Three DIY Herbal Stocking Stuffers

Research has shown that giving a gift actually brings us far more happiness than receiving one -- not just in the moment, but in the long run as well. Imagine then, how much happiness there is to be gained when one not only buys a gift for another, but makes it themselves from scratch? The happiness factor must be exponential -- especially when the making of your gifts involves mood boosting aromatherapy and delicious concoctions of uplifting herbs and spices that you get to inhale and taste test along the way. So go ahead, bask in the warmth of your happiness-boosting generosity this season as you whip up these easy DIY herbal stocking stuffers to bestow on all your friends and loved ones.

Orangette Lip Balm

This luscious lip balm is inspired by the French treat of candied orange peel dipped in chocolate. Made with real dark chocolate and honey, this balm will not only nourish and moisturize the lips -- but also make them lip-smackingly delicious for any mistletoe related festivities.

You will need:

• 8 0.5 oz lip balm tins
• 40 ml castor oil
• 30 ml macadamia or sweet almond oil
• 15 grams beeswax
• 15 g cocoa butter
• 10 grams organic dark chocolate
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 20 drops orange essential oil

Instructions:

1. In a double boiler (or a bowl placed over a pan of simmering water), melt the oils, beeswax, cocoa butter and chocolate.
2. Once the mixture is melted and combined, take off the heat and add the essential oil, stirring rapidly for 30 seconds or so to incorporate.
3. Pour immediately into the tins and cap.
4. Let the mixture set for at least 2 hours.

Yuletide Cheer Aromatherapy Spritz With frankincense, myrrh, orange and pine, this Christmasy concoction is guaranteed to inspire merriment and cheer wherever it is spritzed. You will need:

• Four 2 oz spray bottles
• 5 oz distilled water
• 2 oz brandy or rum
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 40 drops frankincense essential oil
• 30 drops sweet orange essential oil
• 20 drops spruce or pine essential oil
• 10 drops myrrh essential oil

Instructions:

1. Mix everything together in a quart sized mason jar with a lid.
2. Secure the lid and shake vigorously to combine.
3. Divide between the 4 spray bottles and cap.

Vanilla Chai Honey This spicy honey can be stirred into a cup of hot water or warm milk for instant chai but is just as delicious slathered on toast or even enjoyed by the spoonful. You will need:

• Four sterilized 4-oz glass jars with lids
• 2 cups raw, organic honey
• ¼ cup powdered cinnamon
• ¼ cup powdered cardamom
• ¼ cup powdered ginger
• 1 tablespoon vanilla powder
• 1 teaspoon powdered cloves
• 1 teaspoon powdered nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients into bowl placed over a pan of simmering water.
2. Once the honey has warmed and loosened a little, stir the mixture until everything is well mixed.
3. Divide the mixture between your jars and cap.

Writer Danielle Charles Davies has a BSc in Herbal Science from Bastyr University and in addition completed two years of clinical training at the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism. She has a Masters Degree in Writing and has written for the the American Herbalists Guild and has also served as a food columnist. Her musings, and recipes, can be found at her blog, Teacup Chronicles.

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or sell any product.