How to Make Chamomile and Olive Oil Lotion

Chamomile is lauded for its superior calming effects. Though most commonly known as the soothing ingredient in relaxation teas, it is also widely used to calm irritated skin. Olive oil has been used for centuries as a moisturizer. It leaves skin feeling smooth and supple. Mix these two agents together, and they are very effective on flaky, dry, irritated skin. Because the mixture is made with all-natural ingredients, it is safe to use as frequently as desired, and is also safe for children and babies.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup loose chamomile flowers
• 1 cup olive oil
• sieve, cheesecloth or kitchen towel
• Glass jar
• 2 oz. beeswax
• Saucepan

Instructions

1. Pour 2 cups of olive oil into a small saucepan. Stir in 1 cup of loose chamomile flowers. Heat on the stove on the lowest heat setting, just to warm the oil, but not cook the flowers. Let the flowers steep in the olive oil for about 1 hour, until they become soft and infuse the oil.

2. Using the sieve or cheesecloth, strain the olive oil into the glass jar. Gently squeeze any excess oil from the chamomile flowers into the jar. You can discard the flowers or refrigerate them to later apply to burns, scrapes and rashes.

3. Clean the saucepan of any remaining oils. Place the glass jar containing the chamomile-olive oil infusion in the saucepan and add water to the pan until it reaches halfway up the side of the glass jar. (Note: Be sure not to get any water in the jar.) Heat the water on medium heat until bubbles start to form on the bottom, then reduce the heat to low. You want to increase the temperature of the oil just enough to melt the beeswax, and no more. You can test this by adding a small piece of wax to the jar to see if it melts.

4. Slowly add the beeswax, until you have added approximately 1 oz. The lotion should still appear as a clear liquid. Be sure to stir slowly, and to thoroughly combine the ingredients. This is the basic recipe. To test for thickness, take a spoonful of the lotion and put it in the refrigerator for a few minutes until it hardens. If you desire a firmer lotion, add more beeswax.

5. Once the desired consistency is reached, use a potholder to remove the glass jar from the heat, and place it on the counter to cool. You should see the mixture begin to cloud and harden within only a few minutes. For a creamier lotion, whip the mixture by stirring quickly once it is about 50 percent set, and again when it is all the way set. Avoid putting the lid on the lotion until it has cooled to room temperature, as this can cause condensation, which can lead to mold.

Tips & Warnings

• This lotion may occasionally melt or harden, based on the temperature it is stored at. This is easily fixed by returning it to room temperature.

• Chamomile is known to trigger some people's allergies to ragweed and other substances.