Chocolate Mishap

Yesterday, I got it into my head that I was going to make some lotion.  I didn't have any coco butter, so Miss Busy and I dashed into our local health food store to grab some.  Somewhere between greeting the friendly owner, browsing the used book table, and picking up the yeast I had forgotten last week, I grabbed what I needed.  Or at least what I thought I did.  It wasn't until I opened the container to grate some into my already hot oils that I realized I had purchased cocoa butter instead.  As if  I could have missed the smell once I opened it.  Feeling like I was at the point of no return already, I added a tablespoon to my oil mixture hoping that the infused rosemary could cover the aroma of chocolate flavored Lip Smackers. 

No such luck.

My resulting lotion is beautiful, creamy, and absorbs well.  I would be completely happy with it, if it didn't stink.  I am not a big chocolate person to start with and choco/rosemary does absolutely nothing for me except make me grimace every time I open the jar.  Yes, we will be using up this batch of lotion.  I can't stand waste, but I am done with the cocoa butter.  Maybe I'll try it with orange or raspberry in a lip gloss for the maidens. 

What A Weed!

Broad Leaf Plantain: Photo by the UofA Cooperative Extension Service
(This is one variety of Plantain, do some research to find what verities grow in your area.)

 

The other day while walking I found a few exciting plants growing along the river.  Going right along with my "discovery" of alfalfa was plantain.  A beautiful pairing if not in just their grand usefulness, but also in their colloquial names.  Where alfalfa has been known as "the father of herbs," plantain is know by the Navaho as "the mother of herbs."  A common little plant, found all across the North American continent often conspicuously in the middle of a perfect yard, the leaves and seeds of the plantain both contain some serious healing properties. 

When I first learned about plantain several years ago, I was living in the rural South and learned to use the leaves in the old backwoods tradition.  To ease the pain and swelling of a insect bite or sting pop a fresh plucked leaf into your mouth, chew it up into a bright green blob, and then slap that sucker onto the affected area.  It may sound a bit nasty and seem primitive, but it really works.  Plantain leaf is a well know antidote for skin aliments of all kinds ranging from snakebites to burns and abrasions.  When used as a poultice it is also known to promote the healing of wounds, sooth the itchy rash caused by poison ivy, and prevent infection.  Incorporated into a salve, it is an excellent all purpose ointment. 

My recent plantain find moved me to do further research on the usefulness of this plant and I was pleasantly surprised.  The seeds that grow in a tubal spray from the center of the plant, the arching growth top-center of the photograph, contain a mucinous sap that is used extensively for internal healing.  One of the most exciting being for the maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels.  The seeds themselves are used similarly to psyllium in treating irritation of the bowls.  One source also suggested that plantain root can be chewed to ease the pain of a toothache. 

Since many of these uses for plantain are new to me, there is very little I can do other than relate the findings of my research.  As I continue to explore and learn about this herb, I will share more of my personal findings.  For now, I can assure you that in skincare it sits right among slippery elm and aloe in my estimations. 

Magically, I can find no mentions of plantain in a context that does not support or refer to it's known medicinal properties.  Perhaps in healing this humble, intrusive weed finds it's own magic. 

Soothing Salve

This is my favorite, all purpose herbal salve.  It is excellent for even the most sensitive dry skin and aids in the healing of cuts, scrapes, and all sorts of minor skin abrasions.  The best part is that all the ingredients are food grade and easy to obtain. 

• 3 Tbl Coconut Oil
• 2 Tbl Olive Oil
• 1 Tbl Slippery Elm
• 1 Tbl Rosehips
• 1 tsp Chamomile
• 1 Tbl Beeswax Granules

Mix all ingredients except for the beeswax in the top pan of a double boiler and cover with a lid.  Add water to the bottom pan and bring to a simmer.  Allow to simmer for 4-6 hours, replenishing water as it evaporates. 

If like me, you don't have an actual double boiler simply nest two pans together with the ingredients in the smaller pan on top and water in the  larger pan below. Superman say's I'm ghetto, but I call it resourceful.   If using this method, just be aware of how high you fill the bottom pan so that no water seeps into your oil and herb mixture. 

Once the herbs have infused into the oils (after 4-6 hours), remove your concoction from the heat and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes.  Strain through a wire strainer to remove all the bits of herb and then return infused oil to a clean, dry pan. 

Now add the beeswax granules.

Heat once again, this time directly on stove top over low heat.  Stir occasionally and warm just long enough to dissolve the beeswax. 

Pour into a clean, 4oz container and allow to cool uncovered.  The warm salve will be clear and liquid, but it will thicken and become opaque as it cools.  Once salve is set, cover and use with in six months. 

My original recipe was created as a diaper ointment and contained equal amounts slippery elm, rosehips, and chamomile.  Since then, I have discovered that my husband does not like the smell of chamomile and I have reduced that ingredient significantly.  If a more scented salve floats your boat, give it a try.  I find the aroma quite enjoyable.