Herbal DIY: Gifting with Intention

So much of the holidays get lost behind the buying and gifting that it's easy to lose sight of the fact that this time of year is about love, family, and doing good in the world. Gifting with intention has been our goal when it comes to thinking about the holidays, and it seems especially important these days, as we live in such challenging times. As herbalists, we love giving herbal gifts, as they are unique and are always well loved.

We paired a few DIY recipes with some of our products to make it the ultimate set. These simple and easy DIY recipes can be made at home, and the ingredients can be sourced at your local health food store/ co-op, or on Amazon.

Gift Pair: Joy Tonic + DIY Aromatherapy Spray

We like to give Joy Tonic to the family member that always gets the winter blues, the yogi, the worrywart, the pessimist, the inspiration seeker, or anyone who could use a little spiritual uplift.

It makes an excellent gift for anyone who experiences stress and worry. This aromatic blend of herbs is traditionally used to promote a joyful spirit and positive mental attitude*.

It pairs exceptionally well with this easy DIY Spray for meditation, yoga, or whenever you need a mental break.

Aromatherapy Spray

You can choose any combination of oils you like, just make sure you use ones that are safe, sustainable and will be enjoyed by the person you are giving it to.

Here’s a blend we love because of its woody and floral aroma. It uplifting yet grounding at the same time.

Ingredients
  • 2oz  distilled water
  • 2oz Witch Hazel extract, hydrosol, or vodka
  • 3 drops Rose Otto essential oil
  • 2 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil
  • 3 drops Sandalwood essential oil (always use an ethical source that is cultivated, Hawaiian sandalwood is considered an “ at risk” plant by United Plant Savers )
  • 4 oz spray bottle
Combine all ingredients in a 4 oz bottle and shake well. Yields: 4 oz.

After a dose of Joy Tonic, spray in the air or on the body when in need of a mental reset or spiritual uplift.


Gift Pair: Simmer Down and DIY Tea Blend for the Self-Care package

Simmer Down is a calming adaptogenic formula that makes an excellent gift for the person in your life who is always run down; the workaholic, the new parents, the person who is always stressed or the one who needs a good night’s sleep. Pair this product with a cup of tea and a hot bath, and it makes the ultimate self-care bundle.

Self Love Tea

Bulk batch—can reduce as needed.

Ingredients:
  • Damiana, 1 cup dried
  • Spearmint, 1 cup dried
  • Rose petals, 1 cup  dried
  • Hawthorn leaf,  1 cup  dried
  • Ginger root, ⅓ cup dried
  • Cinnamon root, ¼ cup dried
  • Hibiscus leaf,  ½ cup  dried

Mix all the herbs well in a large bowl. Store in airtight containers. Yields: 5 cups loose tea. 


Gift Pair: Digestive Bitters, Facial Serum and Floral Waters for a Natural Beauty Set

The age-old saying, “beauty starts from within” is true in many ways and our motto as Herbalists is that the root of good health starts with digestion. What you put on your skin matters, but it’s almost more important to pay attention to what you are putting in your body. We call it tending to the internal garden, because when you feel well, you look well, and true beauty is healthy and happy.

Digestive bitters are an unknown natural beauty secret and are lovely to keep in your beauty bag, or alongside your other facial care routine products. Bitter herbs are naturally detoxifying in nature. Start each day by taking a dose of herbal bitters to jumpstart the digestive process and accompany with an organic facial serum and a splash of rose water.

We like to make own body care products because we can control the ingredients and can add a few of our favorite essential oils.

DIY Facial Serum

  • 1 oz organic avocado or rosehip seed oil.
  • 1 oz organic jojoba oil
  • ½ tsp vitamin E oil
  • 10-25 drops organic lavender essential oil
  • 5-10 drops organic rose otto oil
  • 2-5 drops organic ylang ylang essential oil
  • 2 oz dropper or pump bottle
Combine all ingredients in a 2 oz bottle and shake well to mix. Yields: 2 oz.

For skin oils, you want to make sure that the carrier oils are certified organic and minimally processed. Cold-pressed or expeller-pressed oils that are unrefined will be the best option. You can also switch up the essential oils to ones you have or use often; this combination is another one we love.

For the rose hydrosol, buy rose water in bulk, and dispense into small spray bottles.

Happy Holidays and happy creating!

(Updated, November 2018)

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