Valentine's Day / Rose Hand Cream

Valentine's Day / Rose Hand Cream

Would you like to make something special for Valentine's Day (or any day)? Here's a recipe that you'll love. I'm sharing this in a few places to make sure everyone can enjoy it.

2 tbls. Emulsifying Wax
3 tbls. Shea Butter
1 tbls. Jojoba Oil
1/2 oz. Rosehips (crushed up)
1/2 oz. Rose Peddles (cut the green parts off)
4 oz. Pure Water (rain water is best)

Place your prepared Rosehips and Rose Peddles in a small deep bowl. Bring the 4 oz. of water to a rapid boil and pour the water over the herbs - cover and set this aside.

On VERY low heat melt the Emulsifying Wax and Shea Butter. As soon as it's melted remove from heat and add the Jojoba Oil.

Squeeze all the water away from the herbs. You may have to strain it if there are little pieces. The object is to get as much water back as possible. Hint: If you place the herb in a tightly woven cheese cloth you can squeeze it better and not have as much herb pieces left. Do be careful as this water will be hot. If you have less than 3 oz. of water, add just a little fresh water to bring it to, at least, 3 oz. If you have more than 3 oz. of water left - GREAT.

Add the herb water to your wax and oil - WATCH THE MAGIC - and stir, stir, stir. This will thicken as it cools but you need to keep stirring it. In the winter you can take this outside and place your pan in the snow. Rapid cooling isn't a problem. Did I mention how important stirring is (he, he)?

Place this in a pretty container and enjoy!
---------

Remember this DOES NOT have preservatives in it. Always make small batches that you'll use within a few weeks. Although all natural is better for you - spoilage is a problem and you need to be aware of this and keep an eye out for it. The product does not need to be refrigerated (although it may lengthen the freshness).
---------

Don't limit your usage to your hands! This is a whole body cream - and that includes the ends of your hair! Using this as a hair prepare / conditioner will give you some AWESOME results - so here's how. Right after you've washed your hair (while it's still wet) use a very small amount on the ends of your hair (about a dimes worth in the palm of your hand). Work it in. Then use another dimes worth on the rest of your hair. Rub it into your hands and work it into all of your hair, using less close to the scalp. Your hair may feel slightly oily at first - this is normal. Give your hair TIME to absorb the healing properties of your creation.
---------

Guys - although Rose may not be your scent of choice (try it you might like it) this cream will give you the best, softest shave! It actually softens the hair and conditions your skin. And Ladies - this goes for you too :-) Just remember to use a lot less than shaving cream, and give it a few moments to soak in before you shave.
---------

Use it as a night time face cream. Use it as a foot cream (totally cover your feet and add a soft, snuggly sock).
---------

If you can't find all the ingredients at local stores here's a link to Mountain Rose Herbs (the best supplier in my opinion): http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/cgi-bin/Main.pl?AID=057052&BID=1010

Posted in: beauty herb