Showing posts with label apothecary shoppe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label apothecary shoppe. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Essential Oils for Winter

As winter unfolds its many surprises--cold temperatures and short, gray days among them--it's a great time to enjoy adding warming and uplifting essential oils into your seasonal blends. Warming essential oils like cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum and ginger Zingiber officinale have fresh, spicy aromas that blend well with citrus oils like grapefruit. Citrus oils are pleasant to use during the winter season because their fresh, uplifting scents can help support healthy emotional well-being.

Air Purification Formula with Cinnamon Essential Oil
  • Clove Syzygium aromaticum oil: 3-drops
  • Cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum oil: 3-drops
  • Lavender Lavandula angustifolia oil: 3-drops
  • Peppermint Mentha piperita oil: 3-drops
  • Pine Pinus sylvestris oil: 3-drops
  • Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis oil: 3-drops
  • Thyme Thymus vulgaris oil: 3-drops
  • Water (distilled): ½-oz
  • Alcohol: ½-oz
Directions: Mix the essential oils with the distilled water and ethyl alcohol in a 1-oz amber bottle. Place in a pump-action atomizer or blend 5-10-drops of each of the oils, and place in a vaporizer.

More information about cinnamon, ginger, and grapefruit essential oils to come!

*This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, heal, or prevent disease. You should always consult with your primary care physician, a naturopathic doctor, or a Registered Aromatherapist before making any significant changes in your health and wellness routine.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Benefit Of DIY Natural Homemade Gifts

BY Keoi Magill, ACHS Graduate Certificate in Aromatherapy

We all have much to gain by making our own homemade natural gifts. Anyone can run into a store and buy something off the shelf. But, when you put the time, thought, and energy into making gifts for those you love, the receiver knows that they are special to you.

By using natural materials you are also promoting a green lifestyle. Giving gifts that are natural to friends who have not experienced the benefits of organic products can be quite the eye opener. You will be introducing an eco-friendly lifestyle to someone who may be inexperienced. Plus, typically it costs more to purchase something already made, so you will save money as well.

Making DIY natural gifts can reduce stress. With all the hustle and bustle that life throws at us, spending the time doing something creative can be a form of meditation, calming and exhilarating you all at the same time. It can remove the worry about duplicating something your loved ones already have: your gift is original and one of a kind.

Handmade gifts can be problem solvers and time savers, especially for those on our holiday list who we never know what to give. No more wandering around trying to find that just-right gift. As long as we follow good manufacturing practices, quality assurance is guaranteed when we make natural gifts. We know that our gifts are toxic free and will not harm the environment or our family and friends.

In the truest spirit of the holiday season, there is nothing that we can do that is more rewarding than to make do-it-yourself homemade natural gifts.

For a free holiday recipe book, download the Apothecary Shoppe Holiday Recipe Guide HERE.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Using Aromatherapy in Fall: Bring the Spirit of the Season Indoors

Fall has arrived! And, right on its heels, cooler weather. The good news … there is a lot to love about the fall: pumpkin patches, rich colors, root vegetables, warm herbal teas, and essential oils.

Just as nutritionists recommend eating with the seasons, there are aromatherapeutic essential oils that complement the seasons too. Select spicy, earthy, rich aromas to bring the spirit of the season indoors and to create feelings of warmth. We suggest a blend of sweet orange, cinnamon, ylang ylang, and lemon (the Festive Spice blend from our Apothecary Shoppe).

Sweet orange Citrus sinensis essential oil helps to support emotional well-being and has a sweeter, fruity scent. It blends well with basil, cinnamon, clary sage, clove, lavender, neroli, lemon, and nutmeg. For more information about sweet orange visit here.

Cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil supports healthy digestion and stress management and has a spicy, earthy aroma. It blends well with ginger, nutmeg, rosemary, frankincense, and the citrus oils. For more information about cinnamon, visit here.

Ylang ylang Cananga odorata essential oil is attributed with analgesic, antidepressant, and aphrodisiac properties. It has a sweet aroma with long-lasting woody undertones and blends well with lavender, bergamot, the citrus oils, and sandalwood. For more information about ylang ylang, visit here.

Lemon Citrus limonum essential oil supports a healthy respiratory system and has a refreshing aroma. It blends well with cedarwood, chamomile, clove, eucalyptus, fennel, juniper, lavender, neroli, oakmoss, petitgrain, pine, sandalwood, and ylang ylang. For more information about lemon, visit here.

Festive Spice Blend
6 drops Sweet Orange
1 drop Cinnamon
2 drops Ylang Ylang
1 drop Lemon

We hope your first day of fall is fantastic and look forward to hearing more about your fall aromatherapy blends. Post any blending tips, photos, recipes …. here!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Antiviral Activity of Essential Oils: It's Never too Early for Good Health

It's started to rain here in Portland, a not-so-subtle reminder that fall is on the way. It seems this time of year usually comes with a spike in seasonal colds and flu, as well as the gray-scape of clouds. Not so fun!

Before the season sets in, you may want to take stock of your essential oil inventory at home. Do you have the basics--like eucalyptus, lemon balm, and peppermint--which are thought to help kill airborne viruses when diffused into the air? These essential oils can also be added into hand creams to help stop the spread of infection through person-to-person contact.*

For more health-promoting tips this pre-fall season, check out ACHS Academic Dean Dr. Arianna Staruch's article about the antiviral activity of essential oils: http://www.achs.edu/news/news-detail.aspx?nid=193

You also may want to visit the Apothecary Shoppe, where most essential oils have posted information about their traditional use and wellness support, and some even include blending formulas.

Here's the recipe to prepare an inhalation from the eucalyptus webpage:

Alcohol, 90%: 4.5-cups
Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus oil: 6-t
Thyme Thymus vulgaris oil: 3-t
Pine Pinus sylvestris oil: 3-t
Lavender Lavandula angustifolia oil: 2-t
Lemon Citrus limon oil: 2-t

Mix all ingredients. To prepare as an inhalation, add 3-t to 6-cups of boiling water. This mixture can also be added to the bath water or to footbaths. Use 3-drops in the bath or 1-2-drops in a footbath.

* This information is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, or prescribe.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Clove Essential Oil Support to Ease Pain, Kill Viruses

Clove essential oil is in the news ... again! A new article from Care2.com is a great addition to our post last week, New Study Finds Clove Essential Oil May Help with Rashes.

Here's a snippet of the article, "Essential Oil Eases Pain, Kills Viruses," featuring the analgesic and antifungal properties attributed to clove Syzygium aromaticum essential oil:

"Easing Pain: Clove essential oil’s is best known for its ability to alleviate toothaches, making it a common ingredient in natural toothpaste and mouthwash. Additionally, it is often added to liniment and massage oils since it component, eugenol, has anti-pain properties.

"Kills Viruses: This potent aromatherapy oil has also been shown in studies to halt reproduction of the herpes viruses including those linked to cold sores and shingles.

"Because it is a potent oil and can be irritating to mucous membranes and the skin, it should always be diluted in a carrier oil like sweet almond or extra virgin olive oil (about 3 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil). Also, be sure to do a test patch on the inside of your arm and wait for 24 or 48 hours to be sure you aren’t sensitive to the oil."

To read the full-length article, visit the Care2.com website here: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/aromatherapy-oil-eases-pain-kills-viruses.html

Wednesday, September 08, 2010

New Study Finds Clove Essential Oil May Help With Rashes

A new study from the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) has found that clove essential oil may help with itchy rashes, such as those associated with scabies. (Perhaps it may be useful with bedbugs, considering the recent U.S. outbreak? Hmmm?)

"Essential oils and their active chemical components have long been proven to be effective against animal parasites such as cattle ticks, sheep ticks, and rabbit mites. Our research is applying this theory to the human scabies mite," said Pasay, one of the researchers.

"We also tested eugenol, which makes up 80% of clove oil, and its related compounds for their effects on the mites and found they were comparable to an existing treatment for scabies," Pasay said.

Clove essential oil contains the constituents eugenol, beta-caryophyllene, alpha-humulene, and is attributed with antiseptic, antispasmodic, and insecticide properties, among others.

To read the full-text research announcement, go to: http://www.dnaindia.com/health/report_clove-oil-may-treat-itchy-rashes_1435265

Thursday, September 02, 2010

Tea Tree Essential Oil Helps Clean Mold from Your Home

It seems like near every day there is a new article about the health benefits of cleaning your home with natural, chemical-free products. We're happy to see this information is out there for people to read and use!

In fact, we recently spotted an interesting article about a specific use for tea tree essential oil in the home. Mold. As explained in the article "Does Tea Tree Oil Help Kill Mold?" from naturalhealthezine.com, mold not only looks unsightly, is can pose several potential health risks, including triggering allergic reactions and asthma attacks.

Tea tree essential oil is attributed with antibacterial and antiviral properties, and is a good alternative to more traditional cleaning products, like bleach. Plus, a little bit of the essential oil used in water goes a long way. You may, however, want to wear gloves while cleaning with tea tree essential oil. It can cause skin irritation is those who are sensitive. We recommend using a skin patch test before cleaning your home.*

Naturalhealthezine.com recommends making a tea tree essential oil mold spray from 2 cups of water and 1-2 drops of the oil. Shake the bottle thoroughly before spraying. Then saturate the moldy area with the spray and allow it to sit overnight; wipe down the area the next day.

For more information about the chemical constituents and benefits of EcoCert organic tea tree essential oil, visit the Apothecary Shoppe Store: Tea tree Australia (Melaleuca alternifolia) and tea tree New Zealand (Leptospermum scoparium).

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Image (c) http://www.flickr.com/photos/briangratwicke/4241137381/sizes/sq/in/photostream/

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Stock Up On Summer Travel Supplies: Save 20% through Monday!!

Fourth of July is Sunday! That means two things: Summer is here and it’s travel time!

What’s more exciting than a new destination, a little adventure, and some R&R on the road? Not much! But, don’t let your summer travels get grounded by unexpected health challenges. Minor bumps and scrapes, bug bites, and unexpected allergies are common travel mishaps. But with a little preparation, you can have the adventure of a lifetime AND keep you and your family happy and healthy all summer long!

Essential Oil First Aid Travel Kit

This kit was personally designed by ACHS President Dorene Petersen and includes 5 ml of aloe vera and 5 ml each of the antibacterial, health-promoting essential oils cinnamon, ginger, lavender, lemon, peppermint, tea tree Australia, and ylang ylang.

The Travel Kit’s great price reflects our new, lowered prices on essential oils due to the U.S. dollar's surge against the Euro. But we can’t predict how long these exchange rates will stay in place, so take advantage of these great savings while you can!

Order by midnight July 5 to save 20% off any Apothecary Shoppe purchase of $30 or more. Just enter the code July2010 into the comments section of your order at checkout.

Also check out these travel items:
  • Flight Spray Germ Fighting Nasal Spray
  • Herbal Comfort Neck Pack
  • JetZone Jet Lag Homeopathic 30 Tab
  • Rescue Remedy Spray
Click here for a link to ACHS on Facebook. "Like" us to download natural body care recipes and comment on article links and add your own favorite recipes. Go to: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Portland-OR/American-College-of-Healthcare-Sciences/99091122240

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Father's Day Gift Ideas and Savings: Give Dad the Gift of Health


Bad news: You’re likely aware of the economic challenges Europe is facing right now. Good news: The U.S. dollar has surged against the Euro, allowing us to maximize our buying power and to pass on some great savings to you.

As a result, we are able to lower the price of most Apothecary Shoppe College Store essential oils, many at a significant savings! We can’t predict how long these great exchange rates will stay in place, so take advantage!*

All orders of $20 or more placed by midnight June 20 will also receive 1 oz Detoxifying Bath Salt Blend free*

June 20 is Father's Day. This year, give Dad the gift of health! Dad is exposed to toxins in the environment everyday, including in food and water. Help Dad detox with our Detoxifying Bath Salt Blend.

These salts have been custom blended by ACHS President Dorene Petersen. Included are essential oils of juniper, ginger, fennel, and rosemary, which create a refreshing experience and help support the body's natural detoxification process.

Make health today's priority! Shop for Dad and your favorite essential oils here!

*Our new pricing reflects current market value only. The high quality you rely on is the same. We will never sacrifice quality and thoroughly investigate the harvesting, manufacturing, and product practices of our suppliers to ensure adherence to our mission.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Essential Oil for St. Patrick's Day: Peppermint

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all. If you're looking for an essential oil to use reminiscent of the spirit of St. Patrick's, give peppermint Mentha piperita a try.

Peppermint essential oil, also called balm mint or brandy mint, has a fresh, somewhat minty and strong smell. It is considered an adaptogenic oil, and although peppermint is not traditionally used in perfumery, the aroma is known to "give a lift" when inhaled.

The main constituent of peppermint oil produced in the United States is the alcohol, l-menthol (42.8%). Menthol is responsible for the cooling taste of peppermint, which is why peppermint is used extensively in commercial products, such as cough drops.

Before applying peppermint oil directly to skin, a skin patch test is recommended. You can also diffuse peppermint essential oil directly into the air for inhalation by using a terracotta light ring or a variety of diffusers.

Here's a recipe for a peppermint-based migraine rub (just in case!):
  • Chamomile Anthemis nobilis oil: 5-drops
  • Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globules oil: 5-drops
  • Lemon Citrus limonum oil: 5-drops
  • Peppermint Mentha piperita oil: 5-drops
  • Base oil: 2-T
  • Blend the oils and apply to shoulders, neck, and temples
Other "green" essential oils you might enjoy for St. Patrick's Day include: Eucalyptus, lime, basil, and bay.

>> For more information about the History of Aromatherapy, download a free lecture from the Apothecary Shoppe.

*Note, this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, or prescribe. You should always check with your primary care physician.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Essential Oil of Vitex May Help with Symptoms of PMS and Menopause

ACHS President Dorene Petersen harvests vitex berries for essential oil distillation in the American College of Healthcare Sciences Botanical Teaching Garden on February 17, 2010

Vitex Vitex agnus-castus, also called chaste tree and monk's pepper, is from the family Verbenaceae. A perennial, deciduous shrub, vitex grows to about 6-18 feet high and can spread to about 15 feet. The leaves are dark green, the flowers are small and lilac, and the berries are red-black with a spicy, aromatic flavor and aroma.

Historically, vitex is said to have been chewed by monks to help preserve their celibacy. There are also reports mentioning its use in Greek rituals, as well as the practice of carrying twigs for protection against dangers and to signify chastity.

Vitex essential oil is a pale to dark-yellow color and has a strong aroma, but is not traditionally used in perfumery. The fruit, or berries, are used to produce the oil, which includes the active constituents limonene, 1,8-cineol, pinene, carophyllene, and sabinene.

Therapeutically, vitex essential oil is thought to have hormonal effects, such as support for the relief of common menopausal symptoms[1] and PMS[2], and may have antibacterial and antifungal effects.

>> To learn more about the medicinal benefits of vitex, check out this free education video from the American College of Healthcare Sciences with College President Dorene Petersen: http://www.youtube.com/achstv#p/u/1/V0Mpmgm2sbU

Sign up to follow ACHS on YouTube, ACHStv, to receive automatic updates the moment new videos are posted: http://www.youtube.com/achstv

>> For your vitex essential oil, stop by the Apothecary Shoppe: www.apothecary-shoppe.com

[1] Lucks, B. 2003. Vitex agnus castus essential oil and menopausal balance: a research update. Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery Vol 9, Issue 3 148-154.
[2] 2009. The premenstrual syndrome: effectiveness of Vitex agnus castus.
Med Monatsschr Pharm. May; 32(5): 186-91.

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Aromatherapy Insight Cards: A Practical Tool for Everyday Health

Have you tried these Aromatherapy Insight Cards before? If not, you may want to. Not only do these cards and accompanying text provide great background information about essential oils, they also provide an interactive, hands-on tool to start incorporating essential oils into your everyday health and wellness routine.

As the book jacket outlines, "we need to rebalance our lives and regain all that we are searching for. [...] The Aromatherapy Insight Cards are a practical tool to help you tap into your intuition, develop your emotional awareness, and increase your knowledge base as you learn the subtle uses for aromatherapy."

For more information on this text by Jennifer Jefferies, ND, check it out on the Apothecary Shoppe website: http://www.apothecary-shoppe.com/product_info.php?cPath=4_24&products_id=1164

Here's the oil we selected for today, Tuesday, February 9, 2010: Cinnamon, Cinnamomum seylanicum. According to the text, cinnamon is a tool to help you "regain that passion for life." It has the physical benefit of "a valuable antiseptic and it warms, giving relief to arthritic aches and pains. It also alleviates coughs and colds, nervous tension and exhaustion."

Jefferies, Jennifer ND. Aromatherapy Insight Cards. Living Energy: Australia. 2005.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Medicinal Properties of Bay Essential Oil and Liniment Recipe

Bay essential oil, Laurus nobilis, has a long and interesting history. It was known as Daphne to the Greeks because the nymph Daphne escaped the attentions of Apollo by being transformed into a bay tree. Heartbroken, Apollo, the God of Music and Poetry, took the tree as his emblem, hence the term "poet laureate" and "to gain one's laurels."

In addition, the Romans believed bay warded off both evil and infectious disease, and to this day in Europe you can still see bay leaf garlands hanging on doors.

Today, bay is used as a flavoring in foods, and is effective to combat infectious bacteria when used in a vaporizer. In perfumery, bay is sweet, pleasant, and slightly spicy, and blends well with bergamot, black pepper, clary sage, cypress, juniper, lavender, neroli, and rosemary, to name a few.

Medicinally, bay is attributed with antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, diaphoretic, digestant, and sedative properties.

Recommended Daily Dose:
Three times daily unless otherwise stated. Use for a maximum of two weeks, then take three weeks off to avoid accumulative toxicity. In adults, use 2 drops, three times a day. Externally, use up to 5 drops in a bath.

Liniment Blend:
30 drops bay essential oil
15 drops nutmeg oil
9 drops black pepper oil
1 cup peanut oil

Blend all oils together. Peanut oil can be replaced with another vegetable oil, such as sweet almond or grapeseed. However, peanut oil is preferred as it has a traditional reputation for effectively reducing the pain of arthritis and rheumatism.

Blend all oils together. Pour into a dark glass bottle and label. Massage directly into painful areas. Store in a cool place and use within 6 months.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

AHPA Adopts Trade Requirement on Labeling of Undiluted Essential Oils




The American Herbal Products Association's (AHPA) Board of Trustees recently adopted a trade requirement to support the safe-use and proper-identification of undiluted essential oils used topically and offered for retail sale.

The trade requirement, which AHPA members must come into compliance with by Jan. 9, 2010, requires that undiluted essential oils offered for retail sale and intended for topical use include all of the following information or statements on package labels:
  • "Keep out of reach of children" or significantly similar cautionary language
  • "External Use Only," "Not for Internal Use," "Not for Ingestion" or significantly similar cautionary language
  • "Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes" or significantly similar cautionary language
  • The Latin name of the plant from which the essential oil is derived
  • Identification of the plant part from which the essential oil is derived
Developed by a working group of AHPA's Botanical Personal Care Products Committee, composed of both AHPA member companies and non-member companies involved in the trade of essential oils, the trade requirement is intended to help educate industry and promote the responsible sale and use of undiluted essential oils intended for topical use and sold at retail. The labeling requirement does not address synthetic fragrances, which are not, in fact, essential oils.

All of AHPA's trade requirements and guidance policies are available on AHPA's Web site.

Friday, July 10, 2009

ACHS lavender distillation yields 30 mls of essential oil

On June 30 ACHS held a public distillation of lavender from the botanical teaching garden. About a dozen community members helped College President Dorene Petersen with the distillation, including harvesting the lavender from the garden.

Historically, lavender Lavandula angustifolia has been used to relieve stress and its effects, including insomnia and anxiety, and to generally aid relaxation. It can also be used around the home as an effective deodorizer and air freshener, in closets and drawers as a natural insecticide, and as a perfume.

Lavender oil is colorless, pale-yellow or yellowish-green oil. It must be stored at cool temperatures in well-filled, airtight containers, and protected from light.

>>To sample the lavender essential oil from the ACHS distillation, check out the Apothecary Shoppe College Store for your free sample.

>>To see more pictures from the ACHS lavender distillation, friend us on Facebook.

>>To watch the ACHS lavender harvest and distillation, visit our Youtube channel, ACHStv.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Receive a free gift from the Apothecary Shoppe

You've been selected to receive a free gift! Discover the soothing properties of therapeutic grade rosemary essential oil with this special Free Gift with Purchase offer.

Receive a free vial of ACHS distilled rosemary essential oil with any purchase made June 23-29, 2009*. Click here to add this promotion to your cart!

Hand-harvested from the ACHS Botanical Teaching Garden, this rosemary essential oil was distilled to maintain the highest quality of anti-inflammatory ester borneol acetate.

When used topically, rosemary essential oil also is attributed with antibacterial, antiseptic, and stimulant properties. When used as an aromatic--inhaled or diffused into the air--it is known for its nervine (sedative) properties.

You will receive this spray-free, undiluted, therapeutic grade essential oil with any purchase placed through the Apothecary Shoppe from June 23-29. Add this promotion to your cart.

*Offer good through Monday, June 29, 2009, or while supplies last. Additional student or graduate discounts do not apply. Cannot be combined with other offers. Available in-store, online, and orders by phone. Not available retroactively. No cash refunds.

To watch the rosemary harvest and distillation featuring ACHS President Dorene Petersen, check out ACHStv YouTube link here.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Lemon hand and nail butter keeps the gardener's hands fresh

Lemon hand and nail butter keeps the gardener's hands fresh

Working in the garden often means a lot of digging, soil work, and exposure to water. Taken separately, these garden tasks can be very rewarding. But together, they can wreak havoc on your hands.

It may be the price you pay for a lush garden and fresh fruits and veggies, but overdried or cracked skin can be painful. Keep your hands in mint condition with this recipe for lemon essential oil hand and nail butter.

Lemon Citrus limonum essential oil is a pale-yellow color and has a light, though fresh aroma. As an aromatherapy oil, lemon essential oil, when inhaled, has a soothing effect. When applied topically, such as in the hand and nail butter recipe below, lemon essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties.

To keep your hands healthy, moisturized, and active in the garden, try this all-natural, do-it-yourself lemon hand and nail butter recipe. (This recipe can also be used to soften chapped lips, and rough knees, elbows, and feet.)

For free aromatherapy and natural body care downloads, visit the Apothecary Shoppe.

Ingredients
Beeswax 1-T Cocoa butter 2-T. Sweet almond oil 4-T Lanolin, anhydrous 1-T
Lemon essential oil 50- drops

Directions
In a small saucepan over low heat or in a double boiler, warm all ingredients, except the lemon essential oil until the wax and cocoa butter are just melted. Remove from heat and stir a few times to blend. Add essential oil, stir, and pour into container(s). Cover container(s) lightly with a paper towel, and cap when cooled. Leave the butter at room temperature for 12 hours prior to use to allow cocoa butter to set up completely. The finished formula should have a soft paste wax consistency. It requires no refrigeration, but for maximum potency and reshness, use within one year. Store in plastic or glass jars or tins. Yields approximately 1/2-cup.



Thursday, December 11, 2008

Do-it-Yourself Skin Care a Must, Recipes for Health


Our bodies are comprised of up to 70% water. But, we still need to moisturize daily. Why? Moisturizing keeps water in our skin, and a good, natural moisturizer will also shield your skin from environmental irritants like dust, toxins, and winter weather.

To help keep water in, our bodies produce a natural moisturizer called sebum. But sebum is no longer enough. Most people don’t drink enough water, eat properly, or avoid pollution enough to not need an additional moisturizer.

Remember, even the best or most expensive moisturizers will fall short if you don’t drink enough water. Our skin draws moisture from our bodies, and without it, the skin dries, shrinks, and wrinkles with age. Water also flushes toxins from the system, which results in healthier body systems, and hydrates, which helps with concentration and stress relief.

CLICK HERE for more do-it-yourself natural skin care. Download the ACHS Holiday Recipe Book for personal use or include with your holistic health gifts this holiday season.

To make Body Moisture Oil:

Mix 90 ml of sweet almond oil and 5 ml of jojoba oil. Then add about 20 drops of your favorite essential oils. We suggest:

Pain Free Oil
Essential Oil of Lavender 10 drops
Essential Oil of Rosemary 8 drops
Essential Oil of Peppermint 4 drops
Essential Oil of Ginger 4 drops
Essential Oil of Black pepper 4 drops


Muscle Toner
Essential Oil of Grapefruit 8 drops
Essential Oil of Ginger 4 drops
Essential Oil of Lemon 3 drops
Essential Oil of Cypress 3 drops
Essential Oil of Juniper 2 drops


To print the Body Moisture Oil recipes CLICK HERE.

Complete your one-stop shopping at the Apothecary Shoppe. Do you already receive Apothecary Shoppe emails? If not, call 800-487-8839 to sign up and ask about your $25 gift certificate, available through December 20, 2008.

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