Spring Clean with Essential Oils!

A great way to help with sweeping away the winter into that spring clean is by using essential oils in your cleaning!

Have you tried using a few drops of Eucalyptus on a wet towel on the counters? Or with a damp cloth add a few drops of essential oil (of your choosing) to it and putting in the dryer with your laundry? It refreshes, smells better than costly drier sheets, and is a green way to spruce up the laundry. There are a number of things you can do with essential oils in cleaning that are green and avoid using harsh chemicals.

Right now the ACHS apothecary shoppe has a special Spring Cleaning Kit! Offered at 20% savings to the normal cost while supplies last! Contains a mister, a selection of essential oils, and a recipe card.
Here is the link to the kit: Spring Cleaning Kit

For further information about Aromatherapy courses or any of our other programs at ACHS please contact an admissions advisor today! Call 800.487.8839 or email admissions@achs.edu. Be sure to ask about our AA and MS Complementary Alternative Medicine degree programs!

Register securely online here.

How Citrus Scents Lift Moods

Here is a great web link to how Citrus scents lift moods, a discussion with ACHS President Dorene Petersen:

How Citrus Scents Lift Moods

The ACHS apothecary shoppe: http://www.apothecary-shoppe.com/ has many essential oils and other products available, including our herb and oil of the month. Here are the links:
ACHS Herb of the month - St Johns Wort
ACHS Oil of the month - Basil
You can order your herb/oil of the month from the Apothecary Shoppe and learn about a new herb/oil every month!

For further information about Aromatherapy courses or any of our other programs at ACHS please contact an admissions advisor today! Call 800.487.8839 or email admissions@achs.edu. Be sure to ask about our upcoming AA and MS degree programs.

Carb Calculator

Hello everyone,

ACHS instructor Deryl Gulliford shared a link to a carb calculator that might interest some.

Carb Calculator

For further information about Holistic Nutrition courses or any of our other programs at ACHS please contact an admissions advisor today! Call 800.487.8839 or email admissions@achs.edu. Be sure to ask about our upcoming AA and MS degree programs.

Spring Grilling from ACHS Instructor Deryl Gulliford

Having tolerated all the Winter I can reasonably be expected to tolerate, and all the viral illness (patients and family) that anyone can tolerate, I have declared it Spring in Oklahoma City. My Pear Tree agrees, it is blooming today. Celebrating with golf and cookout.
Herb Crusted Tuna Steak is served at Redbone Alley. It is a whole lot more reasonable at my house. This recipe is meant to serve 2 and can be adjusted as needed.
Ingredients:
2 2 inch thick yellow fin tuna steaks
1/2 c. each fresh basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and cilantro
1 1/2 Tbsp. chopped garlic
2 lemons, juiced
1 Tbsp. sea salt
1/2 Tbsp. fresh black pepper
1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil
Steal This Recipe® step-by-step instructions:
1) Grind in a food processor the herbs, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper to make a rub.
2) Using your hands, press the herb rub into the tuna steaks well, being sure to coat all the sides of the fish.
3) Let them stand in the fridge for 4-6 hours so the flavors infuse into the steaks.
4) Prepare a hot charcoal grill. Gas is far inferior for tuna steaks.
5) Brush each side of the tuna steaks with olive oil and place them on the grill for 2-3 minutes on the first side.
6) Flip the steaks and grill them on the second side for 2-3 minutes for a good medium rare. If you’d like to baste the steaks while grilling, simply add a little olive oil to the leftover herb mixture and brush this on the fish as it grills.
7) Be careful not to overcook the tuna as it easily dries out. Enjoy!

For further information about Holistic Nutrition or any of our other programs at ACHS please contact an admissions advisor today! Call 800.487.8839 or email admissions@achs.edu.

Learning from the nails

Two interesting links on how finger nails can reveal a lot of information about a persons health.

Mayo Clinic Finger Nails web article

Web MD online article on Finger Nails

For further information about Holistic Health programs or any of our other programs at ACHS please contact an admissions advisor today! Call 800.487.8839 or email admissions@achs.edu.

Happy Valentine's Day - Be good to your heart!

Happy Valentine's Day - Be good to your heart!

Heart Healthy Tips

• Cardiovascular training, such as aerobics and running, strengthens the heart and enables it to pump more efficiently, so that fewer beats per minute are required.
• Choose an exercise you enjoy. It can be a long walk in the park, swimming, dancing, yoga, jazzercise, circuit training, step class, spinning, skipping, running, biking, tai chi, as long as you do it regularly. This means at least 30 minutes, 3 times a week on a regular basis.
  
• Remember to work at your own pace and that more is not necessarily better. Studies have shown significant health benefits from a 30-minute walk three times a week, so do not feel that you have to join the nearest health club or buy a lot of expensive exercise equipment.

Australiasian College of Health Sciences © 2008

For information about any of our programs at ACHS please contact an admissions advisor today! Call 800.487.8839 or email admissions@achs.edu.

Healing with Bach Flower Essences

Here is an interesting link to some research on Flower Essences:
By clicking on the below link you will download a PDF file regarding Bach Flower Essences. If it does not automatically download on the webpage that will appear click on the "Begin manual download" link.

Subject: Clinical research shows Rescue Remedy reduces acute situational stress

Link to a recent study demonstrating that Rescue Remedy works:
PDF Download of Rescue Rememdy Research

Kids Cold Remedies

IT’S COLD & FLU SEASON – KEEP YOUR CHILDREN HEALTHY
When your child gets a cold or the flu, everybody’s miserable! You want to do something to help them, but what?

OVER THE COUNTER COLD MEDICINES COULD BE DANGEROUS!
In an article on November 1, CNN reports ”These medications have been blamed for more than 100 deaths and at least thousands of trips to the emergency room.” You’ve probably read some of the many news stories about the dangers of children’s over the counter cold and flu remedies. An FDA panel recommends using no cold medicines for children under 6, and to use caution with children even up to 12.

THE APOTHECARY SHOPPE HAS NATURAL ALTERNATIVES
Simple ingredients and instructions are available for natural alternatives to these potentially dangerous medicines are available at many local & online stores,. One such is The Apothecary Shoppe, which carries a large selection of Homeobotanicals, herbs, essential oils, books and charts, including many of those listed below. Ordering online is an easy way to get the ingredients you need all in one place, and have them delivered right to your door.

Click here to go to the Cold & Flu – Just 4 Kids section:
http://www.apothecary-shoppe.com/index.php?cPath=73

ADVICE FROM A PROFESSIONAL.
Deborah Halvorson, BA, Dip Aroma, RA and Instructor at Australasian College of Health Sciences has some natural remedy advice for concerned parents and caregivers “I've never used over-the-counter cold remedies with my kids, just herbs and essential oils, and when the colds start going around, my kids generally get over it much quicker than their friends and classmates.”

One of her favorite cough remedies is vapor balm, a natural alternative to vaporub (adapted from a recipe in Kathy Keville/Mindy Green's Aromatherapy, A Complete Guide to the Healing Art):
Vapor Balm
1 cup Olive oil
3⁄4 oz. beeswax
1 1⁄2 tsp Eucalyptus (E. smithii) essential oil
1 tsp. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) essential oil
1⁄4 tsp Thyme (Thymus vulgaris ct. linalool) essential oil

Melt beeswax and olive oil in top of double boiler. Allow to cool a bit and add essential oils. Pour into clean containers, label and date. To use, rub a small amount on the child's chest.

“When my child wakes up coughing in the middle of the night, I rub the vapor balm on his/her chest; the coughing stops almost immediately and the child (and mom) are able to get back to sleep. “ For children two to ten years old, use Eucalyptus smithii and Thyme linalool; for older children and adults, E. globulus or E. radiata and Thyme ct. thymol can be used. For children ages 12 months to 2 years, the above recipe can adapted using only the Eucalyptus smithii and leaving out the Peppermint and Thyme oils.

A combination of Lemon (Citrus limonum) and Marjoram (Origanum marjorana) essential oils is helpful if the child has a cold/flu with a fever. Lemon will help reduce the fever, and Marjoram is great for respiratory infections and will help the child sleep. Blend 10 drops of Lemon with 5 drops Marjoram and use 1 drop of the blend in a warm bath before bedtime or nap time, or use the blend in a nebulizing diffuser.

Steam inhalation is a very effective way to administer essential oils if there is nasal congestion or sinus infection. For children over the age of five, use 3 to 5 drops of essential oil to six cups of water; boil the water and pour into a bowl, then add the essential oils. Have the child inhale the steam, being sure to keep their eyes closed and their face 8 to 12 inches from the bowl. For children under the age of five, rather than having them directly inhale the steam, place the bowl in the same room as the child and they will receive the benefits of the essential oils being dispersed into the air via the steam. Essential oils that are effective and safe for children include:
Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) - An expectorant, strengthens the immune system, has a calming/sedative action
Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) - Immune system stimulant, helps with cough and bronchial congestion
Manuka/New Zealand Tea Tree (Leptospermum scoparium) - Is effective for bronchial congestion/bronchitis, sinus congestion/sinusitis, and has been shown to inhibit the growth of streptococcus (bacteria that cause strep throat) as well as bacteria that cause pneumonia.
Marjoram (Origanum majorana) An expectorant; helpful for respiratory infections and sinusitis; has a calming action
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) - Useful for respiratory infections and sinusitis (can be stimulating, do not use before bedtime)
*Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) - Is useful for sinusitis and bronchitis. *Should not be used with children under the age of two

A room spray can also be used, and will not only benefit the sick child, but help stop the spread of germs and keep other family members from catching the cold/flu. Here's a sample recipe:
4 oz. distilled water
10 drops Manuka/New Zealand Tea Tree (Leptospermum scoparium)
10 drops Lemon (Citrus limonum)
5 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
5 drops Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
3 drops Frankincense (Boswelia carterii)
Pour into a 4 oz glass spray bottle. Shake well before spraying. Can be sprayed into the air or onto doorknobs or bathroom surfaces. Do not spray directly onto wood or plastic surfaces.

Warm tea with honey (no honey for children under 12 months old) is soothing and comforting. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a favorite of mine for reducing fever and calming fussy children. For coughs and achiness from the flu, the Lemon balm can be combined with Peppermint and Chamomile (Matricaria recutita).

If you have questions regarding any products or have interest in any courses regarding holistic health feel free to call us at 800-487-8839 and ask for the apothecary shop or an admissions advisor.

Tips from the Pros: Six Suggestions for Successful Online Learning

A survey of successful adult online learners provides and excellent resource for this advice. In a survey (see reference below) of a group of adult students who graduated from online graduate degree programs with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better, respondents cited the following skills and techniques that helped them achieve success:

• Develop a time-management strategy. Online learners have more freedom when it comes to when they will do work for their courses. This is clearly a benefit for busy adults, but it can also be a challenge for those who lack self-discipline. The students in the survey recommended creating a schedule up front that dedicates specific times to course-related activities—such as logging on and participating in class as well as doing research and reading—and sticking to this schedule.

• Make the most of online discussions. Since threaded discussions are the main form of communication in a typical online course, students need to recognize the benefits of this form of communication. For example, as one student stated, interacting with other students can be a fun part of the course. Another suggested developing relationships with classmates by responding to several student postings with meaningful messages, not simply “good post.”

• Use it or lose it. Students in this survey stated that in order to retain knowledge, it was important to apply it in their work or in threaded discussions.

• Make asking questions useful to learning. Students in this survey made an effort to research and craft questions to engage each other and the instructor.

• Stay motivated. A common sentiment among students in this survey was the need to stay motivated, through the desire either to graduate or to achieve a good grade. One student stated that it helped to team up with a classmate to motivate each other to finish assignments on time.

• Make connections with fellow students. Students in the survey stressed the value of interacting with each other and how they got to know each other through threaded discussions.

Reference
Roper, Alan R. “The Development of Online Student Skills: Successful Online Students Share Their Secrets.” Proceedings of the Technology, Colleges & Community Worldwide Online Conference 2007. Retrieved Sept. 24, 2007, at http://etec.hawaii.edu/proceedings/2007/roper.pdf.

Reproduced by the Australasian College of Health Sciences. 5940 SW Hood Avenue, Portland Oregon 97239, www.achs.edu

ACHS Graduate Heidi North continues her successes in Herbalism

ACHS Graduate Heide North continues her successes in Herbalism

ACHS Diploma in Herbal Studies Graduate and 2005 DETC Outstanding Graduate of the Year Heide North has continued to build upon her success with her business, Urban Herbal Woman. Her business has recently also started a new venture (Pure Skincare) to expand others’ knowledge of skin care.

“Pure Skincare was originally created to provide people a natural, affordable option for their skin care needs. We feel that everyone - women, men, and especially children - are being exposed to far too many chemicals in the environment. It is our goal to educate consumers, and provide them with the best alternative for their skin.”

In order to touch the most people, Heidi has started a program to teach making and selling skin care products. “It is our goal to offer a business opportunity for those wanting to be home and have their own business.”

For further information visit the Urban Herbal Woman website. www.urbanherbalwoman.com


For further information about the Diploma in Herbal studies at ACHS or any of our other programs please contact an admissions advisor today! Call 800.487.8839 or email admissions@achs.edu.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers

I am a self-described foodie. I love to eat. I also love to cook or even just do a bit of food preparation. I get very excited when I find food that not only tastes good but also has observable physical benefits. For this holiday season, behold the wonderful and extremely versatile chili pepper! (No, not the southern California rock band.)

The chili pepper or spicy pepper (such as jalapeno, cayenne, or habanero) contains the chemical Capsaicin. Capsaicin, is the hot pepper’s natural heat-causing mouth-sizzling chemical; and has been proven to kill cancer cells, prevent sinus infections, serve as an anti-inflammatory agent, provide gastric relief, and even produce fat oxidation.

Hot peppers can help breathing, relieve aches and pains, and even help an individual burn up to an additional 50 calories per day! Sorry - that is not an excuse to have that extra slice of holiday pie (around 300 calories or more). According to research, hot peppers have the same metabolic effects as Ephedra without containing Ephredra’s negative cardiovascular side effects. Recent medical research is targeting the use of peppers and Capsaicin to fight cancer! Further research is also showing the use of peppers in pain relief post surgery - from the associated press – click on the following link:
Peppers for pain relief

If you get really into hot peppers, you may want to explore their heat rating. It is called the Scoville scale and can be found at the following web link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scoville_scale

So, spice up the holidays and add some peppers to your festivities! Try some finely diced peppers in your all-natural greens salad; or add them to your favorite roasted vegetables or meat. Great in that organic free-range egg omelet breakfast… Even add some to that favorite sandwich made of left-overs.

For the holiday dessert…
Try adding a just a bit of cayenne to that holiday apple pie; a little goes a long way and it gives a nice zip to the sweet.

If you have further interest in holistic health and nutrition review the Australasian College’s Nat 308 Holistic Nutrition course or Holistic Health Practice Program at www.achs.edu and contact an advisor today at 800-487-8839!

Happy holidays and good eating! Now where did I put that cayenne for my popcorn?

Joel Strimling
Student Services

ACHS 4th Annual Holiday Open House A Success!

The ACHS 4th Annual Holiday Open House was a great success! The Holiday Open House is a favorite of many who wish to give natural gifts to their loved ones.



During the open house, we learned how to make several preparations including:

Peppermint Foot Scrub - Visit us online here to view the kit from the Apothecary Shoppe.

Lemon Hand and Nail Butter - Visit us online here to view the kit from the Apothecary Shoppe.

Holiday Ambience Blend - Also available from the Apothecary Shoppe online here.

The 2008 ACHS on-campus scheduled will be available shortly. Check the Calendar online here for upcoming events. We hope to see you!

ACHS 2nd Annual HerbDay Celebration a Success!

ACHS President Dorene Petersen lecturing at the 2nd Annual HerbDay Celebration.

ACHS 2nd Annual HerbDay Celebration a Success!

The ACHS 2nd Annual Herb Day Celebration & Open House was a great success! Many students, graduates, and members of our local community attended the event at our Portland campus. ACHS President Dorene Petersen presented several lectures:

How to Prepare Herbal Tinctures: Download more information here.

Herbs for Immune Support: View the ACHS Immune Support kit featured in the Apothecary Shoppe.

Just us for the next ACHS Open House, our 4th Annual Holiday Open House, coming up Wednesday, November 14, 12 to 4 pm. Click here for more details.

Try this immune formula published in Body & Soul Magazine:

Super Immune Support
Take 1/4-1/2 tsp. per hour at symptom onset. Use cultivated goldenseal; this herb has been overharvested.
Solvent: 100 proof Vodka/Brandy

2 parts echinacea root, flower, and leaf
1 part cultivated goldenseal root
1 part turmeric

We hope to see you on-campus next month!

Students attending lectures at the ACHS 2nd Annual HerbDay Celebration.

Make a Lavender Wand!

The Lavender Distillation and Open House was a wonderful success! We had many turn out and watch the distillation demonstration by President Dorene Petersen as well as enjoy the Lavender Wand Making talk by Tracey Miller. It was a gorgeous sunny day here in Portland and many bunches of lavender were picked by all!

For those of you who missed it we'd love to share a portion of the day with you. Find below a link to the audio of Tracey's Lavender Wand Making Demonstration and the accompanying instructions. Enjoy!

Making a Lavender Wand Demonstration (.mp3)
Lavender Wand Instructions (.pdf)

For Love of Lavender … and the Land: La Paix Herb Farm

ACHS graduate Myra Bonhage Bonhage-Hale runs a successful organic farm in West Virginia.

Click here to read the full article.

ACHS Military Graduates Eric Rodriguez and Mark Dykowski Represent ACHS at Annual DETC Conference in Tucson, Arizona.

ACHS is an accredited member of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), the US Department of Education and Council on Higher Education Accreditation recognized agency that accredits distance learning institutions.

Each year, ACHS nominates an Outstanding Graduate and a Famous Alumni to represent the College at the DETC annual conference. This year's conference was held in April in Tucson, Arizona. ACHS graduates had an opportunity to share their experience as an ACHS student as well as their successes since graduation.

ACHS President Dorene Petersen interviewed each graduate. Both Mark Dykowski and Eric Rodgriguez had great tips to share with students about their experience with ACHS and their success since graduation. Below are links to MP3 files that are interviews recorded during the DETC Conference:

* Dorene interviewing Eric Rodriguez
* Dorene interviewing Mark Dykowski

Eric Rodriguez was awarded a 2007 Outstanding Graduate Award. Mark Dykowski was awarded a 2007 Famous Alumni Award. Dorene Petersen, the President of the ACHS, was there to see them receive their awards and interview them about their accomplishments.

From left to right: Famous Alumni Mark Dykowski, ACHS President Dorene Petersen, and Outstanding Graduate Eric Rodriguez.

Eric Rodriguez

Mr. Eric Rodriguez was at the end of serving a 10-year tenure with the U.S. Air Force as an Electronics major, when he decided to change careers. As a student who came from a traditional college background, he was skeptical of finding comparable distance education. He enrolled with the Australasian College of Health Sciences (ACHS), and after a few months, he was not only impressed with the inherent attributes of distance education, but he also was amazed at the rate of information he retained.

Eric graduated with Honors from ACHS's Master Herbalist program in August 2006. Eric found ACHS while searching for a quality education that would fit his lifestyle.

Since becoming a graduate of ACHS, Eric has started an apprenticeship with an established N.D. in preparation for opening his own private practice, Progressive Natural Health Solutions, LLC. Eric also has been asked by Edison State Community College to provide a 30-minute lecture on complementary medicine.

"Being able to command and control my own environment brought out the best in my learning abilities. The staff of ACHS was among the best in the business and not only guided me through my studies, but inspired me to pursue my chosen profession." - Eric Rodriguez, Master Herbalist

Mark Dykowski

Dr. Mark Dykowski is an allopathic physician and OBGYN in Michigan. He graduated with Honors from the Australasian College of Health Sciences Master Herbalist (M.H.) program in February 2006. Dr. Dykowski developed an interest in complementary and alternative medicine as a way of meeting his patients' and family's health and wellness needs and found the ACHS Master Herbalist course to give him training to incorporate an integrative approach to his practice of medicine and to promote health and wellness.

Dr. Dykowski served as a Major in the United States Air Force Medical Corps from 1987 to 1990 and was awarded the Meritorious Service Award.

Dr. Dykowski has been listed as one of his area's "Top Doctors" in the October 2006 issue of Metropolitan Detroit's HOUR Magazine. He has been asked to speak at a women's health day on Complementary and Alternative Medicine and to his hospital's Ovarian and Breast Cancer Survivors groups. The local TV doctor has also asked his advice on stories relating to the use of herbal therapies.

"The greatest thrill has been the look on patients' faces as they describe a supplement or herb they are using and they are shocked to know that their provider not only has heard about it, but can actually educate them about the product! This small door of insight often opens the door to greater patient comfort in discussing other areas of health concern or therapy."
- Mark Dykowski, Master Herbalist, OBGYN

ACHS Earth Day Volunteer Project

ACHS Earth Day Volunteer Project

SOLV Clean Up at Butterfly Park, Portland, OR

SOLV is a non-profit organization that brings together government agencies, businesses and individual volunteers in programs and projects to enhance the livability of Oregon. This year six ACHS staff and students took part in this fun, kid-friendly project that included invasive plant removal, a small planting, litter removal, and a variety of other projects.


Apothecary Shoppe customer Ann McFarlane


Some friendly frogs to brighten up Butterfly Park


ACHS Shipping Manager Michelle Hammond adds character to the walkway.


ACHS Registrar Heather Baley paints butterflies on the walk through the Willamette Butterfly Park


ACHS Nat 401 Student Amy Lusson


Some new friends were made along the way!

Click here for more pictures!

Thank you to Ann McFarlane, Amy Lusson, and ACHS Herb 401 Graduate Diane Vireday for joining us!

Did you support Earth Day 2007? Tell us about your project at delmulhern@achs.edu.

ACHS Graduate Dorothy McCall Featured in Sniffapalooza Magazine

ACHS Graduate Dorothy McCall Featured in Sniffapalooza Magazine

An Interview with ACHS Aromatherapy Graduate Dorothy McCall is featured in the most recent issue of Sniffapalooza Magazine.

Dorothy McCall is a graduate of Australasian College's accredited clinical aromatherapy program, Aroma 201 Certificate in Aromatherapy.

Read the full article online here.

Natural Solutions for Winter Skin Care

Photo copyright Joel Strimling Photography
Used with permission

Winter is here! In many places, temperatures are cold and the ground is covered in a blanket of snow. After spending time outdoors, sitting by a cozy fire in the fireplace is a nice way to thaw out. However, the cold, wet outdoor air and the dry heat indoors can wreak havoc on our skin.

I have to admit, winter is not my favorite season, which is why I live in Southern California. But even here it is impossible to escape the dryness and chapping caused by the cold outdoors as well as the dry, heated indoor air. Unfortunately, many products on the market that are supposed to help the skin can actually dry it out even more. Here are some natural solutions to help protect and moisturize your skin.

Avocado Honey Mask (for face and hands)
The face and hands are more exposed to the winter elements than the rest of the body and may require extra special attention. This mask is an inexpensive and easy way to pamper yourself. All you need is half of a ripe avocado and a tablespoon of honey. Cut the avocado in half and remove the peel and pit, then mash half and add the honey mixing well (you can use a blender or a food processor to get a smoother product). Spread the mixture liberally over the face and hands, lie down and prop up your feet for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse your face and hands with warm water and follow with a pure vegetable oil such as cold pressed Almond or Grapeseed. Avocado is high in oleic acid, linoleic acid, lecithin, and vitamin D, and is especially beneficial for eczema. Honey is an emollient (soothes irritated skin), a humectant (draws needed moisture to the skin), and an exfoliant (removes dry, dead skin cells).

Sugar Scrub
Scrubs exfoliate and polish the skin, stimulate cell renewal, and promote velvety-soft, smooth skin. Sugar cane produces glycolic acid, one of the natural alpha-hydroxy acids that exfoliate the skin. Aloe is soothing to irritated skin. Neroli oil is an astringent, is great for aging skin, and helps reduce stretch marks. Ylang ylang stimulates skin cell regeneration and is helpful for dry skin. Grapefruit is an astringent; it is useful for skin congestion.

Recipe
1/2 cup organic white sugar
1/4 cup Apricot Kernel oil
1/4 teaspoon citric acid
1 teaspoon Aloe Vera gel
1 teaspoon Cocoa butter
6 drops (total) Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara), Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata var. genuina) or Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) essential oil (or a blend)
Mix together the first four ingredients. Gently warm the Cocoa butter by placing the container in a bowl of hot water to soften it. Add Cocoa butter and blend well using a hand mixer on high speed for 3 to 5 minutes. Add essential oil. In the shower, wet the skin then rub the sugar scrub all over the body (don’t use scrubs on broken or irritated skin). Do NOT wash with soap afterward. Can be used up to twice a week. Makes 1 cup.

Exotic Rose Cream (for dry skin)
1/3 cup Jojoba oil
1/3 cup Apricot Kernal oil
1/3 cup Rosehip Seed oil
1/8 tsp Vitamin E
¾ oz. beeswax
¼ cup Rose Hydrosol
¾ cup distilled water
essential oils:
20 drops Rose absolute (Rosa damascena)
10 drops Jasmine absolute (Jasminum officinalis)
5 drops Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil
5 drops Sandalwood (Santalum album) essential oil
5 drops Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata var. genuina)
Pour Rose hydrosol and distilled water into blender. Heat Jojoba, Apricot Kernal, and Rosehip Seed oils and beeswax in top of double boiler until beeswax melts. Remove from heat, add Vitamin E oil. Allow to cool just until hardened ring of beeswax begins to appear around top of bowl. Turn on blender and slowly pour the oil mixture into the water in the blender until it emulsifies (a chopstick is very handy if the blender becomes clogged). Add essential oils and blend again. Pour into clean jars. (Yield: 16 ounces)

Essential oils and other ingredients discussed here are available through the Apothecary Shoppe.

If you’d like to learn more about natural body care, contact the ACHS admissions department regarding Nat 201 Certificate in Nutrition, Body Care, and Herbalism