Make Flavored Vinegars with Herbs by ACHS Aromatherapy Graduate Desiree Bell Featured in Herb Companion

Vinegar is commonly used as a condiment or preservative. A bit sour tasting on its own, vinegars blended with garden-fresh herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables create flavorful variations you can use in salad dressings, marinades, and dips.

In her article "Making Flavored Vinegars with Herbs," American College of Healthcare Sciences graduate Desiree Bell says of one several vinegars from the market will work well, including: balsamic, cider, malt, rice, sherry, and red or white wine. She also recommends using nonreactive materials, including the jars and lids you steep and store your vinegar in.

Herbs for making flavored vinegars can include: basil, chive, dill, fennel, garlic, lavender, lemon balm, rosemary, sage, shallot, spearmint, and thyme.

Recommended spices for making flavored vinegars include: cardamom, ginger, juniper, and chili peppers.

> For a complete list of herbs and spices you can use, read the full-length article "Make Flavored Vinegars with Herbs" here

> Learn to make DIY natural body care and culinary oils with ACHS President Dorene Petersen's article "Make Aromatherapy Herbal Body Care and Culinary Oils" here

Have you made your own body care and/or culinary oils? Post your favorite blends and tips for making flavored vinegars, culinary oils, and natural bath oil here. Thanks!

Recipes for Natural Summer Skin Care

The sun is here! It's time for playing outside, summer BBQs and picnics, trips to the beach. Which means ... it's also time to keep your skin protected and looking healthy.

Sunbathing, air conditioning, and temperature changes can all put a little extra stress on your skin, so in addition to wearing protective creams and a hat when you're out in the sun, here are a few recipes you can use at home to provide a little extra nourishment for your skin. Enjoy!

Exfoliating Mask

• 1/2 papaya
• 3-4 strawberries

Blend ingredients. Add brewer's yeast or fuller's earth if the mixture is too wet. Apply to the face, avoiding the area around the eyes. Apply cotton wool soaked in witch hazel over the eye area. Do not leave more than ten minutes or if the mask starts to sting, particularly on sensitive skins, as the papaya has a powerful enzyme action that can leave the face rather raw. Finish by splashing the face with lukewarm water.

A Cooling and Soothing Foot Mask

Your feet can be the most neglected part of the body - we tend not to think of them until they start to hurt! For those days when your feet need some indulgence, apply the following mask to clean feet.

• ¼-cup pineapple flesh
• 2-t chopped peppermint leaves
• 1-t chopped fresh basil
• 2-T rosemary leaves
• 1 drop cinnamon oil
• 5 drops of peppermint essential oil

Mix all ingredients together in blender for 45 seconds. Apply to tops and soles of feet. Wrap feet in plastic wrap, raise them on a pillow, and relax for 10 minutes. Rinse well with cool water.

Please feel free to share your own recipes for natural summer skin and body care! Post a comment here or add a post to our "Natural Bodycare Recipe" discussion on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=99091122240&topic=14158