Volume 2, Issue 8 August 2001

Summer Facial Mists

As I promised, this month we'll discuss something cool. It has been a very hot, humid summer so far. With the need to be out and about in the heat, there arises a need to be able to refresh and rejuvenate ourselves each time we have the chance.

Mix up a spray bottle of facial mist and keep it in the refrigerator. When you come in from the heat, shake the bottle to mix the oils and lightly mist your face, neck and exposed arms. The cold water mist will cool you off without shocking your system, and the fragrance will give you a lift. You will need:

	a 2 oz. spray bottle or slightly larger (glass is best, but hard plastic will also work)
	6 drops of lavender essential oil
	10 drops of lemon essential oil
	10 drops of geranium essential oil
	2 oz. of distilled water

Make sure your spray bottle is clean and sterilized with very hot water. Allow the bottle to cool to room temperature.

Using clean droppers for each oil, or using the orifice reducer supplied with some brands of oil, carefully drip the oils into the bottle. Gently swirl the oils to allow them to blend. Carefully add 2 oz. of distilled water. You will need to make sure you do not fill the bottle too full. Remember that when you place the spray mechanism into the bottle your mist solution will be displaced. If you overfill the bottle you will lose your oil because it will be sitting on top of the water at this point. Make sure the spray top is securely screwed on to the bottle, and then shake vigorously. You should be able to see the oils break into tiny particles which will disperse throughout the water.

A variation on this idea will work very well for the elderly or for children. You will need:

	a wide-neck quart canning jar and lid
	a glass jar with lid to hold at least 16 oz. of liquid
	enough large cotton balls to fill the canning jar while they are dry
	10 drops of lavender essential oil
	20 drops of lemon essential oil
	20 drops of geranium essential oil
	10 oz. of distilled water

Make sure your canning jar and your mixing jar are clean and sterilized with very hot water. Allow them to cool to room temperature.

Fill the canning jar with large cotton balls packed loosely.

In the other jar, carefully add your essential oils. (Note: You will be using a smaller ratio of oils because this is a children/elderly formula.) Be sure to use clean droppers for each oil if they do not have orifice reducers.

Gently swirl the jar to allow the oils to mix. Carefully add 10 ounces of distilled water. Don't let your jar run over as the oil will be on top. Tightly close the jar and shake vigorously to mix the oils with the water.

When the oils are dispersed, pour the scented water into the canning jar filled with cotton balls. Pour slowly to allow the cotton balls to absorb the water. You may be able to add some more cotton balls if they shrink in volume. If you need to shake the mixing jar again while pouring, close it tightly and do so. When you have filled the canning jar as much as possible close it tightly. Shake gently and place in the refrigerator.

Discard any remaining scented water by running it down the sink with hot soapy water. Wash the mixing jar and lid and the sink very thoroughly with very hot soapy water and sterilize with very hot water.

When your child or an elderly person needs to be refreshed against the heat remove the canning jar from the refrigerator. Shake gently. With clean hands, remove one or two cotton balls from the jar, squeezing them nearly dry. Wipe the face neck and arms of the child or elderly person with the cool cotton ball. Keep the oil away from the eye area.

Be sure to wash your hands well before eating, as the essential oils you will be using are not food grade.

Enjoy these cool treats and try different fragrance combinations that you find relaxing or energizing.

Catch Me At Gene's!

For those of you who are often in Gene's Health Foods in Owensboro, come in and talk to me. Bring your questions, concerns, your recipes from magazines. We'll talk about them and help you find what you are looking for. I should be there Thursdays and Fridays, unless something comes up. Call ahead if you like, and verify. See you there.

New Catalog, New Products!

We have a new catalog with new products to help you enjoy your aromatherapy experience. Check out our new aroma lamps in brass or sandstone. To add to your overall body, mind, and soul journey we have added lovely wind chimes, and a Chi ribbon mobile suitable for outdoor use. In the near future we will be adding music, videos, and books related to aromatherapy and total health. To make your visit to www.TBAScent.com more enjoyable we have rehosted with a new hosting service - this change is transparent to you.

Summer Facial Mists

COMING NEXT MONTH