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Hello everyone! I hope you re all having a wonderful day! For all you crafty people out there, have you ever used soy wax when making your candles before? Or maybe you prefer wow wax or joy wax? For the soy wax lovers, do you have a certain type of soy wax you prefer to use? Here at Nature s Garden, we actually offer three different types of soy wax: 415, 444, and 464. Soy wax is awesome to use for your candles, this is for sure a product you should use as soon as possible!Did you know that soy wax is actually produced from soybeans? Soy wax is non-toxic, biodegradable, and it s kosher! We are proud to say that all three of our soy waxes are Golden Foods Brand Waxes. Our 415 soy wax is a 100% pure natural soy wax. What sets it aside from our other waxes is that it has absolutely no additives added to it. Our 415 pure soy wax can be blended with many other waxes as well: beeswax, paraffin, and even microcrystalline wax. It has a pour temperature of 110 degrees and at its melting point, this wax will be around 120-125 degrees Fahrenheit. This wax can actually carry up to about a 12% fragrance load per pound because of its high melting point, which will make the candle's scent stronger. This 100% pure soy wax can also be used to make natural cosmetics.Our 444 soy wax is different from the 415 soy wax because it does have a soy based additive added to it, but yet it is still a natural wax. The additive in this wax actually helps to combat many flaws that are also contained in the 415 wax. When this 444 wax is ready for pouring, the additive in it actually helps to keep it in a fluid form for pouring instead of the slush that occurs when the 415 is ready for pouring. This additive also increases the pour temperature, helps to achieve a smoother finished candle, and also helps to reduce frosting issues. Our 444 wax can be blended with microcrystalline, beeswax, and paraffin waxes, has the same melting point as the 415, and a pour temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit. It also has a 12% fragrance load per pound, making these strongly scented candles as well.Our third and final soy wax is our 464 Golden Foods soy wax. This wax is extremely similar to our 444 soy wax and also contains the same soy based additive. What makes this wax unique from the other two is that it reduces frosting, has a smoother wax finish in finished candles, and also has an increased pour temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit. The 464 soy wax can be blended with beeswax, paraffin wax, as well as microcrystalline and has a melting point of 115-120 degrees. The fact that this is a lower melting point actually helps to achieve better glass adhesion for finished candles. This wax has a maximum scent load of around 10-12%, but it is suggested to keep it closer to 10% so that you do not have any fragrance seeping problems.It is important to note that all soy wax can produce a frosting appearance due to its natural chemical makeup. The natural soy additives in 444 soy wax and 464 wax will help to reduce this frosting, but may not completely prevent frosting from occurring. This frost look does not affect the quality of your candles, but some of our customers do not like this frosting look. Most people who are familiar with soy wax candles realize that soy wax candles have this natural frosting appearance to some extent. The only way we have found to completely prevent frosting in candle making is to use a paraffin wax, or beeswax instead.Make sure to check out our awesome class on How To Make Soy Wax Candles, or try out our Soy Wax Kit! Enjoy these wonderful products and keep watching for more Enlightened by Layla!

Wickless candles offer a flame-free way to enjoy scent without the worry that comes with traditional candles. But what is a wickless candle, exactly? At its simplest, it’s a scented candle made without a wick, designed to be warmed, not burned. That means no open flame, no soot, and no wick to trim. Just pure fragrance, delivered in a safer and often longer-lasting form. If you’re exploring alternatives to flame-based candles, wickless options open up an entire world of scent possibilities, especially for spaces where burning isn’t an option. How Do Wickless Candles Work? Instead of using a flame, wickless candles release fragrance through heat. Typically, you’ll place a wickless candle in a wax warmer. These warmers gently melt the candle from below or within, allowing the scent to fill the room without combustion. You can use electric wax warmers with a small heating element or choose ones that hold a tealight below. The key is low, even heat that melts the wax slowly and safely. The wax is often poured into a heat-safe, candle-specific container made from glass or ceramic, just like with traditional jar candles. Some wickless designs are even shaped like pillar candles, while others mimic the look of taper or tea light styles. What makes them different is how they’re used. How to Use Wickless Candles at Home Using a wickless candle is simple. All you need is a compatible wax warmer: Place the wickless candle (or wax portion) into the warming dish. Turn on your electric warmer or light the tealight if using a traditional warmer. As the wax melts, fragrance begins to release and spread throughout your space. Because there’s no flame, you can use wickless candles in dorms, offices, classrooms, or any setting where burning a candle isn’t allowed. They’re also great for homes with pets or children where open flames can be a concern. If you’re wondering how to use wickless candles in small or drafty areas, just be sure the warmer is placed on a stable, flat surface and away from air vents or windows that can disturb heat distribution. Types of Flameless Candles: More Than One Option Wickless candles fall under the broader category of flameless candles, but they’re not the only option. Here’s how they compare to other popular flame-free choices: Wickless wax candles: Real wax, no wick. These are melted in a warmer and offer a traditional candle experience without flame. LED candles: Battery-operated and often shaped like taper, tea light, or pillar candles. Many come with flickering flame effects or remote control features for added ambiance. Wax melts: Similar to wickless candles but typically poured into molds or clamshells and used in small portions. Oil diffusers: A separate category entirely, but also offer flame-free fragrance. While LED lights create a visual effect, wickless candles offer the scent-focused experience of real wax, just without the fire. What Is the Point of a Wickless Candle? A wickless candle lets you enjoy the scent and aesthetics of a candle without the fire hazards. That’s especially important for those who love home fragrance but can’t, or don’t want to, use open flames. Whether it's due to building restrictions, young kids at home, or sensitivity to smoke, wickless candles provide a way to keep fragrance part of your everyday space. They also tend to last longer in terms of scent output. Since you’re not burning the wax away, it can be melted and remelted several times before the fragrance fades. Some users prefer the clean look and ease of cleanup with wickless setups too, no soot, no tunneling, and no risk of forgetting to blow it out. Are Wickless Candles Safe? Wickless candles are widely considered a safer alternative to traditional candles. Because there’s no flame, there’s less risk of fire, smoke, or hot wax splatter. However, it's still important to follow basic safety: Use warmers on a heat-safe surface. Don’t leave them unattended while in use. Keep them out of reach of pets and children. Always use appropriate, candle-safe containers. For candle makers and hobbyists, wickless designs are also a fun way to work with fragrance oils without needing to test for wick compatibility or burn performance. How Long Do Wickless Candles Last? The longevity of a wickless candle depends on a few factors: Fragrance load: How much fragrance oil is in the wax. Warmer temperature: Higher temps may release scent faster but reduce lifespan. Size of the wax: Larger pours take longer to melt and can last for multiple uses. In general, a well-formulated wickless candle can provide 20 to 40 hours of fragrance output, sometimes more if used intermittently. Once the scent fades, you can remove the wax and replace it with a fresh pour or new melt. Wickless Candles Are All About Flexibility From small apartments to scent-filled shops, wickless candles let you enjoy your favorite fragrances in more places. Whether you're sensitive to smoke, limited by rules against open flames, or simply love experimenting with new wax formulas, wickless options give you more control over how and where you enjoy scent. If you’re curious about making your own, Nature’s Garden carries all the supplies you need to pour clean, strong-scented wickless candles, just remember to use proper containers and check your fragrance oil usage against current IFRA guidelines.  

Incense has been a cornerstone of cultural, spiritual, and personal rituals for centuries, with each region of the world contributing its own unique methods and ingredients. From sacred ceremonies to everyday relaxation, incense connects us to tradition while creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Let’s explore types of incense from around the world and their distinctive qualities. What is Incense? Incense refers to aromatic substances that release fragrant smoke when burned. It comes in various forms, including sticks, cones, resins, and powders, and is made from a mix of natural ingredients such as wood, herbs, resins, and essential oils. Different regions craft their incense with unique ingredients and techniques, leading to a wide variety of styles and uses. Types of Incense by Country 1. Indian Incense Indian incense, also known as agarbatti, is renowned for its vibrant fragrances and spiritual significance. Typically made with bamboo sticks, charcoal, and fragrant oils, Indian incense is often used in meditation, prayer, and ceremonies. Common scents include sandalwood, jasmine, and patchouli. 2. Japanese Incense Japanese incense is crafted with precision and artistry, often without a bamboo core for a cleaner burn. Known as "koh," it features subtle and refined scents like aloeswood, agarwood, and cherry blossom. Japanese incense is frequently used for tea ceremonies, Zen practices, and relaxation. 3. Tibetan Incense Made without a stick core, Tibetan incense is hand-rolled from natural herbs, spices, and resins. These blends often include medicinal and therapeutic ingredients, such as juniper, myrrh, and saffron. Tibetan incense is traditionally used in religious ceremonies and healing rituals. 4. Middle Eastern Incense The Middle East is famous for its use of resin-based incense, such as frankincense and myrrh. These types of incense are burned on charcoal to release their rich, earthy aroma. Often used in religious ceremonies and hospitality traditions, Middle Eastern incense is deeply tied to cultural identity. 5. Chinese Incense Chinese incense sticks are commonly used in temples and homes for spiritual offerings and relaxation. Ingredients like sandalwood, camphor, and agarwood are combined to create scents that balance energy and promote harmony. 6. African Incense In Africa, natural materials such as tree barks, herbs, and resins are used to create incense. Frankincense and myrrh are especially popular, symbolizing purification and spirituality. African incense often plays a key role in traditional ceremonies and rituals. 7. Native American Incense (Smudging) Native American cultures use dried herbs like white sage, cedar, and sweetgrass for smudging ceremonies. The smoke is believed to cleanse negative energy and purify spaces, making it a powerful spiritual tool. Different Types of Incense Forms Incense comes in various forms, each suited to different uses: Sticks: Popular for meditation and relaxation, incense sticks are easy to light and widely available. Cones: Compact and convenient, cones burn faster and produce an intense aroma. Resins: Resins like frankincense and copal are burned on charcoal for ceremonial uses. Powders: Used in rituals, powdered incense can be sprinkled over hot embers for a strong, lasting scent. How to Use Incense Around the World No matter the type of incense, its uses are universal: Spiritual Practices: Incense is a key component in rituals, prayers, and meditation across cultures. Aromatherapy: Many types of incense offer calming and therapeutic benefits, perfect for relaxation or focus. Celebrations and Traditions: Incense is often used during holidays, weddings, and festivals to enhance the atmosphere. Explore Incense-Making with Nature’s Garden Curious about creating your own incense inspired by incense around the world? Nature’s Garden offers premium incense-making supplies, including DPG solvent, bamboo sticks, and a wide range of fragrance oils to bring your unique vision to life. Crafting incense is an art that connects us to ancient traditions while allowing us to create something truly personal. Explore different types of incense and bring the world’s most beloved aromas into your space with Nature’s Garden!

Choosing the right wick for your homemade candles is one of the most important parts of candle making! The candle's wick is what feeds the flame to keep it going, as the wick collects the candle wax vapor as the wax is heated. So, a good wick will keep your flame burning evenly and for a long time! Since there are many types of candle wicks, we thought it would be useful to have a guide with candle wick information all in one place. So, this blog explains the importance of choosing the best wick along with some details on the wicks available from Natures Garden!Types of Candle Wicks: Choosing a TypeThere are three main types that nearly all candle wicks fall into. First, we have the most common type of candle wick, which are flat wicks. These are usually made from three bundles of fiber knitted together and are very consistent in burning. Plus, they curl in the flame for a self-trimming effect. Second, we have square wicks, which are often braided or knitted. These will curl in the flame, but are a bit more rounded than flat wicks and are better able to resist clogging. Lastly, we have the cored wicks, which use a core material around the braided wick to keep it upright. These wicks have a round cross section and use different materials, like cotton, paper, zinc, or tin, to keep the wick upright.Types of Candle Wicks: Why Are Wicks Different Sizes?Choosing the proper wick is very important. The size and type you need depends on the size container and type of wax you use. Every candle is unique and many come in different shapes and sizes, so wicks come in different sizes too! For the wick, both its length and width have a purpose for the candle. Also, you will need to know that the different numbers signify the size of the wick. This means that a CD-10 wick is more narrow than a CD-12, which is why the CD-12 wick can cover a larger candle radius compared to the CD-10. We should also note, when a candle wick is created, it is then coated in wax. At times, this coating can make a smaller wick appear larger than a bigger sized wick. It's not really larger, it simply has a thicker wax coating than the larger candle wick.Types of Candle Wicks: Why is my candle wick mushrooming?One issue that you can have due to choosing the wrong size wick is mushrooming. This is when a build up of carbon forms on your wick and creates a sort of mushroom-like shape. If your wick is too large for you container, then your candle will burn way too fast. This rapid burning leads to an increased amount of build up in a short time and causes the mushrooming appearance.Types of Candle Wicks: What is tunneling in candles?Another issue that you could run into is tunneling. This is when the flame doesn't burn all the way to the edges, which leaves a ring around the outside. Not only does this waste parts of you candle that could've been put to good use, but this can make it difficult to relight as the flame begins to drop further. Some times you can have this with the correct sized wick, but there are ways to prevent this from happening. For example, a memory burn and longer burns can make sure that all of the wax is used as the flame burns. However, a wick that is too small for your container will tunnel no matter what you do.Types of Candle Wicks: CD Candle WicksFirst, we have the CD Candle Wicks, which are made of a flat, cotton braid with a special paper around it. This is perfect for a hot flame as this gives the wick excellent capillary action. Also, this wick will provide a cleaner burn, is basically self- trimming, and can be used in any type of wax. If you are looking for the best wick for soy wax or vegetate wax, then this is a good option to try out! So, its no wonder why this wick is a favorite for many of us at Natures GardenTypes of Candle Wicks: Guide for CD Candle Wicks CD5 candle wicks- Use with votives and containers 2 inch in diameter. CD7 candle wicks- Use with containers approximately 2.5 inches in diameter. CD10 candle wicks- Use with Medium sized containers approximately 3 inches in diameter. CD 12 candle wicks- Use with medium sized containers approximately 3- 3.5 inches in diameter. CD14 candle wicks- Use with Large sized containers approximately 4 inches in diameter. CD16 candle wicks- Use with large sized containers approximately 4.25 inches in diameter. CD18 candle wicks- Use with large containers approximately 4.5 inches in diameter. CD20 candle wicks- Use with extra large containers approximately 5 inches in diameter. CD 22 candle wicks- Extra large wick for use in large containers approximately 5.5 inches in diameter.Types of Candle Wicks: Hemp Candle WicksNext, we have the Hemp Candle Wicks. These are braided wicks like many candle wicks, but they use natural hemp fibers instead of the typical cotton fibers. This makes the wick more rigid, so it can stay more on its own. Plus, these fibers allow the candle wick to provide a hotter burn. This wick can be used perfectly for any and all candle waxes. Plus, this wick is another great one to try for anyone looking for the best wick for soy wax!Types of Candle Wicks: Guide for Hemp Candle Wicks 838 Hemp candle wicks- use for votives and small candles- 1.5 to 2 inch diameter. 1400 Hemp candle wicks- use for large candles- 2.5 to 3 inch diameter. 60048 Hemp candle wicks- use with extra large candles- 3.5 to 4 inch diameter.Types of Candle Wicks: HTP Candle WicksAlso, you can try out the HTP Candle Wicks. These wicks are mad from a blend of paper fibers and cotton fibers that create a flat, braided design. This design provides the wick with a hotter and cleaner burn that you are sure to enjoy! Plus, this wick's cleaner burn is able to reduce any issues with either smoking or mushrooming. Although these wicks can be used effectively in any kind of candle wax, we would recommend these wicks for your Gel Wax or Soy Wax. HTP wick's performance for these two types of wax is phenomenal!Types of Candle Wicks: Guide for HTP Candle Wicks HTP-31 candle wick (2.5 inch) (20mm tab, 3mm neck)- Use for votives or small containers with a diameter of approximately 1.5 inches. HTP-52 candle wick (4 inch)(20mm tab, 3mm neck) - Use for containers with a diameter of approximately 2.5 inches. HTP-73 candle wicks (6 inch)(20mm tab, 3mm neck) - Use for medium sized containers with a diameter of approximately 3 inches. HTP-83 candle wicks (7 inch)(20mm tab, 3mm neck) - Use for medium sized containers with a diameter of approximately 3.5 inches. HTP-104 candle wicks (7 inch) (20mm tab, 6mm neck)- Use for large containers with a diameter of approximately 4 inches. HTP-1212 candle wicks (7 inch) (20mm tab, 6mm neck)-Use for extra large containers with a diameter of approximately 4.5 inches.Types of Candle Wicks: Zinc Core Candle WicksLastly, we have the Zinc Core Candle Wicks. These wicks are the most popular for creating homemade candles. These wicks have a cotton fiber braid surrounded by a zinc core. Also, these wicks can be used in all applications.This style of wick is great for creating container candles as the zinc core allows the wick to stand up. While you can use these wicks in vegetable waxes, you will need to go up a size on your wick. Instead of using the normal size wick for your container, just get a size bigger as these wicks don't burn as hot as other candle wicks.Types of Candle Wicks: Guide For Zinc Core Candle Wicks 1 3/4 inch zinc core candle wick (44-20-18z)- great for tealights, and small containers with a diameter of about 1 inch. 2 1/2 inch zinc core candle wick (44-28-18z)- great for votives, and containers with a diameter of about 2 inches. 7 inch zinc core candle wick (44-24-18z)- great for candles with diameter of 2-2.5 inch diameter. 7 inch zinc core candle wick (51-32-18z)- great for candles with a diameter of about 2.5 to 3 inches. 6 inch zinc core candle wick (44-28-18z)- great for candles with a diameter of about 2-2.75 inches. Also, a nice wick for cylinder candles. 7 inch Extra Large zinc Core candle wick (62-52-18z)- great for candles with a diameter of 3 inches to 4 inches. 3 inch self centering zinc core candle wick (44-24-18z)- great for votives and candles with the diameter of 2-2.5 inches. These wicks self center themselves due to their 33 mm wick tabs.Types of Candle Wicks: Spooled Candle WickingAnother fun option to consider when choosing your wicks is the Spooled Candle Wicking- 8 oz. Roll. You can get about 400 feet of this spooled candle wick in either the 44-24-18 zinc core candle wicking or the 34-30 cotton wicking. According to our own candle testing, both of these types of wicks will be able to handle a diameter of between 2 inches and 3 inches. So, this wicking could be beneficial for making pillar candles, as they are taller than most of our other wicks. Further, you can cut each wick to the exact size. This means you will have less wasted wicking due to trimming.Types of Candle Wicks: Candle Wick TabsAdditionally, you may want to get Candle Wick Tabs to go along with your spool of wicking. These tabs come in a few different sizes that vary in width and neck height. The width of the tab gives your wick a base to hold the wick in place. There are 15mm, which are great for tea lights, and 20mm, which are most popular for candle making. The neck size controls how far down the wick will burn and protects the bottom of the container from getting too hot, without this the candle glass could over heat and break. This comes in either the 3mm, which is most common for candle making, or the 6mm, which is good for gel wax candles. Unless you are making tea lights or using gel wax, you will likely want to use the 20mm standard 3mm neck tabs.Types of Candle Wicks: Votive Candle Wick PinWhile the Votive Candle Wick Pin isn't necessary a wick, it can be very useful tool for wicking! If you want to create fun candles without containers, then the wick pin is a great way to keep your wick centered. While this pin was designed to create votive candles with perfectly centered wicks, this pin is great for other fun shapes, too! We have use this pin to create cupcake candles, smores candles, and so much more! This particular pin is 2 and 5/16 inches tall, so you can use it for smaller candle designs and, of course, votive candles.Types of Candle Wicks: History of CandlesAccording to the National Candle Association, candles are an ancient tool that have evolved right along side mankind. Beginning as primitive candles with reeds or beeswax, early Egyptian and Roman societies used these to light their homes and perform ceremonies. Then, the candles changed over the centuries as the ingredients were improved and changed. Overtime, they went from a source of light to a method of scenting the home, as we use them today.Types of Candle Wicks: Give Us a ShoutWe hope that you learned something new that you can use in future candle making. If you are interested in learning more, then you can find more detailed information on either our wicking chart or Science of Candle Wicking Class. Also, you can reach out to us at Natures Garden with any other unanswered questions. An easy way to contact us is through social media. We are available on our Facebook page. Also, you can find us on Instagram and Twitter with @ngscents. We can't wait to hear from you!Note: We do not accept returns on our wicks.

There are many beneficial properties in spearmint leaves that you can use for your whole body. There is spearmint that you can use to create food and herbal teas. Also, there are herbs like ours that you can use to nourish your body from the outside in. Further, there are tons of beneficial properties that can be utilized. Whether you are looking for a natural remedy for a cold or just love the aroma of spearmint, you are sure to enjoy this cosmetic herb. The Natures Garden Spearmint Leaf Cut and Sifted herb is perfect for creating herbal spearmint soap and so many more wholesale bath and body products. So, try out some of these spearmint leaf benefits in your own natural bath and body recipes.Spearmint Leaf Benefits: Growing ConditionsWhile spearmint can be grown either in a garden outside or in a planter inside, you will likely what to plant it in a pot This mint plant can grow quickly and possibly over take other plants in a garden. Further, this plant is considered invasive in many areas outside of the Mediterranean and could harm the local environment. The root system of a mint plant is dense and can stretch out many feet and pop up all over the place. So, proving borders for you plant is a safe way to prevent your delicious mint from becoming a pesky weed. Many gardeners will use a hanging basket or separate containers for their mint.Since spearmint is popular for cooking, it is a perfect plant to add to the herb garden anyways. The plant will prosper in partial shade and a pH of 6.5 or 7. Also, the spearmint plant requires moist soil that drains well. Once your plant has sprouted, you can water the plant one or two times a week, just be careful not to water too often. It is believed that infrequent, thorough waters are better than a shallow watering that occurs more often. Also, you can fertilize the soil but be care to avoid getting the fertilizer on the leaves. You could dilute the fertilizer to help reduce or eliminate the possibility of burning your spearmint leaves.Spearmint Leaf Benefits: Industry UsesSpearmint is great herb with a bright, minty aroma and some wonderful properties for the body. Both the aroma and natural properties of this mint provide benefits for the body. You can use spearmint in natural home remedies for feeling sick. Also, you can use this wholesale mint herb to create bath and body products that care for your skin and hair as well as help to relieve congestion. Plus, spearmint is perfect for adding flavor to delicious foods, like ice cream or candy. So, there are many ways to use the beneficial properties of this herb.Spearmint Leaf Benefits: Bath and BodyAlso, this wonderful cosmetic herb has many wonderful properties for your body. These properties are perfect for providing you skin and hair with wonderful benefits. Plus, the aromatic scent of spearmint is useful for your respiratory system. So, this is an especially great herb for anyone that is sick or has allergies. However, healthy people will enjoy the properties of this herb just as much! So, check out all the properties that the spearmint leaves has for your body.Due to this herb's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti fungal properties it is great for creating effective bars of soap. Further, the antibacterial properties are beneficial for treating and naturally disinfecting minor cuts and scrapes. Also, many have found that spearmint was useful for some skin conditions. Another bonus is that the spearmint herb has a cooling and refreshing feeling for the skin. Some people have found that spearmint was effective for treating their acne. So, this is a perfect ingredient for making spearmint soap or even lotion recipes. Also, you can include this cosmetic herb to create cleansing hair care products. This herb would be perfect for a natural lice remedy recipe. Plus, the soothing properties are useful for reducing the irritation of an itchy, dry scalp.Spearmint Leaf Benefits: How to Add Herbs to RecipesIf you are interested in adding this cosmetic herb to your homemade bath and body products, there are a few ways you can do it. First, you can add the whole herbs to the recipe. This can be especially useful for creating a light exfoliation in your final product. However, this isn't the only way to include this natural herb. Anyone that wants a smooth product can use a teabag to hold the herb and soak them in the ingredients. If your recipe uses water, then you can create a tea. Similarly, you can soak the herbal tea bag in your melting oils for recipes that don't use any water. This will allow the beneficial properties to escape form the herb to incorporate into your natural recipe.Spearmint Leaf Benefits: Natures Garden RecipesWe included this wonderful herb in our own bath bomb supplies wholesale to create the Sinus Relief Bath Bomb Recipe. This recipe uses both peppermint leaf and spearmint leaf to enhance the scent of our Sinus Relief Fragrance Oil. This fragrance oil has a cool, crisp blend of camphor, eucalyptus, and mint that makes it perfect for clearing your sinuses. In fact, it smells just like Vick's Vapor Rub! So, the mint herbs blended perfectly to add a stronger mint note to the fantastic aroma. Spearmint Leaf Benefits: Medicinal UsesNot only is spearmint enjoyed for its flavor, but it has some medicinal properties that many people enjoy. Often, people will create a tea with spearmint to benefit from these properties. This will allow the body take in a larger amount without too much extra other stuff. But, you can also add spearmint to a sweet tea or even food. So, there are plenty of options for you to get these beneficial properties into your system. Check out all the potential benefits for you body before you look into the different types of food that you can create!First, many people use spearmint on its own or in teas to settle their stomachs. This mint herb is useful for soothing your stomach during digestion and dealing with indigestion. Further, some studies have shown that spearmint can be used to reduce nausea due to illness, morning sickness, or even motion sickness. Not only will spearmint help to calm your sick stomach, but it has been known to be beneficial for treating respiratory problems, like colds. Plus, there is evidence that the aroma of spearmint is useful for allergies and asthma.Spearmint Leaf Benefits: Spearmint Tea HormonesAdditionally, spearmint has been found to help regulate the hormones that may throw our periods out of wack. So, any ladies out there that are frustrated with irregular periods may want to give spearmint a try. Not only do some people find that this herb is able to help stabilize irregular periods, but some women have been able to solve their issue of early menopause. Further, many women have found spearmint tea useful for relieving symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. The spearmint has been known to help balance the excess androgens produced by the body by suppressing testosterone a bit. So, this may be useful for keeping the hormone imbalances in check and remedying the symptoms.Spearmint Leaf Benefits: Food and BeverageSpearmint is one of the most beloved types of mint, as it has cool and crisp notes a peppermint with a sweeter, smoother taste. Since spearmint is about as popular as peppermint, it has been incorporated into quite a lot of different types of food. First, spearmint has been used to flavor different candies and desserts, which is perfect for achieving a great, mint taste that is sweet and delicious. If you are looking for a yummy dessert recipe to try using fresh spearmint at home, then check out Martha Stewart's Fresh Spearmint Ice Cream recipe! This ice cream recipe uses natural ingredients to create a scrumptious dessert without ever leaving the comfort of home.Also, spearmint is used to create teas or naturally flavor drinks like sweet tea. Although many people prepare spearmint this way to enjoy its medicinal properties, as it is simple to make, it is actually tasty, too. Plus, spearmint is even occasionally used as a garnish or a flavoring in certain recipes. So, there are tons of ways that spearmint has been integrated into our foods. Further, spearmint is used in gum, mouth wash. and tooth paste. The spearmint is added both the cool, refreshing flavor and the benefits it can provide for your mouth. Spearmint has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that are useful for killing bad bacteria in your mouth. So, spearmint will keep bad breath away as well as help to promote healthy teeth and gums.Spearmint Leaf Benefits: OtherAlso, you can use spearmint to create a homemade mosquito repellent recipe, as it has been known to repel various insects. So, you can create a natural lotion recipe that is both loving for the skin and repels pesky bugs. Also, it thought that the herb may repel other pests, like moths, flies, and ants. Although you may not need to repel these bugs from swarming you, the spearmint can be useful for creating natural bug repellent for your home.Additionally, some people believe that the aroma of spearmint has relaxing properties that are useful for dealing with some negative emotions. You can use the oil to relieve stress. It is said that spearmint helps to relax you by reducing headaches and by helping to promote overall brain health. Also, some have found that this was able to help with anxiety and depression. Plus, using spearmint as aroma therapy is thought to improve alertness too. This is useful for periods of heavy work, or feeling tired, and lose of motivation. So, you can use this herb to combat the stresses of being overworked.Spearmint Leaf Benefits: History of SpearmintSpearmint originally began growing in Mediterranean. It was initially used to scent bath water, clear the voice, cure hiccups, and more. Plus, it was used as an aphrodisiac in Greece. Later, it spread to other areas in Europe, including Great Britain. Then, spearmint was brought to American by the pilgrims for aromatic and herbal purposes. Although this plant is useful for us and has many benefits, spearmint is considered an invasive species in many places outside of the Mediterranean.Spearmint Leaf Benefits: Ask Us Your QuestionsWe hope that you enjoyed this cosmetic blog on spearmint and learned something about its uses and benefits. You can use this herb in your natural bath and body products and enjoy the wonderful benefits. Plus, you can mix it with other Herbs and Spices from our website. If you have any questions about using this herb, then please reach out to us. We are available on the Natures Garden Facebook page and you can find us on Twitter or Instagram using @ngscents. Also, feel free to share your opinions on this herbs and your favorite recipe to include spearmint in. Good luck with your wonderful recipes and we hope to hear from you soon.Spearmint Leaf Benefits: Reminder About Our HerbsNote: Natures Garden sells herbs, like our Spearmint Leaf Cut & Sifted, for external use only. Although some people use spearmint leaves in food, we do not sell our herbs as food items. So, the information that we provide about our herbs is only for educational purposes. We do not intend for you to use this information to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated any of this information. Make sure that you keep all herbs out of reach of children and pets. Also, pregnant and/or lactating women should take special care and attention when handling any of our herbs. Natures Garden accepts no responsibility (written or implied) for any products you make with our herbs. Also, all product testing is the responsibility of the customer.

There are many different Types of Emulsifying Wax that you can use in your homemade cosmetic recipes. Each of these emulsifying agents are very important for creating products that combine luxurious oils with water. This is exactly what happens when the oils and water separate in a bottle of Italian Salad Dressing. While you can shake these ingredients together, they will separate again without an emulsifying agent. Although this works fine for salad dressings, nobody wants to blend their cosmetic products everything they use them! So, it is important to use one of the emulsifying agents to perfectly blend your oil and water together in your homemade products. If you would like to learn more about the emulsifying agents available at Natures Garden and what recipes you can create with them, then this is the blog for you!Types of Emulsifying Wax: BTMS 25 EmulsifierThe BTMS 25 Emulsifier, or Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetearyl Alcohol, is a natural emulsifying ingredient that is great for your homemade cosmetics. Not only is this product naturally derived from Colza Oil, but it is very conditioning and gentle for the skin, as well. So, this cosmetic product is perfect for creating creams, lotions, and conditioners that with provide a soft, moisturized feeling to the skin.Types of Emulsifying Wax: Cucumber Wasabi Cilantro Hair Conditioner RecipeOne of the many recipes that perfectly incorporates BTMS 25 Emulsifier is the Cucumber Wasabi Cilantro Hair Conditioner Recipe. You will love this hair recipe, as it conditions and strengthens your hair! Also, this lotion recipe has a refreshing spa-like scent that is strong and amazingly clean due to the Cucumber Wassabi Cilantro Fragrance Oil with notes of grapefruit and lime, with middle notes of fresh cucumber, guava, and passionfruit, and base notes of wasabi, cilantro, and fern.Types of Emulsifying Wax: Chamomile Light Lotion RecipeAnother recipe that the BTMS 25 Emulsifier is perfect for is our Chamomile Light Lotion Recipe. This light, moisturizing recipe allows you to create homemade lotion that is skin loving and moisturizing. Not only does this recipe use ingredients that are wonderful for the skin, but it is scented with the fresh, herbal aroma of our Chamomile Fragrance Oil. Types of Emulsifying Wax: Tropical Lotion RecipeAlso, you can use our BTMS 25 to create this fun Tropical Lotion Recipe. This lotion recipe uses oils and butters that will perfectly care for your skin. Plus, this recipe will include Papaya Dragon Fruit Fragrance Oil, which is a tropical fruitopia of juicy peaches, papaya, exotic dragon fruit and fresh island pineapple tweaked with nutty notes of almond. So, this recipe is delightfully tropical and perfectly nourishing!Types of Emulsifying Wax: Traditional Emulsifying WaxAlso, you can use the Traditional Emulsifying Wax to create some fantastic creations. This emulsifying wax is low odor, highly stable, and highly compatible, so this is sure to make some wonderful products. Plus, this cosmetic ingredient is perfect for creating emulsions in creams, body butters, conditioners, sunscreens, salves, and much more! This emulsifying agent is perfect for creating thick, luscious creams.Types of Emulsifying Wax: Wine Sugar Scrub RecipeOne great recipe that you can create with the Traditional Emulsifying Wax is the lovely Wine Sugar Scrub Recipe. This cosmetic recipe takes luxurious butters and oils and emulsifies them with real red wine to create a scrub that is unique and cares for your skin! Plus, this recipe includes the scent of the Christmas Cabernet Fragrance Oil, which blends beautifully with the scent of the wine.Types of Emulsifying Wax: Cocoa Dream Cream RecipeFurther, this Cocoa Dream Cream Recipe is another great recipe that perfectly includes the Silky Emulsifying Wax. This recipe blends thick, skin loving butters and oils with the scrumptious vanilla scent of Butter Brickle Fragrance Oil with notes of buttery, creamy vanilla. Together, this creates a truly fantastic body butter recipe that you are sure to adore!Types of Emulsifying Wax: Silky Emulsifying WaxAnother great ingredient for many homemade cosmetic recipes is the Silky Emulsifying Wax. This wonderful ingredient will perfectly emulsify your luscious ingredients to create cosmetics that are silky smooth and great for skin care. If you are looking for emulsifying wax for lip balm, then this is the perfect cosmetic ingredient for you! This emulsifying agent is great for creating all kinds of homemade makeup, lip balm, lotions, and hair care, and lotions.Types of Emulsifying Wax: Foaming Hibiscus Scrub RecipeOne luxurious cosmetic recipe that you can create with this ingredient is the Foaming Hibiscus Scrub Recipe. This homemade scrub recipe is a wonderful product that moisturizes with the lovely butters and oils. Also, this diy scrub will care for your skin with the skin loving hibiscus flower herb. Furthermore, this wonderful scrub recipe use the delicious aroma of the Hawaiian Sea Mist Fragrance Oil with fruity notes of orange, pineapple, peach and strawberry combined with floral nuances of hibiscus, jasmine and lavender that creates a perfect tropical blend that you will adore!Types of Emulsifying Wax: Shea Lotion with Herbal Infusion RecipeNext, we have a lotion recipe that is basically high-end and spa quality. Plus, this lotion perfectly incorporates the Silky Emulsifying Wax. Our Shea Lotion with Herbal Infusion Recipe has a blend of skin loving oils and herbs that are perfect for skin care products. Plus, this recipe includes the succulent aroma of Lemon, Grapefruit, Peach Nectar, Raspberry, Pink Tulip, Soft Jasmine, Magnolia, Wild Honeysuckle, and Sheer Musk. This free homemade recipe will nourish your skin as well as leave it feeling soft and smelling absolutely scrumptious.Types of Emulsifying Wax: Pampered Foot Scrub RecipePlus, you can use this emulsifying agent to create the Pampered Foot Scrub Recipe! This diy scrub recipe uses thick and luscious oils that are perfect for nourishing dry, cracked feet. Plus, this recipe includes the bright citrus aroma of our Tangerine Dreams Fragrance Oil. You feet are going to love this amazing foot scrub recipe.Types of Emulsifying Wax: Polysorbate 80Another emulsifying agent that you may want to include in your homemade cosmetics is the Polysorbate 80. This cosmetic ingredient is perfect for mixing even more oils into your recipes. One option is mixing in heavier oils, like olive oil or castor oil. But, this could be including a higher percentage of oils into your cosmetic recipe. This cosmetic ingredient would be very useful for creating body washes, hair creams, scrubs, and even more cosmetic oil rich recipes!Types of Emulsifying Wax: Green Tea Blooming Bath Oil RecipeThe Green Tea Blooming Bath Oil Recipe is a recipe that perfectly incorporates the oils of this cosmetic recipe. Not only does this emulsifier mix the skin loving oils into the recipe, but this ingredient blends the fragrance oil into the recipe. So, this bath oil will nourish your skin and the provide the true herbal scent of our warm Green Tea Fragrance Oil.Types of Emulsifying Wax: Chamomile Light Lotion RecipeAnother great cosmetic recipe that uses this emulsifying ingredient is the Chamomile Light Lotion Recipe. This lovely lotion recipe uses both Polysorbate 80 and BTMS to create the perfect blend of skin loving ingredients and the delightful notes of the Chamomile Fragrance Oil.Types of Emulsifying Wax: Polysorbate 20If you are looking to create a cosmetic product with a smaller amount of oils, then the Polysorbate 20 emulsifier will be perfect for you! This lovely cosmetic emulsifier is derived from natural vegetable sources and is able to blend something light, like a fragrance oil, into the rest of your product. So, every bit of your recipe will include the fantastic aroma of your favorite fragrance oils or light oils. This would be perfect for creating light lotions, body sprays, bath oils, bath bombs, and so much more!Types of Emulsifying Wax: Sexy Body Spray RecipeSo, you can use this emulsifying agent to create the beautifully scented Sexy Body Spray Recipe. This emulsifying agent perfectly blends the vibrant aroma of our Extremely Sexy for WOMEN Fragrance Oil into this feminine body spray. So, you will have a sexy diy perfume with gorgeous notes of cactus flower and clementine, blackberry, and vanilla orchid along with base notes of white amber and pimento to create.Types of Emulsifying Wax: Manly Body Spray RecipeAlso, you can include the Polysorbate 20 in our Manly Body Spray Recipe. This is perfect for making sure that the body spray smells fantastic all the way through. This recipe includes the Light Blue MEN Type Fragrance Oil, which has a refreshing blend of citrus notes which are combined with middle notes of bergamot, balsam, and anise with base notes of patchouli and vanilla. Any strong, confident man will love this sexy, refreshing diy cologne!Types of Emulsifying Wax: Beeswax White PastillesAnother option you have for adding emulsifying agents to your cosmetic recipes is our Beeswax White Pastilles combined with borax. This is a great way to create some diy cosmetic recipes. Plus, this beeswax is made from the wax of a real honeycomb made by bees. Then, this beeswax is naturally bleached by exposing the wax to sunlight and air. These cosmetic ingredients is perfect for making lotions, lip balm, conditioner, and so much more! Types of Emulsifying Wax: Chocolate Covered Strawberries Lip Balm RecipeOne great way that you can use our beeswax in your cosmetic recipes is the scrumptious Chocolate Covered Strawberries Lip Balm Recipe. This cosmetic product includes luscious butters and oils along with the delicious Strawberry Sorbet Flavoring. So, you will be sure to fall head over heals for both the taste of sweet strawberry sorbet and the silky, smooth feel of this homemade lip care product.Types of Emulsifying Wax: Margarita Salt Scrub RecipeAnother great use of the beeswax white pastilles is our Margarita Salt Scrub Recipe, which is perfect for exfoliating and moisturizing the skin. The skin loving oils and butters are perfectly blended with the rest of this recipe. Further, this recipe uses the Margarita Fragrance Oil, which has notes of lemon rinds, fresh greenery, and the true scent of lime essential oil. This bright, true scent combined with the nourishing oils creates an amazing scrub recipe that you will truly enjoy!Types of Emulsifying Wax: How Does It Work?On a molecular level, oil and water are completely different and won't mix together on their own accord. The water is polar, which means that the negatively charged electrons are unevenly shared in the molecule. This results in water molecules having a more positive end and a more negative end. However, oils are very nonpolar. This means that oils share their negative electrons evenly. So, oil molecules don't have any charge. While these molecules can mix with others of the same kind, they don't like to mix with the molecules other kind.This is where the emulsifiers come in to save the recipe! Emulsifying agents are molecules that have both a polar part on one side and a nonpolar part on another side. So, this molecule is able to mix with both the water and the oil to create a perfect blend that won't separate! If you would like to learn even more about cosmetic emulsifiers, then click here to check out Emulsions: Making Oil and Water Mix by AOCS.Reach Out to UsWe hope that you have enjoyed this blog on the importance of emulsifying agents for many cosmetic recipes. While you can use all of these emulsifying ingredients to homogenize your homemade cosmetics, each kind of emulsifier has some unique properties that may be best for certain recipes. So, we thought it could be useful to share their purpose as well as their slight differences. If you have any more questions about any of our emulsifying agents, then feel free to reach out to us on any of our social media pages. You can finds us to ask questions on the Natures Garden Facebook page. Also, we are available on both Instagram and Twitter where you can find us with @ngscents. We hope to hear from you soon! We always love to see our customers' creations and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have!

Hello everyone! Are you in the mood for something new and exciting to try for your next project? Maybe you re just looking for something to spice up all of your homemade cosmetics? Or perhaps you re looking for a new product that is sure to entice your customers? Well, have you ever tried any projects using cosmetic clay? Yes, clay! Cosmetic clay actually has so many uses, and so many wonderful benefits to using it in your products! Here at Nature s Garden, we actually offer seven different cosmetic clays, but I m actually going to talk about our amazing Rhassoul Clay! This is one product that you should try in your products as soon as possible!Did you know that rhassoul clay actually has many other names? While best known as rhassoul, it is also called Ghassoul Clay, Oxide Clay, and even Red Clay. While it is very similar to Red Moroccan Clay, don t let yourself get confused between the two! In Arabic, rhassoul literally translates to that which washes. Rhassoul is found in the Atlas Mountains all the way in Morocco. Did you know that due to its amazing therapeutic benefits, rhassoul clay has actually been used for just that purpose for over 1400 years? It offers many minerals that are very important and essential to the body such as sodium, iron, potassium, silica, calcium, and magnesium!There are so many fantastic benefits from the Rhassoul Clay uses. Besides all of the wonderful minerals it has, it has many other benefits to your body. For all of you crafters out there, this cosmetic clay can be used in many different bath and body products such as bath bombs, body masks, face masks, shampoos, skin conditioners, salt scrubs, mud baths, sugar scrubs and soaps. When you use it in these products, rhassoul clay offers many medicinal benefits. For example, when used for hair care, it helps to cleanse and refresh your hair follicles. For skin care benefits, rhassoul clay can be used to reduce pores, remove dead skin cells, refresh and cleanse the skin, and also tone and smooth out the skin. It also helps to remove excess oils from the skin, improve skin elasticity, reduce dryness, improve the firmness of the skin, reduce flakiness, and it also works as a detoxifying agent for the skin!Are you completely intrigued with this great product now? Wondering how to get your hands on it as soon as possible? Well, all you have to do is type rhassoul into the search bar on our website and it will take you directly to our Rhassoul Clay Powder page! But while you re there, make sure to check out all of our amazing free classes and recipes and the rest of our wonderful cosmetic clays as well! I m sure that you will love each and every one of them! They are all sure to be instant hits with your customers and your friends and family! Please make sure to contact us here at Nature s Garden if you have any thoughts, concerns, or questions and be sure to watch for more Enlightened by Layla!

Hello all you wonderfully crafty people out there! Are you looking for a new and unique product to add to your projects? Or maybe you've been looking for something that is so enticing that your customers just won't be able to help themselves. Well, what if I told you you could use everyone s favorite food in the world? Chocolate! I m not kidding! You can actually use real cocoa powder in your products! It can be used for so many different industries including skin care, hair care, bath and body products, medicinal purposes, soaping, and the most obvious, food and beverages. Some common bath and body products that can include cocoa powder are soaps, shampoos and conditioners, face masks, facial toners, bath bombs, lotions, ointments, creams, lip balms, massage oils, and scrubs.There are so many amazing uses for cocoa powder. When you use it in your bath and body products, it has many wonderful skin and hair care benefits. In soaps, it gives the soap a beautiful natural brown color. For your skin, cocoa powder helps to renew and firm new skin cells, promote healthy skin tissues, and it also helps promote healthy cell development. Cocoa powder is a powerful antioxidant and helps to repair any damaged skin, absorbs UV light into the skin, improves blood flow, and improves complexion and helps the skin stay hydrated. You hair can benefit from cocoa powder as well. It helps to stop stress-caused hair loss, promotes shinier hair, and also helps to moisturize, soften, and smooth the hair.Cocoa powder also has many medicinal benefits. Did you know that chocolate could actually help fight cancer? Cocoa actually contains high levels of an antioxidant called polyphenols. When you drink hot chocolate, or other chocolate drinks, the polyphenols actually fight cancer! Even you heart can stay healthier with cocoa powder. It helps to lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol, as well as protecting you from a stroke and heart disease. For people that suffer from Alzheimer s, cocoa powder actually helps to increase the amount of oxygen to the brain. Cocoa powder also contains many important minerals for the body such as magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc, copper, calcium, and phosphorous. It also contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, E, and pantothenic acid. Cocoa also works as an antidepressant and mood enhancer, increasing serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain, essentially making you happier!So really, chocolate is actually very good for you! I mean it fights cancer and protects you from heart disease! How could you not want to use this in every single product you make from now on? But hold on, because here at Nature s Garden we actually offer many free classes and recipes, and some of them just happen to be made with our cocoa powder! When you type cocoa powder into the search bar on our site, it will take you directly to our Organic Cocoa Powder page. On top of the cocoa powder picture, there is a little green link labeled Recipe. That will actually show you all of our fantastic recipes made with cocoa powder like our Gourmet Chocolate Bath Melts or our Chocolate Foaming Body Frosting! Make sure to try out every single one of them and keep watching for more Enlightened by Layla!

Hello everyone! I hope you re all having a wonderful week! Have you used any clays in your products recently? Any cosmetic clays? Red Moroccan clay to be specific? Red Moroccan clay would be the perfect product to use to impress your customers and friends with a new twist on your projects! Or maybe you re just looking for something new and exciting to try for your own homemade bath and body products? Red Moroccan clay people! I m telling you, this is one product you just have to try! So let me tell you just a little bit more about it, because I am sure you will absolutely love it! It can be used in so many different industries and products too!Did you know that Red Moroccan clay was once reserved only for the use of royalty in ancient Egypt? Red Moroccan clay actually originated and was first found in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. It is actually one of the most rare and most pure clays on this whole Earth! One of its many uses is for preparing body for Turkish baths. Red Moroccan clay actually contains many nutrients that are very important to the body. It contains potassium, silica, iron, magnesium, and sodium.There are so many wonderful red Moroccan clay uses. It can be used in many different industries and products, and especially in bath and body products. Common bath and body products that include red Moroccan clay are face masks, sugar scrubs, salt scrubs, shampoos and conditioners, soaps, bath bombs, mineral baths, and even deodorizing feet treatments. When used in all of these products, red Moroccan clay has many amazing benefits. It can benefits your skin by shrinking pores, adding moisture, and improving texture and elasticity. It also helps to remove impurities and toxins from the skin, stimulate circulation, draw out excess oils, and it even cleanses, nourishes, and exfoliates your skin. Your hair can benefit from this cosmetic clay as well! It helps to cleanse the hair and scalp as well as enhancing the hair.There are even some medicinal benefits to red Moroccan clay uses as well. It helps to treat poison ivy, poison oak, and many other rashes as well. Are you wondering what to use this awesome product in? Well, don t worry because here at Nature s Garden we offer many wonderful free recipes and classes and our Mechanics Soap and our Firming Facial Mask both just happen to be made with red Moroccan clay. When you type either red mo clay or just red clay into the search bar on our website, it will take you directly to our Red Moroccan Clay Powder page. When you get to that page, on the top of the clay picture, there will be a little green box labeled Recipe. If you click on that, it will show you the names and pictures of our Mechanic Soap and Firming Facial Mask. When you click on either of those, they are actually direct links straight to those amazing recipes! Make sure to try them out as soon as possible! Enjoy this great product and keep watching for more Enlightened by Layla!

Hello everyone! For all you crafters out there, are you looking for a new project to try? Maybe something exciting and unique that your customers will love? Or maybe you re just looking for something different that would be the perfect gift for your loved ones? Have you ever tried anything with herbs before? More specifically, have you ever tried anything with cloves? You would be surprised as to how many different products and industries actually use cloves! They are in so many common products! Common uses for cloves include soaps, candles, lotions, creams, ointments, bath teas, massage oils, bath bombs, scrubs, potpourri, hair conditioner and many other bath and body products! Cloves can even be used for culinary and medicinal purposes! This is one product that you just can t pass up, it is too perfect to use for all of your upcoming projects!There are so many wonderful uses for cloves. For all of the many bath and body products it can be used in, it has many amazing benefits. Cloves have many skin benefits such as being able to treat and help heal rashes, cuts, and wounds. Cloves also contain many nutrients that are extremely important to the body such as vitamins A and C, sodium, phosphorous, potassium, and iron. These nutrients help to keep the skin healthy, treat and remove acne, and help to cure any scarring or blemishes. There are also many hair care benefits to using cloves. They help to refresh worn out color, prevent hair loss and thicken the hair. Also, when using cloves in soap making, they work as a gentle exfoliant and provide the soap with an awesome smell!Cloves also have many fantastic medicinal benefits! They happen to contain many minerals that are essential to the body like manganese, magnesium, potassium, iron, and selenium. Cloves also have many anesthetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, rubefacient, and carminative properties. They are used to treat inflammation, constipation, arthritis, sinusitis, coughs, diarrhea, flatulence, athlete s foot, colds, and indigestion. Cloves also help to control heart rate and blood pressure, relieve nausea, vomiting, and morning sickness, and work as an exhaustion, fatigue and stress reliever. Cloves can even help to protect the body from lung and mouth cancers. Even you teeth can benefit from using cloves! They help to relieve tooth aches and cure bad breath! In Tibetan medicine, cloves and clove oils are used as treatments for multiple sclerosis and hypotonic muscles.Did you know that cloves can actually be used as a natural insect repellant? Or that in Indonesia, cloves are actually used as spice in a type of cigarette called kretek? Cloves also just happen to be one of the most famous spices in the world, and are used as a flavoring agent in many different cuisines! In Middle Eastern, Asian, and African cuisines, they are used to bring flavor to curries, meats, and marinades. The easiest way to get your hands on this amazing product is just by typing cloves into the search bar on our site. That will take you directly our Whole Cloves page! But don t forget to check out our Clove Bud Essential Oil as well! And be sure to check out all of our free classes and recipes! Enjoy these wonderful products and watch out for more Enlightened by Layla!

Whether you are a candle, soap, or personal care products crafter, chances are you have run across Titanium Dioxide in your field.Sometimes, you just want your products to be so wonderful that they can sell themselves. Usually, the look your product has is the turning point as to whether someone s interest is peaked enough to further investigate. Instantly, your first urge is to make a product that is beautifully fragranced and colored, therefore snatching the potential sale. But, what if your end goal was a finished product that was white in color? Ahhh, the elusive white product- clean, pure, brilliant. This my friends is where Titanium Dioxide comes into play.Titanium Dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral that appears with the oxidation of titanium. Once these minerals are collected, they are then processed and refined to remove any impurities. What this all results in is a whitening product that can be used in a wide array of mediums. In fact, Titanium Dioxide is the most widely used whitening pigment for many industries.The additive itself is without odor and has excellent absorbing properties. Titanium Dioxide is not only noted for its whitening power in products, but also for its thickening capabilities as well. Yet, another notable property of Titanium Dioxide is its light reflection potential. It s no secret that Titanium Dioxide is a well known ingredient in many sunscreen applications. This is due to its light reflection properties of reflecting, scattering, and absorbing sunlight therefore protecting the skin underneath from any harmful rays.When to add it: Titanium Dioxide can be oil based or water based. If using water based titanium dioxide in your bath and body recipes, you will want to incorporate this ingredient during the water phase of your recipe. If using the oil based titanium dioxide, you will incorporate it during the oil phase of your recipe. If using titanium dioxide for candles, it can only be used for the overdips of the candles. Incorporating this additive to your melted candle wax, will clog your wick in a finished product.How Much to Add: When integrating titanium dioxide in your products, remember testing is key to finding your perfect recipe. However, Natures Garden suggests the following usage rates for titanium dioxide. In cosmetics, Titanium dioxide is used in mineral makeup as your matte base. It allows your product to flow nicely. For candle making, typical usage of titanium dioxide for dipped candles is 1% titanium dioxide to 3%-6% stearic acid. In everything else bath and body, usage level is no more than 1 teaspoon per pound of soap/cosmetic product.But, What If: If you are considering Titanium Dioxide in your recipe, but would still like to maintain some colored aspects to your finished product, this can be done as well. Incorporating titanium dioxide to certain parts of your product offers a great contrast of white and color; making the colored aspects of your product even more vibrant, bold, and eye catching.In closing, regardless of whether you are seeking out that perfect white bar of soap, mastering a body care product that effectively shields skin from harmful UV rays, or even giving the outside of your candle that clean white look, Titanium Dioxide is your solution.

Many of Natures Garden's customers make homemade cold process soap, and we are the wholesale supplier of fragrance oil for many of these soap companies. Although we do not yet sell the soap oils mentioned in this article, we asked Kimberly Sanchez of Natures Art if she could explain the properties of soap oils to customers who desire to expand their line into cold process soap. Some of these soap oils can be found at your local grocery store. We hope that this information is as enlightening to you as it was to us.This is not a complete list, Just the most commonly used oils Apricot Kernel Oil: Apricot kernel oil is a light oil. It absorbs nicely into the skin and is a good luxury conditioning oil in soap - at about 5% -10%. Almond Oil, Sweet: A moisturizing oil that is very light and absorbs well. In soap it produces a low, stable lather, but is recommended to not use it more than about 5% - 10% in soap - as it's not a hard oil. Avocado Oil: Avocado oil is a heavy, green, rich, moisturizing oil that has a high percentage of unsaponifiables. It's often used in soap recipes for people with sensitive skin. It's high in vitamins A, D & E. You can use it in your recipes from 5% - 30% Babassu Oil: Babassu oil comes from the kernels of the babassu palm. Its fatty acid makeup is very similar to palm kernel and to coconut oil. It's high in lauric and myristic acid, which contribute to a nice, fluffy lather. Canola Oil: Canola, a kind of rapeseed, is a good economical oil for soap making - you can substitute a portion of your olive for canola, or use it as part of your batch at 10-15%. It gives a nice, low, creamy lather and is moisturizing. It will slow down the rate at which your soap will get to trace, so it's a good oil to add if you're doing complicated swirls or colors. Castor Oil: Castor oil is a thick, clear oil that helps increase the lather in soap - a rich, creamy lather. It's also a humectant (attracts moisture to your skin) oil. Just a little will do...5% - 8% in your recipe will work great. Cocoa Butter: As it is very hard saturated fat, use with other more unsaturated oils like olive or castor. Use in conjunction with more sticky ingredients such as shea butter or lanolin. Using too much cocoa butter will result in a dry, exceptionally hard bar of soap. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is one of the primary oils soapmakers use in their soap. Most of the coconut oil sold and used has a melt point of 76 , but there is a hydrogenated type that melts at 92 . Some soapmakers prefer this one because it's easier to scoop - but either version works the same to give tremendous, bubbly lather to your soap. It also makes for a very hard, white bar of soap. The collective opinion is that using more than 20% coconut oil in your recipe will be drying to the skin. Corn Oil: It acts like most of the other vegetable liquid oils like soybean or canola. It can be used as part of your recipe (10-15%) and will help give a moisturizing, stable lather. Grape seed Oil: Grape seed oil is a lightweight, moisturizing oil that is a good additive to soap in small quantities. It doesn't have a long shelf life, so unless you treat it with rosemary oleoresin extract, or have a very low superfat percentage, don't use it more than about 5% in your recipe. Hazelnut Oil: Hazelnut oil has a short shelf life (3-4 months). If you want to add it to soap, I wouldn't recommend using more than about 5-10% in your recipe because of the short shelf life. A lovely oil, but very fragile. Hemp Seed Oil: Hemp seed oil is a deep, green color with a light, nutty smell. It gives a light, creamy/silky lather. Because of its fatty acid makeup, it has a very short shelf life...less than six months...so it should be refrigerated or even kept in the freezer. It can be used as a luxury healing/moisturizing oil in soap up to 10%-15%. Jojoba Oil: Jojoba is actually a liquid wax. It contributes a nice stable lather, has remarkable absorption and moisturizing qualities and unlike some of the other luxury moisturizing oils, has a very long shelf life - 1-2 years. Use it at 5-10% maximum. Lard: Lard makes a super-hard, very white bar of soap with a low, creamy, stable lather that is, believe it or not, nicely moisturizing. Before vegetable oils were commonly available, it was one of the main fats (along with beef tallow) that folks used to make soap. If you use animal oils in your soap, then combining lard with some of the other liquid oils like coconut and olive makes a wonderful, well balanced bar of soap - and is really economical. Make sure your lard is fresh and of high quality. Use it at any percentage in your recipe, but I recommend not much more than 30-40% or so. Cold process laundry soap can be made with 100% lard with a 0% superfat percentage. Olive Oil: Extra virgin and virgin olive oils come from the very first gentle pressing of the olives. The refined, or Grade A oil comes from the second pressing, and is lightly refined/filtered. 100% olive oil makes the famous "Castille soap" and "Marseille soap" must contain at least 72% olive oil. Olive oil is generally the #1 oil in most soap makers' recipes. Olive oil soaps are very moisturizing, make hard, white bars of soap and are exceptionally mild. But the lather from Castille soap is low and a bit slimy. Most soap makers combine olive oil with other oils to improve the lather. Pomace grade olive oil is a thick, rich, green grade of olive oil that is obtained by solvent extraction of the fruit and pits of the olives - what's left over after the first several pressings that give the virgin and Grade A oils. It has a very high level of unsaponifiables (the portions of the oil that don't react with the lye to form soap.) This will make your trace time quicker. Macadamia Nut Oil: Macadamia nut oil is a light oil with a mild nutty odor. It is unique in its fatty acid makeup in that it contains palmitoleic acid - which makes it really easily absorbed into the skin - and is reported to be really great for older skin. Palm Oil: Palm oil, along with olive and coconut, is one of the top oils used by soap makers today. Because of the qualities it gives soap - a hard bar with a rich creamy lather. Palm Kernel Oil: Though it comes from the same plant/nut as palm oil does, palm kernel oil is almost identical in its soap making properties to coconut oil - giving a nice hard white bar of soap...with lots of luscious lather. Palm kernel oil is often available partially hydrogenated, in easy to handle/measure flakes...or just as a standard liquid oil. You can use it up to about 30% or 35% in your recipes. However, like palm oil, palm kernel oil is surrounded by the same environmental and human concerns. Rice Bran Oil: Expressed from the husks of rice, most soap makers found that rice bran oil imparted nearly the same creamy, moisturizing qualities that olive oil did to their soaps. It does have a lot of the same antioxidants and vitamins that olive has, and a similar fatty acid make up. The only disadvantage of rice bran oil is its short shelf life - (6 months or so.) Safflower Oil: Its fairly short shelf life. You can certainly use it in your recipes like you would soybean, canola or sunflower - at 5-15% or so. In soap, it is mild and moisturizing. Shea Butter: Moisturizing and nourishing. Fairly inexpensive and easy to find. Shea butter for soap making will add a wonderful creamy lather, great conditioning properties and some hardness to your soap. Soybean Oil: Soybean oil, like canola, safflower and sunflower, is often used as a portion of a soap making recipe in combination with other "core" oils like coconut, olive and palm. Use it 5-15% of your soap recipe. It is mild, moisturizing and gives a low, creamy lather. Shortening: Soybean oil, in its hydrogenated form is generally called vegetable shortening & sold under generic names, or the brand Crisco. Shortening is usually a blend of soybean & cottonseed oil, and makes nice soap. Like all soap making oils, except olive, it's not a great oil to use alone, but combining it with olive & coconut makes a good, stable, bubbly, moisturizing bar of soap. I recommend not using over 15% as it can go rancid in higher amounts. Sunflower Oil: It works well with palm and olive oils to give a nice, rich, creamy lather that's very moisturizing. Depending on the type you get, it may have a short shelf life due to its fatty acid makeup. In soap, it does well up to about 25% . Tallow, Beef: Like lard, beef tallow gives you a super-hard, white bar of soap with low, creamy, stable lather that is very moisturizing. Before vegetable oils were commonly available, it was one of the main fats that folks used to make soap - and remains one of the most common oils in soap. (Check your label for sodium tallowate. That's beef tallow.) If you are o.k. using animal oils in your soap, then combining beef tallow with some of the other liquid oils like coconut & olive makes a wonderful, well balanced bar of soap. While you can use it at any percentage in your recipe, I wouldn't recommend much more than 40% before it starts creating a brittle bar of soap.