DIY Wintertime Self-Care
Are you ready to take on winter like a glowing goddess? Despite all of its beauty, winter brings with it some blustery weather that will surely sap your skin dry. And let's not forget all the wintertime illnesses that linger in the air.No worries though, I've dug up some delicious DIYs to carry you through this winter season! Bonus, they make perfect handmade gifts.
Evergreen Lip Balm
Our super sensitive puckers are left on their own to brave the elements. Smooth, shine, and refresh your lips with this grounding lip balm!
Supplies
lip balm tin
double boiler (or a glass bowl fit into a saucepan)
grated beeswax
virgin organic coconut oil
organic raw honey
vitamin E capsules
toothpick
your favorite evergreen EO (mine is Plant Guru’s “Deep Forest”)
How To
Add 1 TBSP beeswax to double boiler at low heat. When halfway melted add in 1 TBSP coconut oil. Melt together, then add 2 vitamin E capsules or ½ tsp. Remove from heat and quickly mix in-dash of honey and a few drops EO. Add mixture to the tin container before it solidifies. In order to keep ingredients from separating, continue to stir with a toothpick until the mixture is more solid.
Benefits
Beeswax is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and full of antioxidants. Heals damaged skin and protects against UV rays. Locks in moisture, soothes dryness, contains vitamin A for healthy cell development.
Coconut oil contains lauric acid that dives deep into the skin barrier to relieve inflammation.
Honey sucks moisture from the air and locks it into your skin, a natural exfoliant, heals, nourishes, protects.
Vitamin E fights off free radicals, softens skin.
Evergreen is a grounding scent that promotes harmony and clarity.
Vanilla Bean Body Oil
This sensual body spray is my new favorite. It smells heavenly and its added health benefits make it a cold-weather must-have.
Supplies
glass spray bottle
macadamia nut oil
sweet almond oil
2 organic vanilla beans
vanilla essential oil (optional)
How To
Combine equal parts macadamia nut oil and sweet almond oil into your glass spray bottle. Cut vanilla beans in half (lengthwise) and add to oil. The vanilla beans can take some time to infuse with the oils. For instant aroma add a few drops of vanilla essential oil. Spritz the oil on after your shower to seal in moisture! Once you’ve used up the oil, salvage the vanilla seeds and use them as a facial exfoliant or add to a body scrub!
Benefits
Macadamia nut oil is lightweight, reduces itching and inflammation; linoleic fatty acid helps skin retain moisture.
Sweet almond oil has 200% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin E, packed full of antioxidants that help protect against UV damage, contains vitamin A that can help prevent acne, helps with psoriasis and eczema.
Vanilla anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, contains antioxidants, packed with vitamin B for healthy skin! The scent of vanilla is said to promote feelings of well being, and the Mayans even believed it to be an aphrodisiac!
Homemade Honey Cough Syrup
Every year, I think I'm in the clear. And then...it hits me! Bam! That first cough/cold combo of the season is bound to happen. Whip up a batch of this cough syrup while you’re feeling good so you can tackle that sickness with a vengeance when it comes your way. You can even start taking some now as a preventative! This recipe will stay good for a few weeks when stored in a cool and dry environment.
Supplies
raw or manuka honey
ground ginger (fresh or dried)
ground black pepper
lemon
ground thyme (fresh or dried)
water
mixing bowl
mason jar with lid
How To
Mix 10 TBSP honey with 4 TBSP warm water. Stir in 1 ½ tsp each of thyme, ginger, and pepper. Squeeze in the juice of ½ of a lemon. Mix together thoroughly. Store in a sealed container.
Benefits
Honey coats irritated membranes with its strong antibacterial properties.
Ginger is a natural expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and helps sweat toxins out of the body; antiviral.
Lemon is super immune-boosting packed with vitamin C.
Black pepper is antibacterial, packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, and helps loosen phlegm when used with honey.
Thyme opens and relaxes airways, reduces inflammation.
Now you’re ready to take on wintertime like a glowing goddess. I hope you enjoy these blends as much as I have! Do you have a favorite winter self-care recipe? I’d love to hear about it, feel free to contact us.
