HV, I would like to make a salve for my feet. My heels are starting to get dry and sometimes cracked, and I would just like to keep them in good condition. I have made a nice lip salve with olive oil, beeswax and some cinnamon tincture that I'm very happy with-- it's so inspiring to do these things!!
:-)
Hmmm.... So you don't want to steal the bee's pollen, but you don't mind stealing their wax, which they made from that pollen they worked so hard to obtain
Beeswax is crap for the skin anyway. It plugs the pores and prevents the active ingredients of lotions, creams and balms from absorbing properly. That is why I did not use any waxes at all in my wrinkle cream.
sidenote: I'm getting quite taken with making flax and herb crackers and "chips" today as well--lots of fun. And so good!
What one herb -if there is only one- would you recommend would make this salve a really good foot balm?
One's too few?
Maybe two, then?
Melt down 4 ounces of cocoa butter in a double boiler. When melted add 1-2 ounces of avocado oil (preferably unrefined) and stir well. How much oil you should use will depend on the time of the year. Colder months add more oil so it will harden up so much. Warmer months add less oil so it will not melt so easily. When the solution cools to room temperature, but has not hardened yet add 40 drops of palmarosa essential oil. That's it. It will harden overnight. After bathing while the skin is still moist rub a little in to the skin.
would I infuse the olive oil with the herb--like the way people do with hypericum?
Avocado oil is going to work much better and absorb easier. And you do not need to infuse herbs in to the oil. The palmarosa oil will help to soften the skin and keep it supple.
we don't want any water in there, right? Or maybe we do. (need some green smilies)
Adding water increases the risk of molding, which means you will need preservatives. Most natural ones will not work well in balms. So best to leave it out and apply the balm to wet skin.