Tea with Dee; The French Press

Iced Herbal Refreshment

Tea with Dee; the French Press

My good friend Dee and I met for tea once a week over this past summer!  Oh what a blessing to sit down to a cup of hot tea with your friend!  Or to sip on some refreshing iced tea while talking about our families, our interests and our lives.  I plan to still have tea with Dee via webcam now that we are in our RV.  I hope to continue to offer various Tea reviews and ideas throughout this blog.  So welcome to the first installment of Tea with Dee!

Making a large batch of tea to share with a friend or to sip on all day can be fast and simple with a French press.  They come in various shapes, sizes, and even materials.  They are a great way to brew a large batch of loose leaf tea or an herbal blend.  They strain the tea, herbs or coffee through a wire screen at the bottom of a plunger, trapping it so you can pour your tea.

The wire screen

I often brew a concentrated blend for pouring over ice, which is what I have demonstrated in these photos.  All pictures are in my glass press for easier demonstrations.  I also have a insulated stainless press.  Use as much tea as suits your needs and tastes.  For woodier herbs, you may need to add half the hot water and let it steep until cool and then repeat with the second half of the water to extract the most from your herbs.

If you have never used a French Press, it may take a few tries to figure out how much herb or tea is needed to get the strength you desire.  The directions are very simple:  Add your herb or tea to the bottom of your press.  Pour in the boiling water.  Let steep until the herbs start to sink.  Plunge the screen to the bottom of the carafe slowly (trust me on the slowly, plunging quickly can force hot water out of the pour spout and burn you!)  Pour up a cup while still hot or serve over ice.  Sit down with a friend and gab or enjoy a few minutes to relax and savor.

Resources for French Press:
Stainless Steel Insulated Press
Glass Press

Add the boiling water

The herbs floating to start

Ready to plunge

Insulated stainless and glass options

Some of my links are affiliate links, if you choose to use them.  I am not funded by any of the companies I endorse.  

Herbal Honey

Lemon, Cinnamon and Ginger

Herb Infused Honey

We love essential oils because plants have fantastic properties that benefit our health and well being.  We can get some of the therapeutic properties of plants in ways other than essential oils.  

I use herbs in the easiest ways I can!  One of my favorite uses of herbs is to combine them with the amazing benefits of local raw honey.  

I try to always use local honey.  First, it is great to support our local beekeepers and without the bees, there is no local produce. Second, local honey acts like a homeopathic medicine for allergies; exposing your body to tiny doses of the offending pollen.  Homeopathy is a huge topic in and of itself. If you are unfamiliar with it, there are many resources readily available. 

You can infuse any herb.  Honey is a preservative so you can use fresh herbs. Dried herbs can also be used.  The woodier the herb, the longer it needs to infuse.  You can also infuse fruit.  Slowly releasing the flavors and therapeutic benefits into the honey over time creates a delicious and healthy way to support your body during periods of illness.

Every fall I make a pint of what my great Aunt called "Throat Coat."  It is a tasty blend that I enjoy just added to my tea or right off the spoon.  If only all medicinal concoctions tasted this good!

There are no specific proportions for this recipe.  The ingredients can change based on your family's taste.  The most common ingredients for this herbal infused blend include lemon, cinnamon, ginger and cloves.  I really dislike cloves so I leave them out.  You can add and subtract based on both flavor and desired effect. 

In a clean pint jar I slice two medium lemons (organic is highly recommended as the peels will be infusing as well).  I add a peeled sliced ginger root (about the size of my thumb.)  If using cloves, add a few whole cloves.  I use about 4 cinnamon sticks, generally I break them in half.  I layer them in the jar putting the lemons on the bottom.  I try to use the cinnamon sticks to wedge the lemons down.  Then I fill it with the local raw honey.  You want to keep the herbs submerged in the honey.  Then I seal it up and put it in the fridge for 4 to six weeks.  

These four herbs are all good for aiding your immune system and fighting germs.  Lemon and ginger are both also good for digestive issues.  I am not an herbalist so I won't go into details about the herbs.  I use this when I feel I am coming down with something, when I have been exposed to heavy amounts of virus, for sore throats and if I get a stomach virus I will add this to my water.   

This is an easy, tasty and effective weapon to create for the upcoming cold and flu season.   

Some of my links are affiliate links, if you choose to use them.  I am not funded by any of the companies I endorse.  

Blends by Ruth: True Synergies

Blends by Ruth Nelson; The total package. 

This is the brand I am most excited to introduce people too!

I was fortunate to try a few blends from Ruth.  Just wow.  Ruth is becoming a brilliant blender.  Her synergies go far beyond what a normal synergy does.  Why?  Because she researches and uses the best carrier oil for the purpose.  The added benefits of emu oil for a pain blend is noticeable when you use her blends.  The therapeutic qualities of the essential oil are increased by the added therapeutics of the carrier oils.

I tried 4 blends; Allergy Relief, Anytime skin, Valiant and Deep Healing.  I have had them for a while as I try not to review until I have really seen if they worked.  THEY REALLY WORKED!

First let me tell you that this one person show is not as glitzy as some other places you may buy from.  The labels are plain, simple and easy to read.  I also received a typed handout giving me the %dilution, all the ingredients and possible uses.  The handout was a serious winner!  My old tired eyes liked not having to try to find everything on the bottle.  This was a refreshing change for me. 

I started with the Deep Healing and Valiant blend which I transferred into roller bottles ( I find I can apply to almost anywhere on my own back if I put it in a roller bottle.)  The Deep Healing is fantastic!  I suffer from chronic neck and back pain from a very bad accident, pain relief is something I truly appreciate. It is what I used the most on myself so I can speak first hand to its benefits.  This is not an oil you feel the pain relief as it is happening (think icy hot type blends) but in 5 minutes the pain is less and often within 15 minutes it is gone for me.

There were a few times the pain was worse than usual and I layered with Valiant.  They work together beautifully.  Valiant I used more on my husband as it was more suited to his particular issues.  He is sort of a baby (let’s say HUGE wimp) about pain so I know it worked as he stopped complaining.  Valiant works well on pain but also assists with nerve issues.  It greatly decreased the numbness associated with Hubby's Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.  

The allergy relief is a huge bonus.  I know how to blend.  I have inhalers of my blends.  I have purchased blends.  What do I carry in my purse?  Ruth’s Allergy Relief.  Of all my choices, I keep her blend with me.  A drop on my finger, then rubbed on my throat and I am breathing again.  Enough said.

The one blend I thought I would need Hubby to review was the Anything Skin.  I am blessed with good skin.  He has terrible skin.  Who ended up using it first?  Me of course!  While checking the tires of the motor home I suddenly was being bitten by fire ants.  After much dancing around to make sure they were all off me, I went to dig into my oils, packed tightly for safe traveling.  I grabbed Ruth’s Anytime Skin.  It was so nice not to have to think about diluting or which carrier.  It was just there ready to go.  (The ready to go aspect is very nice!)  I put a few drops on and rubbed it in.  RELIEF!  Since I had hours of driving ahead it was definitely something to be thankful for!  I reapplied it a few times because those darn things are not called FIRE ants for nothing.  I missed one by my heal and it looked so different than all of them I treated immediately.  The treated ones were small and most did not swell. The one I missed was HUGE.  After 3 days, the ones I treated immediately were gone.  It has now been a week and the one I missed is still very large, angry and swollen.  

All four blends were fantastic.  All went beyond what I expected.  I am excited to watch Ruth grow and expand.  She does not have a website.  She sells through her Facebook page.  She will answer any questions you have.  I am so happy to introduce many new people to Blends by Ruth Nelson.  

You can find her products on her Facebook page for now. Blends by Ruth Nelson.  

Some of my links are affiliate links, if you choose to use them.  I am not funded by any of the companies I endorse.  

Neem Oil

#Oleavine Health

Neem Oil

Neem oil is a very useful carrier oil to learn about for skin, scalp, and other blending needs.  It possesses antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.  

There is one very important thing about Neem that the uninitiated needs to know.  Neem has a very STRONG odor.  It isn't necessarily a bad odor, but it can be over powering.  I have encountered some Neem oils that I just could not stomach regardless of how well they worked.  Then again, I never had major dry, cracked and itchy skin.  So after a few failures, I took a break from Neem for awhile.  It was time for me to revisit this great skin oil as my hubby has very dry itchy skin.  

The Oleavine Neem oil I tried is very effective, almost instantly Hubby's itching stopped.  Equally importantly to me, the blender and applier, it has a tolerable odor.  It is still strong, as I expect all Neem to be, but it is more toasted nuts, than dead fish and compost.  (Yes really, some are that bad.) 

Neem oil is usually used as a low dilution of a carrier oil blend.  You might start at 2% Neem and see if you get the desired results before slowly increasing the percentage until you find the right amount for your needs.  Neem oil would also be a great addition to hair and scalp treatments.  It can be used straight safely but as with many things, less can be just as effective.  

So for a great Neem oil that works without making your eyes water;
Oleavine Neem oil !

For more information, you can also go to Oleavine Health for more information on using Neem oil.

Some of my links are affiliate links, if you choose to use them.  I am not funded by any of the companies I endorse.  

Preserving your INVESTMENT, Decanting

Filling a smaller bottle

Decanting

Decanting is not talked about much.  In my opinion, it should be.  If you buy in 15 ml or larger, adding decanting as a way to increase shelf life of your oils is something you should consider.

Decanting is the process of transferring your oils from one container to another.  For preserving purposes, you want to use a smaller container so there is less oxygen in the bottle to react with the oils.

Decanted Neroli

Let me give you some examples.  Neroli is a more expensive oil.  I do not use it a lot but I want to preserve my investment.  I purchased a 5 ml bottle but based on my experience, I know it will take me at least a year to use it.  The first thing I did when I received it was to transfer 2 ml into a 5/8 dram bottle for storage.  This bottle does not get opened and closed and has very little air space.  My 2 ml bottle will be used last as it will have the least chance to oxidize.  I then use the original bottle as normal.  I have had this for 10 months, and the 2 ml bottle was just opened again.  For 10 months, I reduced the amount of oxygen coming in contact with my Neroli, extending the shelf life.

Cone cap

For oils that are generally sold in 10 to 15 ml, depending upon how fast I use the oil, I will decant off 5 ml and keep it sealed until I use the remainder.  If I get a 15 ml bottle of an oil I use very slowly, I will decant two 5 ml bottles and store them in the refrigerator.  Many of my oils that are stored, are stored with cone caps.  These caps are designed to reduce air space while still sealing tightly.  These are also excellent for using with syringes as you do not need to remove the orifice reducer. 

For most oils, I reuse bottles that I have emptied and just by new caps.  I try to replace the plastics for 2 reasons: It reduces the chance of the plastic degrading and contaminating your oil.  The plastic parts are hard to completely deodorize.  Having a supply of cone and euro dropper style cops on hand gives me flexibility for how I intend to use the oil.  If I primarily am going to blend with it, I go with the cone caps.  If I primarily plan to diffuse it, I use a euro dropper. 

Euro dropper replacement caps

Bottles to decant into come in all shapes and sizes.  The amber is the most common if you are using dram style bottles.  I have dram bottles ranging from 1/4 dram (approximately 1 ml) to 1 dram (approximately 4 ml).  These come with orifice reducers that most pipettes fit through.  You can also get them with just a foil lined cap but since we are trying to reduce oxygen, I highly recommend the reducers if possible. 

The Euro style dropper bottles are generally available in 5, 10 and 15 ml sizes.  I purchased many 5 ml bottles as I do not order many essential oils in a 5 ml size.  These two can come in a variety of colors, although the most common color is still amber.  I have not purchased 10 or 15 ml bottles recently as I generally reuse my empties and just replace the caps.

It is a common belief that ALL oils are harmed by light.  In reality, only a few oils are effected by light.  I have no issue with storing my oils in clear glass when I can find it.  The oils most effected by light are the 'blue oils' which I store in the refrigerator anyway.  I find the beauty of the oils really shows with clear glass.  If your oils are stored properly, the color of the glass will matter little.  Pick a color you enjoy.

4 oz bottle decanted into 2 oz, 1 oz and 5ml

I order a few oils in a 4 oz size because it is more cost effective and I will use them (or share them) before their expected shelf life would end.  Blood Orange is an excellent example of decanting into a variety of containers to maximize efficiency and shelf life.  I decanted 2 oz for long storage in the fridge.  I have a 1 oz bottle with a cone cap that I use for blending and refilling my 5 ml bottle.  I also have the 5 ml bottle for diffusing.  The remainder found homes with my friends.  When the I oz bottle is empty, I will go to the fridge and have some fresh Blood Orange waiting for me.

You can find the sizes that work best for you.  I have found ordering based upon shelf life and how much I generally use to maximize my buying dollars as long as I take the time to store them properly and protect them from oxidation.

Resources:

Drams
2 dram

Real Aromatherapy Reviews and More

 http://amzn.to/1LSqkmZ
1 dram
 http://amzn.to/1LSq1IM
 http://amzn.to/1FrOTCq
 http://amzn.to/1ISqZ37
5/8 dram
 http://amzn.to/1LSsVNG
 http://amzn.to/1NcxdkF
1/4 dram
 http://amzn.to/1LStoj7
 http://amzn.to/1NcxRPd

Euro droppers
15 ml
 http://amzn.to/1XzyCXg
10 ml
 http://amzn.to/1NkkONl
5 ml
 http://amzn.to/1NkljGZ

Cone caps
 http://amzn.to/1NcvfRn

Euro dropper caps 
 http://amzn.to/1XzAgbm

Some of my links are affiliate links, if you choose to use them.  I am not funded by any of the companies I endorse.  

Preserving your INVESTMENT, Storage

A cool, dark corner

Preserving your investments.

The hunt for oils is the fun part.  Maintaining your collection for safe use is the less than fun part.  There is one great enemy of our beloved essential oils, OXYGEN.  We need it but the oils do not.  Oxygen combines with the chemical constituents of essential oils to slowly change and degrade them over time.  Oxidization speeds up with increased temperature.  Some oils will also be effected by UV from light.  So what can we as home users do to minimize the effects of oxygen?

Storing your oils properly can save you a lot of money and possibly a chemical reaction from an oxidized oil irritating your skin.

The simplest, most cost effective way to increase the shelf life of your oils is to store them in a cool place away from light.  Multiple options exist for this already in your home.  It just takes time to find the right spot or locate a good storage container. If you have young children, take into account their curiosity.  You can even look for lockable storage.

Taking the cool dark place one step further, we end up with refrigeration.  Keeping the average temperature of the oils lower, slows down the rate at which oxygen combines with the chemical constituents and increases the amount of time your oils will be as you expect.

My fridge box

If you do not have a separate refrigerator, the oils that benefit the greatest from refrigeration are the blue oils (yarrow, German Chamomile), citrus (tangerine, bergamot) and the evergreens (pines, spruces).  I buy some of my citrus in larger quantities and refrigerate all but a small bottle for everyday use.  I highly recommend sealing your bottles stored in the fridge in some kind of container to avoid having all of you food taste like grapefruit fir!

For some with large collections, or that buy in bulk a separate refrigerator becomes necessary.  Dorm style or mini fridges are often home users first choice.  They range in size and it is generally best to plan on enough room for your carrier oils too.  That is right, carrier oils oxidize as well. 

EOs, carriers waxes and butters

These are the most common ways to preserve your collection.  There is one additional way that is rarely talked about and much under rated.  It can be combined with both of these to maximize your investment.  It is a subject in and of itself so I will be discussing decanting next.



Storage ideas;  These are just ideas, examples of possibilities!  So many options!  There is only one word of caution, collections grow and shrink over time.  Flexible is a good idea. 

Spice racks
 http://amzn.to/1Uzs7j0
 http://amzn.to/1ip7IRK
Nail Polish racks
 http://amzn.to/1ip7Qkk
 http://amzn.to/1KT9o0Y
Tool boxes (lockable) 
 http://amzn.to/1VFXjzs
Craft boxes
 http://amzn.to/1ip8m1z 
 http://amzn.to/1KTaIkv 
Custom EO storage
 http://amzn.to/1VFXI4S 
 http://amzn.to/1VFZ4wD


One last word on storage ideas; ETSY!   Seriously, I do not recommend Etsy for oils but for storage, check them out!

Some of my links are affiliate links, if you choose to use them.  I am not funded by any of the companies I endorse.  

How about a recipe?

How about a recipe for a change? 
That's right!  We have no rules here!  I agree with the need for rules in Facebook groups but here I can share things I cannot share in some of those groups.  

Before I discovered Honeyberrynaturals.com (I promise I will have a full report on them too!)and had the magical experience of no longer having an itchy scalp, I developed this formula to help!  I know not everyone has yet found the perfect combination of No-Poo Bar for their hair and water.  

So this is a simple, fragrant and nourishing formula for your hair and scalp.  The honey as it dried seemed to help lift off dead skin from the scalp and reduce the itching.

I always try to use local raw honey.  If you are going to cheat on not using local honey, this is the place to do it.  I still highly recommend the raw honey if possible.  I also find this a good use for honey that is starting to crystallize since you warm it slightly anyway.  

First you need a 10% dilution of the pomegranate CO2.  You can use it at 100% but I think the 10% works just as well.  1 teaspoon is how much I use in the recipe.  So you would blend 0.5 ml of the CO2 with another carrier of your choice.  I used almond oil since it also has some anti-itch properties.  

If you do not have Pomegranate CO2 you can substitute all kinds of thing that will nourish your hair and scalp; castor oil, Argon oil, cold pressed pomegranate oil, rose hip oil or CO2, cucumber seed oil, etc.  Really any oil will work to moisturize while the honey removes build up.

Pinnable recipe card

I slightly warmed 1 tablespoon of local raw honey and whisked in 1 teaspoon of 10% pomegranate CO2.  It will separate fairly quickly so  I always make it just before I am going to use it.  Do not apply if it is hot to the touch!  (It is best to not overheat it at all but it happens!)  I really always applied to my scalp first and foremost.  After the masque was well massaged into the scalp, I worked the rest into my hair.  

Now comes the best part!  You have permission to sit down and read a book, color, soak your feet or what ever you like while you wait for it to start to dry; about 45 minutes to an hour.  Then a nice fragrant shower and shampoo like normal.  My dear friend thinks it smells like Blueberry muffins.  Others think it is tinged with a chocolate scent.  Even after washing, the fragrance will linger. 

I have very short hair so my proportions may need to be doubled or tripled depending on the thickness and length of your hair.   

Resources for local raw honey:

http://www.abfnet.org/

Resources for Pomegranate oils;
CO2
Nature's Gift

Cold pressed
AV-AT

Resources for Almond oil;
http://amzn.to/1L9lBul
Plant Therapy

Some of my links are affiliate links, if you choose to use them.  I am not funded by any of the companies I endorse.