things a little differently than the "norm" around here. We celebrate the solstices rather than the commercial holidays. This is a little difficult for me to answer because typically I'm not a fan of cold weather and my 2 regular answers would be Yule (Winter Solstice - Xmas) or Samhain (Halloween) BUT they are in chilly months, SO- I'd have to say Midsummer (Summer Solstice) because I love when I can spend most of my time outside in the warmth.

 

8. How did you come up with the name of your blog?

I wish I could say this was a simple task BUT it wasn't. I had a few other ideas before settling on The Herbal Healing Mama but all were too similar to another blogger's name. This was an extensive Google search. I wanted something to represent all natural remedies but nothing that would be confused with other bloggers. I finally landed on The Herbal Healing Mama & I'm glad I did. I have always been a massive collector of herbs and essential oils as well as making up herbal healing candles and other such things, so you think this would have come easier BUT all comes to us at the time it's supposed to.

 
9. Do you have a favorite blog?  If yes, what is it?

Ooooh, too many. I enjoy so many different blogs. A few of the really inspirational ones for me are:

• Wellness Mama


• Soap Deli News


• The Coconut Mama


• The Earthy Mama


• Mommypotamus


• The Paleo Mama

The rest of my favorites can be found on my Favorites List page.

 
10. What is your remedy for writers block?

This can be very difficult for me, I have somewhat of a scatter brain. The easiest way I clear my mind is going to the beach, watching the sun go down. Coming home, having a nice hot bath with some candles and rejuvenating salts and starting fresh.

<3

I NOMINATE:

1. Mommy Lives Clean


2. Herbal Mama Happy Baby


3. Latch The Babes


4. Homemade Mommy


5. The Hippy Homemaker


6. Natural Mommas


7. Wild Earth Apothecary


8. A Blossoming Life

10 Questions for the Nominees:

1. What got you started blogging?

2. From where do you draw your inspiration?

3. What's a day in your life like?

4. What's your favorite thing to blog about?

5. Where's your favorite place to be? Doing what?

6. Have you experienced writers block? What do you do to overcome it?

7. What's your most visited website or blog? Why?

8. What's your favorite summertime drink?

9. Do you have any creative hobbies that you don't blog about?

10. What is your decor style?

 

Thanks for participating & thank you again to Mommy on the Moon for the nomination. <3