Meadowsweet Herbs

Summer is in full bloom and it is a great time to connect with our plant friends by giving our bodies a special botanical treat. Here are several recipes to help your inner ‘shine’ come out.

Varicose Vein Refresher

• 3 ounces witch hazel extract
• 1 oz yarrow tincture
• 1 teaspoon jojoba oil
• 20 drops rose geranium essential oil
• 15 drops cypress essential oil
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil

Mix all ingredients and pour into a dark (preferably blue) glass spray bottle. Shake well before applying to legs, arms, or wherever you have varicose veins.

Rose Water Recipe

Adapted from Rosemary Gladstar

The roses are blooming and now is the time to do something really special with them. Make your own rose water — it is like having summer in a bottle! Make sure you use fresh, unsprayed roses that are just beginning to bloom.

• 3 parts vodka or gin
• 1 part distilled water
• 2 – 3 quarts fresh roses
• Glass quart canning jars and lids

Mix the distilled water with the vodka or gin. Put the roses snugly into a quart sized canning jar. Pour the liquid over the top, completely covering the roses and leaving 2 — 3 inches of liquid over the petals. Seal tightly and let stand in a dark place for 2 to 3 weeks. Strain the roses out, put in an appropriately beautiful bottle and enjoy! Rose Water can be used for cooking, mixing in water or other beverages (rose lemonade!), spritzing the face, or in natural body care recipes.

Loveable Lips

Protect your lips from the drying sun with this fabulous, moisturizing formula. Truly kissable!

• 1 ounce beeswax
• 1 tablespoon calendula oil
• 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil

Heat beeswax in a stainless steel double boiler until completely melted. Add the rest of the oils and mix until you have a liquid once again. You can drop 1 spoonful on a cold plate and touch it with your finger — do you like the consistency? If it is too soft, add more beeswax. If it is too hard, add more sweet almond oil. When you have it the way you want it, take it off the stove and before it cools, add about 20 drops of essential oils. Below are some oil suggestions but don’t be afraid to mix and experiment!

• Rose geranium
• Peppermint
• Lemon
• Lavender
• German chamomile
• Rose

Mix slowly and then quickly pour into small containers. Use liberally and enjoy!