Beauty Treatments & Recipes - Starters

Herbal Cream

The first step in making many herbal creams is herbal oil. The following recipe is for dried herbs. See note at end of recipe for fresh calendula.

Calendula Oil

Part used: flower

• 2-3 oz dried herb
• 1 cup olive oil - but only enough oil to barely cover herbs, whether fresh or dry
  
  

Use a pyrex, ceramic or stainless steel double boiler, not reactive metals such as iron or aluminum. Put in the dried herb and cover with olive oil.

Heat the oil and herbs very slowly for 1 to 2 hours, keeping temperature well below boiling, between 100 & 150 degrees F, stirring often. Heat until herbs feel 'crisp' and done, or use a clock.

Strain the mixture through a clean cloth into an appropriate container. A bottle with pour spout is easy to use. Label with complete list of ingredients and date. Note: Fresh herbs contain water which can shorten oil shelf life from the usual 1-3 years to a few weeks. If oil will not be used quickly, remove water by allowing the oil to stand for two weeks. Don't shake or mix. When oil separates from water, siphon or poured off into a new and clean container for storage. Store in a cool, dark place.

Makeup Remover and Moisturizer

• 1/2 cup paraffin
• 1 cup mineral oil
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tbs. alum

Heat paraffin & oil slowly in a double boiler. Using a separate pan, heat the water until it simmers. Dissolve the alum in the simmering water. Let it cook a few minutes, then add it to the warm mineral oil and paraffin mixture.

As the mixture cools, the paraffin will rise to the top. Drain off the water. The leftover residue is your makeup remover.

Margarine

Buy a pound of at a health food store, not the supermarket. Keep it in the fridge, then baste your smooth skin until it covers. Besides absorbing into the skin, it doesn't leave a greasy residue.

Scented Hair Gel

• 2 tbs. flax seeds
• 1 cup water
• 5 - 10 drops essential oils

1. Add flax seeds and water to a saucepan and bring to a boil
2. Remove from heat and let stand for 15 - 20 minutes
3. Strain and allow to cool completely
4. When cool, add essential oils

Put in a glass container and store at room temperature.