How to make a Herbal Cream
Whereas ointments (salves, balms) are meant to form a protective layer on the skin, a cream is an emulsion of water with oils which softens and soaks into the skin.
Ingredients
250ml/1 cup herb infused oil
250ml/1 cup warm water
20gr/2/3oz beeswax (not paraffin)
8 drops essential oil (optional)
Combine infused oil and beeswax, and heat mixture just enough to melt the wax. In a separate pot heat water just enough to be warm to the touch.
Put the warm water into your blender/food processor. Take the centre ring from the lid. Then, with the blender running at high speed, slowly add the oil-wax mixture in a steady stream. Half way through (or thereabouts) you’ll see the mixture turn white and thicken. This is the time to add the essential oil, if you are using any. Keep adding oil until all used. Don’t turn off the blender until all the water has been amalgamated.
The mixture will be too thick to pour, so use a spatula to fill your widemouth jars while the cream is still warm.
Stored at room temperature, this cream will keep for 6 months*. If you store it in the fridge (and dont use it with your fingers) it may well last 3 times that long.
* Any product containing water is a breeding ground for bacteria. Make sure all your equipment is very clean and dont dip your fingers into the finished product. Always use a small spatula or other applicator to keep products free of contaminants. Beeswax, essential oils and vitamin E are natural preservatives which should give your products a shelf life of 6 months. You can also use grapefruit see extract which is a strong antiviral agent.
See Herbology At Home’s “Making Herbal Remedies” for more base recipes and methods.
hard to believe but i have never made an herbal cream! i love the way you differentiate between the uses of salves/balms and creams. i need to get on that!
I love balms, but sometimes you want something lighter, you know?
Oh for sure, Anke! Will post when I give the cream making a whirl xxthank you!
This is a nice, simple recipe. I would like to use it to make a face cream. Do you think it would be ok to add a little bit of honey to the mix?
Will the mixture emulsify properly if coconut oil is used instead of the beeswax?
I imagine it would emulsify fine, being an oil but it may not set as solidly.
Are the beeswax you used yellow or white? Is it possible to make a white base cream using yellow beeswax? Thx!!! =D