My first lotions

[Martha StanleyStudent]

Using the HGH book and lots of other research, I finally have created my own salve and lotion. :yahoo:

This is a huge milestone for me. It means I did it all from scratch which was my goal. Except I didn’t make my own vodka or crush my own olives 😛

I even figured out how to clean up efficiently and mostly easily. That was a situation that was putting me off mentally but I got it to work.

I did half plantain, a quarter each of comfrey and calendula, in good olive oil.

I did the blender method for the plantain oil which was …interesting. I might make it stronger next time.

I already had comfrey and calendula oil from a previous time.

I found an old Weight Watcher scale for the beeswax. The raw wax I had cleaned after getting it from a local beekeeper. An ounce of beeswax isn’t very much, I discovered. And cutting beeswax is impossible. :scared:

I used half the recipe for salve cuz I had no idea what was going to be the result. I used the other half for lotion.

Easy peasy. Love the lotion. It’s not at all liquidy, more like fluffy salve.

Which leads me as usual to questions which I’ve not seen addressed anywhere.

*** How long do you blend it when you’re making lotion?

How do you know when you’re done blending the lotion?

Do you ever actually get a liquid?

Is storing this in the fridge my best option?

I got a couple little water bubbles in the finished product. How do I avoid getting those?***

So many herbs, so many uses. :frog:

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janet grenleski

[Michelle KochStudent]

I just made lotion yesterday myself! (Usually I make balm and salve, but I decided to try something new.). I gradually folded my tea into the hardened balm and mixed with a hand mixer until it was the consistency of butter cream frosting. My skin says it is delicious! It did take a bit of effort to get all of the liquid fully integrated into the wax/oil mixture, but I just kept mixing and stirring until there was no more separation. It just takes time and patience, and not giving up. As for refrigerating, I dont, but it would feel nice chilled. I always use fully dried herb, and sanitize my jars with rubbing alcohol, and I’ve never had anything grow mold or get rancid. My last big jar of hand and foot balm lasted more than six months– until I used it all up. 🙂

[Martha StanleyStudentTopic Author]

What’s the diff btw salve and balm?

Do you blend till there’s no more water for a lotion ?

Is it really ever liquid?

If you heat lotion, does it de-emulsify?

So many things to know!

Thanks for the reply, Fundog.

[Michelle KochStudent]

My definition of a balm is something firm, like lip balm. It’s pretty firm, but still has enough give to make it spreadable. I like this texture for super chapped, callused hands and feet. It’s great for people who have to wash their hands often.

A salve/ointment is quite a lot softer, so it can be spread into tender cuts and abrasions without pressing so hard as to make it hurt more.

My definition of a lotion is very creamy, like cake frosting.

I’ve just had my jar on a book shelf at room temperature for two days, and there is no sign of separation. I guess I could carry a small sample container in my pocket for awhile and get back to you.

As to the other questions, I guess so, I don’t know. I personally don’t want my lotion to be a liquid like those cheap store brand lotions, but that’s just me. I suppose if you want it runnier, you could just add more water and keep blending until you’re happy with it.

I’m sure someone else will have better answers for you.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Marthabees wrote:

*** How long do you blend it when you’re making lotion?

How do you know when you’re done blending the lotion?

The blender method is just for making the infused oil. Blend it until the sides of the blender are warm. Then you’ll have to use a double boiler to add the wax (to make a salve) and then add water (or tincture or tea etc…) to make the lotion.

Marthabees wrote: Do you ever actually get a liquid?

No. it’s sort of mushy stuff…then strain it.

Marthabees wrote: Is storing this in the fridge my best option?

Yes

Marthabees wrote: I got a couple little water bubbles in the finished product. How do I avoid getting those?***

I always get a few little water droplets. I’ve decided to be friends with them. 🙄

Doc

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

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Fundog wrote: I just made lotion yesterday myself! (Usually I make balm and salve, but I decided to try something new.). I gradually folded my tea into the hardened balm and mixed with a hand mixer until it was the consistency of butter cream frosting. My skin says it is delicious! It did take a bit of effort to get all of the liquid fully integrated into the wax/oil mixture, but I just kept mixing and stirring until there was no more separation. It just takes time and patience, and not giving up. As for refrigerating, I dont, but it would feel nice chilled. I always use fully dried herb, and sanitize my jars with rubbing alcohol, and I’ve never had anything grow mold or get rancid. My last big jar of hand and foot balm lasted more than six months– until I used it all up. 🙂

Starting clean is the best way to avoid nasties growing in the product. 🙂

Some lotions do fine outside of the fridge, some don’t…it depends on how anti-microbial/anti-fungal the herbs in it are.

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

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Marthabees wrote: What’s the diff btw salve and balm?

Semantics mostly. A salve/balm is oil + wax.

Marthabees wrote: Do you blend till there’s no more water for a lotion?

Mix the hot oil infusion with the water/tea and mix with a hand mixer until it’s all mixed up.

Marthabees wrote: Is it really ever liquid?

The strained infused oil is. The lotion is sort of like mayonnaise until it cools.

Marthabees wrote: If you heat lotion, does it de-emulsify?

Shouldn’t. you can re-heat it on a double boiler add add more wax if it’s too runny or more oil if it’s too stiff.

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

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Fundog wrote:

As to the other questions, I guess so, I don’t know. I personally don’t want my lotion to be a liquid like those cheap store brand lotions, but that’s just me. I suppose if you want it runnier, you could just add more water and keep blending until you’re happy with it.

I’m sure someone else will have better answers for you.

I would recommend adding more oil rather than more water. 🙂

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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