The Paleo Mama

Homegrown and Handmade

DIY Beauty Recipes

Homemade Gift Ideas for the Homesteader

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Gift Ideas

The holiday season has already begun. Every year it arrives, and so often chaos, stress, and uneasiness about gift giving comes with it. But it doesn’t have to be that way for those  prepared with several homemade gift ideas for the homesteader in your life that loves the beauty of things “from scratch”. 

In this blog I want to get your season started right by sharing some of my favorite homemade gift ideas for those homesteaders-at-heart in your life. You can make these easily for your friends and family and give them healthy, original gifts that are so much better than last-minute store-bought items. I will follow up with a second blog on ideas for making homemade tasty food gifts for your loved ones.

Get your shopping list ready and prepare to impress your loved ones with these great gift ideas. I am including three groups of DIY homemade gifts:

  1. DIY Homemade Beauty Products
  2. DIY Health Supporting Products
  3. DIY Home Cleaning Products

For most of these recipes, you are going to need high-quality essential oils. 

essential oils and medical flowers herbsI LOVE LOVE LOVE dōTERRA and would love to help you get started using essential oils. dōTERRA is sold exclusively through independent distributors like me. Working from home, these advocates, like myself, introduce, educate about, and sell essential oils in their local markets through person-to-person contact and globally through websites (like this one!). If you want to take a peak at the starter kits which include most of the essential oils you will need for these recipes, CLICK HERE and let me know if you have any questions! 

DIY Homemade Beauty & Health Products

(Click here to get my DIY Beauty Recipes eBOOK for even more ideas!)

Sugar Scrub BarsSugar Scrub Bars

I love making my own sugar scrub. I, also, love making my life easier which is why I made these sugar scrub bars. All I have to do is grab a bar before getting in the bath or shower. No more opening up a mason jar and scooping out the scrub and letting water get into the scrub. Now I just take a bar and start lathering it over my body. It’s easy to hold and easy to make! (Find Recipe here) 

Lavender Body Butter

I have an obsession with making body butter. There’s something about putting together the simplest of ingredients and then whipping it up into this luxurious, natural, and nourishing lotion. This Lavender Body Butter does just that; it’s simple to make, only four ingredients and uses lavender essential oil. (Find Recipe here) 

Spiced Chai Lip Balm RecipeSpiced Chai Lip Balm www.thepaleomama.com

I love chai tea and the way the spices in a chai tea smell. I have been making my own lip balm for years now, usually I just put my Healing Salve on my lips, but I wanted something a little “fancier” so I created a delicious Spiced Chai Lip Balm recipe that I know you will enjoy. (Find recipe here) 

Whipped Sleepytime Rub

Winding down at night can be tough at times. I know my mind keeps going for minutes and sometimes hours after I lay my head down on my pillow. The same goes for our kids.

Our nightly routine has become essential at our house. I notice that the nights we go from dinner to bed is CRAZY. The kids are not ready to rush rush rush and then get in bed. So, I stopped expecting it from them and started taking our bedtime routine a little more seriously.

Whipped Sleepytime Rub www.thepaleomama.comNow we eat dinner at the table as family and then we slowly start getting ready for bed. The kids take a nice relaxing bath, sometimes a detox bath, with certain essential oils in it, and then we get all snuggled up in our pajamas and read books.

During our reading time I apply this Whipped Sleepytime Rub made with essential oils to my kids. They absolutely love this! The 3 main oils I choose to apply are Frankincense, Lavender, and Vetiver because these oils promote a nice, restful sleep. (Find recipe here)

DIY Health Supporting Products

Elderberry Syrup

Elderberries are packed with Vitamins A, B, and C, iron, potassium, and powerful antioxidants. Making an elderberry syrup recipe is a great way to get all the nutrition from these delicious bushes into our body! (Find recipe here) 

Comfrey Salve

Homemade Comfrey Salve

One of my favorite things about my new homestead is our very own comfrey patch. Of course, you don’t need to grow your own comfrey to make a nourishing salve with it. There are several places online that you can purchase dried, organic comfrey leaves to make this simple and homemade comfrey salve. 

Comfrey has been in use as a medicinal herb for more than 200 years. The allantoin content of comfrey aids in healing wounds, sores, burns, swollen tissue, and broken bones. It can be applied externally to bruises, sprains, arthritic bones of any inflamed tissue, and acts as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. (Find recipe here) 

All-Purpose Salve

My goal in creating this recipe is to minimize your medicine cabinet and prove to you that, once again, nature has given us the remedy. This all-purpose salve is good for so many things. The coconut oil and olive oil bring nourishment, while the beeswax is known to lock in moisture, foster cells, and protect skin from damaging environmental factors. For children, the BEST two essential oils to have on hand are melaleuca and lavender.

(Find recipe here) 

DIY Home Cleaning Products

Multi-Purpose Floor Cleaner

When it comes to cleaning your floors, you don’t need expensive products to do the job. Essential oils are great at cleaning up the dirt while leaving a refreshing, clean aroma in the air. Cleaning your floors with essential oils is completely safe, non-toxic, frugal, and easy!

The beauty of using essential oils on your floors, is that you don’t have to worry about using a specific oil on a specific service. Each essential oil will work on your floors. This recipe works if you have tile, hardwood, linoleum, ceramic, laminate, and vinyl. You can mix any of the oils I recommend above to make this recipe or use one single oil. (Find recipe here) 

DIY Laundry Detergent—$0.02 a Load

I’ve been making my own laundry detergent for years now. I was so scared at first to switch over to natural-homemade detergent because there was this mindset that store-bought is best…store-bought smells better…store-bought makes my clothes fresher. However, when we did our budget makeover, I decided to take homemade detergent into my own hands and come up with a DIY laundry detergent recipe that saves a TON of money. (Find recipe here)

Wool Dryer Balls with Essential Oils

 Wool Dryer Balls from The Paleo MamaSince I have made the switch to using wool dryer balls, instead of dryer sheets, my pocket-book is much happier, and so is my energy bill! I love my wool dryer balls with essential oils and I know you will making the switch too! Here are some of the reasons why you should try these wool dryer balls:

  • They can cut your drying time in half
  • They help reduce static
  • They save you money on your energy bill
  • They are chemical-free, unlike dryer sheets
  • They can be re-used over-and-over again
  • They increase the fluffiness of your clothes
  • They are safe to use with cloth diapers

(Find recipe here)

All of these easy-to-make homemade products would make fantastic holiday gifts for your friends and loved ones. You will have fun making them, and your loved ones will appreciate the efforts you make to prepare gifts offering healthy, economical alternatives to the chemically laden products you can purchase at stores.

Gift Ideas for the Homesteader

 

The Different Types of Coconut Oil

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It’s no secret that coconut oil has been used for centuries in many different ways. There are so many different types of coconut oil, but most of them are 100 percent natural oil, and full of antioxidants and saturated fats—the good ones—that contain medium chain fatty acids (MDFAs) that provide so many good things:

  • MDFAs burn fast and are used as energy
  • MDFAs help to avoid weight gain
  • MDFAs will not raise cholesterol
  • MDFA have no risk of heart attack, strokes, or heart disease
  • MFDAs help to boost the metabolism

At one time it was very popular in the United States. But a strong propaganda campaign in the late 1970s promoted the use of corn oil and soy oil, and spread the message that because coconut oil was high in saturated fat it should be considered harmful for the human body. Fortunately today we understand the good benefits of the saturated fat content of coconut oil, and it is slowly being accepted as the powerfully healthy oil it is.

Coconut oil is used extensively in tropical countries like India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Jamaica, New Guinea, Samoa, and the Philippines. These countries use it for:

  • Treatment for illnesses
  • Healing for injuries
  • Moisturizer for hair
  • Massage oil for babies
  • Even as a drink to boost the immune system

In this blog post I want to remind you of how healthy coconut oil is for you and your family. There are so many benefits to it, and so many ways to use it. We will take a closer look at some of these benefits and uses.

The Types of Coconut Oil

What kind of coconut oil is best to buy? How do I choose a coconut oil? These are the questions we all have when we begin to add this nutrient to our lives. Today there are many choices when it come to buying coconut oil. Let’s briefly review some of these choices.

There are two basic categories of coconut oil: those that are mass produced and need to be refined, and those that start with fresh coconut and are much less refined. All coconut oil is refined because oil doesn’t grow on a tree…coconuts do.

Virgin Coconut Oil

This is the least refined oil. It is coconut oil produced without starting with dried coconut (called “copra”) that has been removed from the shell and is inedible and needs more refining to produce coconut oil. The types of Virgin Coconut Oils include:

Refined Coconut Oil

Copra-based refined coconut oils are called “RBD coconut oils” (refined, bleached, deodorized). The RBD refining process does nothing to alter the fatty acid profile of coconut oil, so all the medium chain fatty acids are kept intact. There are several types of refined coconut oils available:

As you examine your choices for coconut oil in the market today, your choice will largely be determined by how you intend to use the oil, and your budget. If you want the highest quality virgin coconut oil possible, this chart summarizes what is currently available in the market and rated on a scale of 1 to 10.

types-coconut-oil-rating

The Benefits of Coconut Oil

There really are so many healthful benefits to coconut oil. Because most of us very interested in filling our menus with as much real food and natural and organic products as possible, we have probably begun using coconut oil in our daily menus. It is solid like butter at room temperature, and it doesn’t break down or become rancid like many other oils. It even smells good to most people. 

But there are many other uses as well. Let’s look closer at some of them.

  1. As a cooking oil—It can be used for nearly any cooking use, including stove-top cooking and sauteéing, for stir frying, baking grain-free cookies, muffins, cakes, etc., and even for adding to your smoothies or using it to make home-made, sauces, and desserts.
  2. In coffee or tea—I’d been hearing rumors about people putting butter in their coffee. Supposedly, this is called a Bulletproof Coffee. Why on earth would someone want to put butter in their coffee??? I took the plunge! And I must say, IT IS UN-friggin-BELIEVABLE! It came out frothy, smooth, and filling! I love my coffee in the morning, in fact, it’s one thing I have always said I will never give up. I’ve given up enough in my life…my coffee is staying! 
  3. As part of a daily cleansing and beauty regimen—It can be used making toothpaste or used in oil pulling. It’s a wonderful foundation for my all-purpose healing salve, I add it to the nightly detox bath my kids take, it is great to use in your shampoo or as shave lotion, and it can be used in home-made deodorant.
  4. As nature’s perfect massage oil for babies and infants—Mothers around the world have been using coconut oil to massage their babies for centuries. It prevents so many irritating skin problems in babies, and keeps them soft and smooth as butter. 
  5. To help in weight loss—The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil help to get rid of excessive weight. It is easy to digest, and it help your thyroid and endocrine systems operate in good health. It increases the metabolic rate by removing stress on the pancreas, and lets you burn more energy and lose the weight. Many people trying to lose weight made and drink a “weight loss supplement” daily containing coconut oil, raw apple cider vinegar, and honey.

 There are so many additional benefits to coconut oil that I highly recommend you doing your own additional research to discover ways you can incorporate it into your family’s lifestyle. You won’t regret it!

Where to buy coconut oil?

I purchase all my coconut oil through Tropical Traditions. For cooking, I prefer the Gold Label coconut oil, however if you do not like the taste of coconut, then I recommend you get the expeller pressed. For making soap and salves, I like to get the 100% pure coconut oil. 

Different Types of Coconut Oil

Resources

1. https://wellnessmama.com/2072/benefits-of-coconut-oil/

2. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html

3. https://coconutoil.com/what-type-of-coconut-oil-is-best-how-to-choose-a-coconut-oil/

Homemade Comfrey Salve

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One of my favorite things about my new homestead is our very own comfrey patch. Of course, you don’t need to grow your own comfrey to make a nourishing salve with it. There are several places online that you can purchase dried, organic comfrey leaves to make this simple and homemade comfrey salve. 

Comfrey has been in use as a medicinal herb for more than 200 years. The allantoin content of comfrey aids in healing wounds, sores, burns, swollen tissue, and broken bones. It can be applied externally to bruises, sprains, arthritic bones of any inflamed tissue, and acts as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever.

**Comfrey should never be taken internally and caution should be taken if using while pregnant.**

Homemade Comfrey Salve 

INGREDIENTS: 

DIRECTIONS: 

  1. Put the coconut oil, beeswax and olive oil in a double boiler. Melt on medium heat. 
  2. Macerate the comfrey into small pieces with a food processor and a small amount of olive oil. 
  3. Add the comfrey and simmer on low for 1 hour if using comfrey leaves and 2 hours if using comfrey roots. Make sure to stir a few times during the process. 
  4. Strain the mixture into a bowl through a cheesecloth making sure to squeeze out all the oil. 
  5. Let cool for a few minutes. 
  6. Add the essential oils and stir.
  7. Pour into a glass or tin jars and store for up to a year! Makes 1 cup!

Homemade Comfrey Salve The Paleo Mama

 

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

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Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Ylang Ylang essential oil is derived from the star-shaped flowers of the tropical Ylang Ylang tree and is used extensively in making perfumes and in aromatherapy. Similar to Jasmine, Ylang Ylang is considered an aphrodisiac and has been used for centuries in religious and wedding ceremonies. The essential oil of ylang-ylang is extracted by steam distillation of fresh flowers of the ylang-ylang tree.

The primary chemical components of Ylang Ylang essential oil are: germacrene, caryophyllene, linalool, and sesquiterpenes.  Along with its widespread use in perfumes and aromatherapy treatments due to its very pleasing and delicate fragrance, ylang-ylang essential oil is also used for a variety of purposes.

What are the benefits of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil?

Some of the primary benefits of Ylang Ylang essential oil are:

  • It reduces sad and anxious feelings and relaxes both the body and soul, thereby driving away tension, sadness, and tension. It also has an uplifting effect on mood and induces feelings of joy and hope.
  • It cleanses the skin, protecting it from environmental threats and supporting the immune system. 
  • Helps to balance hormones. 
  • It can be used effectively to treat mild acne.

What are Ylang Ylang’s cautions?

Some cases of sensitivity, nausea and headache have been observed when taken in excessive amounts. Otherwise, when taken in recommended doses, it is non-toxic and is not reported to cause any irritation.

Top Uses for Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

  1. Ylang Ylang can be used as a healthy skin toner. The antioxidants in it will help to protect your skin from the onset of the signs of wrinkles. Mix a cup of chamomile tea with 5 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil, allow it to cool, and use it as you would any other skin toner.
  2. Using Ylang Ylang essential oil as a hair treatment will promote the growth and health of your hair.  You can either add 2-3 drops of the oil to your regular shampoo, or you can massage a mixture with 2-3 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil with about a tablespoon of coconut oil into your hair and scalp, leave it in for 20 minutes and then, wash out with warm water and a mild shampoo.
  3. It can be used to make a homemade exfoliating body scrub. Add 5-6 drops of Ylang Ylang, and 5-6 drops of Clary Sage oils to a mixture of ¼ cup sea salt and 2 tablespoons or raw honey. Mix well with a spatula, and store in a glass jar. Use this as a part of your bathing routine.
  4. It can have a very calming effect when you are tense, stressed or faced with negative circumstances. Mix 2-3 drops in a carrier oil and massage into the shoulders or back, and apply to the feet. Add 3-4 drops to your diffuser and diffuse it aromatically to promote peace.
  5. It can be used to calm down children and promotes digestive support in a kids. Dilute 1 drop in a teaspoon of coconut oil and massage into the baby’s feet. You can also diffuse 2-3 drops in the baby’s room throughout the day and night.
  6. It can help your body balance hormones. Make a rollerball by filling it ¾ full with fractionated coconut oil and then adding 3-4 drops of Ylang Ylang. Use this to apply topically to your lower abdomen every day.
  7. It is a great oil to use to encourage relaxation even when you are working and or busy. Add 3-4 drops to your diffuse and diffuse throughout the room. You can also apply a drop before bed or add a drop to your shirt collar to promote relaxation.
  8. It is very effective at relieving tension. Massage a single drop into the muscle area of tension; this will give you both the topical and aromatic benefits of Ylang Ylang essential oil.

Where to  purchase Ylang Ylang essential oil

Home-made Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Recipe

Essential oils are a wonderful gift and so beneficial to all of us—including our kids. I regularly use essential oils with my children, and they love them. Their nightly ritual includes a relaxing bath, followed by rubbing essential oils on their feet before bed. Ylang, Ylang is one of the gentler essential oils that are perfect for using with your children. Read my blog on Kids and Essential Oils for general guidelines for use and information on what oils blend well for specific purposes.

Ylang Ylang and Emotions

Ylang Ylang is the oil of the inner child. It is a powerful remedy for the heart. It encourages play and restores a childlike nature and innocence. Ylang Ylang is also a powerful remedy for releasing emotional trauma from the past. It allows emotional healing to flow naturally, nurturing the heart through the process. (source) 

Companion Oils: Tangerine, Wild Orange, Geranium, Rose

So tell me?! How do you like to use Ylang Ylang essential oil?

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Sugar Scrub Bars

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I love making my own sugar scrub. I, also, love making my life easier which is why I made these sugar scrub bars. All I have to do is grab a bar before getting in the bath or shower. No more opening up a mason jar and scooping out the scrub and letting water get into the scrub. Now I just take a bar and start lathering it over my body. It’s easy to hold and easy to make! 

Sugar Scrub Bars

makes 8 large bars (can cut bars in half) 

Directions: 

  1. Mix the sugars up in a bowl. 
  2. Melt the coconut oil over low heat. Don’t let it get too hot. If it does, set aside to cool before adding to sugars. You don’t want it to melt the sugar. 
  3. Add the vanilla, essential oil, honey, and coconut oil. 
  4. Scoop into your silicone muffin mold and pop in the freezer for 20-30 minutes. 
  5. DONE! I keep mine in the fridge during the summer months when my house is warmer.

Sugar Scrub Bars

Lavender Body Butter

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I have an obsession with making body butter. There’s something about putting together the simplest of ingredients and then whipping it up into this luxurious, natural, and nourishing lotion. This Lavender Body Butter does just that; it’s simple to make, only four ingredients and uses lavender essential oil. 

I’ve listened to many of you in a few other of my whipped butter recipes and I see that many of you do not like the greasy feeling that coconut oil can leave. If you add in a few tablespoons of arrowroot powder into this recipe, it will cut the greasy feeling and absorb quicker into you skin! 

CLICK HERE to see the 10 uses and benefits of lavender essential oil! 

Lavender Body Butter

Directions: 

  1. Melt the coconut oil and shea butter over medium – low heat. 
  2. Stick in a fridge (around 30 minutes) or a freezer (around 15 minutes) till the mixture becomes opaque and starts to harden along the sides. 
  3. Using a stand mixer, whip the mixture till it becomes creamy, light, and fluffy. 
  4. As you are mixing the mixture, drizzle the 2 tablespoons of almond or jojoba into the bowl. 
  5. Add the 25 drops of lavender essential oil and sprinkle the arrowroot into the bowl
  6. Turn off mixer. 
  7. Store in a glass mason jar and lather all over your body! 

Lavender Body Butter Pin