Soothing balms and oils
Infusing calendula in oil
Calendula flowers are edible, and perhaps most interestingly, calendula is a very powerful antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. This makes it a bit of a wonder herb for dealing with skin lesions, grazes, sore or rough skin and mild skin infections. WARNING: Do not use calendula during pregnancy.
How to: Most botanicals, including calendula, will need to be dried before use, but a few, like nettles, St John’s wort, and chickweed, can be used fresh as they either don’t dry very well or the active ingredients fade after time.
You will need a carrier oil – olive oil or sunflower oil can work and are cheap, sustainable and often organic. Many people use grapeseed oil or sweet almond oil.
Place the herbs in a sterilised bottle or jar and pour over the oil to submerge them. If the botanicals are dry, store in a cool but not cold, dark place for up to two months to infuse. If the herbs are fresh, store in a warm place overnight – above a radiator or near a fire, for example. Strain through muslin to remove the herb material, then return the oil to a sterilised jar, seal and store in a cool, dark place until you need it. Always check the scent of the oil before you use it. It can turn rancid, which you will know from its unsavoury smell. It should smell sweet and fresh.
Soothing vegan lip balm
Although I’m calling this a lip balm, in truth it can also be used as a soothing balm anywhere on the body, for chapped skin, cut skin, burned skin, dry skin or just as a moisturiser. Try to find a wax that is as local as possible, and ethically harvested. WARNING: Because this is oil-based, don’t use in high-UV conditions, as it might cause sunburn.
Makes 1 small tin
◼ 40ml infused oil
◼ 1 tsp plant-based wax
◼ 7-10 drops of essential oil
1 Place the infused oil and wax in a bain-marie or a heatproof bowl over a small pan of gently simmering water and leave to melt.
2 Once melted, remove from the heat, add the essential oil and stir.
3 Pour immediately into a sterilised empty lip balm tin – you can use a pouring pan or a funnel – and leave the balm to set. It usually takes around 10 minutes.
4 Label the tin with the date, and exact quantities and oil combinations so you know what it is for and when to use it by and you can recreate it. Use within three months or until it smells rancid.