It's the essential oil, you see.
I am an insect magnet. And it is impossible to spend time in my gardens or even just relaxing on the porch without presenting myself to every thirsty flying critter. Even just walking to and from the chicken house can be enough to catch their attention. And so, right near the back door I always keep a can of home made insect repellent. I actually keep a second that I take along in my purse when I'm out for the day.
This is my recipe card that is free for the taking at our local co-op's essential oils display. The fragrance is refreshing and cooling as well. I do use Vodka which keeps the oils suspended in the water, but there is no residual vodka smell.
Another must have is my My*Grastick, which is a small roll on combination of peppermint and lavender that not only helps with headaches, but is another deterrent for those pesky bugs. And boy is this refreshing!
A third way I use lavender is to harvest and dry the flower buds and use them in my "body buddy." I make a cylinder of fabric, fill it about 2/3 with organic flax seed and several tablespoons of dried lavender buds. This can be warmed in the microwave and used to wrap a neck, or shoulder, or other hurting body part, giving off the fragrance of lavender in the process. They make wonder gifts, too.
Anne passed along a piece of flower print fabric that I used to cover a deep cigar box. I keep my essential oils and my recipe cards in it and store it on a shelf in my bathroom. It's pretty and practical and a reminder of ways in which Mother Nature offers us her bounty.
I've tried to remember to check my lavender this summer and harvest the precious buds as they've presented themselves. As I clipped a few earlier this week I recalled how my friend Karen often reminds us to breathe. This is such good advice. Thank you, Karen.
My addition to this would be: lavender on an inhalation definitely deepens the healing for both body and soul.
We are on the same wavelength today, dear friend...
ReplyDeletexo
I love using essential oils. I too have always had trouble trying to grow Lavender on my clay soil. They seem to prefer a well drained gritty soil. I like your pretty covered box to store your precious oils and recipe cards. :)
ReplyDeleteSharon, I'm so sorry - thought I had commented on this post!
ReplyDeleteI am so fortunate not to have allergies, as of yet. I hear they can come on later in life - fingers crossed! I am so sorry that insects like you so much, but am glad that you've found some natural aids. For some reason, I am very sensitive to essential oils and perfumes. I don't really like the smell of lavender, but my sister loves it. so I try to keep her well supplied with lavender fragrance in various forms!!