What oils are contraindications while pregnant?

I am trying to conceive, and am curious to know if there are any oils, and herbs you must avoid while pregnant. I use oils in place of body lotions, particularly lavender, and rose hips. Also, I am a big herbal tea drinker, are there any herbs I should avoid once pregnant. Thanks bunches!

What oils are contraindications while pregnant?
There are some oils that can increase blood flow and might affect you if you had a likelihood of miscarrying :Clary Sage, Rosemary, and Jasmine would be some of the stronger oils to steer clear of during the early stages of pregnancy.



Burning aromatherapy oils will not harm your baby though. Burn aromatherapy oils rather than synthetic because they will help you relax and they taken from natural plants and just have a healthier 'feel' to them. Your baby will not be harmed in this way, and will probably enjoy the lovely fragrances you are breathing in more than the synthetic ones.



Lavender oil is cheap and gentle and relaxing.

One or two drops only with water in the burner at a time, mixed with the same of citrus oil such as grapefruit or lemon you have a lovely refreshing room fragrance.



* Make sure you have plenty of water in the burner - this may be obvious but some people burn the oils direct in the burner without adding water, and this is not how they are intended for use. The steam is what carries the oils into the air.



Is it safe to drink herbal teas while I'm pregnant?

Many pregnant women carefully avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and unnecessary medications but think nothing of drinking cup after cup of herbal tea. If this sounds like you, take heed: Herbal teas can be harmful, especially if you drink too much of them. Most of the ingredients in herbal teas are safe, but many are not. Herbs are drugs and thus can be as potent as some medications. What's more, only a few of the herbs used for teas have been studied in pregnant women.



Which teas are not safe?

Many of the herbs used for teas, when taken in large or medicinal amounts, can potentially stimulate the uterus and induce miscarriage. These include anise, catnip, chamomile, comfrey, ephedra (called ma huang in traditional Chinese medicine), European mistletoe, hibiscus, horehound, Labrador, lemongrass, licorice root, mugwort, pennyroyal, raspberry leaf, rosemary, sage, sassafras, stinging nettle leaf, vetiver, and yarrow.



Note: You can still eat food that contains herbs like rosemary and sage, because the amounts used in food are generally much smaller than those used in tea — and not as potent (the brewing process for making tea concentrates the chemicals of the herbs).

Among other reasons to avoid certain herbs used in teas:

? Coca (also known as mate de coca) contains small amounts of cocaine.



? Comfrey, kava root, skullcap, valerian, and woodruff may damage your liver.



? Lobelia contains nicotine.



? Mate (or yerba mate) can contain as much caffeine as coffee.



None of these herbs should be taken while you're pregnant or nursing.
Reply:If you look at the brands you currently like, there should be a listing (typically under the nutritional facts) if there is a warning about it. Simply put, anything that has any warnings (like don't use if you're pregnant) has to list it on the packaging in a place that is easily accessible.



Most external oils and lotions shouldn't have any problems with warnings about pregnancy... I've never heard of any that did and I can't think of any reason they would. Some herb teas may have a warning on them, though.
Reply:Penny Royal Oil is D A N G E R O U S to a pregnant woman.



When I was pregnant with my first child, a relative told me to rub my belly with olive oil twice a day to prevent stretch marks.I continued doing this night and day with every pregnancy and never had any stretch marks.



Best wishes to you.

Does anyone know where I can get a comforter with music notes on it?

I want a comforter that has something to do with music. I think I'm going to give my room a music theme. I've seen one at Delia's but it has pink with it, and my room has lavender walls. I want a really cute one, because I'm a teen girl. Anyone know where I can find one?

Does anyone know where I can get a comforter with music notes on it?
look through the music theme bedroom on this site

http://teensthemes.com
Reply:i dont know if this will help cause im from canada.but i just bought my bbfs daughter one for her birthday this month from a store called linens and things they had several colors her was a dark purple with lighter colored mauve purple music notes.the one i like the best was royal blue with silver notes really cool.well i hope that helped and good luck with your room honey it sounds like a good plan!my friends daughter wanted the music note comforter cause her theme is hannah montanna.
Reply:Delias has a comforter cover

How long can you keep essential oils?

I've had some for about 5 yrs and they're still closed. They were always kept in a dark area as well. Can I still use these? I also have some that are open already, but once again they were kept in a dark area. I bought some new ones just in case, but can I still use the old ones? If not in a health way like baths or so, maybe to fragrance closets or so? The scents are Lavender, Eucalytpus, Tea Tree, and Rose.

Thank you!

How long can you keep essential oils?
Essential oils can last anywhere from six months to several years. So, while they can be pricey, they are also a good “investment.”



You’ll know when essential oils have gone bad, because they will begin to emit an unpleasant, rancid odor, and will turn murky or cloudy.





Exposure to sunlight, the air, and high temperatures can affect the quality of essential oils. So, when you buy essential oils, they should be in an amber glass bottle, and preferably have a very tight lid. They should also be kept in a cool place.
Reply:My wife and I use the same to make homemade hand soaps.



The strength of the scent is affected.

Yours are probably in Dark bottles also.



Open the bottle and the strength of the fragrance will tell you right away.



Properly stored, who knows. We have used patchouli oil, I think dated to the 60's , LOL.

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Acne quick home remedy lavender oil?

Absolutely!



Lavender is a natural anti-bacterial and anti-viral agent. For years it has been used for conditions including insomnia, alopecia (hair loss), anxiety, stress, postoperative pain, and ACNE! Herbalists treat fungal infections (such as candidiasis), wounds, eczema, and acne, with lavender oil. It has also been shown to stimulate the growth of new skin cells helping to heal acne and scarring.





Articles and websites on the benefits of lavender:

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/laven...

http://www.dermaxime.com/lavender.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavender



How-to video on how to use straight lavender oil on spots:

http://www.expertvillage.com/videos/arom...

Acne quick home remedy lavender oil?
no use candle oil

What kinds of flowers can be candied?

For example, could you candy lavender flowers?

I know that violets and roses can be used, but I wanted to know what choices I have when it comes to making these dainty little treats.

What kinds of flowers can be candied?
Apple or plum blossoms, borage flowers, lilac florets, rose petals, scented geraniums, violas, violets, Johnny-jump-ups, pansy petals, and, yes, lavender!
Reply:Hello



1.TULIP

2.ROSES

3.JASMINE

4.LILLY

5.DECEMBER FLOWER

6. 7 O CLOCKER FLOWER ( it comes Red,Pink, white)

8.PANCY

9. SUN FLOWER

10.GLADIYOLUS



Take any Flowers which available in your area.



There are so many COLOUR LEAVES like Yellow, Red, Green, Orange which available in your Garden



Decorate the FLOWERS/LEAVES in Reception Room in the Floor or a Table.



You PARTY will COLOURFUL/FLOWERFUL/PLEASENTFUL.



send e.mail to me



subbunaicker@yahoo.co.in



s.s.subbu
Reply:Squash blossoms are often "frittered" and eaten so they should also be able to be candied.

Where can I find a gun metal gray queen sized bedspread?

My boyfriend "allowed" me to paint our bedroom a pretty lavender color. I thought I would make look more "manly" by getting a nice gun metal gray comforter for our bed. Every store I have looked at doesn't have anything gun metal gray. Seen anything I might like?

Where can I find a gun metal gray queen sized bedspread?
Check out the Christopher Lowe collection at Burlington Coat Factory. He had a very beautiful one at the beginning of summer when he introduced his new line. Chris Madden had a quilted gunmetal metallic gray one with little burgandy and purple flecks, but I think that has been discontinued. JC Penney used to carry her collection. You might also try Chadwicks Home, Brylane Home and Spiegel as they have ususual selections.
Reply:Possibly this:

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product....

It says "blue" but it definitely looks steel grey.



or this for patterned:

http://www.schd.com/4/Bedroom/48/Bedding...



or this for more elegant:

http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/ca...

(I've seen gorgeous grey duvets at Restoration Hardware in the past year or so.)

What items can you not send in care packages to Iraq?

I know the obvious no weapons, porn or alcohol but is there anything else that cannot be sent. Can you send herbs like sage and lavender?

What items can you not send in care packages to Iraq?
You can sent hygiene items like toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, soap, foot powder, deodorant, razors, shaving cream, and bug spray,

you can send food items like cookies, cakes, hard candy, chocolate (only during the cooler months because it will melt), sunflower seeds, and single serve drink mixes.

Also AT%26amp;T calling cards are great to send as most camps over there have AT%26amp;T calling centers.



I dont see any problem sending sage and lavender.



Thanks for you support and God Bless you!!
Reply:dont send chocolate! it melts all over everything else in the package..then its just a total letdown for them. also dont send any canned foods without a can opener, or any other foods that they cant just easily open...they mite not have a can opener or whatever.. Report It
Reply:Any plants have to be dried. Depending on where he is, and who he works with, you can send him pork products. I personally would run around showing them to any local nationals or enemy combatants. But they serve bacon at the DFAC.
Reply:Tobacco products. The morbid truth: More than 440,000 Americans die each year from tobacco products than our soldiers killed in this military conflict in Iraq.
Reply:Well, sage and lavender still count as produce, given it is a plant. People aren't supposed to send any produce to the middle east. Anything else besides that is good for the most part. The main things though are no porn, alcohol, weapons, sand, produce, and, lol, animals.
Reply:dont send pork. good lord dont serve pork. lol my husband has told me so many times not tos end that because its a sacred animal in their country.





you can send some sage and lavender..just not too strong because they might think its something else. my husband loves beef jerky and thats a hard find over there. that and little munchies and toiletries. they are hardto come by at some bases over there.
Reply:porn, drugs, alcohol, pork products, liquids, anything you aren't supposed to send through the mail here. And by the way they can classify private pictures as porn.



I wouldn't risk the plants/herbs as the smell would probably make them want to search your package even more.

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How do I get the old-lady odor out of my grandma's wood jewelry box?

I inherited my grandmother's jewelry box--it's 12" tall, 10" wide, and 5" deep. It is made of wood, and the doors on the front open to reveal five drawers. Each drawer has a fabric lining in the bottom. There is a pervasive smell inside the box--it smells like an old lady's perfume, and if I leave my jewelry closed up in the box for any length of time, it comes out smelling that way too. I have tried Febreze, lavender oil, and my own perfume, but none of those have worked. Right now I'm trying baking soda--lining the drawers with tissue, then filling them with the baking soda--which has some effect, but not enough. I've gone through two boxes of baking soda so far. My next plan is to rip up the fabric lining, but I'd hate to have to do that. I really want to make this jewelry box work because it has a lot of sentimental value. Help!

How do I get the old-lady odor out of my grandma's wood jewelry box?
unfortunately all of the spray products you used probably exacerbated the problem .

I would continue with the baking soda in the following way (you may have to repeat 2 or 3 times) Please ONLY get it re-lined if ABSOLUTELY necessary

try this first : place the box carefully into a Large plastic bag inside a big cardboard box. open a box of baking soda and place it beside the jewelry box in the bag - carefully open all the compartments of the jewelry box and then carefully close the plastic bag. Leave the box where it won't be disturbed for a couple of weeks. Like in your fridge, the soda should absorb alot of the odor.

If there is still odor try this : it's alittle more radical but should work.

take the box apart carefully - liberally sprinkle clean baking SODA into each drawer and into the empty box. close it up close up the box again and leave it in a closed plastic bag - leave it for a couple of weeks. it's messier, and you will have to vacuum out the powder after a couple of weeks, but that should do it.

I know that charcoal also removes odours, but I wouldn't mess with black stuff on the velvet or wood.



Good luck
Reply:My question to you is WHY would you want to get rid of the sent of someone you will never see again. If it really has "sentimental value" as you say, would the sent also be sentimental. I think it is just grandma's way of lingering about. I would just leave it just the way it is.

way to go grandma
Reply:You can try placing a small piece of cedar wood in it for a little while. Also, place the box outside in a moisture free weather protected area for a few days allowing it to air out in the sunlight.
Reply:have you tried putting a dryer sheet in each drawer?
Reply:I was going to suggest baking soda but I see that you are trying that.



I think relining the drawers is your last resort. And that what you should try is air and time. Aerate it.



It's a shame that you aren't fond of your grandma's perfume!
Reply:febreeze it
Reply:take the drawers out and open the doors leave everything open for a while and let them air out; for about a week or 2 and see if that works
Reply:Maybe Resolve carpet cleaner on the fabric. the spray bottle for spots. try a small spot first to make sure it doesn't harm fabric. it smells good.
Reply:I love my 92 year old mom, so please don't be offended by my answer!

In most grocery stores in the PET ISLE they sell pet odor spray!

It will mask all most ANYTHING!

I did rip out the lining one time of An old jewelery box. I saved the material and had a furniture upholsterer redo the box in similar material, and gave the box as a gift to my daughter! That is a really good option to take it to a pro.

But the pet odor spray should work, along with if you can leave the drawers open for a couple of days.;
Reply:Ozium brand air freshener sold at Walgreens~if it's good enough for morticians it's good enough for everybody
Reply:You might have to steam clean the fabric to remove the Odor. Perfume is usually what older women ware. Young girls can only afford Cologne or toilet water. Perfume is very strong and hard to get rid of. Try Ozium and airing it out if not steam clean it and air it out or remove all the fabric.
Reply:I would think the smell would be a part of its sentimental value. I would leave it as it is and store my jewelry elsewhere if I didn't want it smelling like grandma's jewelry.
Reply:You don't need to get rid of it! Smell is connected to the old factory senses and a part of our brain that is connected to emotions. (the limbic system) Unless the smell reminds you of something horrible I would try to keep it in there. I have a box like that and I think it is cool that maybe someday my child might get to sense what it felt like to walk into her great-great grandmothers house.
Reply:Umm...

that odor elimintaro thingy

It's not febreeze its another...Hmm...

Disinfect it

Oh you could try bleach?
Reply:cedar balls or blocks found at walmart etc.



.

Do you have to crush lavendar to get its fragrance?

I heard that lavender has a soft fragrance but you really get the aroma when it is put under pressure or crushed. Why ?

Do you have to crush lavendar to get its fragrance?
No, but crushing them will release the oils faster and maake it stronger
Reply:You dont have to crush the plant to get a scent, you can just rough it up a little, brush your hands over the plant and it will deposit the oils on your skin. You can also snip short pieces and put them in a bag to freshen your drawers or closet.



Crushing the leaves will release the oils and give you a much stronger aroma.
Reply:You get to smell something only if it is a gas that is soluble in the lining of your nose. Which is why ammonia is so strong smelling. And perfumes all come in liquid form, never as a powder. They are known as volatile liquids that can turn easily into a gas, dissolve in your nose linings and then you get the smell.



So, you can smell lavender if you wave it under your nose but only faintly. Its fragrant oils float out of its pores (called stomata) into the air and into your nose. But crush the flower and you expose the oils inside to the air. No need to waft out of pores now, but the essential oils can burst out from the cuts into the air around your nose.



Aaaaah! Heavenly. Lavender is one of my favourite scents.



It's the same reason for smelling perfume very faintly when you hold a bottle of the perfume, but when you pull out the stopper, you really get it strong.

What do the different scents of incense mean/do?

Like what do scents such as lavender,Jasmine,Strawberry,wild rose, and ocean do for your body/make you feel. Could you tell me about these scents along with any other scents you know about. Thanks.

What do the different scents of incense mean/do?
Really don't think they do anything except make you feel relaxed and smell good.....ROB

What herbs can I add to homemade shampoo and what are their benefits?

I wish to make shampoo at home using natural soap. I thought of adding strained green tea and neem (Azadirachta indica) juice/water to the shampoo. What other herbs can I add?

I live in India, and avocado, rosemary, lavender, etc which are commonly used in homemade shampoos in the west are not easily available here. Can someone help me out here?



PS: I am not interested in other haircare recipes and SPECIFICALLY want to make SHAMPOO.

What herbs can I add to homemade shampoo and what are their benefits?
Lemon and chamomile give you highlights. And green tea and tea tree oil are deep cleansing. Jasmine smells wonderful. And any citrus extracts make it clarifying and shine enhancing as well as energizing. I would try to add lots of natural fruit, nut and flower oils for moisture and shine. If you have oily hair then add vinegar, or sea salt. Almond, coconut and olive oils help repair the hair from the inside out.
Reply:Tea tree oil is really good. Do a search on it. It'll help with shine and it's a great medicinal.

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Lavender oil during pregnancy?

Hi, someone has given me a bottle of lavender oil for the bath and when i have read the label it says avoid use during pregnancy but it doesnt say why. I cant find any info on this so does anyone know why you cant put it in the bath? I think its ok as a massage oil or for aromatherapy just not in the bath??

Thanks

(im 35 weeks pregnant) x

Lavender oil during pregnancy?
I think that is only for ingesting lavender... using it in a bath should be fine, because you won't be swallowing it. You should of course ask your doctor, because they would know better. This is one of the reasons you should avoid herbal supplements and teas.. because something that seems harmless just might not be.



Edit: Reading more into it... apparently lavender can be a very powerful allergen... and is a "uterine stimulant" (which would mean that it could bring on labor of course).
Reply:In it's full strength form, it is a uterine stimulant. But what you have is probably fine to use in the bath. Just a couple of drops is all you need.
Reply:dunno but get some raspberry leaf tablets (herbal) I reccomend them my second son was born 2 hours after contractions (thats bloody quick)

Take them in last 3 months of preg.
Reply:Maybe the chemicals would be too strong for the baby.
Reply:if thats what it says then id avoid it, if its been made for a burner then it may have something in that could be err "irritating.." (politely).

its probably fine but they want to cover their backs. talking of backs maybe opt for the massage. im sure it will help you relax just as much.
Reply:just have somewhere by for 4 more weeks than you can use it. I'm not really sure why put do it in case something happens
Reply:no its fine i find using it in a bath before bed gives me a better nights sleep than i normally get just lately.

i asked my midwife and she said lavender oil and tea tree oils are good during pregnancy.
Reply:Apparently Lavendar oil can induce labour. So put it by until you are 39 weeks then use it

What if some random guy gives you lavender roses, how would u react?

he'll be my crush...IF he's cute

What if some random guy gives you lavender roses, how would u react?
I'd get a panic attack.

I would just say thanks and run before he takes them back.
Reply:just thankful...

but i wish it would be red roses instead of lavender....lol
Reply:give him a hug n peck on cheek
Reply:I would be amazed that a random guy would give me roses at all. But lavender roses, whose primary significance is enchantment, majesty and love at first sight? I would feel totally unworthy and confused and hope the guy did not realize what he had given me.
Reply:I would either be very flattered or very scared, depending on who the guy was and how "random" the guy really is.
Reply:happy....its a rose...and everyone loves roses
Reply:I'd say thank you.

Then walk away..
Reply:I would be like, for me? aww then start to like him.
Reply:i would say thanks walkk away and wonder who that was.
Reply:I'd tell him he's barking up the wrong tree. Maybe give him directions to the nearest gay bar.
Reply:That he's making fun of me. I'd give him a furtive look.
Reply:Well, it depends how our relationship has been and how he presents them. Say it's a random stranger, I would be creeped out. If it's a friend giving them to me in a nice, friend kind of way then I'd be like "oh, thank you so much!" If the guy and I were going out I'd think it was thoughtful and kind of him to get me the flowers. I would especially love the fact htat they were lavender.
Reply:I'd be like "dude I'm not gay!!"
Reply:I love roses and would be happy!



My husband would be ticked off and would put the guy's face through the pavement. Then I would have to give the roses back...boohoo.
Reply:well.. if he is a random guy that talks then i might talk to him

I love lavender roses!
Reply:say "get away from me you stalker!!!!!"



then throw the flowers in his ugly face
Reply:thank him and wonder how he knew lavender is my favorite color. has he been stalking me?
Reply:I'd thank him and probably blush a little and ask what it is about me that he finds mysterious



Lavender roses symbolize mystery
Reply:I would smile and say thank you.
Reply:i would first be really flattered, and then i'd be wondering who my prince charming was, then i'd label him as a stalker and be paranoid about who was driving behind me on my way home that night



but i'd definitely keep them
Reply:I would ask why, unless it was my husband.

What colors to mix to produce purple paint for house interiors?

i'm painting my daughters bedroom and she wants a lavender or purple paint. the walls are made of wood

What colors to mix to produce purple paint for house interiors?
You'd be far, far better off to buy ready-mixed purple paint at the hardware store or paint store. Mixing paint colours should be left to professionals. For one thing, it'll be easier to match it if you need to repaint a wall or if you want to paint something else later. For another, mixing old paint is a really bad idea; you'll get a clotted mess.
Reply:red and blue make purple, to make it lavender you would have to add enough white until you got the shade you wanted

Creating lavender oil?

How can you create a homemade separator for separating essential lavender oil from lavender water when distilling?

Creating lavender oil?
"Making Lavender Oil - BY VICTORIA M

The essential oil that comes from the lavender plant is highly scented and is a common ingredient used in making perfumes and toilet waters. When you are growing the plant for its oils, gather the flowers from it as soon as the flowers are faded, thats when you will get the most oils from it. To make the essential oil itself: Soak the flower heads in a large glass bowl in olive oil, enough to cover the heads. Let it sit for 24 hours then strain through cheese cloth. Voila, you have your own homemade lavender essential oil. This works best on a small scale of course. Hope your readers can use this tip."



I think cheesecloth would be an acceptable separator.

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Raspberry & Lavender: Diaries of a Lavender Girl?

I read in the entertainment trade magazines that of celebrities and famous musicians are going to appear in a romantic teen movie called Raspberry %26amp; Lavender: Diaries of a Lavender Girl. But is this a remake of original Raspberry %26amp; Lavender - The Lavender Girl or is this a sequel?

Raspberry %26amp; Lavender: Diaries of a Lavender Girl?
who know. i just hope that when Raspberry %26amp; Lavender - Diaries of a Lavender girl movie comes out in the theaters next year we will see stars like Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and rest of them. I hope I get to see Lacey Chabert star in it as Mandii Carson. I heard through the grapevine that the story is kinda creepy..they are in search of Mandii Carson's ancestor's diaries..

Does lavender oil cure pitted face scars?

Only laser therapy can fix that.

Does lavender oil cure pitted face scars?
no oils cure scars! your asking for laser reconstruction or even more in depth then that to correct scars.
Reply:Try rosehip oil (Trilogy brand is great) or bio oil instead. Don't think lavender oil will help with skin damage.
Reply:No. There is treatment available, but lavender is not the answer. It has been used to prevent acne and to lighten superficial (extremely shallow) scars so that they are less noticeable. However, I can't attest to how well it even does that.

Some techniques that are used to effectively treat pitted facial scarring are as follows:



dermabrasion

chemical peel

laser resurfacing technology

microlaser peels

micrografts



These are just some examples... there are other options available as well. You need to see a dermatologist and discuss which options may be best to fit your budget and lifestyle.



You will not be able to get rid of those scars without seeking a professional's assistance.

40 weeks today can i put few drops of clary sage and lavender in my bath is it safe to use?

were you ever told it wasnt' safe to use? 40 weeks should be about time. not much bothers the baby at that stage after all they give you drugs when you get to the hospital. so I am told. 2 kids no drugs. where the heck were my drugs?????

40 weeks today can i put few drops of clary sage and lavender in my bath is it safe to use?
If you are 40 weeks along, I wouldn't recommend taking a bath period.
Reply:You can put it in your bath as soon as you have had your baby.



Why take any chances now.
Reply:Sure and drink some OJ and Castor Oil too if you are really anxious. I did with #3 and hours later there she was.

Good luck and I'd only use a very few drops.
Reply:if in doubt leave it out ..
Reply:It's safe to use. It wont harm the baby at all. They are protected within the placenta for one thing. And the smell wont harm your baby either.
Reply:They say not to use the herbal stuff if you are pregnant. And at 40 weeks your cervical plug, or bloody show, has probably come out or is loosened enough to come out. I wouldn't be taking a bath anyway right now--your so close, too many contaminagents. Stick to nipple stimulation and sex.
Reply:WTF does 40 weeks have to do with anything?

Does lavender lotion make your chest bigger????

okay well i'm barely an Acup and i have been for yeeeears, so i dont think i'm getting much bigger. and due to health issues, a boob job for me is out of the question, and i heard that lavender lotion makes your chest grow....... well does anyone know if it actually works? or do you need a certain type? any info?!

Does lavender lotion make your chest bigger????
er.. i never heard of lavender lotion making chests grow.. but.. whole milk works :) drink lots and lots.. and dont wear ur bra when you go 2 sleep. cuz then that makes them shrink :O

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What's the best way to press flowers within a 3 week time-frame?

Heya. I need to press dry some flowers, Lavandula officinalis (lavender) and Calendula officinalis (marigold) as part of an assignment due in 3 weeks time. What's the best method to use if you need to transfer them into an artbook and have them stay/stick without damaging the delicate flower heads? What type of materials will I need, and will plain blotting paper be ok? Part of the stem will also be dissected, will I need to use another method to dry that part?



Thank you! ^_^

What's the best way to press flowers within a 3 week time-frame?
What I always do is I take two tissues and place the flowers or plants between them, put heavy books above and below, and then put them in out side attic. I don't think pressing flowers usually takes more than a couple weeks. The marigold will definitely take longer than the lavender, so you might want to put a LOT of books on that one, because marigolds have such a thick sepal. You can place the whole flower in together, and tweezers are probably good for taking it from the tissue to the page. Only the thinner flowers are in danger of breaking by movement, so be careful with the lavender, you might even take the tissue directly above the page and carefully remove it and place it straight on your art book. what I've always done is to take decoupage glue and apply it in brush strokes with a wide paintbrush.
Reply:honestly? Put them in a dry room, not the living room cellar attic or room with cracks where moister might leak in and slow down the dry process, it would be best to hang them upside down, in a closed off, warm room. (keep a heater on in the room if you can!) after the flowers are dry place them in a heavy book, preferably the back of one, for about three days, then it should be safe to iron them to keep them flat!

Nicki Chaotic
Reply:You can press them quickly in a microwave oven too. Check this page at my site for some info on several ways to do it:

http://glassattic.com/polymer/mixing_med...

(... click on *Dried Nature* ...then scroll down to the section called "Quick-Drying Flowers %26amp; Plant Material--In a Microwave"...)



For any thicker wetter parts you want to press, just do them separately and adjust the time/etc since they won't dry out as quickly as the thinner parts.





HTH,



Diane B.
Reply:Generally, I've always pressed my flowers in big heavy books, I know that some one will not touch in at least 3 weeks.

Check out the web sites and hopefully they are helpful for your project.

Good luck.