Greetings Beautiful People! So as you may or may not know, your skin is the largest organ of your body. And because it is porous, it absorbs whatever you put on it. With that being said, I want to share with you the benefits of herbal based skin care and how you can get the minerals, vitamins and other plant constituents that these herbs possess directly into your body.
BENEFITS OF HERBAL OIL INFUSIONS & SALVES
• The oil is able to penetrate the dermal layer of skin to help stimulate and regenerate new developing cells
• Reduce fungal and bacterial infections that affect the skin
• Relaxes the nervous system and relieves stress, (when used for body oiling or massages) which in turn improves emotional and mental state
• Promotes the release of waste through lymphatic stimulation
• Regenerate skin cells following damage from burns, wrinkles, or wounds
HERBAL OIL INFUSIONS
We start by infusing whole dried herbs into a carrier oil of your choice such as olive, coconut, sweet almond, avocado, castor oil, etc. There are different methods that you can use. The folk medicine way is to get a mason jar, fill it halfway with dried herbs (you can use fresh, however, you run the risk of mold due to moisture so I stick with dried herbs to be on the safe side), cover with your choice of oil and put a lid on it. Label and let it sit for 2-6 weeks (or longer depending on the potency that you desire) in a sunny location. Tip the jar upside down everyday or so during this time. Strain through a cheesecloth or nutmilk bag and you have yourself a whole plant infused oil. Another method is to use a crockpot. I like to use 1/2 cup of dried herbs to 1 cup of oil. Turn the crockpot on low for an hour and then on warm for 6-8 hours to allow the oil and herbs to fuse and dance together! Strain and now you have an infused oil that can be used as is or turned into a salve.
Healing Herbal Salves
Once you have your infused oil, you can turn it into a salve. Combine your infused oil with beeswax (there are vegan alternatives out there such as candelilla wax). I like to use the pellets because it melts quicker. Place in a saucepan and heat gently until the wax is melted. You can also use a double boiler. Use about 1/4 cup of beeswax per cup of oil (adjust as needed). Remove from heat and add other ingredients such as vitamin E oil and essential oils. Pour into sterilized containers and let it cool. Now you have herbal salves that can be used for skin care, pain, inflammation, swelling, self care and so much more!
7 Of My Favorites
Holy Basil Salve - Antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal salve great for acne, eczema, bug bites, cuts, scrapes and sunburn. Calming to the nervous system when rubbed on the body. It smells heavenly!
Lemon Balm Salve - Antiviral salve used to help heal herpes, cold sores, fever blisters and other viral skin conditions.
Lavender Salve - Moisturize your skin and soothe your nerves with this delicate salve. It's great for diaper rash, sunburn, eczema, scars, psoriasis, chapped lips, rough and dry feet and elbows. The smell is amazing!
Goldenrod Salve - Bright like the Sun, this pain relieving salve reduces inflammation, relieves muscle spasms, fights infection, and treats burns, scrapes and minor skin ailments.
Cayenne Ginger Salve - Ease inflammation and pain with this anti-inflammatory salve. Also used for sore muscles, back aches, arthritis, menstrual cramps and headaches.
Womb Salve - Deeply nourish your sacred womb space with rich minerals and herbs that aid in blood circulation, brings warmth to the pelvis area and eases menstrual cramps. Womb massage is excellent for self care.
Stinging Nettle Salve - Rich and full of chlorophyll, this salve is great for alleviating pain, reducing inflammation, swelling, soreness and also helps with skin conditions such as psoriasis.
The sky is the limit on the kind of salves that you can create. Do a little research, get out into nature or your local farm and bring the herbs into your kitchen so that you can create potent plant based medicine for you and your family. And if you'd like to purchase some of our hand crafted herbal oils and salves, check out our online apothecary here:
Everyday is Magical so go out and have a wonderful one!
