Marshmallow & calendula oil macerate
1. In a heat-resistant jar (Mason jar or Pyrex cup), put the calendula flowers and marshmallow root. Pour the oil over the plants and use a clean, dry spoon to mix, making sure the oil completely covers the plants and comes about 1 inch above them.
2. Place the jar in a small pot, and pour water into the pot until the water level comes very slightly above that of the oil. Careful: you absolutely must avoid getting water into the oil and plant mixture.
3. Heat on minimum heat for 2 hours. You can put dish towels or rags in the pot, around the jar, to keep it from moving and to reduce the intensity of direct heat on the plants. Again, we must avoid water getting into the oil and plant mixture. Watch your water - it shouldn't heat to the point of big boils. You might also need to add some to your pot as it evaporates.
4. Remove from heat, let cool and strain through cheesecloth or an old nylon stocking to collect the oil.
Alternative option - cold maceration
Alternatively, you can also make the oil macerate cold by leaving the plants in the oil in a closed container at room temperature for 3 to 4 weeks. They must be completely covered by the oil. We recommend the oil level come at least half an inch above the plants. You might even want to add oil as the maceration goes on, since the plants could soak up a good amount of oil.
Unsuspected tip! You can use the oil macerate, now loaded with the properties of calendula and marshmallow, as is as a body oil or in any DIY that calls for an oil: lip balm, body butter, body or face serum, etc.
Super balm
1. In a double boiler, melt the beeswax with the shea butter and the oil macerate.
2. When everything has melted, remove from heat and add the Italian helichrysum essential oil and vitamin E, if you chose to use them.
3. Mix well and quickly pour into the silicone mold.
4. Let set at room temperature for a few hours.
How to use it
Unmold the cube and insert it into the KIIMA applicator. To learn how to use your KIIMA applicator, it's right here.
Apply generously to irritated skin or skin exposed to the elements.
Delicate little cheeks to protect from the deep freeze? SUPER BALM! Dry, chapped lips? SUPER BALM! Dry, problem skin, eczema, hives, psoriasis, in great need of relief? SUPER BALM! Irritated baby bums? SUPER BALM! Irritations in any baby fold? SUPER BALM! Cracked nipples from early breastfeeding or a lightning-fast growth spurt? SUPER BALM! Little ouchies, scrapes, redness, whatever: SUPER BALM!
How does it work?
Beeswax and shea butter have the property of leaving a protective film on the skin, which lets it preserve its hydration in addition to protecting it from the elements. As for marshmallow and calendula, they've been renowned since time immemorial for their calming, soothing and restorative properties.
For an enhanced restorative effect, adding Italian helichrysum (immortelle) essential oil is not to be overlooked. Healing and anti-inflammatory, it's ideal for repairing tissue after falls, bumps, bruises, scrapes and other small ouchies.
Definitely a treatment to add to your arsenal!
