Making an Herbal Lotion

Did you know that the skin is the largest organ in the body? It has multiple functions including protection (think immune system), elimination, homeostasis, and digestion. The skin is permeable and can take in chemicals, preservatives, synthetic colorants, petroleum, alcohols, xenoestrogens, and synthetic fragrances. It’s so important to think about what you want in your body when you put things on your skin! Making our own simple body care products is a great way to support healthy skin and therefore a healthy body.

This is the recipe from my book Naked: Botanical Recipes for Vibrant Skin and Healthy Hair. It is deeply nourishing and, although it can be used for any skin type, it is excellent for dry skin. Nourishing Lotion can be used on the body and face. It smells… amazing.

Nourishing Lotion

Tools:

• Blender or Immersion blender

• Double boiler

• Spatula

• Large glass or stainless steel bowls

• Measuring cups

• Measuring spoons

• Glass jars with tight-fitting lids. I like pumps for lotions as hands can introduce microorganisms into the lotion. Alternately you can use a small spoon for application.

• Labels

Ingredients:

Oils:

• 1 cup almond oil

• ½ cup olive oil

• ½ cup coconut oil

• 2 teaspoons lanolin

• ½ teaspoon Vitamin E oil

• 1 ounce beeswax

• 2 ml lavender essential oil

• 2 ml geranium essential oil

• You can also add specialty oils such as rosehip seed, jojoba, evening primrose, borage, avocado, walnut, neem, sea buckthorn oil, etc.

Waters:

• 1 cup distilled water (or strong antioxidant tea)

• ½ cup lavender hydrosol

• ½ cup aloe gel

• ½ teaspoon citric acid

• 1 teaspoon boric acid

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Directions:

1. Make sure all utensils and tools are sterilized before use.

2. Combine all “water” ingredients in a container and set aside.

3. Combine all “oil” ingredients and heat slowly in a double boiler until just melted.

4. Pour into a blender (or bowl if you are using an immersion blender) and let the oils cool to room temperature.

5. Turn the blender on high and slowly drizzle in the “water” ingredients until the water is no longer blending in well, or the mixture gets too thick to blend. Sometimes more of the water mixture can be mixed in by hand.

6. Pour into jars and store extra in the refrigerator. This recipe makes about 5 cups.

7. Apply liberally to the face and body, with loving hands. Breathe in the georgeous aroma. Look in the mirror and repeat after me, “You are beautiful, sweet one.”