Wellness uit de kruidentuin

Lavender

Effects: We can safely call lavender a super herb. First, the plant's sweet, clean scent is soothing. In addition, it has disinfecting, cleansing and healing properties and knows how to keep insects at bay. It also reduces headaches, helps with jet lag and to fall asleep.

Do it yourself: A lavender salt bath boosts blood circulation and thus has a relaxing and rejuvenating effect on the body. Moreover, it is refreshing for the mind.

Ingredients: 1 cup sea salt * ½ cup Epsom salt * 1/2 cup baking soda (baking soda) * ¼ cup dried lavender flowers * 5 to 6 drops lavender essential oil

Preparation: Mix the ingredients and stir well. Add ½ to 1 full cup of the mixture as you fill the bath. Submerge yourself for 15 to 20 minutes and resurface as you reborn. You store your lavender sea salt for the next session in a well-closable box.

Chamomile

Effects: Chamomile is a herb that naturally relaxes the nerves and reduces pain. It is also known to calm an upset stomach and counter gas formation. It also helps against headaches and menstrual cramps and is also a good sleeping aid. On the skin it has a healing, antioxidant, cleansing and moisturizing effect.

Do it yourself: An olive oil-chamomile face mask soothes and moisturizes the skin. The sugar in this recipe works as a scrub to remove dead skin cells.

Ingredients: ¼ cup of olive oil * ½ cup of white sugar * 1 sachet of chamomile tea

Preparation: Empty the tea bag into a bowl. Add the sugar and olive oil and mix well. Clean your face with warm water. Apply the mask with two fingers in circular motions all over the face and leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes. Then rinse with cold water and pat dry. You can store what is left in an airtight container for a subsequent treatment.

Jasmine

Effects: In Asia they have known the beneficial effect of jasmine for centuries. It is a popular remedy for reducing stress, balancing the hormones and calming the nervous system. It is also used as a natural medicine for depression, insomnia and digestive problems. Furthermore, studies have shown that, under the influence of the scent of jasmine, the body starts to produce substances that relax you and improve your mood.

Do it yourself: A jasmine oil perfume not only gives a fresh scent to your home, but also has a cooling and calming effect when applied to your skin. When used as a massage oil, it has a relaxing effect.

Ingredients: 30 drops of pure jasmine oil * 5 drops of vanilla essential oil * 5 drops of lavender essential oil * 5 drops of orange essential oil * 2 tablespoons of vodka * 1 tablespoon of distilled water

Preparation: Mix the oils with the vodka in a preserving jar or bottle. Leave covered, at room temperature and out of the sun for 2 days. Then add the water and stir well again. Pour the mixture into an old perfume bottle and keep it at room temperature.

Peppermint

Effects: The Ancient Egyptians and Greeks used it for its concentration-enhancing and antibacterial properties. The Chinese prescribed it as a medicine for nausea, stiff muscles and breathing problems. In addition, peppermint stimulates our alertness and energy level. It also helps with bad breath and headaches.

Do it yourself: After a day in high heels or in warm, tight shoes, feet can use some attention. This peppermint foot scrub is what they need.

Ingredients: ¾ cup sea salt * ¼ cup apricot kernel oil * 6 drops peppermint essential oil

Preparation: Mix all ingredients in a bowl and stir well. Soak your feet briefly in a foot bath and then massage a small amount in gentle circular motions. Rinse with warm water and let the feet soak for a while for an extra energetic feeling. You can store the mixture in an airtight container.

Rose Petals

Effects: Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-ageing: rose petals have all kinds of healing properties. They are also moisturizing and revitalizing and also have a calming and cleansing effect.

Do it yourself: Rose water can be used as a facial cleanser or moisturizer, as a conditioner, and applied to cotton balls, as an eye mask.

Ingredients: 2 cups of rose petals * 3 cups of distilled water

Preparation: Put the water and the leaves in a pan and bring to the boil over a medium flame. If necessary, place a small lid on top of the leaves so that they remain submerged. As soon as the water boils, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 45 minutes. Remove the pan from the stove, filter or sieve the water, pour it into a jug or bottle and then let it cool. If you don't use everything right away, you can freeze the leftover water.