4 fl. oz. almond oil
3 fl. oz. mint or chamomile tea
1/2 oz. melted beeswax
21 drops lavender
8 drops peppermint
6 drops spearmint

Melt the beeswax and almond oil together in a double boiler. Add the warm tea to the mixture in a thin stream, whisking vigorously.

Remove from heat and immerse the bowl in a cool water bath to make the cream congeal, again whisking vigorously. As the cream begins to form add the essential oils drop by drop and whisk them into the mixture.

Essential oils add an aesthetic dimension to the healing effects of massage therapy, compresses, facial steams and body and foot baths. Because they're so concentrated, essential oils must be diluted so they compose 2%-3% of the blend either in a carrier vegetable oil, such as sweet almond and jojoba, bath water or body care product.

Add a few drops of grapefruit to a warm bath and agitate the water, then soak away a stressful day. Certain oils are especially suited to benefit the skin. The largest organ of the body, the skin, reflects our inner state of well being while protecting us from a daily barrage of pollutants. Lavender oil, the supreme skin oil, is cleansing, deodorizing, toning and balancing. It is also relatively safe in higher dilutions up to 20%. It combats oily skin while soothing and replenishing dry skin.