So Simple

Basil

The same basil that you grow in your garden or buy at the Farmer's Market makes a good tea. Easy to grow, this annual does make great pesto sauce for pasta, it's good in caprese salad and fresh leaves on sandwiches or in wraps are delicious.

For tea, try a large sprig of basil steeped for five minutes in 1 1/2 cups of just boiled water. For a twist, add a teaspoon of fresh squeezed orange juice.

Lavender Bubble Bath

Begin by purchasing a gentle organic, unscented clear soap at the local health food store. Secure a clean wide-mouthed jar. Cut a bunch of lavender and put the bunch in the jar upside down. Add about three drops of lavendar essential oil to enough liquid soap to fill the jar. Pour the soap with the oil into the wide-mouthed jar and set it aside for a two or three weeks to season. Some people might strain this but you might like the look of the flowers in the soap. One tablespoon should be enough for a bath.

*If you don't know one herb from another, ask questions at your local garden, horticulture center, or landscaping center. They are happy to answer questions because you are their possible future customer. Don't try anything using or making anything unless you know exactly what the plant is and what the research is on the plant. Certain plants are toxic. Go slowly even when making tea from herbs considered “safe”. Certain plants might not agree with you!