101 Easy Homemade Products for Your Skin, Health & Home: A Nerdy Farm Wife's All-Natural DIY Projects Using Commonly Found Herbs, Flowers & Other Plants
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Shake frequently before and during use, to make sure the essential oils stay dispersed throughout the spray. Spritz lightly on your arms, legs and other areas you’d like to keep bug free. If gnats are a problem while you work outdoors, spritz the brim and inside of your hat to keep them away.
If you’re pregnant, nursing or have other health concerns, check with a doctor before using the listed essential oils.
Depending on your body chemistry and the level of bugs in the area, this spray should help for anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Reapply as needed.
Variation: Lemon balm, lavender and mint are other effective, natural bug-repelling herbs that can be substituted for catnip or basil, if needed.
Lavender Bug Bite Sticks
These all-natural bug bite sticks are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts on the go. Lavender is a well-loved and gentle herb that helps soothe the itchiness and discomfort that minor bug bites can bring. As a bonus, it also acts as a mild insect repellant, helping to reduce the chance of new bites. I like to use sunflower oil in this recipe, since it’s suitable for all skin types and has been shown to be an effective healer of broken or damaged skin, but you can use another light oil, such as olive or sweet almond, instead.
YIELD: 7 TO 8 (0.15 OZ) TUBES
½ cup (125 ml) sunflower oil
¼ cup (9 g) dried lavender flowers
1 tbsp (9 g) tightly packed beeswax, grated or pastilles
Few drops of lavender essential oil
Infuse the sunflower oil with lavender flowers, using one of the methods here. Strain.
In a heatproof jar or container, combine 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of lavender-infused oil with the beeswax. Set the jar down into a saucepan containing 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of water, forming a makeshift double boiler. Place the pan over a medium-low burner until the wax is melted. Stir in the lavender essential oil, then pour into lip balm tubes.
Depending on the weather and how you measured your beeswax, you may find that the consistency is too soft or too firm. If that happens, just melt the ingredients again and add more beeswax (for a firmer product) or oil (for a softer one).
Dab on bee stings, bug bites and other itchy spots as needed.
Calamine Rose Lotion
The sight of calamine lotion reminds many people of childhood cases of the chicken pox, poison ivy rashes or other miserably itchy skin ailments! Make your own economical version of the effective classic, minus the extra additives. Rose petals are used in this recipe for their astringent and skin-soothing properties. If fresh roses aren’t on hand, try using half as many dried petals instead. Witch hazel cools and reduces inflammation, baking soda eases itching and white kaolin clay binds up irritants while helping to soothe skin. Rose kaolin clay essentially works in the same way as the white version and can be added to this recipe in order to obtain the classic pink color of traditional calamine.
YIELD: 4 OUNCES (125 ML)
½ cup (5 g) fresh rose petals
1 cup (250 ml) witch hazel
¼ cup (24 g) white kaolin clay
1 tbsp (6 g) rose kaolin clay (optional, for color)
¼ cup (62 g) baking soda
FOR THE ROSE-INFUSED WITCH HAZEL
Place the rose petals in a pint (500-ml) jar and cover with the witch hazel. Cap and tuck away in a dark cabinet for around 1 week. If using pink or red roses, the witch hazel should take on a shade of the same color. Strain. The finished witch hazel should stay fresh for 6 to 9 months, when stored in a cool, dark location, though the color will fade over time.
Reserve ¼ cup (60 ml) for this recipe.
FOR THE CALAMINE ROSE LOTION
Combine the white kaolin clay, rose kaolin clay (if using) and baking soda in a half-pint (250 ml) canning jar. Pour the reserved rose-infused witch hazel into the jar. Stir well. Avoid shaking the jar, since the liquid will splash up on the sides and it will dry out more easily. While calamine has the word “lotion” in its name, it’s not actually lotion-like. The texture is more like a thick chalky liquid.
Seal tightly and store in a cool place. Because it contains witch hazel instead of water, your calamine lotion should remain fresh for at least 1 or 2 months. If it starts to dry out, simply stir in more witch hazel.
To use, dip a cotton ball or swab into the lotion and dab on itchy spots, rashes and other skin irritations. Allow the calamine lotion to dry on your skin.
See photo here.
Lemongrass Cream Deodorant
This wonderful deodorant recipe was developed and shared with me by my friend Kay, who graciously agreed to let me share it with you. I did a tiny bit of tweaking and added some germ-busting lemongrass to the mix, but you could also use lavender or mint. I’ve tried a lot of homemade deodorants, but this is my favorite by far! You only need to rub a tiny dab under each arm for it to be effective.
YIELD: 4 OUNCES (125 ML)
2 tbsp (1 g) dried lemongrass, crumbled
1½ oz (43 g) sunflower oil
1 oz (28 g) beeswax
1 oz (28 g) shea butter
¼ cup (54 g) coconut oil
1 tbsp (14 g) baking soda
1 tbsp (14 g) arrowroot powder
¼ tsp lemongrass essential oil
Infuse the lemongrass and sunflower oil, using one of the methods here. Strain and reserve 1 teaspoon of infused oil for this recipe.
Place the beeswax, shea butter and coconut oil in a heatproof jar. Set the jar down into a saucepan containing 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of water and heat over a medium-low burner until the wax is melted. Remove from heat.
Stir in the baking soda, arrowroot and lemongrass essential oil. Stir frequently over the next 5 to 10 minutes as the mixture cools. It will turn thick and creamy. Spoon the finished deodorant into a jar. The texture will stay soft and spreadable, so it won’t be quite firm enough to pour in a traditional deodorant container.
To use, scoop a small amount (about teaspoon) out of the jar, using the tip of your finger, and gently rub it into your underarm area. Repeat the process under your other arm. Depending on body chemistry and environment, you may find that you only need to apply this once daily, though very hot weather sometimes requires a second application, later in the day.
Shelf life is around 9 to 12 months as long as water is not introduced to the jar.
Bug Bite Powder
This is a favorite home remedy that my kids use all the time. I made it to mimic an expensive product that I had bought in the past and loved, until I realized that it was not much more than kaolin clay that could easily be bought for just a few dollars per pound. I combine the clay with finely ground calendula, an herb useful for taming inflamed and irritated skin, to create a powder that’s perfect for dabbing on bug bites, bee stings, acne and other minor skin irritations. It’s a bit messier to apply than the Lavender Bug Bite Sticks, but makes up for it in effectiveness!
YIELD: 1½ TABLESPOONS (6 G)
¼ cup (1 g) dried calendula flowers and petals
1 tbsp (5 g) kaolin clay
Grind the calendula flowers in an electric coffee grinder or mortar and pestle. Rub the resulting powder through a fine mesh sieve. Return the larger pieces to the coffee grinder once more, then rub through the sieve again. This should result in an extremely fine, silky powder.
Mix with the kaolin clay and store in a glass jar. Kaolin clay has a long shelf life, but because of the dried calendula portion, this powder will be at its best if used up within 1 year.
To use, dab on bug bites or other skin irritations. One application may be all you need, but if the itching or discomfort returns, apply again as needed. You can also mix a small pinch with a few drops of water or witch hazel to make a paste.
Lavender Dandelion Pain Relief Oil
A glass roll-on bottle makes it easy to apply this oil over achy joints, sore muscles and other areas in need of pain relief. Use a light oil that absorbs quickly into the skin for this recipe, such as sweet almond, grapeseed or apricot kernel oil. Tamanu oil is
highly recommended for its anti-inflammatory properties, but if cost is an issue, it can be replaced with more sweet almond oil. Lavender calms and soothes sore muscles, while the mild analgesic properties of dandelion flowers offer relief from aches and pains.
YIELD: 4 OUNCES (120 ML) PAIN RELIEF OIL
½ cup (120 ml) sweet almond oil
¼ cup (9 g) dried lavender flowers
¼ cup (2 g) dried dandelion flowers
1 tbsp (15 ml) tamanu oil
2 to 3 drops lavender essential oil
Infuse the sweet almond oil with the dried lavender and dandelion flowers, using one of the methods here.
Strain the finished oil, then add the tamanu oil and lavender essential oil.
Pour into glass roll-on bottles for easy application, or store in a small jar and use as a massage oil.
Variation: Other herbs that work well in a pain relief oil include arnica flowers, comfrey leaf, comfrey root and goldenrod. If warmth makes your aches and pains feel better, you can also try adding a pinch of dried ginger to the infusing oils.
Basil Mint Sore Throat Spray
Besides being a culinary superstar, basil has antibacterial, expectorant, sinus-opening and mild pain-relieving properties, making it a wonderful addition to this homemade sore throat spray. Here, it’s paired with mint, for its refreshing taste and ability to cool and relieve inflammation. Raw honey is a powerful healer that helps coat and soothe painful throat tissue. The high concentration adds sweetness and helps preserve the herbal infusion longer than its normal shelf life of two days. For a mild throat-numbing effect and an extra boost against viruses, try adding echinacea or spilanthes tincture to your throat spray. The alcohol in the tincture will extend the shelf life by several additional weeks.
YIELD: 4 OUNCES (120 ML)
¼ cup (3 g) chopped fresh or frozen mint
2 to 3 leaves of fresh or frozen basil
¼ cup (60 ml) boiling water
3 tbsp (45 ml) raw honey
Few drops of peppermint extract, for flavor
1 tbsp (15 ml) echinacea or spilanthes tincture (optional)
Place the mint and basil leaves into a heatproof mug or jar and pour the boiling water over them. Cover and steep for 20 minutes, then strain. Stir in the raw honey and a few drops of peppermint extract, if desired. Add the tincture, if using, and mix well.
Pour into a small spray bottle. Store in the refrigerator and use within 1 week, unless you added a tincture, then it should last for 3 to 4 weeks, if refrigerated between uses.
To use, shake well and spritz the spray once or twice into your mouth, aiming toward the back of your throat, as often as needed. If your sore throat persists or you feel increasingly worse, consult your health care provider.
Variation: For an extra antiviral boost, try adding lemon balm to this recipe. If you suffer from swollen tonsils, calendula flower may help as well. Keep in mind that calendula should not be taken internally by those who are pregnant.
Oregano Oxymel
Oxymels are tangy sweet and sour herbal syrups that are a traditional remedy for treating coughs and sore throats. Oregano is an antimicrobial powerhouse that’s able to knock out a wide variety of germs. Apple cider vinegar is used as a tonic to promote health, and raw honey contains compounds that fight infection. Consider the amounts of vinegar and honey given below to be a flexible starting point; the ratios can be adjusted to suit your taste. Since the shelf life of oxymels is fairly long, try making a batch during the summer, when oregano is in season, and tuck it away for use during winter’s cold and flu season.
YIELD: ⅔ CUP (160 ML)
⅓ cup (5 g) chopped fresh oregano leaves
⅓ cup (80 ml) apple cider vinegar
⅓ cup (80 ml) raw honey
Place the chopped oregano in a half-pint (250-ml) canning jar. Pour the vinegar over the leaves and stir. Next, pour the honey into the jar and stir again. If you’d like a sweeter syrup, try using more honey than vinegar. If you prefer tangy, use more vinegar. Both honey and vinegar act as preservatives here, so you can’t mess up this recipe by altering the amounts of either one.
Cap the jar with a nonmetallic lid and shake well. If you don’t have a nonmetallic lid, place a sheet of wax paper or plastic wrap between the jar and lid, to prevent corrosion from the vinegar.
Set the oxymel aside for 2 to 3 weeks, to allow the flavors to meld and the benefits of oregano to infuse into the vinegar and honey. Strain and store in a cool, dark place. Shelf life is at least 1 year.
Take oxymels by the spoonful several times a day, or as needed, for sore throat, congested cough and the general discomforts of colds and flu. If your symptoms worsen or you have concerns, contact your health care provider.
Tip: Fresh oregano is ideal, but you can use dried if it’s not available.
Variation: No oregano? Try basil or thyme instead.
Violet Flower Sore Throat Syrup
This tasty syrup gently helps to relieve the bothersome discomfort caused by the cough and sore throat that accompany minor colds. Violets are soothing, cooling and high in vitamin C, while raw honey is a natural antimicrobial that coats inflamed tissues.
YIELD: 1 CUP (240 ML)
½ cup (10 g) fresh or frozen violet flowers
½ cup (120 ml) boiling water
½ cup (120 ml) raw honey
Place the violet flowers in a heatproof pitcher or canning jar and pour the boiling water over them.
Allow the flowers to steep for around 1 hour, or until room temperature, then strain. At this point, the infusion should be a dark blue color. You can make your violet syrup right away or place the violet infusion in the refrigerator overnight. The flower infusion can also be frozen for 6 to 9 months, if you’d like to make some at a later time.
When ready to make your syrup, place the violet flower infusion in a small saucepan and gently heat until warm. Try to keep the temperature under 110°F (43°C) in order to preserve all of the benefits of raw honey.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the honey until completely incorporated. Pour into a glass bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid.
To use, take 1 to 3 teaspoons (5 to 15 ml) of syrup every 3 or 4 hours, as needed, for minor coughs and sore throats, keeping in mind that violet is also a mild laxative. Store the sore throat syrup in the refrigerator and use within 1 month. You can also freeze individual doses in ice cube trays to extend the shelf life for use throughout the year. Simply thaw at room temperature and take the syrup as usual.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, check with a qualified health care provider.
Tip: Honey and honey-containing products should not be given to children under the age of 1 year old.
Dandelion Magnesium Lotion
Experts posit that much of the population does not get enough magnesium in their daily diet. This can lead to headaches, leg cramps and a host of other subtle ailments. Beside baths with magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) and magnesium supplements, another way to get more of this vital mineral is through the application of magnesium oil to the skin. Because the straight oil can be drying and irritating for some, it works well to couch it in a lotion or cream, especially ones containing soothing aloe. Dandelions were chosen for this recipe because the flowers have mild analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, making this cream especially helpful for leg cramps and other growing pains.
YIELD: 3.5 OUNCES (105 ML)
2 tbsp (30 ml) dandelion-infused oil (see here for how to infuse oil)
3 tsp (6 g) emulsifying NF wax
2 tbsp (30 ml) magnesium oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) distilled water
1 tbsp (15 ml) aloe vera gel
2 to 3 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
Natural preservative (optional)
Add the dandelion-infused oil and emulsifying wax to a heatproof jar or upcycled tin can.
In spite of its name, magnesium oil is actually water based, so measure it out with the water and aloe and place in a half
-pint (250-ml) canning jar.
Place both containers into a saucepan containing 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of water, then set the pan over a medium-low burner. Keep both containers in the pan for around 10 minutes. This gives time for the wax to fully melt and the water, aloe and magnesium oil combination to reach a nearly matching temperature of around 150°F (66°C). Remove from heat.
Carefully pour the hot contents of the two containers into a heatproof mixing bowl or measuring pitcher. As they’re poured together, the separate mixtures will begin to emulsify upon contact and turn a milky white color.
Using a fork or small whisk, stir the lotion briskly for 30 seconds, then set it aside to cool down for around 5 minutes. To speed up the cooling process, place your mixing container down into a bowl partially filled with ice cubes and water. Stir occasionally, for around 30 seconds at a time, as the lotion cools and thickens. Stir in the lavender essential oil, if using.
If you’re adding a natural preservative, check the temperature and see if it’s the proper time to do so. Recommended temperature will vary according to type, but preservatives are usually added when the lotion is cooling.
Pour or spoon the lotion into a bottle or jar. The lotion will continue to thicken as it sets up. Keep tops and lids off until it’s completely cool, to prevent condensation from building up on the lid. If you didn’t add a preservative, store your cream in the refrigerator and use within 2 weeks. Apply to legs, feet and back at night, or as needed when leg cramps strike.
Aloe Rose Sunburn & Hot Flash Spray
The calming, healing properties of rose shine in this fantastic spray that helps cool and ease the discomfort of sunburn and other flushed skin conditions. Witch hazel fights inflammation and heat, while aloe soothes and heals damaged skin. Apple cider vinegar is a traditional remedy for sunburn, so a small amount was added to this recipe. It doesn’t really lend much smell, but if you’re sensitive to the scent, use more witch hazel in its place. Storing the spray in the refrigerator adds an extra level of refreshing coolness and also helps extend the shelf life.