My skin gets so dry in a high desert climate. Lotion bars are a great way to easily restore it to a healthy an happy condition. I like to apply one right as I get out of the shower. It does not leave a greasy residue on my clothing when I get dressed. The heat from the shower allows it to quickly penetrate.
Basil, Lemongrass, Lime, and Ginger Lotion Bars
Melt 1/4 cup of coconut oil, 1 and 3/4 cups of cocoa butter in a double boiler over medium heat.
Add 1/4 cup of Infused oil of basil, lemongrass, and ginger and marshmallow leaf
Add 1/4 cup of castor 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 warm skin it should make it feel soft, smooth, and silky.
Basil is in the mint family. Typically it is an annual but will overwinter indoors. It is a very common garden herb used as a companion plant and insect repellant. A thin branching root produces several lush square stems growing 1-2 feet high. The leaves can vary from bright to dark green depending on the variety. Some types like Thai basil have purple in their oppositely arranged leaves. Leaves can be oval to spade shaped, toothed or smooth in their margins. Like others in the family, it has lots of small two lipped flowers that grow on racemes/spikes of 2-4 inches. These are a favorite of bumble bees and come in shades of white, red or purple. A distinguishing feature of Ocimum is the smell, similar in all varieties but with slightly different “notes”.
This plant warms, calms, and clears phlegm/damp. Historically basil has been used to treat all manner of digestive complaints such as cramps, vomiting, constipation, gas, low appetite, diarrhea, bacterial infections and inflammation. It stimulates the flow of breast milk, cures a headache, and calms a bad cough. Ocimum has been used for depression, the flu, fever, asthma, retained placenta, fever, anxiety, bronchitis, and fatigue. It works well to support the lungs.
Externally it has helped with acne, bug bites, fungal infections, sore muscles, and arthritis. The essential oils/scent make it useful in aromatherapy, ritual bathing/cleansing, beauty products and as incense.
Parts Used: Leaves and flowers
Energetics:bitter, warm, dry, pungent
Element:Fire
Spiritual/Emotional Uses: Integration, especially when two things seem contrary in nature. May be used to bring luck protection, or blessings to body, home or new relationships. Use it when there is conflict or negative energies in a situation. It is commonly used in ritual baths , especially for the dead.
Contraindications: Avoid large/therapeutic doses in pregnancy
Blackbird's Backyard Pharmacy 