Greetings Health Seekers! I hope everyone is well and making an easy transition into the busy fall season . . . summer's almost over, kids have gone back to school, the evenings are blessedly cooler, and it's the time of year when I like to make plenty of fresh, herbal personal care products and restock my bathroom shelves.
Today, I'm going to share with you a deodorizing and aromatically stimulating body powder recipe from my latest book - Hands-On Healing Remedies - that utilizes some of my dried garden peppermint. I love this powder . . . it smells wonderful, is totally chemical-free, keeps you feeling wonderfully clean and fresh, plus it helps eliminate morning fatigue . . . read on and you'll find out how. Enjoy!
Peppy Peppermint & Ginger Body Powder
A body powder that helps eliminate morning fatigue? Of course, why not? Here's a stimulating, refreshing body powder to keep you cool and dry and start your day off on an energized note. The chilling effects of the powdered peppermint and the concentrated menthol send signals to your brain that energy is abundant. Powdered ginger root revitalizes the circulation as well, but it is a warming stimulant. Your body and senses are being bombarded by herbal rechargers that deliver a one-two punch, leaving you rarin' to go!
Bonus: This powder can double as a simple underarm deodorant for those who want to avoid the chemicals in commercial deodorants or as a foot powder for odoriferous "dogs" (feet).
Ingredients:
1/4 cup dried peppermint leaves
1 teaspoon menthol crystals (available from www.mountainroseherbs.com)
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup white cosmetic clay
3 tablespoons ground ginger root
Equipment: Grinder or mortar and pestle, fine-mesh strainer or flour sifter, medium bowl and whisk or food processor, airtight storage container(s)
Prep Time: 20 minutes, plus 3 days to synergize
Yield: Approximately 2 cups
Storage: Store at room temperature, away from heat and light; use within 1 year
Application: As desired
Method: Grind the dried peppermint leaves and menthol crystals into a fine powder using a coffee or spice grinder or a mortar and pestle. Sift out the larger, grainy particles using a fine-mesh strainer or flour sifter, if needed. Combine the ground peppermint and menthol crystals with the baking soda, cornstarch, clay, and ground ginger in a medium bowl or a food processor. Gently whisk together or pulse in the food processor for 15 seconds until well blended. Avoid breathing the dust as it might make you sneeze.
Store the powder in an airtight storage container in a cool, dark place for 3 days to allow the herbal scents to permeate the mixture. Then package the powder into smaller containers, if desired.
Application Instructions: Apply as you would any body powder, by sprinkling or using a powder puff where needed.
Note: This blog was written by Stephanie Tourles, Lic. Esthetician, Herbalist, and Author. The recipe herein is from her book, Hands-On Healing Remedies (c2012), and reprinted with permission by Storey Publishing. The information in this blog is true and complete to the best of Ms. Tourles' knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author. She disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only.