Homemade Aromatherapy Hand Lotion
The winter months are rushing in, and if you are anything like me, you have to have major issues with dry sky. I actually thought something was wrong with me, because my hands looked like I have a terrible rash on account of my continuous scratching!
My problem has been that I want a soothing lotion – but I don’t want an overpowering “perfumy” scent. I just want something I can toss in my bag and whip out when I need it.
The following recipe is really very easy to make and as a bonus, I have included my very own Mists of Calencir “Banish the Winter Blues” aromotherapy blend which you can use to scent this wonderful lotion.
Ingredients
1/4 cup emulsifying wax
1/4 cup olive oil
25 drops of the essential oil of your choice (you can add more or less depending on your own personal preference – just note if you add to much, the lotion will not blend properly – a little goes a long, long way!)
1-1/4 cup hot water
In a pyrex bowl or measuring cup, melt the wax and olive oil together in the microwave in 30 second bursts until it is all melted. Add the essential oil to the wax/olive oil mixture. Add the hot water. The oil mixture will start to turn a creamy white color (this also depends on your essential oil because some do cause a slight color variation). Pour the lotion in to a jelly jar with a lid and let it cool overnight. If you are going to put the lotion in some sort of travel lotion bottle, it is better to pour it in now, while you can still pour it. Trust me, I made that mistake once and it is messy to wait. By morning you’ll have a wonderful lotion to start lathering all over.
If you want to play with the recipe a little, you can substitute about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the water with glycerine to made a more hydrating lotion. You can also play around with the oil blend. Olive oil is great, but you can also try coconut or almond oil.
This lotion should have a shelf life of about 2 to 3 months.
Always check for sensitivity when working with essential oils!
Mists of Calencir’s Banish the Winter Blues Aromoatherapy blend
15 drops Bergamot
5 drops Neroli
5 drops Jasmine Absolute
This is the base, you can multiply the blend to make as much as you want. Store the blend in dark glass jars and keep them out of direct sunlight which can cause your essential oils to lose potency.
Bergamot: may assist in reducing anxiety and depression. As an ingredient in lotions and massage oils it can help reduce tension and inflammation.
Neroli: Also known as Orange Flower essence has been historically use to treat mature and sensitive skin, nervous depression, nervous dyspepsia, nervous skin rashes, nervous tension, oily and dry skin, and oooh my favorite PMS.
Jasmine: has been used to treat depression, eczema, headache, hoarseness, labor pains, memory stimulation, menstrual problems, prostate problems, and skin irritation.
