How to Make a Moisturizing Oil with Lemon Verbena

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By DenaEBolton
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Lemon verbena is an easy-to-grow herb

Lemon verbena is a deciduous herbal shrub with a light lemon scent. This native from South America is an herb that has been used as a fragrance in lotions, baths, and soaps. You can use lemon verbena to make a simple oil, which is especially good for skin that is exposed to the sun. In fact, making this moisturizing oil is not just simple -- it is ridiculously easy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

½ cup sesame oil
5 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon iodine
6 drops essential oil of verbena

Step 1

In a glass container or pottery, measure ½ cup of sesame oil. (Sesame oil is available at most supermarkets and/or fresh markets.)
Step 2

Add 5 tablespoons of cider vinegar to your sesame oil.
Step 3

Add 1 teaspoon of iodine to your oil and vinegar.
Step 4

Finally, add 6 drops of essential oil of verbena. You can usually find essential oils at health food stores or your local herbal store. Place the mixture in a bottle and shake well. You can keep your oil sealed for future use. Just remember to give it a good shake each time before using.

Tips & Warnings

The lemon verbena adds a nice lemon scent to this moisturizing oil; however, you can substitute essential oil of lavender if you would prefer.
The ingredients in this oil also act as an insect repellent.
Before using any herbal mixture -- especially those employing essential oils, which are more potent -- be sure to test a small patch of skin to determine if you will have any allergic reactions.
Never use metal containers or utensils when working with herbs and herbal oils.