Research has shown that giving a gift actually brings us much more happiness than receiving one – not just in the moment, but also in the long term. Just imagine: how much happiness can be gained if someone not only buys a gift for someone else, but makes it from scratch themselves? The happiness factor should be exponential – especially if your gift making involves mood-boosting aromatherapy and delicious concoctions of uplifting herbs and spices that you can inhale and taste along the way. So go ahead, enjoy the warmth of your happiness-boosting generosity this season as you prepare these simple DIY herbal stockings to gift to all your friends and loved ones.
Orangette lip balm
This luscious lip balm is inspired by the French delicacy of candied orange peel dipped in chocolate. Made with real dark chocolate and honey, this balm will not only nourish and moisturize lips, but also make them deliciously tasty for any mistletoe-related festivities.
You need:
- 8 0.5 oz cans of lip balm
- 40 ml castor oil
- 30 ml Macadamia or sweet almond oil
- 15 grams of beeswax
- 15 g cocoa butter
- 10 grams of organic dark chocolate
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 20 drops of orange essential oil
Instructions:
- Melt the oils, beeswax, cocoa butter and chocolate in a double boiler (or a bowl placed over a pan of simmering water).
- Once the mixture has melted and combined, remove from the heat and add the essential oil, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds to incorporate.
- Immediately pour into the tins and seal.
- Let the mixture set for at least 2 hours.
Yuletide Cheer Aromatherapy Spritz
With frankincense, myrrh, orange and pinewood, this Christmas concoction is guaranteed to bring cheer and cheer wherever it is sprinkled.
You need:
- Four 2 oz spray bottles
- 5 oz distilled water
- 2 oz brandy or rum
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 40 drops of frankincense essential oil
- 30 drops of sweet orange essential oil
- 20 drops of spruce or pine essential oil
- 10 drops of myrrh essential oil
Instructions:
- Mix everything together in a one-liter glass jar with a lid.
- Close the lid and shake vigorously to combine.
- Divide among the 4 spray bottles and caps.
Vanilla Chai Honey
This spicy honey can be stirred into a cup of hot water or warm milk for instant chai, but is just as delicious on toast or even by the spoonful.
You need:
- Four 100 ml sterilized glass jars with lids
- 2 cups raw, organic honey
- ¼ cup powdered cinnamon
- ¼ cup cardamom powder
- ¼ cup ginger powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla powder
- 1 teaspoon powdered cloves
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in a bowl and place it over a pan of simmering water.
- Once the honey has warmed and loosened a bit, stir the mixture until well combined.
- Divide the mixture between your jars and the cap.
Writer Danielle Charles Davies has a BSc in Herbal Sciences from Bastyr University and also completed two years of clinical training at the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism. She has a master’s degree in writing and has written for the American Herbalists Guild and also served as a food columnist. Her musings and recipes can be found on her blog, Teacup Chronicles.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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