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If you would have a mind at peace,
A heart that cannot harden,
Go find a door that opens wide
Upon a lovely garden.
~Cypress Gardens
Pampering Yourself With Herbs
By Brenda Hyde
From the moment you wake up your day is hectic. You
skip breakfast and barely have time for lunch. It seems like
you can never catch a breath, which is why pampering
yourself seems out of the question. The thing we often have
a hard time understanding is that we must refresh ourselves
in order to do our best. You can only travel at 100 miles an
hour for so long. Herbs are an inexpensive yet elegant way
to pamper yourself when you take a few minutes or hopefully
a few hours of quiet time.
Quick Refreshers
Tie fresh lavender, thyme, and sage together in a small bundle
and hang near your desk or work area; even if that happens to
be the kitchen sink.
Flavor plain cream cheese with finely chopped fresh
or crushed dried herbs such as basil, thyme, dill,
marjoram, chives, mint or oregano. Add 1 teaspoon of
dried herbs, or about 1 tablespoon of fresh, at a
time per 8 ounces of cream cheese. Mix them if you wish;
as long as they equal those proportions. Keep in a
covered container to spread on bagels, crackers or
French bread instead of skipping breakfast.
Place dried chamomile, rosemary, lavender and lemon
balm in a small cloth bags. Place the bags in a bathroom,
under cushions or other places where pressure or warmth
will release a wonderful smell.
Special Treats
Lavender-vinegar hair rinse: Fill a one quart jar 1/2 full with
lavender leaves and flowers. Top with white vinegar; seal with
a plastic lid, or place plastic wrap over the jar first before
closing lid. Place in a dark place, such as a cupboard for
3-4 weeks. Mix one part lavender vinegar to one part distilled
water and use to rinse hair after shampooing.
Herbal Baths: Fresh or dried herbs can be used for a
relaxing bath. Use herbs such as lavender, rosemary,
lemon verbena or lemon balm. To infuse the herbs
simply combine 4 cups boiling water with 4 tablespoons of
herbs. Steep for 30 minutes, strain and add liquid to
your bath. To create a bath bag cut a circle of muslin
or cheese cloth and place fresh herbs in the center
with fine oatmeal (ground in blender) or powdered milk.
Gather the bundle and tie tightly with ribbon. Tie the
bag from the faucet while the water is running and allow
it to soak in your bath water while you are bathing.
Room Freshener: Combine dried lavender, rosemary,
southernwood, ground cloves, cinnamon and baking
soda. Sprinkle on your carpet and leave for one hour,
then vacuum. If you have very light carpet be sure to
test an small area first.
Relaxing
We all need quiet time to reflect on our life and what we
are trying to accomplish. Don't keep speeding down the
road of life without taking a daily side trip. Slow down and
relax while enjoying the natural fragrance of herbs.
About the Author:
Brenda Hyde is a freelance writer and editor, as well
as a Mom to three and a wife. She is an avid gardening
of herbs and flowers, as well as a crafter.
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