Once springtime rolls around, I crave fresh ingredients, like citrus and herbs. There’s nothing like growing my own herbs in the backyard. I can head outside to snip some for dinner or to add to my latest homemade bath and body recipe. I hope you enjoy welcoming this season with these easy recipes as much as I do. And remember, make sure to always do a spot-test first before using these products.

grapefruit & Thyme Springtime Scrub

by Danielle Williams from Willow and Sage Spring 2021

You Will Need

• • 1¼ cups Epsom salt
• • 1 TB. olive oil
• • 2 TB. grapefruit juice
• • Fresh thyme leaves

To Make

In a bowl, combine the salt and olive oil. Add the fresh grapefruit juice, and stir to combine. Pick some thyme leaves off of a couple sprigs, and add them to the mixture. Scoop the scrub into a jar, add a few thyme leaves on top, and secure the lid. To use, apply to your hands, legs, elbows, or any rough patch of skin. Avoid using this scrub on your face.

Spring Botanical Facial Steam

by Julia Linsteadt from Willow and Sage Spring 2022

You Will Need

• • 2 TB. dried rose petals
• • 2 TB. dried chamomile
• • 2 TB. dried calendula flowers
• • 2 TB. dried lavender buds
• • Mortar & pestle
• • 2 TB. marshmallow root leaves
• • 1 TB. dried mint leaves (optional)
• • 6–8 cups distilled water, boiling

To Make

Crush the flowers in a mortar and pestle; this step is optional but recommended to release the therapeutic oils in the flowers. Add all the ingredients to a large bowl, and stir to combine. Pour the boiling distilled water to cover the dried ingredients. Place a towel over the mixture and allow the herbs to steep for 5–10 minutes. Before beginning the facial steam process, check the temperature of the water with a thermometer to ensure it is not too hot. The optimal temperature for facial steam is 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Add cold water if need be to reach the optimal temperature.

Sit close enough in front of the bowl that you can feel the steam on your face. If you feel any burning on your skin, wait a little longer for the water to cool. Place a large towel over the top of your head and the bowl. Choose a towel that will comfortably drape over your head and the sides of the bowl, and trap the steam. Breathe in deeply and breathe out slowly, enjoying the aroma of the herbs. Close your eyes, relax, and enjoy this calming beauty ritual for 5–10 minutes, or as long as desired. Pat your face dry, and apply your favorite moisturizer to enjoy the hydrating benefits of the steam all day long. After the steam, add the herbal water and herbs to your bath, foot, or hand soak, or use it as a hair rinse once it has cooled.

The gardener’s Bath Soak

by Jess Buttermore from Willow and Sage Spring 2022

You Will Need

• • 2 cups Epsom salt
• • 1 cup Himalayan pink rock salt
• • 1 cup lavender buds
• • 1 cup lemon balm
• • 1 cup rose petals
• • 1 cup calendula
• • 1 cup eucalyptus
• • 1 cup chamomile
• • 1 cup dried lemon peel shavings
• • 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• • 10 drops lavender essential oil
• • 10 drops lemon essential oil
• • 1 oz. sunflower oil

To Make

In a bowl, mix together the salts, herbs, and lemon peel. In a separate small cup, combine the essential oils and sunflower oil together, and drizzle into the mixture, combining thoroughly. Scoop the mixture into muslin bags, and tie them tightly.

Discover more springtime recipes in Willow and Sage magazine.

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.