HERBAL SALVES
You can make your own skin soother, lip balm, or a healthy substitute for petroleum jelly with a few simple ingredients. Products that contain petroleum are not a healthy skin application in my opinion.
THE BASIC RECIPE
Warm two ounces of oil on a low heat and add a couple of ounces of beeswax (grated) to the oil to make a basic salve. The wax should be stirred into the warm oil until it melts and is completely blended. Place the blended oil and wax into a shallow glass container. When cooled, it will thicken. Making salve in small batches allows you to store it short-term without the necessity of additional preservative ingredients.
OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS
Once the beeswax has been blended with your oils, you have the option of adding other ingredients.
* Vitamin E oil greatly benefits the skin. Squeeze the contents of a pierced capsule into the beeswax and oil.
* Select your favorite fragrance and add a few drops of essential oil. Just be sure to carefully read labels as some essential oils are not intended for use in applications on the skin.**
* Around 7 drops of tea tree oil acts as a preservative. The strength of your tea tree oil is important. The strength varies from one product to another and can cause skin irritation in potent doses, so use caution.**
Infuse olive oil (extra virgin) using the heat method and dried goldenrod flowers & leaves. For 3 to 4 hours (or longer) heat the oil and herbs gently in a double boiler. Use approximately 2 cups of oil and 1 cup of herb. Remove the oil from the heat, strain it into a quart canning jar, discard the herbs, adding a cup of coconut oil to the jar, and stir until the coconut oil is melted and blended into the olive oil.
Return this blended oil to the double boiler with a cup of dried plantain and another cup of goldenrod, allowing it to continue to infuse for another 3 to 4 hours or longer.
Allow the jars to cool once the ingredients are blended. This should set up to a nice salve texture. Plantain, a styptic, will help stop bleeding, pain, inflammation and itching. Strains, sore muscles, and sprains are eased by Goldenrod which also has antiseptic properties
IF YOUR SALVE IS TOO HARD OR SOFT
If you find your salve is too hard, it can be warmed and more oil added, mixed and cooled to re-set. Should it prove too soft, warm and add more beeswax. Check the consistency after it has cooled to room temperature.
**PLAN TO SAVE ON INGREDIENTS**
**Receive a 25% DISCOUNT on purchases of carrier oils and aromatherapy pure essential oils when you order s latest book THE VISION from Barnes & Noble on November 3rd or 4th 2009. While you are enjoying these high quality oils at a GREAT price from Ancient Healing OilsTHE VISION. Your dated receipt should be immediately emailed to melcohen@hughes.net, and you will receive a coupon code. Additionally, you will receive coupons for 25% discounts off purchases from The Bulk Herb Store, More Than Alive, The Mission Ball, College Plus, No Greater Joy Ministries and you will receive free bonus gifts. Get ready to make your Barnes & Noble purchase of THE VISION on November 3rd and 4th.
TAKE NOTE
HOW TO MAKE OIL INFUSIONS
Oils can be infused with your choice of herbs using a cool process or a faster heat method. In both methods, it is best to select a cold-pressed, food grade oil
HOT INFUSION
COLD INFUSION
The constituents of the herbs will be gently extracted by the sun and remain in the oil. Use a clean cloth or paper filter to strain the oil, discarding the used herbs. Place your oil in a clean glass jar or bottle for storage.
Although it will keep for about a year, use your oil fresh for the most benefit.
USING INFUSED OILS
MEDICINALLY, oil infusions are used to apply the beneficial properties of herbs directly to the place of need. For this application, herbs which are soothing to the skin and sore muscles and have a high tannin content are good selections. Goldenrod is a variety of herb that eases muscle aches and pains.
IN THE KITCHEN, there is a wide variety of herbs that can be used to infuse oils: rosemary, peppercorns, oregano and the zest of lemon peels to name a few. You can utilize a pestle and mortar to crush or bruise the dried herbs you select. Chop fresh herbs. Many people like to use decorative bottles with cork closures. As a bread dip, salad dressing or an all-purpose condiment, people enjoy using a healthy, flavorful infused oil.
AS AN INGREDIENT IN SOAP AND TOILETRIES oils infused with your favorite herbs can bring color, medicinal properties and a pleasant smell to your favorite recipes. Herbs such as rosemary, catnip and lavender can be used to infuse a mosquito repelling oil. Oils infused with aromatic herbs can be used to create creams and lotions with a pleasing scent.
There is a scene in THE VISION by Debi Pearlwhere a pregnant woman receives a gift of various herbs and some booklets. Rather than an inappropriate gift, information is an investmentTHE VISION will also provide you with more examples of daily uses for herbs; get your copy today.
