Lavender-Infused Oil

Lavender’s aroma is simultaneously stimulating and relaxing. It has been

known to help a headache and ease muscular pain and respiratory

ailments. Lavender soothes and calms the skin, balances oil production,

speeds healing of scars and blemishes, and stimulates circulation for

improved skin tone. Lavender is associated with the third-eye chakra,

whose attributes include intuition, imagination, visualization, and

concentration. Lavender-Infused Oil is a gorgeous multipurpose universal

healing elixir for mind, body, and spirit.

YIELDS: 8 ounces

1 cup fresh or dried lavender flowers

8 ounces jojoba oil or carrier oil of choice

4 vitamin E capsules

What you will need: quart jar, measuring cups, chopstick, strainer

(cheesecloth or tea strainer), 8-ounce bottle, funnel

1. To Make: If using fresh lavender, coarsely chop the buds and place in the

quart jar. If using dried lavender, crush slightly with your hand as you put

the buds into the jar. Cover the plant matter completely with jojoba oil. Stir

well with the chopstick to remove any air bubbles and completely saturate

the plant material. To avoid oxidation and spoilage of the fresh herb, leave

as little air space as possible in the jar. Top off with more oil if necessary

and tightly close the lid. Label the jar with the date and contents and place

in a warm dark place to infuse for 2–4 weeks. Shake the jar daily. After 2–4

weeks, strain the herb from the oil into a sterilized 8-ounce bottle. Pierce

the vitamin E capsules and squeeze the liquid out into the bottle, discarding

the gel caps. Place cap on tightly and shake well to blend. If you used fresh

lavender flowers, check back on this infusion after a week to see if any

plant juice has settled in the oil. If so, decant it out and place the oil into a

clean dry bottle.

2. To Store: Label the bottle with contents and expiration date of 2 years. If

you substituted another oil for the jojoba oil, adjust the expiration date to

the shelf life of the oil used. Store in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.

3. To Use: Makes a fantastic bath, body, or massage oil; see above for

indications.

Comments

Green Tea and Adzuki Cleansing Grains

Traditional Asian facial cleansing grains, like this one, use adzuki beans that gently exfoliate without damaging the surface of the skin. In addition, green tea is a powerful antioxidant that helps rejuvenate the skin, prevent and repair sun damage, and promote elasticity. And the healing powers of chamomile calm and soothe redness and irritation. YIELDS: 1 pint ⁄ cup adzuki beans ⁄ cup green tea leaves ⁄ cup chamomile flowers ⁄ cup brown rice flour ⁄ cup kaolin clay What you will need: coffee grinder, mixing bowl, fine-meshed sieve, pint-size canning jar with lid, spice jar with sifter cap, optional 1. To Make: Before you begin, find a protective face mask, or tie a bandana to cover your nose and mouth, to avoid breathing the powders. Next, put the adzuki beans, green tea, and chamomile into the jar, close the lid, and shake. Fill a coffee grinder with the mixture and grind to a very fine powder. Place the sieve over the mixing bowl. Empty the grinder into the sieve. Carefully sift t...

Cucumber Rose Sunburn Relief

You will want to have this cooling, fragrant, milky lotion on hand after a long day in the sun. Store this concoction in the fridge and mist this soothing, moisturizing blend on a sunburn for instant relief. The aloe vera and cucumber provide instant anti-inflammatory relief, while the rose and coconut milk offer skin-saving healing moisture to overexposed skin. YIELDS 1 medium-size cucumber, chopped ⁄ cup coconut milk ⁄ cup Old-Fashioned Rosewater ⁄ cup aloe vera juice What you will need: strainer or cheesecloth, 8-ounce jar with lid, spray bottle 1. To Make: Put the chopped cucumber inside a strainer or piece of cheesecloth and squeeze out juice. Pour the cucumber juice into a jar. Add coconut milk, rosewater, and aloe vera. Close the lid tightly and shake well to blend. 2. To Store: Pour some of the mixture into a spray bottle. Reserve the remainder in the jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. 3. To Use: Shake well before use. Spray affected areas as desired. Soak a ...

Soothing Oil-Free Mask

Gain the hydrating, nourishing, and regenerative benefits of vitamin-rich flax without any added oil. This gentle, skin-tightening, moisturizing facial mask will soften and replenish all skin types. YIELDS: 3–4 masks 1 cup water ⁄ cup flaxseeds 2 drops chamomile essential oil What you will need: saucepan, wire whisk, mixing bowl, tea strainer, tight-sealing container 1. To Make: Place the water and flaxseeds in the pan on medium high heat. Stirring occasionally, use the whisk to keep the seeds moving and not sticking to the pan. Once the mixture begins to boil, stir gently and constantly. When it starts to thicken slightly, turn down the heat to low and keep stirring until the seeds start suspending in the liquid instead of falling to the bottom of the pan. Remove from heat and strain liquid into the mixing bowl, discarding the seeds. Add the chamomile essential oil and whisk to blend. Allow to cool completely before use. 2. To Store: This mask is best fresh. Store in a closed containe...

SKIN CARE PLANET

Search This Blog