The fresh relaxing scent of lavender mixed with sensuous vanilla makes one of my favorite scent combinations. They play off each other in an intriguing way that is truly divine. Plus both of these lovely plants offer wonderful benefits to the body and mind that I find are perfect for the winter and holiday season.

Lavender of course is well known for it’s ability to relax and soothe the senses. It is also very cleansing and healing to the skin. Learn more about the benefits of lavender and lavender essential oil HERE.

Vanilla has some surprising benefits. It is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and full of antioxidants helping to both cleanse and soothe the skin while providing protection from free radicals. The familiar sweet scent of vanilla is comforting for most people allowing a sense of relaxation to develop while easing away pent-up anger. Many folks find the smell of vanilla to be arousing speaking to it’s long history of use as an aphrodisiac.

These body care products can be made up as a little gift set or you can simply make your favorite one to share!

~ Lavender Vanilla Bean Bath Salts ~

3 cups Epsom salts
1 cups Baking Soda
1 Vanilla Bean Scraped
1 to 2 Tbsp Lavender Blossoms
½ tsp Vanilla Extract
10 drops Lavender Essential Oil

Instructions ~ Place the salts, baking soda, scrapings from the vanilla bean and lavender blossoms in a bowl. Stir to combine. Then add the vanilla extract and essential oil. Stir again, being sure to break up any lumps formed by the liquids. Package your salt bath in a pretty jar or plastic bag. Seal well to keep the scent intact. If you wish, add the vanilla bean to the bath which will impart even more scent to your bath salts. Label and enjoy!

~ Lavender Vanilla Bean Coconut Oil ~

¼ cup Lavender Blossoms
1 Vanilla Bean, scraped and chopped
1 cup Coconut Oil

Instructions ~

Place everything in a clean, very dry heatproof bowl or jar. I like to use my glass pyrex measuring cup. From here you have two options.

Option 1: Put the bowl or jar in the oven. Set the oven to the lowest temperature and leave the door cracked open. Let your oil gently infuse for at least 4 hours. I like to infuse mine for a minimum of 8 hours. Then carefully strain the oil through a thin piece of cloth, cheesecloth works the best. Bottle your oil in a clean, very dry jar and label!

Option 2: Put a lid on your oil and then place it in a water bath either on the stove or in a crockpot with the water coming up the jar about halfway. Leave in the water bath letting your oil gently infuse for at least 4 hours. I like to infuse mine for a minimum of 8 hours. Be sure not to get any water in your oil. Water in oil causes spoilage. Then carefully strain the oil through a thin piece of cloth, cheesecloth works the best. Bottle your oil in a clean, very dry jar and label!

Purely divine as a body moisturizer, hair conditioner or even added to other products!

~ Lavender Vanilla Bean Spray ~

1 tsp Vanilla Extract
16 drops Lavender Essential Oil
4 ounce Spray Bottle with Mister Top

Instructions ~

Combine fill your spray bottle with water leaving some room at the top. Add the vanilla extract and lavender essential oil. Cap and shake well. Be sure to label your new spray. Smell often… after a few days to oil and extract will combine and mature together making a wonderful scent. Use as a facial toner, body mist and room spray.

Need supplies for crafting your own herbal creations and gifts?

Need supplies for creating your own herbal crafts? The Bulk Herb Store and Star West Botanicals* both sell wonderful, high quality herbs, containers, and plenty of other supplies to help you!

Find other supplies at your local grocery store and label at office supply and craft stores.

~ Lavender Vanilla Bean Sugar Scrub ~

½ cup Almond or Apricot Kernel Oi. Or you can be extra fancy and make some Lavender Vanilla Infused Oil (see below)
1 cup Fine White Sugar
½ tsp Vanilla Extract
6 drops Lavender Essential Oil
1 Tbsp Lavender Blossoms

Instructions ~ Blend all ingredients thoroughly in a bowl. Spoon into jars or plastic containers. Label and enjoy giving away this lovely present.

Lavender Vanilla Infused Oil

⅛ cup lavender blossoms
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
1 cup of oil, good choices are olive, almond, or apricot kernel

Instructions ~

Making this infused oil is very similar to making the coconut infused oil. In fact you can simply follow the directions for the coconut infused oil. Or if you have more time you can make a more traditional infused oil preparation: place the lavender and vanilla bean (including the scrapings) into a clean, dry jar. Cover the herbs with oil and put on a tight fitting lid. Let your oil infuse in a dark place for 4 weeks. Or make a solar infused oil by placing the jar in the sun. I find the solar method works wonderfully with vanilla!

Happy Herb Crafting!