As I mentioned yesterday, I recently made a fresh batch of lotion using seasonal flowers and herbs, and dried flowers I have collected from my garden, and I’d like to share a jar with one of you!
I’ve been using this for a few days and am really happy with it. I’ve used it on my face, arms, hands, legs. It’s rich but not heavy and leaves my skin feeling smooth and calm. As with lotions in general, I think it’s best applied to freshly washed skin.
The ingredients are as follows:
*calendula, +elderflower, *chamomile, *lavender, *rosemary, purified water, *olive oil,
*jojoba oil, *coconut oil, *beeswax, evening primrose seed oil, vit E oil, *lavender
essential oil, rosemary essential oil, citric acid (a natural preservative).
*organic, +wildcrafted
For anyone interested, here is a little bit of information on the herbs I chose this time:
Calendula reduces inflammation and soothes the skin. It’s a wonderful herb for the general care of skin irritations of all kinds. “Calendula has been used for centuries to heal wounds and skin irritations. Calendula has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent, antifungal, antiviral, and immuno-stimulant properties making it useful for disinfecting and treating minor wounds, conjunctivitis, cuts, scrapes, chapped or chafed skin, bruises, burns, athlete’s foot, acne, yeast infections, bee stings, diaper rashes, and other minor irritations and infections of the skin.” (mountain rose herbs – http://mountainroseblog.com/healing-calendula/).
Elderflower soothes dry skin and has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Elderflower is a supportive tonic for all skin types, particularly mature skin. Reputed to soften skin, smooth wrinkles, fade freckles and soothe sunburn.
Chamomile might be best known for it’s soothing effects when taken internally, but it is also a gentle, healing herb when applied externally. It has been shown to be anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and calming to the skin, making it a helpful aid for soothing skin rashes, itchy skin, minor burns and sunburn. It may also speed healing of minor wounds and prevent bacterial infection.
Rosemary is one of the most useful herbs in my opinion! It is stimulating and aromatic, a culinary highlight, healing to the skin, scalp, hair, gums, muscles. There are so many uses for this herb. I chose it mainly for it’s refreshing smell and it’s antibacterial properties. Aroma-therapeutically, rosemary is shown to relieve stress and improve mental clarity. It is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and has been shown to increase circulation.
Lavender has antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and is soothing and stimulating. It’s a healing and gentle cleanser and tonic for all skin types. Aroma-therapeutic as well, it acts as an uplifting nerve tonic.
I use organic beeswax sourced from our friends at Old Blue Natural Resources.
To enter, please leave a comment below by midnight, Friday, April 15. I’d love to know – what is your most favored herb, whether for medicinal, culinary or other reasons?
You may also leave a comment over here for a second entry if you’d like. Thanks all! I wish I could share a bunch of them.
The winner will receive the 2 ounce glass jar shown above, of my Elderfloral Skin Creme, in a little block printed cotton drawstring pouch. Good luck!
Update: This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Carrie! Your gift will arrive soon 🙂
Related posts:
Helen
I’d love to win. Thank you x
Lauren Zunno
This is so lovely! And what a perfect Mother’s Day gift. Thai basil has been a long time favorite of mine, it’s savory sweet freshness has been in staple of mine when cooking meats and also a favorite ingredient in cocktails (if it’s on a cocktail menu, you’ll be sure that’s what I’ll have in my hand!)
Karli
This sounds like a great mix! Thanks for sharing.
Oregano has always been one of my favorites, culinary-wise, but recently used oregano essential oil for a wart, and while it’s a bit pungent, worked great.
Debi
Hi Abby!
How sweet of you to share a jar with some lucky person. I would be curious to know how to make it or if you plan to possibly sell them in the future.
Lavender is my favorite herb.
xo
Abby
Hi Debi! The link to “Garden Apothecary” at the bottom of this post shares the general process. Let me know if you have questions though. Not totally sure yet, but I am considering offering some small batches for sale soon.
lindsay brackeen
Calendula is one of my favorites to grow. When I plant it near the house it’ll even survive a few frosts. I enjoy it’s flowers so much!
Amber
I’m definitely going to make a batch of some kind of cream/lotion so many great herbs right here in my yard! Thank you for the continual inspiration!
Beth
Hi Abby! I was so inspired by your post yesterday I went for a walk in the woods this morning looking for elder flower. What I noticed was (around here) they love to grow on the margins and in disturbed areas (i.e..spots that are rather tricky to access?). I didn’t come home with any flowers, but I’m still inspired to make some sort of “local” lotion. I would love to try your lotion; it sounds perfect for how my hands are feeling these days, what with getting in the dirt and all!
Beth
P.S. …I’m loving lovage these days. The tender spring growth is great chopped up in soup, salad, anywhere I’d use celery or parsley. It grows quite tall in the summer, insects love the flowers, and the hollow stems make fine sipping straws for Asian Marys. ( Bloody Mary w/sake)
litterless
I’m a huge fan of eucalyptus…not technically an herb, but the scent brightened up my whole winter and helped me breathe easier.
Natasha Yarlikina
Oh, this cream looks wonderful! Thyme is my favorite herb to cook with. Lavender is my most common lotion choice – not sure if it’s my favorite, I think it’s just what I’m used to.
Melissa
I love peppermint! It always makes me feel refreshed.
Heather
Hi Abby!
I’m absolutely loving this! I’ve been wanting to make some since your post forever ago but just now finally have a place to start planting more flowers and herbs! My favorites are basil and rosemary! Just something about those scents it’s such a happy feeling!!! Have a great day Abby!
Heather Martinez
Denise
I think I love the little pouch just as much as the lotion!
I am a big fan of lemon balm, mint and lavender!
One whole area of my garden this year is going to be just herbs. Today, it’s raining and cold out again!
wk handcrafts
Beautiful cremes! I still remember when you made a creme for the first time. I absolutely love marigold! Thank you for this amazing opportunity.
Deni
I love Rosemary for cooking, the smell for relaxation and because it’s so pretty as a potted plant. I also love Tea Tree oil for unclogging pores, not so much for the smell ;). We have had an unusually cold Spring but I have plans to plant an herb garden soon. Thanks for the chance to win! xo Deni
Hiwatha
Cleveland sage is my favorite herb. The fragrance is intensely uplifting!
Amber
Hi Abby! I made hand lotion for gifts a couple years ago. It was very easy and well received. I’d love an opportunity to try someone else’s take on lotion. I typically default to lavender quite a bit, I love it, but I also like to expand and try and learn about other herb uses. Thank you and be well!
Sharon
I would love a chance to try your skin creme. Lavender is probably one of my favorites but I also love basil too. Hope your day is wonderful.
Candice
I really like lavender, basil and rosemary. Your cream sounds lovely.
Sherrie
Hi Abby! How can I choose just one? I love peppermint for eating and infusing, tarragon with chicken or eggs or potatoes or in a salad, bee balm just to rub in my hands and because the bees love it so much… Oh, but I think chives might be the best! Indestructible and delicious, and the flowers are beautiful. And great for splitting and sharing!
Carrie
Mountain Mint when it first emerges in the spring to make fresh mint tea. It’s the best! I love elderflowers in homemade mead too. I really enjoy reading your blog and Instagram posts Abby. You have such a beautiful life. 🙂
Allison
I have been interested in hand-making lotions for a long time. I would love to try yours!
~Heather
Any garden herb is a welcoming and always so refreshing! Dried peppermint tea in winter. Sun glistening basil in summer. Snips of rosemary brought inside for a savory treat. At the moment, chamomile seems to be my ‘go to’ herb – a calming tea after a busy day.
Barbara
my favorite is lavender. so fragrant and soothing when it’s straight up. years ago a friend and I sprinkled fresh lavender on sheets of beeswax and rolled them up to make candles. they smelled horrible when we lit them!!
Nuages
I love rosemary. It grows into a magnificent bush and the smell is heavenly.