Going Beyond the Box
Wow, it’s Spring already!! Are you ready for…the birds chirping, the buds blooming, the mild weather days and yes, oh, yes the bugs and pollen! Ugh!!
Bugs and pollen can ruin a beautiful day outside and they are in full swing; especially down here in the South. So, what should we should we do?
Well, there’s the most common option; spray yourself and your family with enormous amounts of pesticides and take allergy medicine and hope for the best.
Or we can use essential oils and their plants to improve our conditions and our lives. This issue I have included 3 essential oils that have withstood the test of time and proven best to deal with both spring allergies and pest.
Lemongrass
is a grassy-like herb that originates from the continents of Asia and Africa. Today, lemongrass is cultivated all over the world, chiefly in more warmer tropical climates and can be purchased in plant stores and online.
Some other common names for Lemongrass are: Fever grass, barbed wire grass, silky heads, citronella grass and gavati chaha pati. However, the scientific name for Lemongrass is Cymbopogon.
Uses
Lemongrass plants are used for many culinary dishes in Asian cuisine and drinks. Also, the plant and oil are used for medicinal purposes and as a bug deterrent.
Peppermint
is leafy herb that has its origin in Europe and the Middle East but like lemongrass the plant is now widely spread and cultivated in many regions of the world including; Asia were many of our peppermint tea leaves are cultivated.
Uses
Peppermint is widely known to help with digestion but there are many more uses that may not be commonly known such as , using peppermint oil for aromatherapy, to reduce headaches and chewing peppermint leaves can not only cure your stomach ache but can also freshen
Eucalyptus
oil is derived from the Eucalyptus tree which originated in Australia and is also found in the adjacent countries of New Guinea and Indonesia. The oil from the eucalyptus plant is mainly used in a medicinal capacity.
Uses
Herbal remedies often recommend using fresh leaves in a gargle to relieve a sore throat, sinusitis, and bronchitis. In addition, eucalyptus oil vapor appears to act as a decongestant when inhaled. Eucalyptus oil when used with carrier oil can also act as a pain reliever for muscle pains.breath.
Precautions and Reminders
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Mix essential oil with carrier oil when applying to bare skin
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Never put essential oil in or around the eyes
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If pregnant contact Physician or research possible side effects before using essential oils
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Never use fragrance oil in place of essential oil
Recipes
Lemongrass Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken thighs, boneless, skin on (Approximately 1 lb.)
- ½ Stalk of lemongrass (using only bottom white part)
- 4 Cloves garlic
- 2 Thai chili
- 1 Shallot
- 2 Tbs. cooking oil
- For the Sauce
- 2 Tbs. Fish sauce
- 2 Tbs. Sugar
- ¼ tsp. Black pepper
*Click here for detail instructions with pictures and video
Peppermint Patties
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups coconut oil, room temp
- ½ cup Manuka honey (any raw honey)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract or 10 drops peppermint essential oil
- Three 3-ounce dark chocolate bars, minimum 72% cacao
DIRECTIONS:
- In a large bowl, mix coconut oil, Manuka honey and peppermint extract.
- Place a spoonful of mixture into the silicone mold and freeze for 20–30 minutes.
- In a double boiler over medium heat, melt the dark chocolate.
- Remove coconut oil mixture from the molds.
- With a fork or spoon, submerge the coconut oil into the chocolate.
- Place on a baking sheet and freeze for 20–30 minutes.
- Allow peppermint patties to come to room temperature before serving (about 1–2 minutes).
EUCALYPTUS SHOWER MELTS FOR SINUS RELIEF
Ingredients
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil 5-7 drops
- Green Food Coloring (optional)
- Water 2 Tbsp.
- Cornstarch 1 cup
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add the Eucalyptus Essential Oil and Cornstarch to a mixing bowl.
–Using a spoon, thoroughly mix them together until the mixture appears to be a crumbly powder.
- (Optional) Add in a few drops of the food coloring and thoroughly mix it into the powder.
- Once a thick paste has formed, transfer the mixture to a mini ice cube tray. Smooth and flatten the mixture so that it is level with the top of the ice cube tray, in order to form perfect cubes.
- Freeze the tray contents for 1 hour or until the mixture is set.
- When the shower cubes are ready for use, place them on the shower floor and turn the water on. To prevent slippage in the shower, place the cube in a shallow dish or near the shower drain.
- Shower as usual and enjoy the aromatic vapor from a cube as the water melts it and diffuses its decongestant scent.
- Store unused shower cubes inside a jar in a cool, dry place. If the cubes are runny due to too much water in the mixture, store them in the freezer.
The Nominated Gemstone of the Month
Malachite
Malachite symbolizes transformation and abundance. The Malachite crystal helps bring energy and focus to new growth and works as a mood stabilizer by neutralizing any toxic energy.
Although, you may see Malachite in stores like Michael’s more than likely these are imitation Malachite. Listed Below is a link that gives helpful tips when searching for Malachite and other gemstones.
*Click for History of Malachite
*Click here to find out how to spot fake malachite
Shopping
Listed Below are links to shopping for plants, essential oils and gems mentioned in this issue – Happy Shopping!!
- Amazon.com (plants/essential oils/ gems)
- Homedepot.com (plants)
- Firemountaingems.com (gems)
- Bulkapothecary.com (essential oils)
Special Thanks this issue to:
Going Beyond the Box 