Chamomile, rose petal, oatstraw and vanilla bean tea. I made this by mixing 12g dried chamomile flowers with 6g of dried oatstraw and 6g dried rose petals. I then added 1 finely chopped vanilla bean. I would make a cup of this tea by using 2 tbsps of mix with 1 large mug of water (leaving to steep for 15 minutes). If required, honey can be added to taste. This is a soothing tea and perfect after meals to aid digestion.

Lavender and rose essential oil Epsom bath salts (with added dried rose petals and lavender buds for visual rather than therapeutic effect). 4 cups Epsom salts, 1 cup baking soda, 40 drops lavender essential oil, 40 drops rose oil. Add dried rose petals and lavender if wished. For a calming, relaxing bath soak.

Peppermint and lemon essential oil Epsom bath salts. 4 cups Epsom salts, 1 cup baking soda, 40 drops peppermint essential oil, 40 drops lemon essential oil. Dried comfrey and dried lemon balm added. For a refreshing, zingy bath!

Epsom salts are high in magnesium and sulfate, absorbed well in to the body when soaking in a bath (magnesium and sulphates are not so easily absorbed through the digestive tract). Essential oils also provide their relevant therapeutic effects although the dried herb quantity used in these recipes is only for visual effect.

Lemon balm, chamomile, marigold and lavender salve. First I stripped lemon balm leaves (fresh but left to dry slightly in sunshine for a couple of hours after harvesting) until I got 2 cups of fresh leaf. Then I melted 1 cup of coconut oil in a pyrex dish, added the fresh lemon balm and the chopped woody stalks left over. I then added 1/3 cup of dried chamomile and 1/3 cup of dried marigold. I gently steeped / simmered this mixture for an hour, before squeezing all the infused oil out with a muslin cloth. I melted 25g of beeswax and added the infused coconut oil to it. Once a little cook I added 20 drops f lavender essential oil. I will use this salve for headaches or to relax by rubbing in my temples, over the abdomen area to soothe digestion difficulties and general moisturising if I fancy!!

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