Last week my neighbor gifted me a large basket of culinary herbs. It was prefect timing as we had an unexpected freeze during the night. I also needed several projects to keep me distracted over a weekend stuck inside due to wildfires. I am always amazed at the creative combinations of ingredients found in all the homemade beauty products. The following recipe was an inspiration after viewing several other ideas published on-line. The use of both oatmeal and sugar works well to exfoliate dry skin so typical of this time of year.
Thyme and Oatmeal Sugar Scrub Bars
Coarsely process rolled oats in a coffee grinder , you will need 2 heaping TBSP.
In a food processor grind fine- 1 cup of white sugar, 1 TBSP of fresh thyme leaves, 2 TBSP of dried chamomile flowers, and 5 drops of lemon essential oil (or add 1/4 tsp of lemon zest), 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Add in….
1/4 cup of olive oil
6 ounces pour and melt soap base (goat milk, shea butter etc. just not clear)
Once fully melted, remove from heat and swish to mix. Cool just enough to insure that it is just liquid enough to pour into soap molds.
Quickly add in the dry ingredients, mixing well with a fork.
Pour into molds and let harden.
Remove and store in a cool, dark place when set.
Thymus is a member of the very large Labiatae/mint family. As one would expect it has several volatile oils that contribute to its smell and properties. Thymol and carvacrol are both antibacterial and anti-fungal. Thyme soothes inflammation and promotes tissue repair. Topically it cleans out infected wounds. A bath, liniment, or massage that contains thyme may help with rheumatism, shingles, warts, insect bites, staph infection, athlete’s foot, ringworm, lice, scabies, candida/yeast, dandruff, sore muscles, arthritis, neuralgia, bruises, sprains, injuries, sciatica, and large cuts. Internally this plant is known for its ability to “warm” various organs. It supports the immune system and increases circulation. It dries, loosens and clears phlegm. Thyme has been used to treat coughs, sinus infections, fever, bronchitis, the flu, headaches, gas, colic, diarrhea, poor appetite, indigestion, and viral infections. As an antiseptic mouth wash, thyme has been used to treat sore throat, laryngitis, bad breath, sores, and gum disease.
Thymus has a woody square stem, Depending on the variety it can grow from 1-10 inches high and often takes on a shrub like appearance. Some types creep and make good ground cover between pavers. The tiny white, pink or lilac flowers can be arranged in clusters around segments of the stem or only at the tips. Like other members of the mint family, the flowers petals are fused into a two lipped funnel. Its numerous small, flat, leaves are a bright, grey or dark green color. They have an ovate to lanceolate shape which rolls slightly on the edges. Some cultivars like lemon thyme are varigated (bi-colored). This easy to grow plant prefers dry soil and full sun.
Parts used: leaves and flowers
Energetics:pungent, bitter, warm, dry
Element:fire and water
Spiritual and Emotional Uses: For courage and strength over the long haul
Contraindications:Pregnancy, thyroid issues. Avoid in large doses or longterm use. The essential oil should never be used internally. Use with caution externally as it can irritate skin and sensitive tissues.
Blackbird's Backyard Pharmacy 