How to Make Your Own Herbal St. John's Wort and Calendula Skin Cream

In the interconnected web of life, plants have always been our allies. From the shamanic rituals of antiquity to today’s science-driven approaches, botanical wisdom remains unparalleled. Today, I invite you to immerse yourself in crafting a skin cream that embodies both tradition and modernity. This guide will teach you how to make a nourishing and healing skin cream using the renowned herbs, St. John's Wort and Calendula.

Ingredients and Materials

Herbs

1. St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

   • Anti-inflammatory
   • Antibacterial
   • Helpful for healing wounds

2. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

   • Antimicrobial
   • Promotes skin regeneration
   • Soothes irritated skin

Base Ingredients

• Beeswax (2 tablespoons)

  • Emulsifying agent
  • Adds texture to the cream

• Coconut Oil (1/2 cup)

  • Moisturizing
  • Antibacterial

• Almond Oil (1/4 cup)

  • Nourishing
  • Rich in vitamins

• Shea Butter (2 tablespoons)

  • Deeply hydrating
  • Anti-inflammatory

Essential Oils (Optional)

• Lavender Oil (10 drops)

  • Calming
  • Antiseptic

• Tea Tree Oil (5 drops)

  • Antibacterial
  • Antifungal

Tools

• Double boiler or a heat-safe bowl and pot
• Clean, sterilized containers (preferably glass)
• Cheesecloth or fine strainer
• Spatula for mixing

Preparation

Step 1: Herbal Infusion

1. Prepare the Herbs:

   • Dry your St. John’s Wort and Calendula. If using fresh herbs, ensure they are fully dehydrated to prevent spoilage.

2. Create the Oil Infusion:

   • Fill a mason jar with equal parts dried St. John's Wort and Calendula flowers.
   • Pour almond oil over the herbs until they are fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly.

3. Infuse the Herbs:

   • Place the jar in a sunny window and allow it to infuse for 2-4 weeks. Shake the jar daily to ensure proper infusion.
   • Alternatively, for a quicker method, use a double boiler to gently heat the herb and oil mixture for 2-4 hours on low heat.

Step 2: Straining and Preparing the Infused Oil

1. Strain the Oil:

   • Using cheesecloth or a fine strainer, filter out the plant material from the oil.
   • Squeeze the cloth to extract as much oil as possible from the herbs.

2. Set Aside Prepared Oil:

   • Place your freshly strained herbal oil in a clean, dry container. This will be the primary therapeutic component of your cream.

Step 3: Making the Cream Base

1. Melt the Base Ingredients:

   • In a double boiler, combine the beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter. Heat until all ingredients are fully melted and combined.

2. Combine with Herbal Oil:

   • Once melted, slowly stir in your herbal-infused almond oil.

3. Add Optional Essential Oils:

   • If desired, add essential oils like lavender and tea tree for added benefits. Mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Finalizing Your Skin Cream

1. Cool Down and Mix:

   • Remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool slightly while continuing to stir. As it cools, the mixture will start to thicken.

2. Adjust Texture:

   • If the mixture is too thick, gradually add small amounts of additional almond oil until the desired consistency is achieved.

3. Jar and Store:

   • Pour your cream into sterilized containers and let it cool completely before sealing.
   • Store in a cool, dark place. The cream should last up to six months.

Best Practices and Tips

1. Consistency is Key:

   • Be mindful of measurements to ensure a balanced consistency. Too much beeswax will harden the cream, while too much oil will make it greasy.

2. Hygiene:

   • Sterilize all your tools and containers to avoid contamination.

3. Label and Date:

   • Always label your jars with the date of preparation to keep track of freshness.

4. Patch Test:

   • Since everyone’s skin is different, a patch test is advisable to rule out any allergic reactions.

5. Personalize:

   • Feel free to experiment with different essential oils based on your preferences or skin needs, keeping mindful of their dilutions and potential skin interactions.

Conclusion

Blending the ancient wisdom of St. John's Wort and Calendula with modern, methodical preparation allows us to create a deeply beneficial skin cream. This do-it-yourself remedy not only nourishes the skin but also connects you to the rich legacy of plant medicine. As you use this herbal skin cream, may you feel its healing touch and remember the harmony between nature and science.

Feel free to leave comments or share your own experiences in the journey of herbal remedies. Stay vibrant and keep healing! 🌿