Homemade

The Safe Use Of Undiluted Essential Oils & How To Make Long Lasting Aromatherapy Shower Steamers

August 17, 2020 By Paula Leave a Comment

The Safe Use Of Undiluted Essential Oils & How To Make Long Lasting Aromatherapy Shower Steamers

Are Undiluted Essential Oils Safe To Use?

Essential oils can be used in many ways. They can be diffused for inhalation, applied topically, or used for cleaning. Clinical studies have shown that aromatherapy by inhalation can have real benefits for people with anxiety, problems with mental focus, depressive symptoms, and menstrual pain. When it comes to essential oils used in skin care, things tend to get a bit complicated and controversial. While several oils may aid in healing, toning, and brightening the skin some can cause serious skin reactions and even chemical burns due to allergies and phototoxicity.

First, let me hit on the undiluted or “neat” application of essential oils. The neat application is the use of a pure essential oil directly to the skin without the use of a carrier or base oil. With undiluted application, the oil is often applied in a small amount to a specific localized area. With the risk ranging from mild dermal irritation to severe dermatitis and sensitization, the undiluted application of essential oils is a highly controversial topic. Within the aromatherapy industry, there are those who believe the undiluted application of essential oils is extremely beneficial and appropriate under certain circumstances and those who believe that it is extremely hazardous and that essential oils absolutely should not be placed on the skin undiluted for any reason.

Of the aromatherapy practitioners who believe in the neat application of essential oils, many believe that only the following essential oils should be used undiluted — Lavandula angustifolia, Melaleuca alternifolia, Helichrysum italicum and Chamaemelum nobile. According to The School for Aromatic Studies, the specific essential oils that tend to be safe to apply undiluted include tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) **Be sure it has not oxidized!, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum), Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), rose (Rosa damascena), and sandalwood (Santalum album or Santalum spicatum), Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata or globulus), Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis). These and other essential oils of similar chemical make-up (which may also be considered safe for undiluted application) should only be applied under proper conditions by a trained and knowledgeable therapist or individual. Essential oils that can be irritating, sensitizing, or are rich in aldehydes or phenols should be avoided all together for undiluted application.

When used on the skin, the more an essential oil is diluted, the less risk there is of an adverse skin reaction. If you’re unsure how essential oil to carrier oil much you should use to achieve a certain ratio, Robert Tisserand, an essential oil educator and aromatherapy expert from Californa, has a chart to offer guidance. Regardless of the method of use, only oils that should be used are the ones that are considered safe and allowed for internal consumption.

Now that we’ve got the use of undiluted essential oils and skin care out of the way let’s talk about some great things that you can make with them. Such as creating natural products for yourself, friends, and family. Who wouldn’t like to receive a homemade aromatherapy candle or some handmade soap? How about some bath bombs or shower steamers in your favorite scent?

Freesia Oil
Refreshing, enhances alertness and strengthens the memory

Cherry Blossom Oil
Used to uplift mood and make the day better

Rose Oil
Used to improve mood and reduce anxiety

Lavender Oil
Used to relieve stress and promote peaceful sleep

Wild-Bluebell Oil
Enhance mood and feelings of well-being

Gardenia Oil
Contribute to alleviate anxiety and irritability

We recently received a 100% Pure Essential Oil Set from Aofmee containing Rose Essential Oil, Lavender Essential Oil, Cherry Bloom Essential Oil, Gardenia Essential Oil, Wild-Bluebell Essential Oil, and Freesia Essential Oil so we decided to try our hand at making some shower steamers. For those who have never had the pleasure of the shy little sister to the beloved bath bomb — a shower steamer is basically a bath bomb for your shower. They’re super easy to use. You simply place one somewhere in your shower, and as water hits it, it fizzles, and releases an amazing mix of essential oil scents into the air.

Long Lasting Aromatherapy Shower Steamers

Materials

2 cups baking soda
1 cup citric acid
Witch hazel or 91% Isopropyl Alcohol (pour into a spray mist bottle)
Essential oils – see suggestions below
1 – 2 Tablespoons Menthol Crystals (optional, but they will make your steamers work better)
Silicone, metal, or plastic mold(s) (You can use any you like… good ones to use are ice cube trays, regular and mini muffin pans, candy molds, soap molds, etc.)
Medical mask and disposable gloves
dry coloring pigment or liquid soap colorant (optional, needed only if you want to color your steamers)

Essential Oil Suggestions:

You can use up to two teaspoons of your favorite essential oil.
For a cold/flu symptoms: 80 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil & 40 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
For a soothing shower: 80 drops of Lavender Essential Oil & 40 drops of Geranium Essential Oil
For sinus relief: use 1/4 cup of Menthol Crystals, 40 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil & 40 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
To ease seasonal allergies: 40 drops each of Lemon, Lavender And Peppermint Essential Oils
For romance: 50 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil, 30 drops Patchouli essential oil, 30 drops Wild Orange or Bergamot essential oil
For detox and immunity support: 30 drops Rosemary essential oil, 30 drops Geranium essential oil, 20 drops Lavender essential oil, & 10 drops Tea Tree essential oil
To deodorize & kill bacteria in your toilet: 60 drops each of Lavender, Peppermint, & Lemon Essential Oils (divide finished mixture into approx. 48 toilet bombs) Check out these 5 other uses for toilet bombs.

Instructions

Since you will be working with citric acid and baking soda, put on a medical mask (or any available face covering you have) first. These powders are so fine, they will be irritating when you stir them together if you don’t. Also, you will want to put on a pair disposable gloves since you will be mixing and pressing these steamers with your hands.
Place the baking soda and citric acid in a large bowl. Using a fork or whisk, remove any lumps. Mix until well combined. If you are using a dry coloring pigment to color your steamers, add it during this step. Set aside.
Dissolve the menthol crystals. Place them in a small dish and add your essential oils. Stir, if not completely dissolved you can add a few drops of alcohol. If you’d like to color your steamers with a liquid color, now is the time to add a few drops of liquid soap colorant.
Add the essential oil mixture to the baking soda mixture. Mix with whisk until well combined.
Lightly spritz the surface of the mixture with witch hazel/alcohol. Then, give it a good mix with a whisk. From this point on you will want to mix with your hands. (You have to be very careful because if you add too much liquid too soon, the whole thing will fizz up.)
Continue spritzing and mixing until you end up with a consistency of wet sand. (It doesn’t take much. When it feels like sand that would be perfect for making a sandcastle, you’ve added enough.)
Now you can divide your shower steamer mixture evenly between the sections of your silicone mold.
Using your hands, the back of a spoon, or ice cream scoop pack the mixture into your molds as tightly as you can and smooth it out. (I put mine in a silicone ice cube mold and used a wine cork that I happened to have lying on the counter to press the mixture down. It worked fabulously!)
Leave to dry, a minimum of 2 hours or overnight.
When dry, carefully remove from molds and and let them dry overnight.
Package in a Mason jar or clear gift bag.

To Use: Take into the shower with you, wet it under the stream of water to get it going. Place the steamer at the far end of the bath/shower stall. You want it to last and if it stays under the stream of water it will disappear too quickly.

Caution: Because you are introducing oil into the shower, be sure you use a shower mat and wipe out the shower floor when you are done.

Precautions for Using Menthol Crystals in Shower Steamers: The maximum dilution rate for using menthol crystals is 5% in order to protect respiratory system and skin from any distress or discomfort. This is a case where more is not better. It is important to note that menthol crystals are not recommend for use by children ages 7 and under. Likewise, if you are pregnant or nursing you should consult a physician before using menthol crystals. You should also seek out guidance from your doctor before use if you have cancer, heart-related ailments, skin disorders or hormone-related ailments. Additionally, do not use menthol crystals if you have an open wounds as high levels of absorption may be toxic and take care to keep menthol crystals out of contact with mucous membranes. If you will be using these steamers for young children or have any of these conditions, consult your pediatrician/doctor before use or err on the side of caution and omit the menthol crystals from your steamers.

Tips:

When placed in an air tight container, these can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
If you live in a humid area, it might take longer for your shower steamers to dry.
If your shower steamers are not drying as fast as you’d like, you can dry them out faster in a low temperature oven (250-300 degrees).
You can omit the essential oils from the recipe. Then, just add a few drops of whatever essential oils you want to the shower steamer right before you want to use it.
If you are not using essential oils, the menthol can be dissolved with a small amount of alcohol. Menthol crystals are insoluble in water, witch hazel, and glycerin. They are soluble in alcohol and essential oils. With a melting point of 107°F, menthol crystals are quickly solubilized in slightly warmed oils.
For menthol shower steamers dissolve 1/4 cup of Menthol Crystals in your essential oils before adding them. Adding menthol also intensifies and helps your essential oils get released into the air so you will not need to use as much of them.
If you don’t want to make your own you can find shower steamers like the ones pictured above for sale on Etsy.
If your steamers are expanding in the mold, this means the mixture is too wet and the fizzing reaction is happening prematurely. Also, if you make them on a rainy day they can fizz prematurely due to moisture in the air.
Place your steamers in a container with uncooked rice while they dry
For child safe steamers and bath bombs avoid using peppermint oil for children under 3. Read this post for more information on the use of peppermint and eucalyptus oil for children.

Whether you’re an experienced essential oil user or a total beginner, it’s always a good idea to consult an expert before using them. Additionally, remember to use safe practices when using essential oils and ensure that your oil comes from a reputable source. Essential oils are not safe to consume and can cause significant poisoning even if small amounts are ingested.

Looking for more essential oil ideas? Check out this post for Some Surprising Lemon Essential Oil Uses and this How To Make Your Own DIY Sea Salt Spray and Air Freshener at Home post.

Homemade Pasta Recipe and Bellemain Large Drying Rack Review

January 17, 2018 By Paula 3 Comments

Looking for a classic Italian dinner?
Would you like to enjoy a delightful homemade pasta meal?

You Can Do It!

It is very easy to make your own fresh pasta at home, even without a pasta machine. Try your hand at homemade pasta with this easy-to-work-with dough.

Ingredients:
2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
1/4 teaspoon Salt
Additional Flour for rolling

3 Eggs
1 Tablespoon Milk
1 teaspoon olive oil

How To Make Your Own Homemade Pasta:

Combine 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt on a cutting board or countertop; make a well in the center.
Whisk 3 eggs, 1 tablespoon milk, and 1 teaspoon olive oil in small bowl until well blended; gradually pour into well in flour mixture while mixing with a fork or with your fingers to form a ball of dough.
Place dough on lightly floured surface; flatten slightly.
Knead Dough: To knead the dough, fold dough in half toward you and press dough away from you with heels of hands. Give the dough a quarter turn and continue folding, pushing, and turning. Continue kneading 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic, adding more flour to prevent sticking if necessary. Wrap dough in plastic wrap; let stand 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, unwrap dough and knead briefly (as described above) on a lightly floured surface.
Using lightly floured rolling pin, roll out dough to a 1/8-inch-thick circle on lightly floured surface. Gently pick up dough circle with both hands. Hold it up to the light to check for places where the dough is too thick. Return to the board; even out any thick spots. Let rest until dough is slightly dry but can be handled without breaking.
Lightly flour dough circle and roll loosely on a rolling pin. Slide rolling pin out (this will make it easier to cut since it will be folded into thirds); press the dough roll gently with hand and cut into strips of the desired width with a sharp knife. Carefully unfold strips.
Hang strips over pasta rack and dry at least 3 hours; store in airtight container at room temperature up to 4 days. To serve, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water 3 to 4 minutes just until al dente. Drain well.

Recipe from Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Instant Pot Giveaway (Winner's Choice of $100 eGift Card)

What I used to make this recipe

Pasta Drying Rack

Bellemain Large Drying Rack for Pasta Quick Look:

• Dries fresh pasta more evenly, saves space
• 18″L x 18″W x 16.5″H, fits up to 8 servings of pasta
• Stable, 7/8″ thick base
• Unfinished wood provides a non-slip surface
• Assembles in seconds, stores flat

From the Amazon Product Description:
When you mix up a big batch of pasta dough (up to 4 cups of flour), or roll out spaghetti that’s extra long (up to 32″), this is the drying rack you’ll want by your side. Sturdily built of solid wood, it’s just like the ones Italian cooks have depended on for countless generations.

72″ of Hanging Space, 16.5″ of Height
Why take up an entire counter drying your pasta flat, when you can save so much space by hanging it to dry vertically? Even better, your pasta will dry faster and more evenly, because air can circulate around it on every side. The four 18″ arms are angled so that each strand of pasta has its own air space, with no overlapping or sticking.

Stable, 7/8″ Thick Base
Some pasta racks are held upright by nothing more than a thin disc or a couple of sticks; no wonder they are unsteady, especially when fully loaded with pasta. But the Bellemain rack’s base, a 7/8″ thick solid wood block, has both the weight and the post anchoring depth to provide an exceptionally firm and reliable footing.

Stores Flat, Assembles in Seconds
The Bellemain rack also saves space when you’re not using it: the pieces can be taken apart without tools and stored in a drawer. To assemble it, you simply screw the post into the base and slide the four arms into the holes in the post.

Unfinished Wood Holds Pasta in Place
There’s a good reason why pasta racks have traditionally been made of unfinished wood: the freshly cut dough tends to slide off anything else, such as wire or plastic, if you don’t hang it with its weight balanced just right. Wood’s naturally porous surface gives the pasta something to grip onto. It also wipes clean easily with a damp or dry cloth.

My Thoughts:
I am of Italian heritage and take great pride in creating awesome pasta dishes. Homemade pasta is a must for creating the best. There have been many days that Marcus has come home to pasta hanging from a wooden dowel propped up between our kitchen chairs.When I received the Bellemain Large Drying Rack in exchange for my honest review I made an easy pasta recipe that didn’t require a machine to try it out. The rack was very easy to assemble and held on to the pasta. I was pleased that it stayed where I placed it. The rack took up very little counter space as my pasta dried.

As we looked at the rack I realized that it would also work great for hanging necklaces, little girl ribbons, as a display for my Aunt’s ornaments at the flea market, and so much more.

I would highly recommend this pasta drying rack to anyone wanting a quality constructed rack that can easily be stored in a drawer between uses.

Check out this Easy Homemade Apple Crisp Recipe

January 9, 2018 By Paula 5 Comments

This is my go-to recipe for leftover apples and peaches! Yes, this recipe works great with peaches, too. This easy baked apple crisp is a delicious sweet dish to make for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Birthdays, Anniversaries, any day of the week that ends with “y”, holiday parties, as a weeknight dessert, etc. Celebrate the best flavors of the season when you combine apples with sugar and spices for an out-of-this-world recipe that is super easy and tasty. Serve your apple crisp with a scoop of ice cream on top.

INGREDIENTS:

Filling:
3 cups thinly sliced tart apples
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice

Optional Add-Ins:
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Topping:
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup oats
1/4 cup brown sugar (tightly packed)
1/2 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice
2 tablespoons butter (softened)

Try making it with peaches, too!

Filling Directions:

In a large bowl place sliced apples and sprinkle with lemon juice.
In a small bowl, mix together sugar, flour, and Apple Pie Spice.
Sprinkle mixture over apples. Toss until apples are evenly coated. Stir in raisins and walnuts if desired.
Spoon mixture into 4 ramekins or oven-safe dish.
Add 1/4 inch of water to baking pan and place ramekins in the pan.

Topping Directions:

In a small bowl mix together flour, oats, sugar, butter, and Apple Pie Spice.
Spread mixture over apple filling. Cover top loosely with aluminum foil.
Bake in preheated 375-degree oven for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and Bake for 20 minutes or until done

Caution: Filling is very hot!
Let cool a bit before enjoying.

Leite’s Culinaria Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

January 6, 2018 By Paula 6 Comments

Leite’s Culinaria Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

As you may know, I am a huge fan of Leite’s Culinaria and often go to their site for ideas and recipes. When I discovered this recipe several years ago, I shared it with you. It makes the most delicious cinnamon rolls I’ve ever had! With all the snow we’ve had this week and the weather being so cold it’s the perfect time to heat up the oven and make these yummy cinnamon rolls.

Quick Glance
Prep: 45 M
Total: 3 H, 15 M
Makes 20 small or 9 giant rolls

INGREDIENTS

For the dough
10 ounces warm milk, [about 105°F (40°C)]
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
5 to 5 1/2 cups bread flour, plus more as needed
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs
For the honey butter
1 cup honey
2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
For the cinnamon sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the icing
5 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
10 ounces confectioners’ sugar
2 ounces heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

Make the dough
1. Prepare a sheet pan or baking dish by lining it with parchment paper and rubbing it with butter.
2. In the bowl of a standing mixer, stir together by hand the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes. Add the flour, salt, butter, and eggs. Using the dough hook, mix until the dough is completely developed, 8 to 10 minutes. (By “completely developed” we mean that the dough should “clean” the side of the bowl, with no extra flour at the bottom; you might need to add a little more flour. The finished dough will be tacky but not sticky.) Remove the dough hook and cover the bowl with plastic. Set the bowl in a warm place and let stand until it’s double in size.
Make the honey butter
3. In a medium bowl, stir together the honey and the butter until completely combined.
Make the cinnamon sugar
4. In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and cinnamon until completely combined.
Assemble the cinnamon rolls
5. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle roughly 18 inches by 24 inches and about 1/2-inch thick. Liberally brush the dough with half of the room-temperature honey butter. Sprinkle with as much of the cinnamon-sugar mixture as you please.
6. Beginning with the 24-inch side of the dough, roll it tightly from the bottom to the top of the rectangle, gently pulling the dough to make an even, semi-tight spiral. Divide the long roll into individual rolls by cutting it in half crosswise with a serrated knife, then cut each portion in half again. Divide each quarter into 5 pieces. Place each spiral roll on its side. Carefully take the tail end of the piece of dough from one roll and gently pull and wrap it around the rest of the spiral dough, tucking it underneath. Place the roll in the pan and press down slightly on it. Repeat with the rest of the rolls, fitting them sort of snugly in little rows in the pan.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and set it in a warm place. Let them rise again until while the oven preheats.
8. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 15 to 20 minutes, until they are a deep golden brown, rotating the pan once halfway through. Remove from the oven and lightly brush with the remaining honey butter.
Make the icing
9. Place the cream cheese and butter in the bowl of a standing kitchen mixer, and mix on low speed until smooth. Add the confectioners’ sugar, cream, and vanilla, and whip until smooth.
10. When the cinnamon rolls are completely cool, slather them with icing. Serve the cinnamon rolls as-is or warm them in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 2 to 3 minutes.

Visit Leites Culinaria for more great recipes.

Homemade English Muffins Recipe

January 3, 2018 By Paula 3 Comments

Homemade English Muffins

Homemade English muffins are fun to make, delicious, and cost just pennies each. With this recipe you can make your own tall-rising English muffins filled with nooks and crannies, perfect for butter and homemade jam. No need to add this breakfast item to your grocery list — make your own instead! This homemade English muffin recipe is great for breakfast or a snack anytime.

2 1/4 cups bread flour
1/2 tablespoon sugar + a pinch
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 TBLS shortening or room temperature butter

1 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
3/4 cup milk

Add just a pinch of sugar to the warm water. Then, combine the yeast with the warm water.In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Stir in the shortening, the mixture will be lumpy.
Pour in the yeast water and milk into the flour mixture and stir until a dough ball forms.Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover and allow to rise until doubled in size (about 60-90 minutes).
Plop the dough out on a floured work surface and divide into six equal parts.
Roll each muffin into a ball. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cover, and allow to rise for an additional hour.Heat a cast iron skillet (or other oven-safe pan) over medium heat.
Add a teaspoon of oil. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side. You want each side to get very brown, but not burnt.
Once you’ve cooked each side put the skillet in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until the English muffins are cooked through.