My kids keep me guessing on what types of food they like to eat. One day they’ll love a certain fruit, but the following day they won’t even touch it. This happened a few weeks back with some mango we had at home. They devoured it at first before turning up their noses, leaving me with quite a bit of leftover fruit. Since mango is a seasonal favorite, I decided to turn it into a cool summer scrub.

I started with granulated sugar for a gentle yet thorough scrub, and added coconut oil not only for the excellent moisturizing properties but also for the tropical scent. Although I had already decided to use the mango, I first did some research to learn all about the skin benefits it boasts. Mango is rich in vitamin A and C as well as antioxidants; these properties specifically help protect your skin from sun damage, which is perfect during the summer months. The coconut and mango scents combined together instantly transported me to a tropical getaway, all while I was still in my bathroom.

Next time you need a brief respite, try this recipe for a quick skin exfoliation and hydration. And if you’re in the mood for more summer-themed recipes, check out the herbal steam, lavender cleaner, and lavender aloe gel below, all great fits to welcome warmer weather.

Mango Coconut Summer Scrub

by Danielle Williams from Willow and Sage Summer 2022

You Will Need

• • Bowl: small
• • ½ cup granulated sugar
• • 2 TB. coconut oil
• • 3 TB. fresh mango

To Make

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and coconut oil. Add the fresh mango, and stir to thoroughly combine. Since this recipe uses fresh mango, it’s best used right away or stored in the fridge for a day or two. If the contents start to smell rancid, throw it out and make a fresh batch.

Inhale Summer With an Herbal Steam

by Kami McBride from Willow and Sage Summer 2022

You Will Need

• • 4 cups water
• • 8 TB. fresh/4 TB. dried herbs/flowers of choice
• • Pot: medium
• • Strainer (optional)
• • Pot holder/Coaster
• • Towel

To Make

Place the water and herbs in a medium pot, cover, and bring to a boil. Remove the pot from the heat, and let it sit for 30 minutes to 2 hours, covered. (The longer it sits, the stronger it will be.) Strain the plant material from the tea, if desired. Return the tea to the pot, and bring to a simmer.

Carry the pot over to a table, and place it on a pot holder or coaster to protect the table’s surface. Pull up a chair so you can comfortably lean over the pot. Place a towel over your head, and carefully lean over the steaming pot. Only do what is comfortable, and make sure not to get so close that it burns. Take deep, full breaths, and enjoy the warm, herb-infused steam opening your pores and traveling through your lungs, delivering the plants’ beneficial properties to your skin, sinuses, and lungs.

Lavender Aloe gel

by Paula Saalfeld & Alicia Dalle from Willow and Sage Summer 2022

You Will Need

• • 100 ml filtered water
• • Handful lavender buds
• • Strainer
• • Aloe vera gel

To Make

Bring the filtered water to a boil, and infuse the lavender buds. Cover, and let sit for about 30 minutes. Strain out the lavender. Mix the cooled lavender infusion with a few tablespoons of aloe vera gel until you reach the desired consistency, and stir well until everything is combined. For an extra cooling effect when applying it to your skin, store in the fridge.

A Hint of Summer: Lavender Cleaner

by Irena Saro & Cyna Rank from The Natural Home Issue Volume 5

You Will Need

• • 1 tsp. konjac powder
• • 1 cup distilled water
• • 1 tsp. citric acid
• • Saucepan
• • Beaker
• • ⅓ cup coco glucoside
• • 60 drops lavender essential oil
• • 1 TB. vegetable glycerin
• • ½ tsp. preservative: Linatural
• • Whisk
• • Liquid food coloring: purple (optional)
• • Glass container: 8-oz.

To Make

Combine the konjac powder with 1 tablespoon of distilled water until you no longer see clumps. Pour the remaining distilled water, citric acid, and dissolved konjac powder into a saucepan, and warm over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture starts to thicken. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and set aside to cool to room temperature.

In a beaker, gently stir together the coco glucoside and lavender essential oil. Add that mixture, the vegetable glycerin, and preservative to the cooled water and whisk until well combined. If desired, tint the cleaner with a few drops of purple food coloring. Transfer the cleaner into an 8-ounce glass container, and store it in a dark, cool location. Use as is for dish soap to wash dishes. To use as a surface cleaner, dissolve ¼ cup of the cleaner in 1 gallon of warm water, and wipe down surfaces with the diluted mixture.

Discover more summer-themed recipes in Willow and Sage Summer 2025.

Danielle Williams is the managing editor for Willow and Sage, The Natural Home Issue, Mingle, and Art Quilting Studio. She lives with her growing family in Orange County, California.