Wax and Bubbles

As known as, Chondrus crispus and carrageen moss, Irish moss is more than just a normal moss or even a moss at all. It is actually a red algae, a form of seaweed containing polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, and iodine that grows along the Atlantic coast line in North America and can also be found in selected areas in Europe along the same coastal line.

The plant is soft and cartilaginous, varying in color from a greenish-yellow. Sometimes red to a deep purple color as well. Irish Moss contains anywhere from 20 to 100 times its weight of water. And is usually used in eatable products such as, ice cream, milk products and some processed meat, such as lunch meats. But, a significant asset to using this product is used for body care.

Irish moss has anti-inflammatory, as well as, a skin softener.

Try this Irish Moss Lotion:

1 tablespoon powdered Irish Moss
1 cup water (distilled)
1/4 cup aloe vera gel (100% natural)
2 tablespoon almond essential oil

Soak the Irish moss in the distilled water for about 20 minutes to soften it. Pour this mixture into a small saucepan and boil for another 20 additional minutes. Strain off solids and what is left is a clear jelly. This is called seaweed jelly. Measure 1/4 cup of the seaweed jelly, then mix it with the aloe vera gel. Let the mixture cool to room temperature completely before continuing.

Pour the seaweed mixture into a blender or food processor and blend on low speed; slowly add the almond essential oil into a very thin stream until it is well blended with the aloe vera gel mixture. The product should turn white while this process is continued. Store your finished product in a clean container with a tight fitting lid. Use it the same as you would any other lotion. Only this product has added benefits and will soften your skin better than any over-the-counter lotion.

Our hands are the most important tools to our well being. In the garden as well as everyday tasks, we depend on them to plant, pick, pull and haul things around for us.

To keep your hands looking and feeling their best, use this rich handmade cream before and after you work outdoors as well as when they get dry from everyday usage. Especially during the winter, we can suffer from dryness. With SPF of about 6; if you burn easily, use a commercial sunscreen as well with this hand cream. The lavender is a traditional insect repellent. Keep a jar next to all of your sinks, desk, and outdoor faucets when you wash you hands then apply the hand cream.

What you will need:

3 tablespoons grated beeswax
1/2 cup dark sesame oil
1 tablespoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon honey
2 tablespoon spring water
2 to 3 drops of lavender essential oil
1/8 teaspoon baking soda

Combine all the ingredients in a heat-resistant container or a double boiler. Gently heat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium high heat, stirring often, do not allow the mixture to boil or it will burn. Heat until the wax and oils melt completely. Pour the mixture into a container or a jar and allow to cool. After the mixture has cooled completely, give it a final stirring and place on a tight fitting lid. To u, massage the cream into clean hands. As stated above, this mixture is a great after washing cream for outdoor activities. This recipe makes roughly about 4 ounces of hand cream.