How to Make Herbal Lotions

Blend a few common ingredients to make a natural, soothing lotion.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mortars And Pestles
• Cocoa Butter
• Vegetable Oils Or Fruit Oil
• Herbs
• Ceramic Or Enamel Cooking Pots
• Double Boilers
• Measuring Cups
• Stirring Spoons
• Strainers
• Wire Whisks
• Strainers
• Measuring cups

1. Crush 1 oz. herb leaves or bruise 1 oz. flowers.

2. Add to 1 c. water.

3. Pour the mixture into a ceramic or enamel pot.

4. Add 1 c. water and cover.

5. Slowly bring to a boil. If using flowers, boil very gently.

6. Lower heat and let simmer for about 3 minutes.

7. Remove from heat and let cool.

8. Strain the leaves and flowers.

9. Store the herb water in the refrigerator for about 1 to 2 hours.

10. Melt 1 oz. cocoa butter in a double boiler and slowly add 3 oz. fruit oil or vegetable oil.

11. Combine thoroughly.

12. Remove from heat and whisk in 2 oz. of the prepared herb water.

Tips & Warnings

• To make a refreshing mint facial, puree fresh spearmint leaves with cold water and apply to your face and neck.
• You can also use dried mint leaves to make a mint lotion. Simply add 1 c. dried, crushed mint to 1 pint water and follow the directions above.
• For skin with wrinkles use linden flowers, lemon balm or fennel.
• To soften skin use elderberry flowers.
• If you have oily skin use calendula, lady's mantle, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, rose, sage or yarrow.
• Test a small area of your skin for allergic reactions before applying creams or facials to your face.

[sewcraftful]

on 4/28/2009 Stillers: Herbal lotions should last about 1 year if stored in a cool dark place...but I'm not too sure about this recipe...alot of water and too little cocoa butter. Oil and water don't mix.

[stillers]

on 9/22/2008 what is the shelf life of the herbal lotion made with herbal water and cocoa butter????