Making Gifts with Herbs 2

The herb gifts below are perfect on their own for small presents, but you can also combine them together in a wicker basket with a cotton washcloth, handmade soap, a bath brush and a candle for a lovely gift from the heart.

Old Fashioned Peppermint Milk Bath

You will need:

1/2 cup powdered milk

1 tablespoon dried peppermint leaves

Crush the mint with a spice or coffee grinder or a food processor. Mix mint and milk together and transfer to a jar. Seal and tie a ribbon around the neck of the jar with these instructions:

Peppermint Milk Bath: Keep in a cool dry place. To use, place a small amount under running bath water. Soak and relax!

Oatmeal Face Scrub

You will need:

4 tablespoons dried chamomile

8 tablespoons fine oatmeal (process in blender)

Mix together and place in a jar. Give with these instructions: Pour a cup or of boiling water over one tablespoon of the chamomile and allow to sit for 20 to 30 minutes then strain, setting the liquid aside. Mix 3-4 tablespoons of the herbal infusion with the oatmeal to make a paste. Let stand, allowing the oatmeal to soften, about 5 minutes. Gently massage the mixture into your face for five minutes. Rinse well with warm water. Pat dry and moisturize.

Note: You can also place these mixtures in a plastic bag and seal tightly then put one bag in the middle of a square of fabric, bring the corners up and tie with a ribbon or raffia, and attach instructions.

Easy Herbal Eye Pillow:

You can make a simple herbal eye pillow for heating or cooling and placing on your eyes by mixing 1/2 cup flax seed and 1/2 cup lavender and placing in a simple sewn muslin square. You can several drops of lavender essential oil as well.

Charming Tea Lover Gift

You will need:

1/3 teaspoon dried lavender flowers

4 teaspoons loose orange pekoe tea

New or vintage tea cup and saucer

small plastic bag, or plastic wrap

Tea Ball

Ribbon

Mix the herbs and tea then place in a piece of plastic wrap or a small bag and tie tightly with a ribbon. Place in the clean dry tea cup, with the tea ball (they are very inexpensive and can be found in most store kitchen sections) Include a note that this should steep for five minutes in boiled water. Wrap in tissue paper and place in a gift bag for a great gift for teachers and co-workers.

Image: Wikimedia.org