I decided it was time that I finally also make a post on here. On the mundane side of things today we had a large, beautiful snow storm, meaning I had an unexpected day off of work. Mix this with a random spurt of energy- and you’ve got yourself a rare combination indeed! What better way to spend the afternoon than by making an oil that brings forth the sunshine and comfort of a warm summers day (I cannot wait to spend time in our creatively planned, new garden!).

I broke out a recent purchase that was recommended by a Youtuber I enjoy thoroughly, named Meghan Hughes (Youtube channel is her name). The book is called “Healing Herbal Infusions” and it is written by Colleen Codekas, who is the founder of Grow, Forage, Cook, Ferment (can be found on Instagram under the same). Let me tell you- this book is fantastic. Colleen breaks each of the recipes down to the most simple of instructions, often using easy to source ingredients, and gives clear direction on the care and uses for your new creations.

The snow meant I was working with what I have today, and wasn’t able to make a trip to my local herbal shop to get new ingredients. I found two simple and similar recipes in the book using items I already had in my home. Pictured above are the recipes for a Lavender Peppermint Sore Muscle Oil, as well as one for a Calendula and Chamomile Baby Oil. I decided to use dried lavender and dried calendula that I already had on hand. I also substituted the coconut oil for extra virgin olive oil (again, mostly because this is what I had on hand). THE SMELL. It smells heavenly when you break out the dried flowers, and makes me long for spring.

I started with between 3/4-1 cup of extra virgin olive oil poured into a clean Ball jar (because of course its a Ball jar). To this I added around 1/2 cup of dried calendula flowers, and about a 1/2 cup of dried lavender flowers- and that’s it! It’s truly that simple and easy. Once these items are put into the jar, they should be left in a dry, cool place for around 4-6 weeks, and should be shaken/ swirled every day to every three days. Once this time has passed, strain out any of the plant matter, and continue to store in a dark, cool location.

Lavender is a well known herb for relaxation, both of the mind and of muscles. Its soothing scent can be calming, and can help settle the mind and support better sleep. Calendula is also a fairly well known, and multi-purpose herb, that is an anti-inflammatory as well as helpful in healing wounds, and soothing eczema. Extra virgin olive oil is a fantastic moisturizer- thought with little surprise it can be oily on the skin for a bit. With this in mind, be sure to give your skin a few moments to absorb the oil before crawling into bed.

One final note I would add- MARK YOUR JARS! Write on them what the product is, when you made it, how long to let it sit, and other instructions you feel you may need but could forget between now and when you get to use your lovely creations. Blessed be and Happy Herb-ing!