Category: Therapy

Give yourself some extra care with our therapy tips.

Carrier Oils Library

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Carrier oils or base oils that are sometime called, are used to infuse herbs in, added to herbal products such as lotions and soaps, or used all on their own. These vegetable oils are excellent for skin and hair. But some are made from nuts and should be avoided if you are allergic.

Here are some of the more common carrier oils we use in body products we use:

Sweet Almond Oil

This oil is expressed from the seed of the sweet almond rather than the bitter almond. It has a faint aroma and is very close to the natural oils found in the skin. Use for chapped, irritated skin, eczema, cradle cap, and to soften wrinkles.

Apricot Kernel Oil

This oil is expressed from the seed of the apricot. It is a heavy oil but easily absorbed into the skin, therefore an excellent moisturizing oil for face, hands, and hair. It’s high in Vitamins A and C. Great for mature, dry, and sensitive skin.

Avocado Oil

This is one of the most penetrating oils. It is pressed out of the dehydrated thinly sliced fruit. The oil is pale yellow with a green aroma and is rich in Vitamin A and D as well and lecithin, potassium, and chlorophyll. Very moisturizing oil for rash, eczema, mature skin, parched skin, and aging skin.

Coconut Oil

This oil is semi-solid but melts easily when put on skin. It is prepared from the endosperm of the coconut fruit. It forms a barrier against infections, softens, moisturizes skin, and prevents wrinkling, sagging, and protects skin from damaging UV rays. Use on aging skin, and skin that needs protection.

Evening Primrose Oil

An expensive oil to produce, but is used for dandruff, sun-damaged skin, eczema, problem skin such as acne, aging skin, inflamed skin. It is an excellent oil for rheumatoid arthritis as a rub and for wounds. It is used in my breast salve to reduce cysts and pain.

Grapeseed Oil

This oil is mildly astringent and especially suited for acne or oily skin. Because it is primarily polyunsaturated, it is best refrigerated if it is to be kept for any length of time. It is a great oil to use if you don’t want your skin to feel oiler that it already is.

Jojoba

It is really a liquid wax that contains all the natural forms of antioxidants. It is extracted from an edible seed, not a nut that can be used on most sensitive skin, including baby skin. It does not clog pores and does not stain. Use for facial massage, hair/scalp conditioning, cuticles, psoriasis, revitalizing, and soothing after sun exposure.

Macadamia Nut Oil

This oil is expressed from the rich macadamia nut, has a medicinal aroma, and is oily on the skin. It softens dry mature skin. Use in shampoos, conditioners, creams, and massage oils.

Olive Oil

Fully ripe olives are crushed, not the seed, to make this rich oil. It is heavy and used in cosmetics and soaps. It is filled with skin nutrients such as Vitamin E that softens dry skin. The aroma is somewhat strong. Using essential oils can cover the smell if you don’t like it.

Safflower Oil

This oil is produced from the seeds of the safflower plant. Apply to bruises, sprains, and painful arthritis joints. It can be used in salves and rubs to be used to relieve pain such as knees, shoulder, and back.

Sesame Seed Oil

It is an extraction from raw seeds. It is a light color and is a natural skin moisturizer, a good source of vegetable protein, rich in lecithin, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Use for rheumatic conditions, eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin.

Sunflower Oil

This light oil is high in linoleic acid, Vitamins A, B complex, D, and E, as well as calcium, zinc, potassium, iron, and phosphorus. Use for bruises, dermatitis, and ulcers. I use this deep absorbing oil in my breast salve to reduce cysts and pain.

Herbs For Kidney Support

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If you consume adequate fluids, vegetable and fruit juices,  and especially water, the kidneys are self-cleansing.

But, many herbs can improve kidney function. Most herbs do so in preventing common kidney and urinary-tract infections or by acting as a diuretic to flush out excess fluid and kidney stones. Some herbs act in more of a preventive capacity, some in an ongoing health-boosting capacity and others as treatments of existing kidney problems.

There are also foods and vitamins that are useful in cleansing the kidneys.  These are included below.

Herbs

Some kidney cleanses are based on herbal remedies, such as:

  • Dandelion root and leaves
  • Marshmallow root
  • Juniper
  • Nettles
  • Parsley
  • Red clover
  • Ginger
  • Goldenrod

Foods

Other kidney cleanses emphasize certain foods, including:

  • Beet juice
  • Watermelon
  • Lemon juice
  • Cranberry juice
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Smoothies
  • Ginger
  • Turmeric

Vitamins

Some proponents recommend incorporating the following vitamins and minerals into a kidney cleanse:

  • Vitamin B2
  • Vitamin B6
  • Magnesium

Pregnant or nursing women and children and people with kidney disease shouldn’t try a kidney cleanse.  If you’re considering the use of a kidney cleanse or supplement, talk with your primary care provider first.  Avoiding or delaying standard care can have serious consequences.

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Oil Cleansing Method

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Clean your face with oil?  We’ve been taught all these years to remove the oil from your face if you want a clean face.  Sorry, but that’s not the truth, your skin needs oil to be soft, healthy, and beautiful.

Here’s how to cleanse your face using your favorite oil or oil blend:

Health spa nature concept studio portrait of a beautiful young woman or girl resting on her hands smiling through natural green leaves
  1. In the shower or at the bathroom sink, pour about a quarter size amount or 8 drops of the oil or oil blend into your hand and massage into the skin on your face. Use smooth circular strokes and let this also be a gentle facial massage. Massage for at least a minute (two minutes is better) or until you are sure that the oil has saturated your skin. This will also remove make-up very effectively, so there is no need to remove make-up first. You can even leave the oil on the skin for up to 10 minutes to really deep clean pores.
  2. Place a clean washcloth under very hot tap water (or shower water) until it is completely soaked and quickly wring it out. Open it and place over your face. This will create steam against the skin to remove the oils and any impurities in the skin. Leave the wash cloth on for about a minute, or until it cools. Repeat if needed with the other side of the washcloth and then use the corners of the washcloth to gently remove any remaining oil. There will still be a thin layer of oil on the skin and this is beneficial.
  3. Typically, no moisturizer is needed after the adjustment period, but if you still have dry skin, try using a tiny bit of our facial cream to moisturize skin.
Avocado Oil

If you want a really great cleanser, use castor oil in your blend.  Yes, the castor oil that’s been in your medicine cabinet.  Mix one part castor oil to three parts your favorite oil.  Not sure which oil to use?  There are oils for each type of skin and your skin problems.

Try different oils until you find the right one

for your skin type

Coconut Oil

Where to buy oils? Get them at the supermarket, drug store, health food stores, and online. Etsy is a great place to start. While you’re there, check out out shop Sage Hill Botanicals.

Castor Oil

Herbal Bath Salts

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Bath Salts, Sage Hill Botanicals, sagehillbotanicals.com

You can create many homemade gifts from our lavender, rose, or chamomile flower for your friends and yourself.  You can make bath bags, bath salts, bath fuzzies, bath oils, soap, sachets, salves, lotions, tea bags, dream pillows, and so many more.

One of my favorite is bath salts.  It’s super easy to make, and it makes your bath relaxing and very calming.  Here’s a simple recipe:

•2 cups Epsom salt or Dead Sea salt

1 teaspoon ground or whole herb flowers

•2 tablespoons of your favorite carrier oil (sweet almond, apricot kernel, olive oil)

•10-15 drops essential oil (opt)

Few drops of food color (opt.)

In a medium-sized glass mixing bowl, add salt and carrier oil and mix well.  Add essential oils and food color, mix.  Lastly, add flowers and stir lightly.  Store in an airtight glass container.

Fill tub with very warm water, add 1-3 tablespoons of your homemade bath salts.  Slip into the fragrant bath up to your neck, and enjoy!

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Violet Leaf Oil and Balm

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Violet Leaf Uses – Fibrocystic Breasts, Eczema, and other skin problems.

My fibrocystic breasts have become a big problem for me since I’ve reached pre-menopause. Especially certain times of the month. Update: Lumps GONE

Here are signs and symptoms of fibrocystic breasts (you may experience one or more):

  • Breast lumps or areas of thickening that tend to blend into the surrounding breast tissue
  • Generalized breast pain or tenderness
  • Breast lumps that fluctuate in size with the menstrual cycle
  • Nipple discharge that tends to leak without pressure or squeezing
  • Breast changes that are similar in both breasts
  • Monthly increase in breast pain or lumpiness from mid-cycle (ovulation) to just before your period

Of course, if you’ve found a lump or having any discomfort in your breast, it’s wise to see your doctor immediately.

I see my doctor every year, and she offered no help for my painful breast.  So, I started researching natural ways to help.

What I discovered was really very simple, and right under my nose.  Yes, the humble violet.

Start with harvesting violet leaves and making an infusion.

Infused Oil

Harvest fresh, unmarked, violet leaves.  If dirty, rinse in a bowl of pure water.  Pat dry with a paper towel.

In a cool area out of direct sun light, lay the leaves on a dry paper towel or cloth one inch apart.  I like to use my kitchen table to dry all my herbs.  That way, they are always in sight, so I’ll remember to check on them.  Turn the leaves every day, for 2-3 days.  They will be crunchy when dried.

When dried, pack your leaves in a sterilized glass jar.    There’s no certain amount of leaves, it’s just what you can find, but a handful of dried leaves is a great start. Or you can purchase dried leaves.

Pour a carrier oil to cover the leaves.  I like to use sunflower, and/or evening primrose.

There’s three ways to infuse your leaves.  They are:

  1. The long method – place the jar in a dark place, shake every day for 4-6 weeks (The best way, but it’s a long wait
  2. The short method – place your jar in a pot with 2 inches water, simmer water on low for an hour, replacing water as needed until properties are extracted (on low because you don’t want water droplets to form on the inside of the jar, not good)
  3. Another short method – place the jar on an electric candle warmer for a few hours, stirring a few times, don’t let it get too hot

Is It Ready?

When your oil turns a beautiful herbal golden green, it’s ready.  Pour the oil through a filter, such as a coffee filter or cloth.  Warm oil drains better.

You can use your infused oil now!  Rub it on your breast for relief…

But…

If you don’t like the oily feel, make a balm instead.

Balm Recipe

3 oz. infused oil from violet leaves

¼ oz. beeswax (to start with)

Melt infused oil and beeswax using method 2 or 3 above.  To test its consistency, dip a cool spoon in the warm mixture and let cool.  If you want it thicker, add more beeswax, a little at a time, until it’s perfect.

Pour into tins, plastic balm pots, or whatever you have available. Let cool, and use whenever your breasts are tender.  Makes approx. 6 oz.

Seem easy?  It is!  Get started making something herbal today.

Not up to making your own, then order ours (click on photo).

Herbal Face and Sinus Steam

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Weekly herbal face steaming is very beneficial to your skin, and it’s easy to do at home.

Forget the expensive facial treatments, and opt for this herbal face steam instead.

With all of the dirt, pollution and toxins we’re exposed to on a daily basis, our skin can really take a beating.  The nutrients from the herbs get deep into pores to clear them out, and give your skin its natural glow back.

Not all skin is the same, right?  There are herbs for different skin types.  Below is a list of herbs that will detox dry, oily, mature, and sensitive skin.  You’ll also find herbs for acne and other problem skin.

Herbal facials are also very relaxing, blissful, and rejuvenating.  Who needs a little of these after a long day?  Be good to yourself.

DIY Herbal Face Steam

To make your own face steam, you will need:

  • Boiling water, distilled if possible
  • Choice of herbs
  • large bowl
  • towel

Place herbs in bowl, and carefully pour boiling water over herbs.  Leaning your head over the bowl, drape a towel over your head and around the bowl.  By doing this, the steam will surround your face and head.

Always keep your eyes closed, because the steam will be too hot for your eyes.  You can raise the towel to allow air in if you get too hot.

After the facial, rinse with cool water, and apply a good oil as listed below.

This is a great method if you have sinus problems or an ear ache.

canstockphoto12698535

Herbs To Use For Your Skin Type

Use one teaspoon of one or more of the following herbs for your specific skin type or problem.

Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, an herbal facial steam may help stimulate oil production while increasing circulation and removing impurities. To prevent over drying, steam your face five minutes, and once a week. People suffering from dry skin may have under active oil production.

Use:

  • Lavender Flowers
  • Chamomile Flowers
  • Alfalfa Leaves
  • Rosemary Leaves
  • Fennel Seed 
  • Rose Petals
  • Peppermint Leaves (a pinch)
  • Comfrey Leaves or Root

After facial, use almond oil, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, hazelnut oil, hemp seed oil, macadamia nut oil, or sunflower seed oil.

Oily and Acne Skin

Oily skin normally results in overactive oil gland production, common in teens and some adults. Facial steams for oily skin typically include herbs credited with addressing excess oil production as well as soothing inflamed or acne-ridden skin. Consider using a facial steam at least once a week to slow oil production and unclog pores.

Eucalyptus leaves and a drop of Tea Tree essential oil is good for acne skin.

Use:

  • Chamomile Flowers
  • Lemongrass Leaves
  • Lavender Flowers
  • Rosemary Leaves
  • Eucalyptus Leaves
  • Witch Hazel Leaves
  • Rose Petals
  • Licorice Root
  • Anise Seed
  • Fennel Seed
  • Strawberry, Raspberry, or Blackberry Leaves
  • Sage Leaves
  • Lemon Verbena
  • Juniper Berries
  • Peppermint Leaves

After facial, use apricot kernel oil, argan oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, or sesame seed oil.

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Mature  Skin

Many of the herbs used for the dry skin herbal facial work well for mature because the related issue involves the under-production of sebum, which slows as we age. Do not use a facial steam for more than five minutes or more often than once a week.

Apply vitamin E and vitamin A capsule around the eyes and on wrinkled areas of the face and neck before steaming.

Use:

  • Dandelion Root
  • Comfrey Root or Leaf
  • Chamomile Flowers
  • Licorice Root
  • Marshmallow Root
  • Rose Petals
  • Lavender Flowers

After the facial, use apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, hazelnut oil, hemp seed oil, macadamia nut oil, rose hip oil, or sunflower seed oil

cup of chamomile tea with chamomile flowers

Sensitive Skin

This is the skin I can relate too, because I have very sensitive skin.  I have to be very careful with what products I use on my skin.  Here are some herbs I have had good results from.  Enjoy an herbal face steam once a week for five minutes.

Use:

  • Chamomile Flowers
  • Lavender Flowers
  • Calendula Flowers
  • Rose Petals
  • Orange Peel
  • Marshmallow Root
  • Peppermint Leaves

After facial, use apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, evening primrose oil, grapeseed oil, rose hip oil, or sunflower oil.

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Caution

It’s not a good idea to use steam on rosacea or irritated skin.  Ask your doctor if you are pregnant.

Spa Bath At Home

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My favorite way to relax, treat aches and pains, insomnia, and my fibromyalgia, is simple soak in the tub.  But by adding two or three ingredients, they turn my bath in a private retreat.

Choose one or more of the following salts and oils to create your own spa:

Salts:

Epsom Salt

In water, it breaks down into magnesium and sulfate.  Soaking in warm water can help relax muscles and loosen stiff joints.  But that’s not all, Epsom salt is a home treatment for:

  • Arthritis pain and swelling
  • Bruises and sprains
  • Fibromyalgia, a condition that makes your muscles, ligaments, and tendons hurt, and causes tender points throughout your body
  • Insomnia
  • Psoriasis, a disease that causes red, itchy, scaly skin
  • Sore muscles from everyday life
Dead Sea Salt

Soaking in water enriched with this salt is known to benefit the body from the inside out, treating skinconditions and improving internal processes. Dead Sea Salt contains 21 minerals including magnesium, calcium, sulfur, bromide, iodine, sodium, zinc and potassium.  The benefits of using Dead Sea salt are:

  • It is more effective in cleaning and exfoliating the skin
  • It gets rids of toxins from the skin and helps in good blood circulation
  • It gets rid of dead skin cells, cleans skin pores and helps in skin regeneration
  • It helps firm up skin tissues and strengthens these against infections
  • It helps eliminate aches and body pains, making the body more relaxed
  • It helps in treating skin ailments such as eczema and psoriasis and lessens inflammation of dry skin
  • It helps relieve muscle tension, lessens stress and anxiety
  • Rejuvenates, therefore make skin more healthy looking
Himalayan Salt

A warm bath infused with Himalayan pink salt is also great for relaxing cramped muscles. The magnesium and some other trace minerals found in this salt absorbs through the skin to help heal damaged muscle and other soft tissues.  The benefits of Himalayan salt are:

  • Improves texture, tone, and appearance of skin
  • prevent muscle cramping, and soreness
  • Regulates sleep
  • Decreases stress
  • Re-mineralizes the body
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Relaxes mind and body

Oils:

Sweet Almond Oil
  • Vitamin A, B, E, protein, calcium, glycosides, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium
  • Moisturizing, not penetrating, lubricating, conditioning, retains moisture, calms skin, does not clog pores, prevent wrinkles, removes impurities and dead skin, aphrodisiac
  • dry skin, itching, inflammation, eczema, burns, sunburn, and sore muscles
Avocado Oil
  • Vitamin A, B1, B2, D, E, amino acids, pantothenic acid, and sterols
  • Moisturizing, very penetrating, improves skin elasticity, increases collegen, and removes impurities from skin
  • Dry skin and sensitive skin, aged skin, eczema psoriasis, solar keratosis, age spots, scars, and sun damage
Apricot Kernel Oil
  • Vitamin A, C, E, Protein, and Potassium
  • Moisturizing, emollient, nourishing, prevents wrinkles, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory
  • Dry and sensitive skin, inflammation, and aged skin
Argan Oil
  • Vitamin e, carotene, phenols, squalene, and tocopherols
  • Very hydrating, quickly absorbs, emollient, protective properties, reduces wrinkles, dissolves excess sebum, prevents and reduces stretch marks
  • acne, scars, strengthening nails and hair
Coconut Oil
  • Squalene, sterol, and tocopherols
  • Moisturizing, conditioning, protective properties, does not clog pores, and non greasy
  • dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, sunblock, and dry hair
Grapeseed Oil
  • Vitamin E. tocopherols, omega 6 and 9
  • Penetrating, slightly astringent, and reduces skin aging
  • Oily skin, sensitive skin, and skin that doesn’t absorb oil well
Hazelnut Oil
  • Vitamin B6, E, protein polyphenols, and tocotrienol
  • Moisturizing, emollient, regenerative, astringent, soothing, tones skin, stimulates skin circulation, strengthen skin capillaries, and softens hair
Hemp Seed Oil
  • Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D, E, protein, and chlorphyll
  • Conditioning, regenerative, reduces skin aging, and increases elasticity
  • Dry skin, aged skin, damaged skin, wounds, and lesions
Jojoba Oil
  • Vitamin B, E, copper, chromium, silicon, zinc
  • Quickly absorbs, nourishing, protective properties, similar to collagen, can clog pores, yet allows skin to breath, dissolves excess sebum, and antioxidant properties
  • Oily skin, inflammation, acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, cradle cap, and stretch marks
Macadamia Nut Oil
  • Vitamin A, B6, E, riboflavin, thiamin, omega3 and 6
  • Quickly absorbs, emollient, highly regenerative, protective properties, helps prevent sunburn, and resembles sebum
Sesame Seed Oil
  • Vitamin A, B, E, protein, calcium, lecithin, and zinc
  • Moisturizing, protective properties, soothing, absorbs and removes toxins
  • Eczema, psoriasis, blemishes, cuts, dandruff, scrapes, wounds, and wrinkles
Sunflower Oil
  • Vitamin A, B, D, E, and minerals
  • Moisturizing, quickly absorbs, and regenerative
  • All skin types, dry skin, skin diseases, aged skin, sensitive skin, bruises, and cradle cap

Directions:

Mix 1/2 cup salt (your choice) to 3-5 dropperful oil (your choice) and pour under running very warm water.  Slip into water up to neck, and enjoy.  You earned it!

Options:

You can make up this mixture ahead of time, but I mix it as needed.  I keep the salt and oils in my bathroom.  You can add:

  • Food color or other pigments to make different colors
  • Your favorite essential oil or oils to increase the properties
  • Ground or powdered herbs such as roses, lavender, peppermint, or chamomile
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Navel Therapy

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Many diseases can be cured through the belly button. It is an amazing fact that putting oil on the navel has unbelievable health benefits. In some countries putting oil in the belly button before going to sleep is considered a tradition.

When we put oil in the navel, the vein detects and carry oil to affected part of the body. There are no side effects of putting oil in the navel. So makes a habit to apply oil in the belly button every night.

The Belly Button

While inside the mother’s womb, the belly button is the source of connection between mother and baby.   Fetus nourished inside the mother’s womb through the navel. The baby gets food, vitamins, folic acid, fats, minerals, protein and oxygen from her/his mother through the umbilical cord. After getting food and oxygen baby backs to the mother all the waste materials by this flexible tube. The placenta is an efficient filter, it does not allow to pass harmful material to the fetus. Baby is connected with his/her mother through this umbilical cord until birth.

Indeed, the human body is the masterpiece of God’s creation. It is most sensitive part of our body. All living things which nourished inside the mother’s womb have the belly button. In short, each placental mammal has the navel. Belly button can be seen in the center of our belly. It is the extrusion and bumps part of the body. The tiny and bulge place in the middle of our belly is known as the belly button, navel, tummy button, and umbilicus. The umbilicus is its scientific name.

The belly button is not just a tiny dot on your navel but it is a chamber which holds the solution to many health problems. The belly button is connected to multiple veins in the body and when it is nourished using oil, it helps you get rid of certain health problems too. Whatever oil or carrier you choose- be it coconut, mustard or rosemary, it will be useful for you!

How To Use Oils

Warm oil is best to use for this treatment, but room temp is okay too.  Every night, place three drops of an oil of your choice in your belly button and softly massage in and around for 1 minute.  Do this every night.  This treatment is safe for all ages unless the navel is red or becomes red for any reason.  See your doctor if the navel is painful or highly infected.

Oils For The Belly Button

Use pure or organic carrier oils and essential oils only.  Essential oils are much stronger than carrier oils and must be diluted in a carrier oil  before applying to skin.  Carrier oils are listed unless otherwise noted.  Yes, you can mix carrier oil in equal parts for a combination of problems.

For…

Acne/Pimples – Neem, Lemon

Anti-Aging – Castor

Anti-Bacterial – Mustard

Appetite (lack) – Olive

Balance (dreams and goals) – Grapeseed

Bones – Olive

Bowels – Mustard

Clearer Skin – Neem

Cold/Cough – Coconut

Concentration – Olive

Cramps – Ginger Essential + Olive

Dandruff – Coconut

Dark Circles Under Eyes/Puffy – Sweet Almond, Castor, Olive, Mustard

Diarrhea – Peppermint Essential + Olive

Dirt (in navel) – Mustard

Eyes, Dry – Coconut

Eye Lashes – Castor

Fertility (men and women) – Coconut

Food Poisoning – Peppermint Essential + Olive

Fungus – Mustard

Gas/Bloating – Peppermint Essential + Olive, Ginger Essential

Gastric (stomach problems) – Mustard

Hair – Castor, Coconut

Indigestion – Peppermint Essential + Olive

Infection – Eucalyptus Essential + Tea Tree Oil + Coconut

Itches/Rashes – Neem

Intestinal Swelling (infants) – Castor

Joint Pain – Olive, Castor, Rosemary Essential

Knee Pain – Castor

Lips, Dry and Problem – Sweet Almond, Mustard

Liver – Olive

Memory – Olive

Menstrual Pain/Cramps – Coconut

Muscles – Olive

Nails – Castor, Mustard

Nasal Congestion – Mustard

Nausea – Peppermint Essential + Olive, Ginger Essential

Scars – Lemon

Skin (moisturizer) – Sweet Almond, Coconut, Mustard

Skin (damaged) – Neem

Skin Tone (dark or white spots) – Neem, Lemon

Sleep – Olive

Stomach Pain/Cramps – Mustard, Coconut, Castor, Ginger Essential

Vision – Coconut, Mustard

Wrinkles – Sweet Almond. Castor