This past weekend I hosted an herbal holiday gift making workshop.  A bit complicated  to say, but simple in concept.  Over herbal tea and scones, participants learned how to make soap, create tea blends, and make bath salts.  Then armed with recipes and supplies, they created herbal gifts for others (or themselves!).  Peppermint, lavender, and laughter flowed freely.

More and more people are turning to handmade gifts this holiday season.  Whether it is from the current economic climate, a greener conscience, or a brilliant burst of creativity, the trend is certainly catching on.  Handmade gifts are a great way to show simple appreciation for the ones you love.  And I'll tell you a secret, it doesn't have to be time consuming! 

I've shared a few herbal recipes below that make quick and easy gifts. 

• Muscle Ease Bath Salt

    1/2 cup Sea Salt                  1/2 cup Baking Soda
    1/2 cup Epsom Salt             20 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
    15 drops Lavender Essential Oil
    5 drops Rosemary Essential Oil

    ~Mix all ingredients well.  Add to bath by tablespoons to desired strength.

•      Dreamy Bath Salt Blend

    1/2 cup Sea Salt              1/2 cup Baking Soda
    1/2 cup Epsom Salt         5 drops each of Rose, Chamomile,  Lavender, and Jasmine Essential Oil

    ~Mix all ingredients well.  Add to bath by tablespoons to desired strength.

•    FairyTale Tea

        1/2 cup Raspberry Leaf                             1/2 cup Lemon Balm
                      1/2 cup Chamomile                     1/4 cup Peppermint
                      1/4 cup Spearmint                        1/4 cup Rose hips
                      1/4 cup Lavender   

            ~Blend all ingredients together for a delicious and fragrant tea  blend
              *yields 20 oz.

•     Minty Magic Tea

    2 cups Peppermint        1 cup Spearmint
    1/4 cup Lemon Balm

    ~Blend ingredients together for an uplifting and refreshing tea blend
    *Yields 20 oz.


You can store Bath Salts and Tea in simple Ball Mason Jars (or any interesting jar you find!).  Hot glue pretty paper onto the jar for a label, tie a ribbon around the top, and you have a beautiful homemade gift for your family or friends. 

Make sure to make one for yourself as well! :)

Have fun!
Kristin Henningsen M.S., C.H., R.Y.T.