Mountain Rose Herbs Blog

Savoring Summer

Written by Irene | September 12, 2011

Summer can almost become lost in the seemingly endless flurry of backyard barbeques, harvesting, canning, drying and preserving crops, camping trips, outdoor music concerts, visits to the local swimming hole, and family road trips. Sometimes, it seems as though not enough time remains to relax and leisurely enjoy the summer itself.  In September, as the weather begins to wane in preparation for autumn, take a few minutes to relax and enjoy the fleeting rays of summer’s warmth before autumn arrives. Since these recipes contain ingredients and aromas that evoke and reflect the warmth, energy, and essense of summer, they are also wonderful for uplifting the mind, spirit, and body during cold and gloomy winter days!

Fresh Bath Bouquets

One of the simplest, yet most delightful bath treatments! If you have a bounty of fresh flowers and herbs in your garden, save a few sprigs for this decadent and medicinal bathing experience. Taking baths during the summertime may seem counterintuitive, but on cooler nights or mornings, baths are relaxing and soothe sore muscles that have been overexerted by summer activities.

Pick fresh herbal sprigs from the garden. Some favorites include Calendula, Chamomile, Echinacea, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena, Peppermint, Red Clover, Rosemary, Sage, Spearmint, Thyme, and Oregano. Bundle the botanicals with twine, and hang under the faucet allowing water to run through the herbs. Once the tub is full, you can allow the herbs to float freely in the bathtub or simply enjoy their beauty as they hang from the faucet.

Lavender & Lemongrass Bubble Bath

Homemade bubble bath is not as bubbly as commercial varieties and the suds don’t last very long, but it is completely natural and is so much gentler on the skin. Bathing in the aroma of Lemongrass and Lavender is refreshing and sure to lift the spirits! This blend is perfect for all ages.

  • 1/2 cup liquid Castille Soap
  • 1 TBSP liquid Vegetable Glycerin
  • 1 TBSP Epsom salt
  • 1 tsp. organic Jojoba oil
  • 30 drops organic Lavender essential oil
  • 10 drops organic Lemongrass essential oil

Mix all ingredients together and pour directly into running water.

Tangerine & Ylang Ylang Body Oil

Refreshingly light with a hint of citrus and sweetness, this is a perfect oil for the summertime. Pour a little directly into bathwater, massage into the skin after bathing, or apply whenever skin feels a little dry.

  • ½ cup organic Apricot Kernel or Sweet Almond oil
  • 60 drops Tangerine essential oil
  • 10 drop organic Ylang Ylang essential oil

Pour all ingredients into a glass bottle and roll between palms to distribute the oils evenly. 

Late Summer Perfume

Dab this luscious blend onto pulse points after bathing. It has a wonderful aroma of flowers, citrus, and summertime sweetness that isespecially useful during times of stress, anxiety, irritability, or depression.

  • 20 drops citrus essential oil of choice or a blend of Sweet Orange, Grapefruit, Mandarin, and/or Tangerine
  • 8 drops organic Lavender Essential Oil
  • 5 drops organic Cinnamon leaf Essential Oil
  • 4 drops organic Cedarwood Essential Oil
  • 3 drops organic Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
  • 1 tsp organic Jojoba Oil

Drip all essential oils into a glass bottle and roll between palms to evenly mix the oils. Add Jojoba oil and roll again. Add additional essential oils if you desire a stronger perfume.

Late Summer Aromatherapy Spray

The same blend as above, but in a convenient aromatherapy spray that can be spritzed around the home or used as a body mist to refresh and uplift the spirits. 

  • 20 drops citrus essential oil of choice or a blend of Sweet Orange, Grapefruit, Mandarin, and/or Tangerine
  • 8 drops organic Lavender Essential Oil
  • 5 drops organic Cinnamon leaf Essential Oil
  • 4 drops organic Cedarwood Essential Oil
  • 3 drops organic Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
  • 3 oz water
  • 1 oz Witch Hazel Extract

Pour water and Witch Hazel Extract into a 4 oz bottle with a mister top. Add essential oils and roll between palms to evenly mix. If you desire a stronger aromatherapy spray, simply increase the amount of essential oils used. The recipe can be easily doubled, or you can just add extra of whichever oils you like the best to create your own special blend!

St. Germain Cocktail

Sip on this delectable cocktail while blissfully soaking in the sun’s warmth! St. Germain is an incredible liquer made in France from freshly handpicked Elderflowers. The flavor is absolutely captivating, sublime, and indescribable – like nectar.  This is St. Germain’s signature cocktail from their website www.stgermain.fr

  • 2 parts Brut Champagne or Dry Sparkling Wine
  • 1 ½ parts St. Germain
  • 2 parts Sparkling Water or Club Soda

Fill a tall glass with ice. Add Champagne first, then St. Germain, then Club Soda. Stir completely.  Garnish with a lemon twist, making sure to squeeze it to release the essential oils into the glass.

Enjoy!

~ irene