By Gaye Levy
Contributing Writer for Wake Up World
My email runneth over with requests for more information about essential oils. Believe me when I say I am not an expert but as I experiment and learn, I will share my experiences with you.
My latest foray into the world of essential oils has been to make “scrubs”. No, I am not referring to the duds worn by medical professionals but rather a grainy concoction of either salt or sugar plus some nourishing oil and essential oils. Some scrubs even include soap and thus become “cleaning” scrubs.
Now mind you, these are not just for the ladies. The Survival Husband routinely gets the grit off of his hands and feet using my scrubs. Okay, I perform the scrub-the-feet duty but after 38 years of marriage, what can I say?
So, with all of this scrubbing in mind, how about a recipe for a a DIY Peppermint Scrub that you can make yourself. This scrub will make a wonderful gift to a special lady in your life and it is easy peasy simple. Guys, you can make it – and use it – too!
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Easy Peasy Peppermint Scrub
Ingredients:
– 2 1/2 cups sugar (white, brown or a combination)
– 1 cup carrier oil (fractionated coconut oil (the liquid type), sweet almond oil, or even olive oil)
– 25-30 drops of peppermint essential oil (I use Spark Naturals)
You will also need some empty jars. I use mason jars for gift giving but smaller plastic jars for myself.
Directions:
1. Mix your choice of oil (or a mixture of oils) with sugar in a large bowl. I find that a fork works best. Keep working the oil and sugar mixture until is is sand-like. If it is too dry, add a bit more oil, a spoonful at a time until the mixture comes together. You should be able to pinch it between your fingers and mold it.
2. Add your Peppermint essential oil and mix well.
3. Fill your jar or jars to the top. Pack your sugar-sand down into the jar, doing your best to pack down any air trapped in the the corners,
4. Before closing the jar, drizzle a few additional tablespoons of your oil on top. This will keep the scrub from drying out.
5. Decorate with a ribbon or bow and you are done.
How to Use a Scrub
To use a scrub, you want to moisten your hands or feet, then scoop up a generous amount and slather it all over, rubbing lightly as you go. After a minute or two, rinse well under warm water and pat try. Your hands (or feet) are going to feel baby soft. Plus, if you had dirty nails or ragged cuticles, they will be sparkling clean and neat as well.
Some folks use these scrubs on their face. If you want to try this, make sure your face is moistened very well with water first and test a small area before using the scrub on your entire face. If you have sensitive skin, or thin skin, proceed with caution’.
But What if I Don’t Like Peppermint?
Peppermint has a number of invigorating qualities but you can use lemon essential oil, orange essential oil, lavender – you name it. I happen to like peppermint scrubs so that is what I use,
The Final Word
I make no excuse for wanting a bit of pampering from time to time. Like you, I work hard to insure my long term survival during these uncertain times and being able to freshen up with some of my homemade scrubs, soaps and salves is comforting. And heck, I sure don’t mind the money I am saving by shopping for lotions and potions right here in my own kitchen!
Please give this scrub a try and let me know what you think of it.
Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!
Gaye
Further articles by Gaye Levy:
- DIY Miracle Healing Salve
- The Powerful Healing Qualities of Rosemary Essential Oil
- 15 Alternative Uses for Honey
- Vermiculture: How To Build A Worm Bin the Cheap and Easy Way
- Spices for the Survival Pantry
- 21 Home Remedies for a Toothache Emergency
- The Miracle of Tea Tree Oil: 80 Amazing Uses for Survival
- 26 Five-Minute Prepping Projects
- 10 Simple Steps Toward Self-Sufficiency
- Creating a Healing Garden: 9 Healing Herbs You Can Grow Yourself
About the author:
Gaye Levy, also known as the Survival Woman, grew up and attended school in the Greater Seattle area. After spending many years as an executive in the software industry, she started a specialized accounting practice offering contract CFO work to emerging high tech and service industries. She has now abandoned city life and has moved to a serenely beautiful rural area on an island in NW Washington State.
Gaye lives and teaches the principles of a sustainable and self-reliant lifestyle through her website at BackdoorSurvival.com. At Backdoor Survival, she speaks her mind and delivers her message of prepping with optimism and grace, regardless of the uncertain times and mayhem swirling around us. You can find Gaye through her website BackdoorSurvival.com, on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
If you have not done so already, please be sure to like Gaye’s Facebook page, which is updated every time there is an awesome new article, news byte, or link to a free survival, prepping or homesteading book on Amazon. In addition, when you sign up to receive Gaye’s email updates you will receive a free, downloadable copy of her e-book The Emergency Food Buyer’s Guide.
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