OAK Apothecary

The most basic bath salt is Epsom salt , or magnesium sulfate (sulphate if you're British English) and comes in different "grades" for different applications. Pick up a huge bag at your local Rx store and you're set for a while. Epsom salt has been shown to help soothe sore muscles and tired feet, as well as reduce swelling from minor sprains and bruises. It is also the base for most branded bath salts, bath soaks, and any other name you want to give them. Epsom salt ori ginated from Epsom, England, back in Shakespeare's day. And includes the term "salt" in reference to the specific chemical structure of the compound, rather than the crystalline structure, which has an appearance similar to table salt. Some bath salts contain a variety of different cosmetic agents including additional salts, oils, botanicals and ingredients for show, such as colorants and/or glitter. Below are some common salts used in soaks for destress and rejuvenation . Salts to Con...

Herbal salves are a simple solution to many different ailments, and an easy product to customize to your specific needs. Some uses of salves include helping with sore muscles, headaches, dry/cracked skin, congestion and even changing your mood or helping to fall asleep. Before gathering your ingredients for your slave, you need to first create your herb-infused oil . This can take a few hours to several weeks depending on the method used. You can also purchase infused oils, but making your own is quite simple. Basic Salve Recipe Ingredients: 1 oz beeswax 4 oz herbal infused oil Optional: 15 drops essential oil of choice Directions: Place beeswax in a double boiler and warm over low heat until completely melted. Prepare tins, glass jar, lip balm tubes, etc. by removing lids and setting aside. Add herbal oil and stir until well-mixed.  Remove from heat and add essential oil (optional) Quickly and carefully pour warm mixture into desired container and allow to cool completely. before ...

Herb-infused oils are a wonderful addition to your home apothecary, as well as a unique ingredient to your custom skin care products. There are several methods of infusion, and a project easy enough for all skill levels. The purpose of making herb-infused oils is to extract the medicinal properties of the plant and infuse them into a carrier oil for easier application and versatility. Most herbs are best if infused after being dried, however fresh herbs can be used if prepared properly. The lack of moisture content in the plant material can help prevent spoilage. St. John's wort is believed to require fresh plant material to create an effective herbal oil. When selecting the carrier oil to use, consider the product your going to use it for and the shelf life of the oil. Olive oil or fractionated (MCT) coconut oil are great options for their shelf life stability. Rosehip seed oil, however, is not very shelf stable and may not be the best option when creating herb-infused oils. Herba...

What is Smudging Smudging refers to the practice of burning herbal material. It can be done for practical or aromatic reasons, or for spiritual or ceremonial purposes. Herbs used may differ among different cultures. In North America, Native Americans have been practicing smudging for centuries and believe it to be a way to cleanse the mind, body, spirit.  Read on to learn about different herbs that are used and how to use a smudge stick. Commonly Used Herbs Sage  is the most commonly known herb for smudging and is part of the  Salvia  family. White sage is best known for its ceremonial smudging. It can also be found in different color varieties including blue, black, and red. Cedar   is a medicine for protection. It is one of the four sacred plants of the indigenous American Medicine Wheel, and represents the Southern direction. Cedar has great spiritual significance, and is burned in the cleansing ceremonies for purification. Mugwort  is a common name for ...