Storage

Carrier oils do go rancid when exposed to air and heat.  Many essential oils oxidise with the same exposure and them become more potent sensitizers.

I have been looking for a small campus refrigerator for about two years now to hold my "stash" as I was only able to keep a tiny portion of my supplies in our family refrigerator.  Yesterday, I saw one on our local swapsheet for a good price and now I have a better home for my aromatherapy and body care raw materials.

Here is a photo of the fridge with a few items:

This is more that needs to go in:

I also have several gallon sized tubs of shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, mango butter and cocoa butter that should go in as well, but I don't think they will fit.  The little fridge is a great addition to my natural health "kitchen".

Note:  Liquid carrier oils and the following families of essential oils should receive priority when deciding on what must be refrigerated and what can be stored in a cool, dark are such as a basement:  citruses, pines, spruces

Iced refresher

This morning when my CSA farmer offered me a choice betweed two varieties of sweet basil and holy basil tulsi, I did not hesitate to choose the fresh Holy Basil (tulsi)!  Holy Basil is very nourishing to the adrenal glands and offers hepatoprotection as well.  The link below contains some relevant information on the benefits of Holy Basil.

https://www.naturaldispensary.com/product/5953/l_herbal_monographs

Here is one way that my family enjoys the refreshing benefits of Holy Basil:

Herbed Iced 'Tea'

1/4 c. fresh Holy Basil

1/4 c. Fresh sweet basil

1" fresh ginger

Wash and chop the herbs and place in a 1qt. glass jar.  Pour almost boiling water over the herbs, cap and refrigerate.  Once chilled, serve over ice.  Lemon and sweetener may be added to taste, but the sweetener is not at all necessary.

Fresh basils

Washed and chopped herbs

Heat proof quart jar

Almost boiling water to the top.  Cap & ready to be chilled.

Enjoy!