Many herbs have medicinal properties that can be beneficial for skin conditions such as dryness, irritation, sunburn and itchiness. By making your own herbal skin care products, you can use high-quality ingredients and avoid chemicals that are sometimes added to commercial skin products as preservatives. The herbs you choose should be organic, since conventionally grown herbs may contain pesticides that may harm your skin. If you are under any type of medical treatment for your skin, consult with your dermatologist before using any type of herbal remedy that may interact with your medication or aggravate your condition.
Herbal Cream
Step 1
Mix together 6 oz. almond, jojoba or olive oil, 3 oz. shea butter or coconut oil and 1 oz. beeswax in a double boiler and heat at low temperature until all the solid ingredients have melted.
Step 2
Remove from heat and stir to keep the consistency uniform and smooth.
Step 3
Warm 9 oz. distilled water in a small pot until it reaches body temperature, and remove from heat.
Step 4
Add warm distilled water to the blender, and turn it on high.
Step 5
Add the herbal oil to the blender slowly until it reaches a creamy consistency. This step may take up to 10 minutes.
Step 6
Add 30 drops of any herbal essential oils you like to your cream before you pour it into a glass jar and store it in the refrigerator. Essential oils such as rosemary and sandalwood are aromatic, and others, such jasmine, will make your skin smell sweet.
Herbal Salve
Step 1
Mix 1 cup olive, almond or jojoba oil and 2 oz. total dry herbs of choice in a heat-resistant uncovered container. Place it in the oven at a temperature of 100 degrees F for 3 to 5 hours. Antibacterial herbs include calendula, clove, sage and tea tree. Aromatic, nourishing and moisturizing herbs include lavender and rose. Basil and peppermint can help stimulate circulation, according to herbalist David Hoffmann in his book "The New Holistic Herbal."
Step 2
Remove the container from the oven, and strain out the plant material using a strainer lined with cheesecloth.
Step 3
Measure 1 cup of this herb-infused oil, and heat it on low heat in a medium-size pot. Add 1 oz. shaved beeswax, and let it melt it into the oil.
Step 4
Remove from heat, and pour the salve into a glass container. Let it stand until it is fully cooled before storing it in the refrigerator.
Tips and Warnings
- You can add 1/2 oz. less beeswax to your cream in order to make it looser and use it as a skin lotion.
Things You'll Need
- For Herbal Cream:
- Almond, jojoba or olive oil
- Shea butter or coconut oil
- Beeswax
- Distilled water
- Essential oils of choice
- Measuring cup
- Double boiler
- Small pot
- Blender
- Glass jar with lid
- For Herbal Salve:
- Olive, almond or jojoba oil
- Dry herbs of choice
- Heat-resistant container
- Strainer
- Cheesecloth
- Measuring cup
- Beeswax
- Glass jar with lid
References
- "The New Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1995
- "Earthly Bodies and Heavenly Hair"; Dina Falconi; 1998
- "The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook;" James Green; 2002
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