IN SPEAR-MINT CONDITION

spearmint titkleAhhhh, the fresh scent of mint! There are more than 30 varieties to choose from of this aromatic herb that grows throughout the world, including right here in the U.S.

Spearmint, or Mentha spicata, is mellow, refreshing, with a sweet, sharp, pleasantly pungent flavor backed by hints of lemon. Use this refreshing herb in a variety of dishes to reap the benefits of its rich nutritional profile or to punch up a nice summer salad. The fiber in mint leaves offers many health benefits, including helping to reduce cholesterol levels.

Spearmint can be grown in your yard or simply on your windowsill.

Spearmint can easily be grown in
your own gardening space.

Spearmint has healing qualities as well; it promotes calmness and balance, helping to release emotional blocks. It is useful for balancing dry skin, used as an astringent or antiseptic. Spearmint is an anti-inflammatory.

Spearmint has gray-green or dark green leaves and stems and pink flowers. When choosing spearmint, whether from your grocer, farmers market or your own garden, look for evenly colored, fresh-looking leaves with no signs of wilting or discoloration at the edges.

Store your fresh mint in the refrigerator, where it should keep fresh for several days. Dried mint should be kept in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place, where it will keep fresh for about nine to twelve months.

a quick side barA refreshing Mint Julep in the spring and summer months is another way to get your mint!

(Note: Women should avoid spearmint essential oil during pregnancy.)

 

Spotlight on Lavender Essential Oil

There is so much to talk about when it comes to Lavender that we will revisit this plant often, so let’s get the pallet started and if it indeed sparks the interest we will talk about it more.

1224696963With over 20 types of Lavender out there to chose from it can be a bit confusing deciding which one is the right fit for me. Quality and price determines for most of us but then there is just so many still so the nose is your best bet. Decide to use your favorite Lavender essential based on what your nose tell you. If one variety is too sharp then a more suitable softer Bulgarian may be your choice. Always look at the Common name and then the Latin to confirm you are getting the same variation. Lavender grows in many places around the globe, in high elevations providing a wild crafted and different species are grown as near to us as Door County.

Lavender Essential Oil in Skin Care

Lavender products are one of the most sought after by our customers.  Almost every variety of products we make we offer in lavender from Soaps, Shea Butters, Milk Baths, Face Serums, Body Oils, Whipped Butters, and more!

Lavender essential oil is gentle, but powerful.   Using face oils or facial soaps with lavender essential oils can be a valuable natural treatment to those with acne prone skin.  The oil is an antibacterial and can even help with scarring left from previous acne outbreaks.   Lavender essential oils have also been used for many years to help heal cuts, wounds, and minor burns.  In these cases you can use the oil “neat” or undiluted.  And those of us with sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis, or even a sunburn -don’t feel like you have to go through life using unscented or “dull” skincare products! Lavender essential oil is your friend.  Add this oil to your unscented products or buy natural products using pure essential oils to keep your skin safe, soothed, and relaxed.

Using Lavender Essential Oil at Home

Lavender essential oil is a natural insect repellent, disliked by fleas, moths, mosquitoes, flies and other insects. Placing a few drops on cotton balls in your drawers and closets repels moths and insects while keeping your clothes and linens smelling fresh.

The antibacterial and antiviral properties of lavender make it a great essential oil to have on hand for home cleaning purposes. Fill a spray bottle with water and add a few drops of lavender essential oil. This is an easy all-purpose spray that you can use all over the home- as a room spray, fabric refresher, to clean your bathroom and kitchen surfaces, even spray it on yourself before going outside to repel insects. You can use a few drops directly on a cloth to disinfect door knobs and handles throughout the house that might be harboring germs, especially during flu season.

Freshen and deodorize your laundry by adding a couple drops of lavender essential oil to your dryer sheet or a wet cloth.

Lavender essential oil is calming, soothing, relaxing and mood stabilizing. This makes it a go-to oil for diffusing into the air via open air diffusers, oil burners, or candles. Try it in your office, bedroom, and living spaces to enhance relaxation.

Want to treat the family to some fried chicken, but dread the lingering odor left in your kitchen? Try this after clean-up: Boil a small pot of water then add a few drops of lavender essential oil. This trick cleans the air and eliminates cooking odors

Check this out: Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm on Washington Island.