DIY | Tinted Mason Jar Candles

DIY | Tinted Mason Jar Candles

Foun this and oe day when I finally gather all the supplies I am going to try it, so far I have the jars lol

SUPPLIES // …this is a very long list so I split it in two pictures… 12 ounce jelly jars, beeswax beads or your favorite type of wax beads (4 pounds of wax makes exactly 7 of these 12oz jars – pictured below is one pound), pouring pot, cheap wooden spoon, your choice of scent (10z per 1 lb of wax), wick stickums, metal wick bar, wick core, wick tabs and pliers (or pre-made wicks, they work exactly the same)…

Martha Stewart ‘Liquid Fill’ Glass Paint is an absolute MUST for tinting these jars – by far this is the easiest technique for tinting glass jars and has the best range of colors. You will also need an EK Tools 2 1/4″ inch scallop punch, a cute stamp and stamp pad, a hole punch, cute twine, rubbing alcohol, wax paper, old wrapping paper roll and scissors.
PinThis tutorial has quite a few steps and they take time, it could take all weekend to complete this project. You need to tint the jars, cure the jars, pour the candle and decorate… so take your time and have fun crafting!

How to Tint Mason Jars with Martha Stewart Glass Paint:

To start you need to clean the outside of your jars with rubbing alcohol…
PinUsing a wrapping paper roll, slice off 2″ sections of the cardboard for your jars to dry on. Next, set up your painting area, it needs to be covered with at least two sheets of wax paper – the paint will bleed through one sheet! Also know that when tinting these jars they literally need to dry for at least 12 hours and you cannot easily move them, so clear an area for them to dry that is out of the way.
Beginning under the lip of your jelly jar start squeezing paint onto the glass, letting it drip down the jar. You need to cover every speck of glass with paint by moving the tip of the bottle around while squeezing the paint out. Once covered the paint will begin to drip excessively – this is what we want. Place the painted jar on your cardboard stand and on top of at least two sheets of wax paper and let it dry for about 12 hours. You will be amazed at how much this paint will drip! Don’t touch it, just let it do it’s thing. When completely dry, carefully pull the cardboard base off the glass – if a little paint comes with it, smooth it back onto the glass and don’t worry about what the bottom looks like! There is a huge difference in color from wet to dry, just like the image below… you will visually be able to tell that the paint is dry.
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Martha Stewart ‘Liquid Fill’ Glass Paint Tip!

This paint needs to be shaken like a gallon paint can at Home Depot – no joke. After you buy these paints turn them upside down on your counter and let them sit for an hour or two, this lets all the paint pigment that has settled to the bottom of the tube work it’s way back through the paint – then SHAKE before you are going to use the paint. I had hubby do this for me. If you choose not to do this small step, there is a possibility that the paint will dry clear and not beautiful like below. I am telling you this from experience! When you look at these paints you can sometimes see the pigment separation towards the bottom. The colors I used are from left to right, Polar Blue, Freesia, Sweetgrass, Purple Orchid, Red Coral, and Pink Hyacinth.
PinPer the curing techniques on the bottle and website; either let them air dry for 21 days or oven bake. To oven bake put your completely dry tinted jars in a cold oven, turn it to 350 degrees and set a timer for 30 minutes. When the time is up turn off the oven and let the painted jars cool down completely before removing them from the oven. This glass has NO problem withstanding heat… after all it is a Ball Jar…

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How to make your own Wicks:

This step is completely optional. You can absolutely use pre-made wicks, I just wanted to show how this is done. Cut your desired length of wicking and thread through an new wick tab. Using a small pair of pliers, crimp the wick tab ends over the wicking to secure it. Purchasing wick supplies and making them yourself can be much more cost effective than buying pre-made wicks – especially if you are making lots of wedding favors!
PinPinNext, place your wicks into your beautifully tinted jars. First apply wick stickums to the bottom of each wick, drop the wick into your jar and using a pencil or the like, press the stickum securely to the bottom of the jar.
Using a wick holder tie and secure your wick above the top of the jar so there is no slack.Pin

Pouring your own Candle:

There are many ways to melt and pour your own candles – here is my simplified version. Carefully melt your wax in a pouring pot over medium heat – DO NOT boil and don’t scorch. I’m using beeswax here, but you can use any kind of candle wax that you would like.
Once completely liquid, turn off the heat and add your scent- a normal measure is 1 ounce of scent oil per 1 pound of wax. You might like to add more or less, or maybe none at all – scent is up to you!
PinThis is an important step; before you pour your candle the wax needs to cool down. To avoid having to use thermometers, a good measure that the wax is ready to pour is when it starts to solidify on the sides of your pot and on your spoon… this usually takes around a half hour. Once the wax has cooled down, pour your candle leaving a little room in case you need to top it off.
PinThis candle cooled wonderfully. But if yours cooled with a crack or divot, just remelt a little left over wax and re-pour the top layer. The important thing to note is that you need to completely cover the top of the candle with your second pour to make it look smooth from edge to edge.
PinWhen ready, snip your wick… and your done!
Pin…beautiful, Anthropologie worthy candles! Aren’t they just dreamy…
PinI also poured a candle into a jar that I didn’t tint… that one is right in front…
These candles would make terrific bridesmaid gifts… they might be a little expensive as favors, but definitely great thank you gifts for special people who helped you with your wedding planning including vendors.
PinTo make these adorable tags you need to find a punch that perfectly fits the inside of your jar. If you are using these exact jelly jars this punch is the only one I could find and it worked perfectly! Purchased on Amazon, link in the credits. Punch cardstock, stamp with a cute stamp and hole punch the middle.

Enjoy Your cup of Herbal TEA and sit down and take a few minutes to Enjoy Your day

Each day I like to enjoy some kind of TEA

It might be hot or cold and I like to try many recipes and blends either that I make myself or that I buy

MELLO MOOD TEA 

WHAT YOU NEED 

1 teaspoon chamomile flowers 

1 teaspoon lavender spikes 

1 teaspoon kava leaves 

1 teaspoon lemon balm leaves 

1 teaspoon marjoram 

1 spray valerian flowers 

1 quart water

WHAT TO DO 

In a large saucepan, steep the chamomile, lavender, kava, lemon balm, 

marjoram, and valerian to taste in the freshly boiled water. Strain out the 

plant material. Drink the tea hot or cool as often as needed, refrigerating 

any left over for later use.

CAUTION: Chamomile is in the rag weed family, and many are allergic to herbs.

Happy Days Tea

(For days when the weight of the world is upon you, this tea helps brighten 

your attitude.)

1 part borage leaves

1 part calendula blossoms

1 part nettle leaves

1 part oatstraw

1 part basil leaves

Blend all herbs in a pot and cover with boiling water. Stir well, cover, and 

steep 15 to 20 minutes.You need 1 oz total of dried herbs for a quart of 

water. You can mix the dried herbs together and store them until you want the 

tea... but be sure to stir them again, to make them be evenly distributed, 

before you measure them to make the tea

Relaxation Tea

1 tablespoon English Breakfast tea

1 teaspoon elder flower

2 teaspoons rose hips

1 teaspoon chamomile

2 teaspoons hops

1 teaspoon valerian

Calming Nerves and Sleepy Tea

Mix equal parts of:

Fresh skullcap

St John's wort

Calendula flowers

Chamomile flowers

California poppy or any poppy seeds

Wild oats

Valerian

Add Kava Kava root if desired. Try a bit of brown sugar to sweeten.

Calming Chamomile Delight

1 part chamomile flowers

1 part oatstraw

1 part red clover blossoms

1 part skullcap leaves

1/2 part spearmint leaves

1/2 part violet leaves and flowers

1/8 part rose petals (organic)

This soothing and nourishing formula feeds nerves and has the 

wonderful refreshing apple taste of chamomile. Good for the daylight 

hours or pre-bedtime use.

Combine all herbs in a pot, and cover with boiling water. Stir well, 

cover, and steep 15 to 20 minutes.

Calming Tea

Ingredients:

1 part sage 

1 part thyme 

1 part marjoram

1 part camomile

Blend ingredients and place inside a tea ball, place in a mug of hot 

water and allow to steep for 5 minutes. Or, for larger quantities you 

can place the herbs inside a pot of water (make sure you don't overdo 

the amount of herbs you use in proportion to the amount of water...) 

and heat for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and strain to get rid of 

the herb pieces. Drink up and enjoy the soothing effects!

Mellow Mood Tea

Adapted from The Green Pharmacy Anti-Aging Prescriptions, by James A. 

Duke, Ph.D..Copyright (c) 2001 by James A. Duke, Ph.D.. Reprinted by 

permission of Rodale Press.

This tea is made with the most palatable of the calming herbs. 

Blended together, they'll defuse stress and anxiety and promote sound 

sleep. 

WHAT YOU NEED 

1 teaspoon chamomile flowers 

1 teaspoon lavender spikes 

1 teaspoon kava leaves 

1 teaspoon lemon balm leaves 

1 teaspoon marjoram 

1 spray valerian flowers 

1 quart water

WHAT TO DO 

In a large saucepan, steep the chamomile, lavender, kava, lemon balm, 

marjoram, and valerian to taste in the freshly boiled water. Strain 

out the plant material. Drink the tea hot or cool as often as needed, 

refrigerating any left over for later use.

Hope these 3 recipes I have sent help you out. Brightest Blessings.

      *<)Irish(>*

                         Relaxing Herbal Tea

                      By Brenda Hyde

                      Herbal teas are not only relaxing and soothing

                      to the spirit, but your stomach as well! Many

                      herbs have properties to calm. Don't be so

                      quick though as to grab any herb from the

                      garden and make a tea. Do your research,

                      especially if you are nursing a baby or

                      pregnant. Some herbs such as sage,

                      pennyroyal, rue, feverfew, tansy, barberry,

                      nutmeg, juniper, and all the artemisias should

                      be avoided. Many of these are not common

                      enough for most of us to add to our tea, but it's

                      always better to be on the safe side! The tea

                      herbs we usually see used in tea recipes, as

                      the ones below, are safe for everyone.

                      Occasionally a person with allergies who is

                      very sensitive to plants in general may have a

                      problem, but otherwise herbs are delicious and

                      easy to use!

                      As you become familiar with tea herbs, don't be

                      afraid to experiment with combinations and with

                      the sweeteners. I mixed scented geranium

                      leaves and lemon balm one summer evening

                      for a delightful tea that I sweetened with honey.

                      Some people don't like the "light" or "flowery"

                      taste of herb tea. But you can have the best of

                      both tea worlds. Try mixing your favorite loose

                      or bagged black tea with the herbs for a

                      heartier tea. The following recipes will get you

                      started and help you become acquainted with

                      herbs in your afternoon or morning teas.

                      Lavender Herb Tea

                      Ingredients

                      1 tsp. dried lavender flowers

                      1 tsp. dried chamomile flowers

                      1 tsp. green tea leaves

                      4 cups boiling water

                      Place the herbs in a warmed teapot. Pour in

                      boiling water, cover, and steep for 3-5 minutes.

                      Strain and serve, sweeten with honey if

                      desired.

                      Anise Tea

                      Ingredients:

                      1 cup boiling water

                      1 tsp. dried anise leaves

                      1 tsp. honey

                      Pour the boiling water over the leaves and

                      steep for about 5 minutes-a little longer if you

                      like it strong. Strain and sweeten with the

                      honey. This makes a nice licorice type

                      beverage.

                      Calming Herb Tea

                      1 tsp. dried peppermint leaves

                      1 tsp. dried lemon balm leaves

                      Add these to a tea pot and add 1 1/2 to 2 cups

                      of boiling water. Steep for about 5 minutes,

                      strain and add sugar or tea for a soothing

                      herbal tea.

                      Chamomile Herb Tea

                      2 tablespoons fresh chamomile flowers

                      2 cups boiling water

                      2 thin slices of apple

                      honey to taste

                      Rinse the flowers with cool water. Warm your

                      tea pot with boiling water. Add the apple slices

                      to the pot and mash them with a wooden

                      spoon. Add the chamomile flowers and pour in

                      boiling water (2 cups). Cover and steep for 3-5

                      minutes. Strain the tea into two cups (or one if

                      it's just you!). Add honey to taste.

                      Mint and Lemon Iced Tea

                      Ingredients:

                      3 cups of boiling water

                      4 black tea bags

                      2 fresh mint sprigs

                      1 cup granulated sugar

                      1/4 cup lemon juice

                      5 cups cold water

                      Fresh mint and sliced lemon for garnish

                      Use the boiling water to brew the black tea with

                      the mint sprigs for 5 minutes. Strain or remove

                      tea bags and mint. Add sugar and lemon juice,

                      stirring until sugar dissolves. Stir in cold

water.

                      Serve over ice, garnish with fresh sprigs of

                      mint and a slice of lemon. Makes 8 servings.

                      Ginger teas are especially soothing, and you

                      can use purchased tea, fresh or ground

                      ginger.

                      Fresh Ginger Tea

                      Ingredients:

                      2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and

                      minced

                      4 cups water

                      honey to taste

                      Place the ginger in a ceramic teapot. Bring the

                      water to a boil and pour over the ginger. Allow

                      to steep for 5 minutes, and strain. If you are

                      making this one person, sweeten each cup with

                      honey to taste, and lemon if desired. I warm up

                      the remainder in the microwave if it cools too

                      quickly. This is especially nice for a nervous

                      stomach.

                      Spicy Ginger Tea

                      Ingredients:

                      4 ginger tea bags, any brand

                      2 3 inch pieces of cinnamon stick

                      8 whole cloves

                      6 cups boiling water

                      2 Orange slices

                      4 tsp. sweetener, honey or sugar

                      Place tea bags, cinnamon sticks, cloves,

                      ginger and sweetener into a large teapot. Pour

                      boiling water over and allow to steep 3

                      minutes. Remove tea bags and allow to sit 5

                      minutes. To serve, pour tea into cups and float

                      a quarter slice of orange in each cup.

                      Spicy Green Tea

                      Green tea is not only good for you, but if you

                      use soy milk (I like the vanilla soy) it gives it

                      that extra boost of goodness. Try this in the

                      morning!

                      Ingredients:

                      1 cup milk (soy milk will work well too)

                      1 cup water

                      1/4 cup packed brown sugar

                      1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

                      1/4 tsp. ground ginger

                      2 green tea bags

                      In medium saucepan, heat the water and milk

                      until they JUST begin to gently boil. Stir in the

                      remaining ingredients. Reduce heat to low and

                      simmer for about 3 minutes. Remove tea bags

                      and strain, then serve.

MAGICKAL TEA RECIPES

Flower Tea

4 teaspoons jasmine tea

2 rose geranium leaves

1 teaspoon dried orange blossoms

Lemon Tea

3 teaspoons orange-pekoe tea

1 teaspoon dried lemon verbena

1/2 teaspoon minced dry lemon peel

2 sprigs lemon thyme

Lavender Tea

4 teaspoons orange pekoe tea

3 fresh lavender flower heads (or 1/3 teaspoon dried lavender flowers)

Lavender honey to sweeten

Rose Tea

4 teaspoons orange pekoe tea

1 tablespoon fresh rose petals (or 1 teaspoon dried rose petals)

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon stick chips

Divination Tea

1 tablespoon China black, English breakfast, or Irish Breakfast Tea

2 teaspoons lemon balm

1 teaspoon eyebright

1 tablespoon mugwort

1 tablespoon rose hips

Psychic Healing Tea

1 tablespoon China black tea

1 teaspoon elder flowers

1 teaspoon nettle

2 teaspoons burdock root

2 teaspoons mullein

2 teaspoons rose hips

Love Spells Tea

1 tablespoon china black tea

1 teaspoon damiana

1 teaspoon raspberry leaves

2 teaspoons chamomile

1 tablespoon mullein

2 teaspoons rose hips

Meditation tea

1 tablespoon china black tea

2 teaspoons chamomile

1 teaspoon rose hips

2 teaspoons elder flower

Purification Tea

1 tablespoon China black tea

2 teaspoons fennel

1 teaspoon valerian

1 teaspoon chamomile

2 teaspoons hyssop

Relaxation Tea

1 tablespoon English Breakfast tea

1 teaspoon elder flower

2 teaspoons rose hips

1 teaspoon chamomile

2 teaspoons hops

1 teaspoon valerian

Health Spells Tea

1 tablespoon China black tea

2 teaspoons fennel

1 teaspoon mint

2 teaspoons rose hips

1 teaspoon elder flower

2 teaspoons hops

1 teaspoon mullein

1 teaspoon White Oak

Protection Tea (7 Herbal Powers)

1 tablespoon Irish or English Breakfast tea

2 teaspoons elder flower

1 teaspoon linden flower (tila)

1 teaspoon valerian

2 teaspoons burdock root

1 teaspoon comfrey

1 teaspoon hyssop

2 teaspoons rose hips

Relaxation/Sleep Tea

1/4 teaspoon lavender flowers

1/2 teaspoon lemon balm

1/2 teaspoon linden flowers

1/2 teaspoon chamomile

OR

1/2 teaspoon valerian root

1/2 teaspoon passion flower

1/2 teaspoon chamomile

1/2 teaspoon vervain

Pick-me-up Tea

1/2 teaspoon rose hips

1/2 teaspoon peppermint

1/2 teaspoon hibiscus

For a Cold Tea

1 teaspoon wintergreen

1 teaspoon lemon verbena

OR

1 teaspoon yarrow

1 teaspoon valerian

1 teaspoon birch leaf

Moon Maiden Tea

1 tablespoon ginger root

1 tablespoon black haw

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon bark

1 tablespoon valerian root

Moon Maiden Tea is used against menstrual cramps and employs the mystical,

wild, enchanted energy of night. Place black haw, ginger root, and cinnamon

in a crystal bowl. Cover with fresh, cold water, and set outside under the

Moonlight. Let stand overnight. In the morning, move the container to a

warm, shady spot. Add valerian root and infuse for 30 minutes. Strain and

drink a little every 15 minutes.

Mother Sun Power Tea

3 tablespoons sassafras bark

2 tablespoons dandelion root

1 tablespoon ginger root

1/2 tablespoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon licorice root

1/4 teaspoon orange peel

1 tablespoon pau d'arco

1/4 tablespoon dong quai root

1 tablespoon chaste berry

1 tablespoon wild yam

Mother Sun Tea attracts the dynamic, vital energy embodied in the Sun. Mix

herbs together. Place 4 to 6 tablespoons of herbal mixture in a glass jar

filled with one quart cold water. Cover with a tight fitting lid, and set

the jar out doors in a strong, hot, direct Sunlight for several hours.

Strain. Drink 3 cups daily.

Crone Root Tea

2 tablespoons wild yam

2 tablespoons licorice

3 tablespoons sarsparilla

1 tablespoon chaste berry

1 tablespoon ginger

1 tablespoon false unicorn root

2 tablespoons sage

1/2 tablespoon black cohosh

This tea is believed to help with the challenges of menopause. Empower with

the Sun and Moon methods described before. Or, place 6 tablespoons of herbal

mixture into 1 quart of cold water and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain. Drink

2 cups daily.

Fresh Mint Tea

2 quarts water (8 cups)

1/4 cup milk

1/4 cup half & half

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 bunch fresh mint

Bring water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add milk, half- &-half, and

sugar. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add mint and simmer an additional 30 minutes.

Strain and serve hot or chill on a bowl of ice and serve cold.

Yields: 2 quarts

Calming Nerves and Sleepy Tea

Mix equal parts of:

Fresh skullcap

St John's wort

Calendula flowers

Chamomile flowers

California poppy or any poppy seeds

Wild oats

Valerian

Add Kava Kava root if desired. Try a bit of brown sugar to sweeten.

Herbal Tea for Insomnia

Mix equal parts of:

Valerian root

Skullcap

California Poppy (or any poppy) seed

Kava Kava root

Passion flower

Chamomile flowers

Mugwort

Mabon Moon Cider

4 cups apple cider

4 cups grape juice (try white grape juice)

2 cinnamon sticks, 4 inches long

1 tsp. allspice

1/2 tsp. cloves

Additional cinnamon sticks for cups, 6 inches long

In a 4-quart saucepan, heat cider and grape juice. Add cinnamon, allspice,

and cloves. Bring just to boiling. Lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Serve. Makes 8 cups.

Faery Milk

1 & 1/2 cups milk per serving

1/8 tsp. Vanilla extract

1 tsp. Honey

Cinnamon

Warm milk, being careful not to boil. To each glass or mug, add honey and

vanilla. Sprinkle tops with cinnamon.

Mike Kadeg's Wake Up Tea

1 tea bag red tea

1 tea bag green tea

4 tea bags black tea - Lipton is good for this tea

1 drop burnt licorice extract (WARNING: DO NOT TAKE THIS TEA IF YOU ARE

PREGNANT OR HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE!!!)

Place bags into water. Add 1 drop extract and let steep for at least 12

hours. Refrigerate. This mix is bitter, but it sure wakes you up quickly.

You can get all the ingredients at your local Acme or other supermarket.

Chai Tea

1 quart milk

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cardamon

1 teaspoon ground almonds

10 teaspoons brown sugar or honey

8 teaspoons black tea

Combine cinnamon, cardamon, and almonds with milk in saucepan. Simmer for

1/2 hour, stirring occasionally. Just before removing from the stove, add

brown sugar or honey.

Boil a quart of water, and pour into a teapot with 8 teaspoons good black

tea (try Assam). Steep for five minutes. Add prepared hot milk mixture to

tea in a ratio of 1:1. Aerate by pouring mixture back and forth between 2

containers 5 or 6 times. Strain and serve.

The prepared milk can be stored for a few days in the refrigerator and

reheated for use.

Raspberry Mint Tea (from Dawna's Herb Page)

2 parts chamomile

1 & 1/2 part spearmint

4 raspberry leaves

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Soothes the tummy.  A mild, relaxing tea with a delicate flavor, it contains oils that relax the smooth muscles in the stomach.  Three cups daily will ease indigestion, irritable bowel problems and colitis.  Choose 100% pure chamomile flowers with a strong fresh aroma.  Use 1 heaping tablespoon of flowers per cup of hot water.  Let steep for 10 to 20 minutes, strain.  Take for two months for chronic problems.

***Note:  A cup before bedtime helps one relax to get to sleep easier.  I've also used this in a weaker solution of 1/4 teaspoon to 4 oz of hot water and then cooled, for my babies for colic.  Though as my disclaimer says, you might wish to check with your health care professional.  Now days, it's a wonder our Children survived with all we did to them and gave them according to these modern day "warnings".  

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) 

Reduces anxiety and restlessness.  This citrus-fresh herb helps tame tension, nervousness and a mild case of the blues.  Relax with a cup before bedtime to help you feel sleepy.  Choose fresh or dried leaves that have a strong lemony mint scent.  Use two tablespoons of fresh leaves and one tablespoon of dried leaves per cup of hot water, steep and strain.  Drink as needed.

***I once read in an old herbal that one cup of lemon balm tea every day as a tonic would help us live longer.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)  

Eases you into restful sleep.  The flower, vine and leaves contain substances that have proven, gentle sedating qualities.  Recommended by herbalists as a top treatment for insomnia, it's especially helpful when sleep is disturbed by anxiety.  Use 1 heaping teaspoon of dried herb per cup of hot water, steep and strain. 

***All of the above teas, when taken for easier sleeping, should be taken about 1/2 hour before bedtime.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

Helps banish indigestion and gas and helps quell nausea and vomiting.   Make sure it's peppermint that you use.  Spearmint and the like don't contain the digestive aid menthol.   Use two tablespoons of fresh peppermint or one tablespoon of dried to one cup of hot water, steep and strain.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)  

Can ward off headaches.  This fragrant spice shelf herb is not only good for cooking.  It has many uses, one of which is warding off tension induced headaches.  Rosemary helps keep blood vessels dilated so can prevent headaches caused by vaso-constriction (blood vessels narrowing)  Use two heaping teaspoons fresh or one heaping dried per cup of hot water, steep and strain.

Sage (salvia officinalis)

This cooking shelf herb also can eliminate night sweats, which will help you relax and get a good night's sleep.  Use 4 heaping tablespoons of dried sage in 1 cup of hot water, cover tightly and steep for 4 hours, strain and drink.

Thyme (thymus vulgaris)

Reduces cough, bronchitis, sinus pressure.  This herb helps relax the bronchial spasms that trigger coughing.  Use 2 teaspoons of dried thyme per cup of hot water, steep and strain.  Drink three times a day.

***When my daughter had asthma attacks, I would make a tea of this herb, oregano and parsley when she felt that "tightness" in her chest.  She said she could feel it loosening that tight feeling in her lungs with the second sip.

I thought these might be helpful this time of year.  LW

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  DISCLAIMER: 

If you are on any pharmaceutical medications or have a serious medical condition, are pregnant or nursing, consult your health care provider before ingesting anything that you do not normally ingest, including herbs and over the counter medications. 

Dosages given are for *adults*. Unless specific dosage is labeled "for Children", *do not give to Children*. 

When you choose to self medicate, *you* are responsible for what you put in your body. If you show any symptom after ingesting an herb or any other substance that you do not normally ingest, stop taking the herb, etc., immediately. The symptom may or may not have something to do with the herb, etc., but you can always try again later, after the symptom has disappeared, to test if it was the herb, etc. 

                      You can buy bulk herbs for your tea from

                      Glenbrook Farms

                      Many recipes I found for herbal teas came from Brenda Hyde

About the author:

                      Brenda Hyde is a wife and mom to three living

                      in the Midwest United States. She is also editor

                      of OldFashionedLiving.com.

Lavender,growing, harvesting, crafting!

Lavender is a beautiful plant, Every year I can't wait for it to bloom and wake up the garden. For me though I have a lot of trouble growing it, either I forget to water often enough or I drown it, or the most deadly here is the humidity and weather conditions are not perfect.

Growing Requirements
As with most plants, your success in growing this coveted plant will depend both on what kind of growing conditions you can provide and which varieties you select to grow. Lavender plants will tolerate many growing conditions, but it thrives in warm, well-drained soil and full sun. Like many plants grown for their essential oils, a lean soil will encourage a higher concentration of oils. An alkaline and especially chalky soil will enhance lavenders fragrance. While you can grow lavender in USDA Zone 5, it is unlikely you will ever have a lavender hedge. More realistically you can expect to have plants that will do well when the weather cooperates and to experience the occasional loss of a plant or two after a severe winter or a wet, humid summer.

Lavender is a tough plant and is extremely drought resistant, once established. However, when first starting you lavender plants, don't be afraid to give them a handful of compost in the planting hole and to keep them regularly watered during their first growing season.

Special Considerations
It is dampness, more than cold, that is responsible for killing lavender plants. Dampness can come in the form of wet roots during the winter months or high humidity in the summer. If humidity is a problem, make sure you have plenty of space between your plants for air flow and always plant in a sunny location. Areas where the ground routinely freezes and thaws throughout the winter will benefit from a layer of mulch applied after the ground initially freezes. Also protect your lavender plants from harsh winter winds. Planting next to a stone or brick wall will provide additional heat and protection.

Pruning
Although lavender plants get regularly pruned simply by harvesting the flowers, to keep them well shaped and to encourage new growth, a bit of spring pruning is in order. The taller varieties can be cut back by approximately one-third their height. Lower growing varieties can either be pruned back by a couple of inches or cut down to new growth. If you live in an area where lavender suffers some winter die-back, don't even think about pruning your plants until you see some new green growth at the base of the plant. If you disturb the plants too soon in the season, they give up trying.

Containers
You can always grow your lavender in pots and move it to follow the sun or even bring it indoors for the winter. Keep in mind that although lavender has a large, spreading root system, it prefers growing in a tight space. A pot that can accommodate the root ball with a couple of inches to spare would be a good choice. Too large a pot will only encourage excessive dampness.

Insure that the pot has plenty of drainage. To prevent water pooling in the pot, place about an inch of loose gravel at the bottom. Rot root is one of the few problems experienced by lavender plants. Use a loose, soilless mix for planting and remember that container grown lavender will require more water than garden grown plants. How much more depends on the environment and the type of pot. Water when the soil, not the plant, appears dry and water at the base of the plant to limit dampness on the foliage. Compact varieties make the best choices for containers. Some to try are L. angustifolia ‘Nana Alba’ and Spanish lavender (L. stoechas subsp. pedunculata)
Lavender can grow in fair or poor soils, slightly alkaline to neutral is best. The plant needs well-drained soil, wet soils are deadly.
Old flower heads should be cut off to encourage fresh growth. The blooms come in midsummer and range from lavender-hued gray to a vibrant royal purple. There are also species with blooms in other colors: white, pink, and a yellow-green. The flowers themselves are small, sometimes bud-like but open and full on others, and they grow up the spiky stems.
To save lavender for potpourris, cut the stems when they are bloooming and tie them in small bundles. Hang them upside down indoors to dry for several weeks.
It needs little or no fertilization, and except for new plants, should be watered less often than most flowers. The plant can be pruned by one-third in early spring or late fall to keep its shape.
A perennial, lavender grows from 1 to 3 feet tall, depending on the variety. It needs at least six hours of direct sun each day, more is better. Lavender plants grow in hardiness zones 5 through 10 and are planted about 15 inches apart.
Foliage typically ranges from dusty green to silvery gray and a few species have bright chartreuse leaves. Not all types are readily available, but may need researching through mail order web sites or seed catalogs.
Some varieties of lavender can be grown from seeds (especially variety "Munster"), or pots of live plants can be purchased in the spring. Favorite varieties include "Grosso", "Provence", "Royal Purple", "Gray Lady", and "Hidcote".
Lavender's older stems are woody, and the plant does not divide as easily as many perennials. If moving is necessary, lift the plant in spring just after new growth has started and replant immediately. The plant can be propagated by layering.

The best time to harvest English lavender is when the buds have formed on the plant but the flowers have not yet opened. Lavender harvested at this time of year will fall off the stems more easily when dry making it a tad easier to collect and will retain fragrance and colour longer. The cultivar of your lavender will also determine fragrance, colour, and longevity of the dried properties as well.

To harvest, use sharp bypass pruners and gather a small handful of long flower stems. Snip them at the base and continue collecting stems in your hand until you have a nice sized bundle. Secure the bundle with twine and continue until the plant is fully harvested.

Pruning the plants like this will keep the shrub tidy and evergreen through some colder climates. If your plants are leggy and you see lots of dead wood, it’s a good idea to summer prune them each year until they regain a tidier shape.

To dry the bunches hang in a warm, dry spot out of direct sunlight. Under eaves, in the garage, or somewhere in the garden that is protected is the perfect spot. 

After 2-4 weeks and the lavender has fully dried, you can shake or gently rub the flower buds into a tray or bowl. Store lavender in a lidded jar in a cool dark place and repeat next year.

Recipes to use Lavender:

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Lavender Jelly

Provided by Cedarbrook Herb Farm

2 cups lavender infusion (Recipe Follows)

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

4 cups sugar

1 3oz envelope of liquid pectin

Lavender food coloring (optional)

Combine infusion, lemon juice and sugar. Bring to full boil stirring

constantly.  Add pectin,  boil 1 minute stirring constantly. Remove from

heat and add food coloring. Pour into jars and seal

Comments:

Jelly can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.  To store

longer process jars in a water bath for 5 minutes after sealing with

canning lids.

********

Lavender Infusion

Provided by Cedarbrook Herb Farm

1/2 cup fresh lavender flowers (3 TBS. Dried)

3 Cups distilled water

Bring water to boil and pour over flowers.

Steep for 20 minutes.

Strain and store in a glass jar (up to 2 weeks).

Comments:  This infusion is used in making many items including lavender

jelly and lavender ice cream.

LAVENDER

Medicinal Uses: In the past, lavender has been used as a folk remedy for 

numerous conditions, including acne, cancer, colic, faintness, flatulence, 

giddiness, migraine, nausea, neuralgia, nervous headache, nervous 

palpitations, poor appetite, pimples, rheumatism, sores, spasms, sprains, 

toothache, vomiting and worms. Lavender salts have been employed for 

centuries as a stimulant to prevent fainting; lavender oil vapor is 

traditionally inhaled to prevent vertigo and fainting. A compound tincture of 

lavender (also known as Palsy Drops) was officially recognized by the British 

Pharmacopoeia for over 200 years, until the 1940s. Used to relieve muscle 

spasms, nervousness, and headaches, it originally contained over 30 

ingredients. Tests show that lavender’s essential oil is a potent ally in 

destroying a wide range of bacterial infections, including staph, strep, 

pneumonia, and most flu viruses. It is also strongly anti-fungal. A 

lavender-flower douche is an effective treatment for vaginal infections, 

especially candida-type yeast infections. Lavender ointments are rubbed into 

burns, bruises, varicose veins, and other skin injuries. The straight oil is 

dabbed on stops the itching of insect bites.

Hangover Remedy: 1 egg, 2-3 drops light soy sauce, pinch lavender flowers. 

Break the egg into a glass and whisk until froth. Add the soy sauce, then 

crush the lavender flowers in a pestle and mortar and add to the mixture. 

Liquidize, pour back into the glass and sip slowly. Then lie on the floor and 

do some deep breathing exercises from your diaphragm. Rest for 1 hour—you’re 

found to feel better. 

Palsy Drops: 1 oz each lavender, rosemary, cinnamon; ½ each nutmeg and red 

sandalwood; 16 ounces brandy. Combine ingredients and let sit for 7 days, 

then strain.

HEADACHE SACHET

equal parts lavender and cloves

Enclose in a muslin bag and inhale the vapors when a headache begins. (The 

Herb Basket, 141 Main St., Landisville, PA 17538; 717-898-6334)

SINUS SNIFFING JAR

Equal parts Lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus

few drops of each essential oil. Pack in a small glass jar. Open and inhale 

the vapors to clear a stuffy head. (The Herb Basket, 141 Main St., 

Landisville, PA 17538; 717-898-6334

Lavender Sleep Pillow

To enhance your sleep and dreams, make small pillow and place inside your 

pillow case. Or to relax, lie down and place bag over your eyes, breathe 

deep. (Lunar Farms Herbals – 1-800-687-1052; 

http://www.herbworld.com/lunarfarms )

2 cups lavender

1 cup roses

1 cup hops

½ cup rosemary

½ cup lemon balm

1/3 cup thyme

Lavender - is relaxing, can relieve stress, soothing & is know to enhance 

your dreams

Roses - enhances romance & is relaxing

Hops - has been know to encourage relaxing, pleasant dreams

Rosemary - in folklore it has been used to insure sleep & prevent bad dreams

Lemon Balm - has been used for anxiety, insomnia & nervous tension

Thyme - for centuries is has been used to insure restful sleep and prevent 

nightmares

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Relaxation Potpourri: 

Old fashioned rose petals 2 cups 

Lavender flowers 1/2 cup 

Chamomile flowers 1/2 cup 

Hops 1 cup 

Passion flower 1/2 cup 

Linden flower 1/2 cup 

Jasmine flower 1/4 cup 

Orris root chips 2 tablespoons 

Add 15 drops rose & 15 drops lavender oil and mix. 

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Herbal Eye Pillow

Items you will need:

12" x 18" Satin or Silk rectangle piece of cloth {colour preference is 

yours}

1-1/2 cups whole Flaxseed

1/2 cup crushed dried Peppermint leaves

1/2 cup dried Lavender buds

20 drops Lavender essential oil

10 drops Peppermint essential oil

10 drops Eucalyptus essential oil

1 Large bowl

1 Large spoon

needle and thread or sewing machine

Directions:

Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with right sides together. Sew around 

the long edge and one end of the pillow with a 3/8" seam allowance and 

turn right side out.

Mix the herbs and seeds in a large bowl. Add essential oils by the drop. 

Stir thoroughly after each 5 drops. Spoon the mixture into the pillow.

Tuck in the raw edges of the open end of the pillow and hand or machine 

stitch closed. Before each use, heat in the microwave for 15 -30 

seconds, and then massage the pillow in your hands to release the scent 

of the essential oils.

*Tips: Essential oils may appear to leave stains on your fabric, but 

they are just temporarily bleeding through the fabric. The stains will 

evaporate in a matter of hours. If you use brightly colored essential 

oils they most likely will stain your fabric.

Discard the pillow after about 6 months of usage, as the healing 

components contained within the herbs and essential oils have dissipated.

*sidenote~this pillow would also be great for those who get migraines, 

if placed in the refrigerator or freezer to chill it well... i 

personally like to have very cold things over my eyes when a migraine 

hits... it is soothing for me!

***

Sunburn Bath

A few years ago my husband got badly sunburned while working outside. This bath not only worked wonders on the pain, but also on the burn itself. Use equal amounts of chamomile, crushed juniper berries, lavender, rose petals, and witch hazel to make an infusion. Pour the liquid into a cool bath and add one-half cup of finely ground oatmeal. The contents of a packet of commercial oatmeal bath would also work. Have the injured party soak for about a half hour and then finish using a moisturizing lotion containing aloe vera.