Homegrown Herbalist Book lotion recipe question

[Jacqueline HicksStudent]

I have been experimenting with the lotion formula given in The Homegrown Herbalist Book. I love it and its simplicity! I have been using the 1 cup of herb-infused oil, 1 oz beeswax, and 1/2 cup of water. What is the shelf life of this lotion? There is a lot of information on shelf life being rather short if you use water in a lotion recipe. I look at four different sources and get about a dozen different opinions. Haha! I have read you can add a natural preservative to lengthen the shelf life but I would rather not, depending how long the goodness will last.

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[SharonStudent]

He mentions in his video that if you put a “titch” of lavender to the recipe.

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Echo, Jacqueline Hicks

[Dee.MWStudent]

Yes, lavender and vitamin e are in my notes as preservatives, in addition to the anti-microbial herbs that may already be in the lotion.  In the medicine making module Doc says 6 months basic shelf life, longer depending on ingredients and cool storage.  The issue for me wouldn’t be water, but oil going rancid, or already being rancid, depending on how long it sat on a warm shelf somewhere.  Items like sesame or peanut oils are already long gone before you buy them.  I check harvest/dates on oils for food or medicine.

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Echo, Jacqueline Hicks, Virginia H LaMaster, Sharon

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Yup. To all of the above. I keep them refrigerated whenever possible. Some last longer than others depending on what herbs are in them.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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Jacqueline Hicks

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