Archive for the ‘Aromatherapy and Herbs’ Category
With Thanksgiving approaching, the hustle and bustle is in effect prepping for great food, family, and fun. If you’re like myself, you’ll be using fresh herbs to prepare tasty meals for the holiday season. Rosemary goes great with potatoes and sage adds a colorful twist to stuffing, but did you know that these herbs make a great hair rinse that is easy to make? So, while preparing your shopping list, grab some of these extra herbs to give your hair a nice treat.
Rosemary and Sage Hair Rinse
1/2 c each of fresh rosemary and sage
1/4 c cider vinegar
1 qt water
Place rosemary and sage in large bowl. Boil water and pour over herbs in bowl. Strain and discard herbs. Add vinegar and mix well.
After shampooing, use 1/2 to 1 ounce as final rinse. Rinsing hair and completely removing shampoo is necessary in achieving clean and shiny hair.
*Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net
Materials Needed:
Pots (at least one that is 12-in diameter)
Peppermint Seeds
Soil
Water
Peppermint Plants Need:
Moderate exposure to sunlight daily
Environment between 70 and 80 degrees F
Fairly dry soil
Space to grow
Easy Steps
1. Fill pot with soil.
2. Gently press peppermint seeds 1/8 inch deep into the soil.
3. Lightly moisten the soil with water ensuring not to oversaturate the seed or plant. Peppermint plants enjoy fairly dry soil.
4. Once plants are about 2 inches tall, begin to thin the plants. Because peppermint grows and spreads quickly, ideal spacing is about 12 inches.
That’s it! It’s just that easy to have peppermint readily available and growing within your own home. I find joy in being able to get a breath of fresh air from just smelling the peppermint growing in my windows.
Would you like to know how to preserve some of your peppermint leaves to make your own hot tea? Tomorrow, I’ll share some pointers on drying peppermint leaves.
**Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
At the end of a busy and tiring day, there’s nothing more soothing and refreshing than sipping a hot cup of peppermint tea. Peppermint is one of my favorite herbs because of the endless uses and benefits. Did I mention that peppermint is incredibly easy to grow? Enjoy this list of interesting tidbits about peppermint!
1. Peppermint is a perennial plant that has small purple or white flowers and is native to the Mediterranean.
2. The Greeks believed that mints could cure hiccups.
3. All mints contain menthol resulting in the cooling feeling.
4. Adding fresh mint sprigs to tea reduces the effects of tannin and caffeine.
5. Menthol is derived from the oil of the peppermint plant. According to Wikipedia, menthol is used in cigarettes to block out the bitter taste of tobacco and soothe the throat.
6. Peppermint can be used as an eco-friendly and natural deterrent for ants, mice, and fleas.
7. Peppermint is often used to soothe upset stomachs and relieve headaches.
Check back tomorrow as I share tips on growing your own peppermint plants!
**Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhoto.net
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