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: Herbal Remedies, Wild Plants, and Foraging
The information shared in my Romance Herbalist posts is intended for educational, historical, and entertainment purposes only. I am not a physician, licensed herbalist, or other medical professional. Nothing on this website should be considered medical advice or a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
Herbs, flowers, spices, and other plants have been used for centuries in cooking, traditional remedies, and folk medicine. However, natural does not always mean safe. Some plants can be toxic, cause allergic reactions, interact with medications, or be unsuitable for certain medical conditions.
Before preparing, consuming, or using any herbal product, please keep the following precautions in mind:
- Medications and medical conditions: Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using herbs medicinally, particularly if you take prescription or over-the-counter medications, have an existing medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are preparing something for children.
- Allergies: Research potential allergic reactions and cross-reactivity, especially if you have known allergies to plants, herbs, or spices.
- Plant identification: Never harvest or consume a wild plant unless you can positively identify it and confirm that it is safe for its intended use. Some poisonous plants closely resemble edible or medicinal varieties.
- Harvesting and foraging: Avoid collecting plants from roadsides, chemically treated areas, contaminated soil, or locations where pesticides, herbicides, or other pollutants may be present. Always follow local foraging laws and respect private property.
- Preparation and consumption: Research appropriate preparation methods, potential side effects, and safe quantities before using any plant. Certain plants may be safe in food but dangerous when concentrated or prepared incorrectly.
- Food safety: Use clean equipment, properly stored ingredients, and appropriate food-handling practices when preparing herbal teas, infusions, syrups, or other homemade products.
A note about traditional remedies: References to historical or folkloric uses of plants do not establish that those uses are medically effective or safe. Any discussion of potential health benefits is provided for general information and should not be interpreted as a recommendation to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
By choosing to forage, prepare, or consume any plant or herbal product discussed on this website, you accept responsibility for your own research, decisions, and safety. The author makes no guarantees regarding the safety, effectiveness, or suitability of any plant, recipe, or preparation described.
When in doubt, consult a qualified professional before using any herb or wild plant.
