Sometimes I hesitate to strain and finish my products because the herbs in the oil are so pretty. This particular oil infusion contained comfrey leaf, calendula , and yarrow harvested from the garden last summer. I am just getting around to making salves from it. Infused oils are one of the easiest things to make. You just loosely pack a jar with dried herbs and then fill it to the top with organic US olive oil. Just make sure the herbs are entirely covered with the oil. Let it rest for at least 6 weeks before straining out the the herbs.
Comfrey is thought to be good for soothing and protecting damaged tissues. It may help dry, rough, or wrinkled skin. It can be used on burns, bruises, eczema, scars, sunburn, and acne. Because it heals and regenerates the skin so quickly it should not be used on deep or puncture wounds where bacterial infection could be a problem.
Calendula is thought to be good for reducing infection, inflammation, and scarring. It has been used to stimulate white blood cell production and help the tissue granulate after injury. It could inhibit the growth of many micro-organisms. It might be useful for fungal infections, boils, bruises, bunions, burns, chapped skin, cradle cap, diaper rash, eczema, insect bites, sunburn varicose veins and wounds.
Yarrow is thought to increase circulation and promote tissue repair. It stops bleeding. It is helpful for all skin issues including blood blisters and severe acne.
Between spring break and being stuck at home away from friends and our usual activities we are bored. No being so busy and having to drive has freed up time and energy for me to focus on other things. It is suddenly very easy and about time to involve the girls more in the pharmacy. Lotion bars are a fun and easy thing for kids to make, especially when you have a lot of the oil leftover from making salves. We have seen these at fairs, markets, and stores. Why not make our own? We had all of the ingredients. Just make sure to supervise children closely when making lotion bars since you are using a stove and the liquid will be hot. We plan to save ours for gifts or to sell at a local kid’s market for families who homeschool.
Lotion Bars
Melt 1/4 cup of coconut oil, 2 cups of cocoa butter in a double boiler over medium heat.
Add 1/4 cup of infused oil
Add 1/2 cup of grated or beads of beeswax
Once it is all melted dip a spoon into the liquid and place it into the freezer for a few minutes . Test the consistency. Add either more beeswax or more infused oil until you have what you want. It should not be as hard as homemade soap but it should not be as soft as salve. Pour into soap molds. Remove when solid.
When rubbed on the skin it should make it feel soft, smooth, and silky.
What beauty products have you made from herbs lately?
Blackbird's Backyard Pharmacy 