Homemade Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil has that fresh-from-the-spa aroma. Learn how to make your own eucalyptus essential oil to add to your bath, diffuser, and more.

What you’ll need:

¼ oz fresh eucalyptus leaves (grow your own or check your local florist) crushed to release the oil
1 cup carrier oil (olive, coconut, or almond)
Slow cooker (one you don’t use to cook as eucalyptus oil is toxic)

To make:

Combine ingredients into a slow cooker and let heat on low for 6 hours. After letting the oil cool, strain the oil through cheesecloth. Store in a cool, dark area (medicine cabinet, closet, etc.).

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Aloe Vera Hair Treatment

Aloe vera is amazing for our hair! It contains proteolytic enzymes that repair dead skin cells on our scalp. It also promotes hair growth, reduces dandruff, and acts as a great conditioner that leaves your hair smooth and shiny. All good things, right? Treat yourself with this at home aloe vera hair mask.

What you’ll need:

Fresh aloe vera gel
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp yogurt
2 tbsp olive oil

Mix all ingredients together and massage onto your scalp for 15 minutes. Wash it out with warm water after 30 minutes. Use this treatment once a week for soft, shiny hair.

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Grown Your Own Luffa

Did you know that you can grow your very own spa quality luffas (or loofahs) at home? Luffa sponges are great for skin exfoliation and are handy for scrubbing pots and pans as well.

Growing Luffa

If you live in a chilly zone, start your luffa seeds indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost
Soak luffa seeds in water for 24 hours prior to planting
Germinate in a warm area
Once your plants have their first set of leaves, transplant them to biodegradable pots
Luffa plants are prone to transplant shock so you’ll want to wait until the weather and soil are warm to start hardening your seedlings
After a week or so, plant your luffa plants in an area that gets full sun
Luffa plants vine so plant your seedlings at the base of a strong structure
Be sure to cover your plants if the weather turns cold (warm luffa plants equals happy luffa plants)
Keep your luffa nice and watered

Harvesting Luffa

Luffa can be picked once they are dried out and brown
Then all you have to do is peel them and rinse out the seeds

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Planting Eucalyptus

Who doesn’t love the smell of eucalyptus! In addition to being visually appealing, the fragrant leaves can be used to make an essential oil beneficial in treating a variety of conditions including asthma and congestion. It can even be used as a tick repellant.

Planting Eucalyptus

Starting with a well-established plant, plant the eucalyptus during warmer weather choosing a sunny location. Eucalyptus requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours a day). The location should also be several feet away from any buildings or fences.

These trees are incredibly fast growing and can damage nearby structures if planted too close. Eucalyptus is short-rooted and doesn’t fare well in strong winds. Be sure the location you choose to plant in has some kind of barrier.

To ensure your soil is rich in nutrients and well-draining, you’ll want to till the soil about 12 inches deep. Spread a few inches of compost over the area and use a rototiller to work it into the soil.

Be sure to plant eucalyptus at least 8 feet apart. This will help ensure proper space for growth as the plants mature. Give the new plants a thorough watering and keep the plant moist. Eucalyptus thrives in moist soil. If you notice your leaves are beginning to shrivel, that means it’s not getting enough water. Putting a bit of mulch on around the base will help retain moisture. Fertilize the plant during the growing season (mid-spring and mid-summer).

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Herb-Infused Vinegar

Herb gardens are wonderful for cooking delicious meals, making DIY beauty treatments, and even natural household cleaners. One of our new favorite uses are homemade vinegars!

You’ll need:

2 cups wine, rice, or apple cider vinegar
5 sprigs of lightly crushed herbs (you can choose from oregano, rosemary, tarragon or thyme)
For an extra kick, you can add 1 small fresh chile and 1 clove of garlic
Jar with tight-fitting lid

To make:

Add herbs and vinegar to your jar and let it sit to infuse for 5-6 days. This will allow your flavors to blend. Strain your vinegar with a fine mesh sieve into a bottle of your choice. Feel free to add a sprig of herbs and a few chiles and garlic cloves to make it fancy. Store in the refrigerator.

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