Driftless Herbal Body Oil
This simple body oil can be prepared at home and used in place of lotion after a bath or shower. It also makes a wonderful massage or bath oil.
Ingredients
1/2 cup local, organic sunflower oil (or see variation)
1 Tbsp. each of dried, organic calendula, lavender and chamomile
4 drops of lavender essential oil (optional)
Directions
Place the oil in a double boiler or in a small pan over very low heat. Add the herbs and heat gently until the oil is warm but not hot. Remove from heat, cover and allow to infuse for 24 hours.
Warm oil a second time, then pour through a cloth filter of fine mesh strainer. Squeeze the herbs to extract as much oil as possible. Add lavender oil (optional). Pour the strained oil into a clean, dry, glass bottle.
To use, pour a small amount of the oil into the palm of your hand. Briskly rub the oil between your palms to warm it, then pat the oil onto wet skin after shower or bath or use spare amounts for massage or bath oil.
Suggestions
Variations:
For a lighter body oil: Substitute jojoba oil or grapeseed oil for some or all of the sunflower oil.
For Sore Muscle Massage Oil: Replace the lavender, calendula and chamomile herbs with 2 tablespoons of dried arnica flowers and omit the essential oil. Rub the oil into sore or strained muscles as needed. Note: do not use arnica infused oil on broken skin.
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