I dread the hot weather that’s coming. Despite the humidity, my skin dries out from all the sunscreen, salt water, and chlorinated pool water. So this time of year, I like to use body oil after a bath or a swim. I love this recipe in particular, with the scents of lavender, hibiscus, and rose, and it works well on both skin and hair. While I can buy sunflower oil at my grocery store, I prefer to get my organic flowers and natural herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs.
For those of you new to this series, Sarah Munro, the heroine in ONE DARK WISH, the second book in the Deadly Force series, is an 18th century historian who inherited a collection of colonial-era herbal and homeopathic remedies. And, in this blog space, I’ve been sharing her recipes with you all. I’m adding this recipe to this collection because lavender, hibiscus, and rose flowers have cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. Their scents are also known to promote sleep and alleviate anxiety.
Note: I am not an affiliate of Mountain Rose Herbs. I just love their website and buy most of my herbs and other special ingredients from them.
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) flowers
- 1 ounce lavender (Lavandula spp.) flowers
- 1 ounce rose (Rosa spp.) flowers
- 6 ounces of sunflower oil
- 8 ounces of filtered water
Directions for Summer Body Oil
- In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the water to a boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the flowers/herbs. Cover and let steep for 1-2 hours.
- Stir in the oil and heat the mixture over medium heat just until the oil and water begin to boil. Immediately reduce the heat to low and allow to simmer uncovered.
- Stir the mixture constantly so the herbs don’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer and stir until the water is completely evaporated and only the herbs and oil are left in the pan. You may see tiny bubbles (you don’t want to see any large bubbles). If you hold a dry glass over the pot you should see no more condensation.
- Once all the water has evaporated, strain the herbs from the oil using a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth over a glass or pyrex bowl.
- You should have 4-6 ounces of liquified oil left. If you have more than 6 ounces, simmer again until all the water is evaporated.
- Pour the oil in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store in a cool, dark cupboard and use daily.
- Apply to your skin and hair daily, or as frequently as you prefer.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING, AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
