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My email runneth over with requests for more information about essential oils. Believe me when I say I am not an expert but as I experiment and learn, I will share my experiences with you.
My latest foray into the world of essential oils has been to make “scrubs”. No, I am not referring to the duds worn by medical professionals but rather a grainy concoction of either salt or sugar plus some nourishing oil and essential oils. Some scrubs even include soap and thus become “cleaning” scrubs.
Now mind you, these are not just for the ladies. The Survival Husband routinely gets the grit off of his hands and feet using my scrubs. Okay, I perform the scrub-the-feet duty but after 38 years of marriage, what can I say?
So, with all of this scrubbing in mind, how about a recipe for a a DIY Peppermint Scrub that you can make yourself. This scrub will make a wonderful gift to a special lady in your life and it is easy peasy simple. Guys, you can make it – and use it – too!
Easy Peasy Peppermint Scrub
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups sugar (white, brown or a combination)
1 cup carrier oil (fractionated coconut oil (the liquid type), sweet almond oil, or even olive oil)
25-30 drops of peppermint essential oil (I use Spark Naturals)You will also need some empty jars. I use mason jars for gift giving but smaller plastic jars for myself.
Directions:
1. Mix your choice of oil (or a mixture of oils) with sugar in a large bowl. I find that a fork works best Keep working the oil and sugar mixture until is is sand-like. If it is too dry, add a bit more oil, a spoonful at a time until the mixture comes together. You should be able to pinch it between your fingers and mold it.
2. Add your Peppermint essential oil and mix well.
3. Fill your jar or jars to the top. Pack your sugar-sand down into the jar, doing your best to pack down any air trapped in the the corners,
4. Before closing the jar, drizzle a few additional tablespoons of your oil on top. This will keep the scrub from drying out.
5. Decorate with a ribbon or bow and you are done.
How to Use a Scrub
To use a scrub, you want to moisten your hands or feet, then scoop up a generous amount and slather it all over, rubbing lightly as you go. After a minute or two, rinse well under warm water and pat try. Your hands (or feet) are going to feel baby soft. Plus, if you had dirty nails or ragged cuticles, they will be sparkling clean and neat as well.
Some folks use these scrubs on their face. If you want to try this, make sure your face is moistened very well with water first and test a small area before using the scrub on your entire face. If you have sensitive skin, or thin skin, proceed with caution’’.
But What if I Don’t Like Peppermint?
Peppermint has a number of invigorating qualities but you can use lemon essential oil, orange essential oil, lavender – you name it. I happen to like peppermint scrubs so that is what I use,
The Final Word
I make no excuse for wanting a bit of pampering from time to time. Like you, I work hard to insure my long term survival during these uncertain times and being able to freshen up with some of my homemade scrubs, soaps and salves is comforting. And heck, I sure don’t mind the money I am saving by shopping for lotions and potions right here in my own kitchen!
Please give this scrub a try and let me know what you think of it.
Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!
Gaye
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Bargain Bin: Here are some things to get you started making your own scrubs, salves, lotions and potions including Miracle Healing Salve.
NOW Foods Essential Oils : My scrub was made using essential oil from Spark Naturals. For healing purposes, I feel they are superior. On the other hand, NOW Foods has decent essential oils at a budget price: NOW Foods Rosemary Oil, NOW Foods Peppermint Oil and Now Foods Lavender Oil.
Spark Naturals Essential Oils: These are what you need for the Miracle Salve: Lavender essential oil, Rosemary essential oil, and Peppermint essential oil. For the scrub, you can use just the Peppermint or any combination of E.O.s that are pleasing to you.
Sweet Almond Oil, Moisturizing Oil: Now Foods comes through again with an affordable sweet almond oil. Your really can’t go wrong with this.
Coconut (Fractionated) Carrier Oil: Once you start using coconut oil, you will be hooked. This is the fractionated coconut oil I used in my scrub (mixed with a bit of olive oil).
White Plastic Jar with Dome Lid 2 Oz (12 Per Bag): I chose to use these small ointment jars rather than Mason jars for my salve. I also have similar jars in the 1 ounce size.
Beeswax Organic Pastilles, Yellow, 100% Pure 16 Oz: I ordered the white pastilles but have since learned that the natural yellow pastilles are better. That said, the difference may not be discernable – just be sure that what you purchase is cosmetic grade.
Glass Droppers, Pack of 6: I bought a package of these and loved them. When I went to re-order, I accidentally ordered plastic instead glass droppers. Learn from my mistake. The price is the same go get the glass ones.
Nutiva Certified Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil: So far I am pleased with the Nutiva Coconut Oil. It is pure-white, USDA-certified-organic, extra-virgin coconut oil that is cold-pressed from fresh coconuts within two hours of chopping. No refrigeration is required and although it solid at room temperature, it melts at 76 degrees. I was able to easily liquefy a small amount and put it in a 4 ounce squeeze bottle where I re-liquefy by putting this smaller bottle in a glass of hot tap water.
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: I first became interested in aromatherapy and essential oils in the early 90s which was before they really became mainstream. I read every book I could get my hands on and dabbled at creating synergy’s (a combination of two or more oils that create a chemical compound that is greater than the some of its individual components). My bible then, and even now, is this book.
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Spotlight: After a ton of research, I am now using essential oils from Spark Naturals for wellness purposes. There are a lot reasons one of which is there commitment to both quality and value.
My recommendation is the Health and Wellness kit which includes all of my favorites or, if you are just getting started, the Essential 4 Pack which includes Lavender, Lemon, Melaleuca (Tea Tree) and Peppermint. Be sure to use the discount code “BACKDOORSURVIVAL” to receive a 10% discount.
7 Responses to “DIY Peppermint Scrub”
Hi There,
Help needed. Looking for an oil or salve that can take away the pain of Hand & Foot Neuropathy brought on by Type 2 Diabetes.
Thanks
Hugh
How long will this scrub keep?
Shanda – I am told that adding a small amount of Vitamin E to any homemade scrub or salve will act as a preservative and prevent them from becoming rancin. My jars are over six months old and still smell fresh. That said, as with all things related to oils and food storage, the cooler the temperature, the longer the shelf life.
I do not mean to be vague but rather let you make a reasonable judgement based both on my experience and your own storage conditions. As you know, anyone can say anything on the internet so I would prefer to be honest 🙂
Took your advice and ordered the glass droppers. All six broken on arrival from Amazon. Sent them back for refund.
Well that is lousy. So many of my orders of small items (such as the droppers) arrive in huge boxes with a lot of air padding that I am surprised. On the other hand, Amazon has a great returns policy.
My daughter makes a very similar scrub with olive oil but it left the tub greasy/slippery, so we added a few teaspoons of vegetable glycerine and now the tub rinses clean. 🙂
Vegetable glycerin – who would have thought it. Thanks, Sharon, for the tip.