° glass or stainless steel bowl or glass beaker
° glass or wooden stirrer
° 1 (2-ounce) glass or non-BPA plastic bottle with a cap
° 1 drop peppermint essential oil
° 1 drop eucalyptus essential oil
° 1 drop cinnamon essential oil
° 1 drop marjoram essential oil
° 1 drop thyme essential oil
° 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin
° 1 tablespoon distilled water
° 5 tablespoons lemon verbena hydrosol (see tip)
5 TO 10 MINUTES
2 FLUID OUNCES
Fresh breath does not have to rely on an over-the-counter mouthwash full of alcohol, sweeteners, and synthetic flavors. We use only plant-based ingredients to create a refreshing recipe bursting with authentic flavors and antiseptic and antimicrobial properties for a long-lasting clean mouth and fresh breath.
Beauty Tip! 
You can substitute the lemon verbena hydrosol with peppermint, rosemary, lavender, or chamomile hydrosol
STEPS
1. In a bowl or beaker, stir together the five essential oils.
2. Add the vegetable glycerin and stir together.
3. Add the distilled water and lemon verbena hydrosol to the mixture and continue to stir.
4. Transfer the mixture to the bottle, cap, and shake. Keep out of heat and away from direct sunlight. To prevent hardening, do not refrigerate. The mouthwash should last for 2 months.
You may notice that over time the essential oils rise to the top and form a golden halo. This is completely normal; simply shake before each use to fully reincorporate.
Beauty Tip!
How to Use Mouthwash: After flossing and brushing your teeth, use about 1 tablespoon of mouthwash and swish generously around your mouth for about 30 seconds. Then spit out. Repeat as desired.
Beauty Note!
Cinnamon essential oil: A recent study by dental scientists in Chicago found that cinnamon essential oil effectively kills oral bacteria, including germs responsible for gum disease and bad breath.1
Gum disease is caused by microorganisms in the mouth that damage and weaken our gums, sometimes no matter how diligent we are about brushing. Rinsing with a fully loaded combination of antimicrobials can help keep your gums fortified.2
° glass bowl or beaker
° glass or wooden stirrer
° 1 (1-ounce) amber glass bottle with a dropper cap
° 1 tablespoon sesame oil
° 1½ teaspoons castor oil
° 1½ teaspoons calendula-infused olive oil (see page 92)
° 20 drops Cuticle Oil Essential Oil Synergy (see page 52)
5 TO 10 MINUTES
1 FLUID OUNCE
Our cuticles are made up of dead skin cells and serve a key function—protecting the seal of the back of the visible nail with a barrier that keeps bacteria out and prevents infection. When cuticles are dry and brittle, they are not as effective in their protective role. Therefore, regular moisturizing is essential for nail health and beautification. Our cuticle oil is simple to make and is a recommended addition to your arsenal of beauty supplies for daily use.
STEPS
1. In a glass bowl or beaker, combine all the carrier oils and stir together.
2. Add the synergy and continue stirring until fully combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to the glass bottle, cap, and shake well. Keep out of heat and away from direct sunlight. To prevent hardening, do not refrigerate. The cuticle oil should last for 4 months.
Beauty Tip!
How to Use Cuticle Oil:
Apply 1 drop of oil to each cuticle and gently massage in. Repeat twice daily or as desired.
° 2 glass or stainless steel bowls or glass beakers
° small stainless steel whisk
° 1 (2-ounce) glass or non-BPA plastic bottle with a spray top
° 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
° 25 drops Detox Essential Oil Synergy (see page 51)
° 1 tablespoon rosemary hydrosol (see tip)
° 5 teaspoons witch hazel
5 TO 10 MINUTES
2 FLUID OUNCES
Conventional antiperspirants and deodorants often contain concerning ingredients like aluminum,3 parabens,4 and triclosan.5 And there has been mounting research suggesting it’s probably best to limit their usage. An alternative? Our Natural Spray Deodorant, made with ingredients like witch hazel (a natural antimicrobial and astringent) and rosemary hydrosol, offers antifungal properties and a fresh, clean scent.
Beauty Tip!
Rosemary hydrosol can be replaced with other hydrosols such as lavender, Douglas fir, lemon verbena, melissa, or rose geranium. Try a hydrosol that has known antimicrobial actions.
STEPS
1. In a bowl or beaker, combine the vegetable glycerin and synergy.
2. In a separate bowl or beaker, mix the rosemary hydrosol and witch hazel.
3. Once they are well combined, slowly drizzle the hydrosol and witch hazel mixture into the first bowl containing the vegetable glycerin and essential oil blend, continually whisking to completely incorporate all ingredients.
4. Transfer the blend to the bottle. Affix the top and shake to further combine the ingredients. Keep out of heat and away from direct sunlight. To prevent hardening, do not refrigerate. The deodorant should last for 4 months.
Beauty Tip!
How to Use Natural Spray Deodorant:
1. Make sure your skin is completely clean.
2. Point the nozzle of your deodorant bottle at the body part you wish to spray and hold the bottle several inches away. Spray once or twice, as desired, and reapply when necessary.
Beauty Note!
What’s the difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant? Deodorants neutralize odors triggered by the reaction between our sweat and the microorganisms living on our skin, while antiperspirants inhibit the excretion of our sweat glands. When formulated correctly using plant-based antimicrobial molecules, deodorants can have a significant effect in balancing out the ecosystem of our skin’s microflora and reducing unpleasant odors.
° glass measuring pitcher
° glass or wooden stirrer
° 1 (1-ounce) non-BPA plastic bottle with a squeeze top dispenser
° 25 drops Pain Relief Gel Essential Oil Synergy (see page 53)
° 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel (make sure to use “gel” and not “juice”)
° 1 teaspoon lavender hydrosol
5 TO 10 MINUTES
1 FLUID OUNCE
We blended essential oils famous for their pain-relieving qualities with the soothing action of aloe vera and lavender hydrosol to craft a nontoxic pain relief gel that goes right to work on sore muscles.
Beauty Tip!
How to Use Pain Relief Gel:
Squeeze out a nickel-size portion of the gel onto the palm of your hand and massage into the affected area. Use as often as needed.
STEPS
1. In a glass measuring pitcher, combine all the ingredients. Mix together to fully incorporate.
2. Transfer the mixture to the plastic bottle and close tightly. Keep refrigerated to activate the cooling, anti-inflammatory properties. The gel should last for 1 month.
Beauty Note!
We love working with aloe vera gel because of its fast penetrating action and amazing ability to reduce inflammation—important features for managing pain relief. Its soothing and cooling texture and light feel on the skin also make aloe vera gel less messy and more usable than some other products during a busy day.
Know Your Pain Relief Essential Oils
Sweet birch is a specialty essential oil (exuding a wintergreen aroma) that has been used as a pain reliever throughout history. Warning: Birch should not be used by anyone allergic to aspirin or currently on blood thinner medication, and should never be taken orally. We also strongly recommend that this essential oil never be used on children under the age of fifteen, the elderly, pregnant women, or anyone with a compromised immune system.
Marjoram is an herbaceous, oregano-like scented oil that is steam-distilled from the leaves of the marjoram herb, the same plant we use for cooking. Prized for its strong antispasmodic actions and warming effect, marjoram offers soothing relief for overworked, stressed, or achy muscles.
Peppermint is a bright and uplifting essential oil that delivers powerful pain relief. It is regularly used for muscle, joint, and nerve pain, as well as headaches. The refreshing smell comes from a particular molecule called menthol. Peppermint essential oil is very irritating to the skin, especially to mucus membranes, so make sure it never touches your skin directly and keep it away from your face. If by accident you get a little on a sensitive area, use some of our Coconut Whip Makeup Remover (see page 190) to wipe it away. Like sweet birch, this oil should not be used on children.
Lavender has a wide array of aromatic components that make it smell both camphor-like and sweetly minty, as well as floral, fresh, and grassy. It has a strong sedative effect and possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that are wonderful for addressing sore muscles.
OIL-BASED BUG SPRAY FOR THE BODY
° glass measuring pitcher
° glass or wooden stirrer
° 1 (1-ounce) glass or non-BPA plastic bottle with a fine mist sprayer
° 1 tablespoon sesame oil
° 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
° 20 drops Bug Spray Essential Oil Synergy (see page 53)
5 MINUTES OR LESS
1 FLUID OUNCE, GOOD FOR 1 OR 2 FULL-BODY APPLICATIONS
Plant-based oils, especially vegetable oils combined with essential oils, can be tremendously effective against insects. After all, the reason the plant manufactures essential oils is to actually attract or ward off insects. Since we understand that our skin absorbs much of what is put on it, there is a growing concern about the high levels of potentially harmful and irritating chemical compounds that are present in many over-the-counter bug repellents. Mindful of this concern, we came up with a natural blend that has been tried and tested in many buggy environments.
Beauty Tip!
A glass bottle is preferred, but plastic is advised for travel to avoid breakage.
STEPS
1. In a glass measuring pitcher, mix the sesame oil and jojoba oil together.
2. Add the synergy and stir until combined.
3. Slowly transfer the mixture to the spray bottle, cap, and shake well. Keep out of heat and away from direct sunlight. To prevent hardening, do not refrigerate. The bug spray should last for 4 months.
Beauty Tip!
Why did we choose jojoba oil and sesame seed oil for our bug spray? Two reasons:
1. Jojoba oil absorbs quickly into the skin and doesn’t leave a greasy feel, so it won’t make your skin feel wet and hot if you are working or playing outside. Plus, since chemically it resembles more of a liquid wax than a vegetable oil, it won’t go rancid in the heat.
2. Sesame oil has many antimicrobial properties, which is an added plus when trying to ward off insects.
Combined together, the two oils lightly coat the skin and provide a nongreasy protective barrier, while safely dispersing the strong combination of the Bug Spray Essential Oil Synergy.
WATER-BASED BUG SPRAY FOR CLOTHES
° glass measuring pitcher
° glass or wooden stirrer
° 1 (1-ounce) glass or non-BPA plastic bottle with a fine mist sprayer
° 1 teaspoon organic high-proof alcohol (such as Everclear grain alcohol, though any brand of vodka will work)
° 20 drops Bug Spray Essential Oil Synergy (see page 53)
° 2 tablespoons distilled water
5 MINUTES OR LESS
1 FLUID OUNCE, GOOD FOR 1 OR 2 FULL- BODY APPLICATIONS
This safe, nonstaining bug spray blend can be applied directly to clothes to ward off insects. The essential oil synergy is the same as the one in the Oil-Based Bug Spray for the Body, but we have switched up the delivery so it can be easily sprayed on socks, pants, shirts, and hats when you venture outside into bug-laden territory.
Beauty Tip!
A glass bottle is preferred, but plastic is advised for travel to avoid breakage.
STEPS
1. In a glass measuring pitcher, combine the alcohol and synergy. Mix well until the essential oils look like they are no longer separating from the alcohol.
2. Once the mixture is fully blended, add the distilled water and mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to the spray bottle, cap, and shake vigorously. Keep out of heat and away from direct sunlight. To prevent hardening, do not refrigerate. The bug spray should last for 4 months.
Alcohol and essential oils: Alcohol helps solubilize essential oils into water for beauty blending. The trick is to use a high proof in a small quantity. Since essential oils are hydrophobic, meaning they can’t dissolve in water on their own, they need an “agent” to help them break down. Without alcohol, the essential oils will separate and float on the top, and there is a risk that microscopic droplets of pure essential oils may get on the skin and cause irritation. In this recipe, the essential oils included to create an effective bug repellent are known to be very irritating to the skin, so we added a little alcohol to avoid any chance of irritation.
° small glass bowl
° glass or wooden stirrer
° 1 (2-ounce) plastic bottle with a flip-top
° 3 tablespoons aloe vera gel (look for inner fillet type)
° 1 tablespoon witch hazel
° 2 drops vitamin E
° 20 drops Healthy Hand-Sanitizing Essential Oil Synergy (see page 53)
5 MINUTES OR LESS
2 FLUID OUNCES
Washing our hands with natural soap and warm water is the ideal way to reduce germs in many situations.6 However, when we are on the go, using a hand sanitizer can be the next best thing. Our healthy hand sanitizer recipe is made with essential oils containing antimicrobial and antifungal properties, along with aloe vera to keep hands soft and smooth. In contrast to the many alcohol-based blends on the market that dry skin out, our hand-sanitizing gel works to moisturize while keeping your hands germ-free.
STEPS
1. In a small glass bowl, combine the aloe vera gel and witch hazel and stir until fully incorporated.
2. Add the vitamin E followed by the synergy and continue stirring until the ingredients are fully combined.
3. Transfer the formula to the plastic bottle, close the bottle, and shake. Keep out of heat and away from direct sunlight. The gel should last for 2 months.
Beauty Tip!
Add 1 or 2 drops of lemon essential oil for an extra citrus zing and a formidable detoxifying dose of antiseptic and immune-enhancing powers. In addition to these impressive properties, lemon essential oil is known to lift emotions—what a great bonus to having clean hands!
