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Some of us, like me, are not all that crafty so simplicity is key. This 3 ingredient recipe takes all the fuss and muss away so you even enjoy the process of creating your own calming balm. This concoction will not only soothe and nourish our skin but it also is very good for your soul. Gather up the following: 

• 1 cup shea butter
• ½ cup almond oil
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 15 drops each of 2 neroli and vanilla essential oils
• Double boiler and water
• Wooden spoon and whisk
• Small Clean jars with lids, 4 ounce

Melt shea butter and coconut oil in the top of a double boiler. Remove from heat and let cool for 30 minutes. Add in the almond oil (you can substitute olive oil, jojoba oil, any organic, liquid oil that is organic.) After experimenting a good bit, I discovered that the fresh and lightly citrus scent of neroli in combination with vanilla is extremely comforting and also tremendously relaxing, It is so pleasing, you may even consider using it as a perfume. I

 Stir in almond oil and blend. When the l oils start to partially solidify, add in 15 drop each of the essential oils. Stir in, and then whip the mixture until a butter-like consistency is achieved which will only taka few minutes. If you’re like me, you immediately try it on your own skin so do indulge yourself, you earned it!

When someone needs a cheering up after a long day or is going through hard times  we mix up a quick hot toddy adding in one of our tonics or tinctures. We keep a blend of echinacea and goldenseal tonic using the same recipe above in the house year ‘round.  At the first sign of a cold or cough, 10 drops go into a warm medicinal mug. A  hot toddy is traditionally made with hot water, lemon, sugar or honey, and liquor. Using an herbal tea adds a higher level of medicinal power. Gather together:

Warm mug

Roseessential oil is extracted from the flower petals and has an exquisite perfume. Rose is also highly prized for how it relaxes and also stimulated the senses and memory,

 Lavender is one of the most beloved of all aromatherapy oils and it is not just for the singular scene, it has been proven to relieve tension by the reaction of the limbic system in the brain that controls our emotions.

Plants carry potent energy you can use to amplify your magical workings. Use the signs of the sun, moon and stars to your advantage and, over time, you will come to know which ones are most effective for you. Make sure to use your own astrological chart in working with these herbs.  Here is a guide to the astrological associations of plants you may grow in your kitchen garden or keep dried in your pantry:

 Aries, ruled by Mars: carnation, cedar, clove, cumin, fennel, juniper, peppermint and pine

For an optimal outcome to any important meeting-whether business or social,  take an amulet with you. It can be a tiny bag hidden in a pocket or contained in a locket. Fill your amulet with any of the following herbs:

For courage, try borage or mullein

In the days of old, the village doctors were elder women, quite a few utilized the knowledge of hedge witches who knew all the plants of field and forest. For an immune system boost, crush a mixture of equal parts (½ cup each) rosemary, lemon peel, lavender, and the petals of red roses. Place the crushed herbs in a sealable colored glass jar filled with almond or sesame oil, ideally 12 ounces.  After seven days on a windowsill, exposed to both the sun and the dark moon, strain and place the infused oil into the jar.  Speak this chant aloud:

In this dark moonlight, I will see

Basil is beloved because it’s so delectable and versatile. It is easily grown in pots. Take care to remove the growing tip when the plants are 15cm high for bushier growth. Plant out in the garden when the weather gets warmer. Basil prefers full sun and a sheltered spot.

Chives come from the onion family and have slim, pointed leaves. You should sow seeds directly in the ground in early spring, late March or April. Chives grow best in a sunny spot with rich soil, so keep the plants watered. Chives produce pretty purple or pink and perfectly round flowers. Gorgeous in the garden and palatable on the plate Sage is a marvelous cooking herb and is truly easy to grow.