Good Helpers for Good Health

 It's a cold rainy morning, rained most of yesterday but we need the moisture. Looks like our neighbors to the north and east are going to be getting some early snow.
  Today I have some assorted hints to file away for use when needed.
  Did you know that the scent of lemon reduces stress?  To make some airspray, grate lemon zest into olive oil, let set a few days then strain. Now you have essential oil, and can add  a few drops to a container of water, maybe 1/2 cup, put into spray bottle and mist your rooms. Lemon and olive oil dressing  is good for you and tasty, add some herbs and a great salad dressing is ready. You can also coat your chicken with lemon and olive oil before baking.
  Got dry elbows?  Try mixing:
1 Tablespoon wheat germ
2 tablespoons oatmeal
1 tablespoon cocoanut oil
1 tablespoon cream
Put this blended mix on your elbows and wrap saran wrap around. Let it stay for 20 minutes then wash gently away.

 Got stretch marks? Try mixing:
3 tablespoons of sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon milk
Rub into affected areas.
  Lets think spring. when you are planning next years planting, consider a bed  or marigolds, also known as Calendula.  These lovely flowers have been used for such a long time as healing salves and balms. To create usable oil, just pick a jar full of flowers, pull them apart and dry them for at least 12 hours. If you don't dry them, they will become rancid. Place in sterile jar, and cover with organic olive oil.  Keep this mix in a sunny window for 4 to 6 weeks, shaking once a day. Then strain and store in a dark place. This oil can be used for  aches, bruises, sore muscles.  It can also be made into salves and lotions. Salve is made by mixing 4 ounces of the oil into 1/2 oz of melted beeswax and 20 drops of essential lavender oil.
  My last thought for today , with the colder weather coming on, is a way to warm cold hands and feet.  Put 2 whole cinnamon sticks and 1 teaspoon whole cloves into 3 cups of boiling water.  Steep 15 minutes. Strain. Warm and drink 3 cups a day.
 Hope you are getting prepared for winter and the coming holiday season, can you believe it's only 7 weeks  until Christmas?  Stay warm!