Man in the Moon Herbs

This is an easy to make balm that is wonderful for healing and preventing dry, cracked skin. Lavender Balm 1/4 cup apricot kernel oil 1/4 beeswax 3 tablespoons cocoa butter 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E 1/2 teaspoon lavender essential oil one 4 ounce tub or jar Melt the beeswax and cocoa butter along with the apricot kernel oil in a double boiler stirring occasionally to thoroughly blend. Remove from heat and let cool until you can see your mixture just begin to harden on the sides of your pan. Keep a good eye on it so it doesn't get too far along. Stir in the vitamin E and lavender oil and pour into your pot. Let cool and harden with the lid off. You can substitute another light oil like jojoba or sweet almond oil for the apricot kernel oil if you like. Don't care for lavender? Use your favorite fragrance or essential oil instead. If you don't have access to bottled vitamin E add 3 vitamin E capsules by poking a hole in them and squeezing the liquid into the balm.

I just love to use a nice powder after a shower, but don't want to worry about the effects of talc so I created my own using all natural ingredients. You can vary the herbs and oils used to make your own signature scent. You can find arrowroot powder in the natural foods section of most larger grocery stores or at Jean's Greens . They also carry powder cylinders with a shaker top to package your fragrant creation for gift giving. Lavender Body Powder 1 pound of cornstarch 1 pound of arrowroot powder 2 cups baking soda 1/2 cup ground lavender buds 2 1/2 teaspoons lavender essential oil Mix dry ingredients thoroughly with a whisk. Gradually add essential oil a couple of drops at a time, mixing thoroughly each addition. Put your mixture in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid and age at least a week before using to allow the scents to mellow and mingle.

The tradition of milk baths goes back to the time of Cleopatra. This bath is soothing, softening and makes a thoughtful gift. Package in a pretty jar with a muslin bag and directions for use. LAVENDER ROSE MILK BATH 1 cup of powdered milk 1/2 cup of powdered goat milk 1/2 cup of ground lavender 1/4 cup of rose petal powder 1 cup of finely ground oatmeal Thoroughly mix all ingredients and store in an air tight container. To use, place 1/4- 1/3 cup in a muslin bag and hang from the faucet as the tub is filling. You can find the lavender and muslin bags at lavendermim.com