"The flowers of late winter and early spring
occupy places in our hearts
well out of proportion to their size."

- Gertrude S. Wister

Coconut oil

While there are many ways and many mediums for herbal infused oils, I have a special place in my heart (and a large place in my pantry) for herbs infused in coconut oil.

I'm no scientist so I can't explain it in certain terms. I just know because I make them and then I come back to make more because I use them all up.

Coconut oil, (I speak of virgin coconut oil, here) is incredible on it's own. With a slippery-silky texture and soft/firm viscosity at room temperature, it's pleasing and emollient to any skin type. It's always ready to use at any time whether it's firm like a salve or warm liquid like a massage oil. It also smells amazing - yes, of the fresh coconut that it is.

Traditionally

Coconut oil has been used in Ayurveda as a menstruum for medicinal herbs. The infused oil is then either eaten or massaged into the body, often times both.

Coconut oil is considered to be anti-inflammatory, cooling, toning, nutritive, and slightly drying (in comparison to other oils). It is commonly used on Pitta constitutions and in facial care formulas for rosacea, acne, and combination skin.

One of it's special talents though....

is aroma. Capturing it, that is. I find that fresh (slightly wilted to relieve some water content) herbs whose aroma is desirable to render do extremely well in coconut oil.

Rosemary, Sage, and Lavender, for example, lend a gorgeous green and nearly addicting result, one that crosses the line of practical and pampered for sure. Its anti-bacterial properties make it perfect for adding a little beeswax and creating a first aid salve, or decadent melted and used as a hot oil treatment for frizzy, brittle hair.

Roses of course are classic for relieving hot red skin, calming inflammation and spider veins, as well as both protecting and opening the heart. Roses infused in coconut oil is a simple and beautiful way to care for your skin each day.

Making your own

is easy. In a double boiler, add your herb. The herb should be wilted enough to avoid water content in the oil, or you can choose to use dried herbs. Chamomile, basil, peppermint, lemon balm - any herb you're in love with - try it!

Herbalism is about using our senses, trying things out, and becoming an active participant in our plant ways.

Add your oil (yes it will be clumpy for just a minute.)

Your heat should be on low. Coconut oil has a melting point of 76 degrees, it will melt readily. Keep it on low - the oil should never get too hot to touch.

Let this oil/herb alchemy macerate warm for a long, salubrious day, while you are home most of the time. Perhaps it is your Sunday to write, make bone broth, or watch your grand-baby :) it can fit right into your groove.

Once you feel it's ready, strain in through cheesecloth, let cool, and enjoy :)

And YES - it makes a really beautiful Valentine's Day gift!

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Need a head start?

Indian Spiced oil

1/2 cup Coconut oil infused with:
1 TBSP cracked Mustard seeds
1 TBSP Cumin seeds
1 Tsp cracked Corriander seeds
1 Tsp Turmeric powder

Lover's Delight Balm

1/2 cup Coconut oil
1 TBSP Cardamom seeds (or ground)
1/4 cup dried roses
1/2 Tsp ground nutmeg

Simply Beautiful Face Treatment oil

1/2 cup Coconut oil
1 TBSP cup dried Yarrow flowers
1 TBSP dried Chamomile flowers
1 Tsp Rosemary leaves, wilted or dried
1 Tsp Plantain leaves, wilted or dried

Tree Bliss Oil

1 cup Coconut oil
1/2 cup of your favorite conifer or tree bits: white pine needles, juniper berries, white fir needles, spruce tips poplar buds....... pick your tree pleasure :)

Infuse your life with plant blessings, my friends!

Green Blessings,

Ananda Lakshmi Wilson

Plant Journeys

Amrita Apothecary on Poppy Swap

SOUL MATES Botanical Perfume Collection

Rose Addicts:

Valentine's Perfume Collections are HERE! They will sell out very fast - don't miss your chance at these orgasmic blends.

SOUL MATES

LOVERS

Plant Healer Magazine

Plant Healer Magazine ~ The Best Grassroots Publication about Plants and Herbalism

The next issue will feature my article on making Herbal Infused Oils - make sure you're subscribed!!

~ Blessed Be ~