Calendula macerate

• 60 ml (1/4 cup) of organic calendula flowers (You can also use fresh flowers. We explain how to proceed if so in the steps.)
• argan oil *
• rosehip oil *

* For this recipe, use 3 parts argan oil and 1 part rosehip oil. Use enough oil to cover the plants and come about 1 inch above them. See the “Steps” section to learn how to make the oil macerate. You'll have more than this recipe requires, and that's normal.

Elastic belly butter with flowers

• 45 ml (3 tbsp) of the calendula macerate made in the previous step
• 45 ml (3 tbsp) of organic shea butter (raw)
• 10 ml (2 tsp) of raw Quebec beeswax * (Beeswax can be replaced with half as much sunflower wax, since plant wax is more brittle. )
• 7 drops of vitamin E
• 100 ml amber glass jar

Calendula macerate

If you're not familiar with making oil macerates, we strongly recommend reading our article on the subject, Herbalism 101: making your own oil macerate.

1. If the macerate is made with fresh flowers, wilt the calendula flowers in a ventilated spot for about 2 days. The water they contain will evaporate, which will help preserve the oil.

2. Roughly chop the flowers (whether dried or fresh) to break their cell walls and so allow better extraction of their medicinal constituents.

3. In a double boiler, put the flowers and cover with the oils until they come one to one and a half inches above the flowers.

4. Heat over low heat for 1 to 2 hours. When the oil gives off an herbaceous smell, changes color slightly and the flowers seem to have given everything, it's done! You can also make the macerate cold by letting the (dry) plant soak in the oil, in an airtight container, for 3 weeks away from light.

5. Strain and pour into an airtight container. Only put the lid on once the macerate has cooled to room temperature.

6. Label the jar well: product name, carrier oils and date made.

7. Give the flowers back to nature or put them in the compost.

Elastic belly butter1. Melt the wax in the oil macerate in a double boiler, then the butter (we do it in this order to keep the butter from going grainy).

2.Once everything has melted, remove from heat, mix well and add the vitamin E.

3. Mix again and pour into the amber glass jar.

4. Let set in the refrigerator, without a lid.

Apply as needed and ideally on damp skin, like right after the shower, to make application easier and increase absorption.

Flowers: why?

Since using essential oils on the abdominal area and breasts is prohibited during pregnancy, we favor using medicinal plants in macerates to benefit from their properties.

And stretch marks?

Stretch marks are NORMAL. The rapid distension of the belly and breasts during pregnancy can cause irritation and break the skin's deep structure, causing stretch marks. Applying butter to the belly or breasts isn't a miracle cure, since many factors determine whether or not a woman gets stretch marks during pregnancy, including her production of collagen fibers, which is influenced by her cortisol level.

However, applying a butter like this one is a good way to prevent them or lessen their intensity.

Happy pregnancy, and enjoy your belly!