Cedarwood is one of the biblical essential oils and this particular species is the most closely related to Cedars of Lebanon. It has the rare ability of being a stimulant to the circulatory system while also being a sedative to the nervous system. Cedarwood has a great affinity for the skin, nervous and respiratory systems, it is used for spiritual communication and emotion balancing. Cedrus atlantica Family: Pinaceae (conifer) Actions Antibacterial Antifungal Anti-infecti

Coconut oil comes from pressing coconut meat and then separating the oil from the milk. It can be used to nourish the body both inside and out. It is a solid oil until temperatures reach about 78 degrees and has a smoke point of 350 degrees. Purchase cold pressed, unrefined coconut oil to enjoy these benefits. Actions Anti-inflammatory Antibiotic Antibacterial Antiviral Antifungal Benefits Feeds the brain which helps with brain function, and memory loss Heart happy oil, c

This is no where near extensive but a small list of the most common used and available skin care ingredients for creating your own personal care products or using alone in your skin care regimen. Almond, sweet - great for all skin types as an acting emollient and is best known for its ability to soften, soothe, and re-condition the skin Apricot kernal - light emollient excellent for most skin types as well as for sensitive and prematurely aged skin. Avocado - contains high

I was introduced to Earthpaste years ago when I was suffering so much with sensitive teeth. I had tried the sensitive toothpastes, but was also on a mission to clear all chemical laden items from my home which meant I was searching for an all natural toothpaste as well. After using Earthpaste for only a week my teeth had completely lost the sensitivity, but that wasn't all, I noticed my teeth were whiter and I could actually see new gum growth on the tops of teeth where a den

Honey is mentioned many times in the scriptures, including John the Baptist living off honey while living in the wilderness and Christ partaking of it after his Resurrection. For those familiar with the Book of Mormon, God guided two different civilizations across the ocean to the promised land (North America), bringing with them honey bees to provide nourishment and healing. All of this leads me to believe raw honey is a pretty important nutrient, healer and gift from God

When I was suffering with my intense case of eczema I had to stop using all commercial products as they seemed to aggravate the condition. I was forced out of necessity to make all personal care products from scratch so I knew exactly what was in them. I found that even health food store products had undesirable ingredients in them and I wanted everything in as raw a form as possible. I found many recipes for lotion and played around with a few versions before I developed thi

Lemon balm is wonderful for aiding the body in clearing up cold sores (herpes simplex virus) which are miserable and embarassing to have in the first place. At the first sign of that tingling feeling around the lips and mouth, start applying this lip balm. You can also use this as a great lip moisturizer and I enjoy using it as a daily lip balm. Ingredients 1 Tbsp cocoa butter (or 4 wafers) 2 Tbsp lemon balm infused coconut oil 1 Tbsp beeswax 7 drops Melaleuca alternifolia

Disinfect your hands without killing off beneficial bacteria and adding to the toxin load our bodies must deal with every day, using this homemade natural hand soap. Ingredients Foaming soap dispenser bottle Liquid castile soap Essential oil of choice Directions Fill your foaming soap dispenser a quarter full of liquid castile soap. Depending on the size of your bottle and how strong you like your soap to smell, start with 10-20 drops of essential oil and adjust from there. F

Disinfect your hands without killing off beneficial bacteria and adding to the toxin load our bodies must deal with every day, using this homemade natural hand sanitizer. Ingredients 2 oz spray bottle 1.5 oz distilled water or aloe vera liquid .5 oz witch hazel 10 drops Four Thieves essential oil or other antibacterial blend Directions Add liquid and essential oil to the bottle. Swish between hands or shake to incorporate. Spray on hands and rub together. Can also be used on

Known in many herbals as "Cure-All" because that is what it seems to do. There are about 500 different varieties of yarrow worldwide. The wild variety is the most medicinal. Fun fact about the genus name Achillea, sounds a bit like Achilles because it was named for him, using it in battle to staunch his soldiers’ wounds. Achillea millefolium Family: Asteraceae– daisy Parts used: leaves, flowers What's in a Name - Achillia millefolium Achillea - named for the Greek hero Achi

There are over 60 species of thyme and just walking down the herb aisle at the local nursery you get a little sampling of the varieties. Common garden thyme (vulgaris) is the most aromatic, hardy and medicinal of the varieties. Thymus vulgaris Family: Lamiaceae - mint Parts used: leaves and blossoms Actions Antibacterial Antibiotic Antifungal Antioxidant Antimicrobial Anti-Spasmodic Antiseptic Anthelmintic Anti-Viral Astringent Carminative Diaphoretic Diuretic Emmenagogue Ex

Sagebrush grows all over the Rocky Mountains where I live. This plant is a relative of wormwood and will carry all the healing benefits of that plant, but with more potency. Artemisia tridentata Family: Asteraceae - daisy, sunflower Parts used: leaves, stems, blossoms, seeds Actions Antibacterial Antifungal Anti-Inflammatory Antiviral Antitumor Antiparasitic Antiseptic Antibiotic Energetics/Body Systems Affected Warming Drying Respiratory Immune Uses Fungal problems such as n

There are hundreds of salvia species and all of them are medicinal but the most commonly used is the salvia officinalis or the common garden sage. In the Latin salvia means "healthy and whole" and that describes this herb perfectly. Rosmarinus officinalis Family: Laminaceae – mint Parts used: leaves and blossoms Actions Antibacterial Anticatarrhal Antifungal Anti-Inflammatory Antioxidant Antimicrobial Antispasmodic Antiviral Astringent Antiseptic Carminative Digestive Diaph

Rosmarinus means “mist of the sea”. Isn’t that beautiful? I have loved rosemary long before I even knew what to do with it. I love to just rub my fingers along the sprigs and inhale deeply the aromatic essence that immediately calms and lifts my spirit. Rosmarinus officinalis Family: Laminaceae – mint Parts used: leaves and blossoms Actions Antibacterial Antimicrobial Antiviral Anti-Inflammatory Antidepressant Antiseptic Antifungal Antioxidant Antispasmodic Astringent Carmina

Oregano comes from the mint family and can be used interchangeably with marjoram as they are so closely related, in fact wild marjoram is actually oregano! It has highly antibacterial and antiviral properties making it a favorite for winter use. Use in your culinary dishes all through the winter season to ward off viruses and bacteria and to strengthen the immune system. Origanum vulgare Family: Laminaceae – mint Parts used: leaves and blossoms Actions Analgesic Antibacte

Lavender is the most universal of all herbs, it is gentle and safe for children and the elderly and can be used for just about anything. When in doubt of what to use reach for lavender! Lavendula angustifolia Family: Lamiaceae - mint Parts used: blossoms, leaves What's in a Name - Lavendula angustifolia Lavendula stems from the Latin word, lavare which means "to wash". The name is in reference to its traditional use as a cleaner. Angustifolia means "narrow leaved" in referenc

There are two main types of chamomile, although there are many species, the most commonly used is German Chamomile which is true chamomile and has the signature, sweet, apple-like flavor. It is a self-seeding annual unlike its cousin, Roman chamomile, which is a perennial and known also as garden chamomile, it has larger blossoms and a more bitter flavor. True chamomile (German) has mild, gentle, and soothing properties while the garden chamomile (Roman) does not so it shou