Discover the Healing Power of Flowers: Making Your Own Essential Oils
Flowers are not just beautiful to look at. They also offer numerous medicinal benefits that can enhance your skin’s health and overall well-being. One of the most effective ways to harness these benefits is through the use of essential oils.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that capture the therapeutic properties of herbs, flowers, and other botanicals. They are highly potent and have been used for centuries to treat various ailments and conditions.
Making Your Own Essential Oils
Making your own essential oils is surprisingly easy. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can create your own natural remedies using flowers from your garden or local markets.
How to Make Rose Essential Oil
Materials:
- 4 cups fresh rose petals and hips
- 12-inch by 12-inch muslin cloth
- Rubber band
- 16-ounce jar
- Organic carrier oil (e.g., rose hip oil, coconut oil)
- Potato masher
Instructions:
- Spread the rose petals and hips on the muslin cloth and wrap it up like a sack.
- Secure the sack with a rubber band and place it in a jar containing the carrier oil.
- Use a potato masher to gently bruise the contents and extract the essential oils.
- Cover the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for two weeks.
- After two weeks, mash the sack again and remove it from the jar. Squeeze it to extract the remaining oil.
- Repeat the process with fresh rose petals and hips 4-5 times, leaving the sack in the same carrier oil solution each time.
How to Make Rose Geranium Essential Oil
Materials:
- 5 handfuls rose geranium leaves
- Wide-mouth 500 ml glass jar
- 2 cups unscented carrier oil (e.g., sunflower oil, jojoba oil)
- Wooden spoon
- Cheesecloth
Instructions:
- Harvest the rose geranium leaves just before the plants flower or when the flowers are partially open.
- Rinse the leaves and dry them.
- Place the leaves in the glass jar and add the carrier oil until the leaves are covered.
- Use a wooden spoon to press down the leaves and ensure they are submerged.
- Close the jar and shake it to mix the ingredients.
- Leave the jar in a warm place for a week, avoiding direct sunlight.
- Strain the oil through cheesecloth into a clean jar to remove the plant material.
How to Make Lavender Essential Oil
Materials:
- 2-4 cups fresh lavender flowers (or flowers and stems)
- Large glass jar
- Carrier oil (e.g., jojoba oil, sunflower oil)
- Cheesecloth
Instructions:
- Fill a large glass jar with the lavender flowers and cover them with the carrier oil, leaving about a half-inch of free space.
- Seal the jar and place it in a warm place, avoiding direct sunlight.
- Allow the jar to sit for at least 48 hours, shaking it occasionally.
- Strain the oil through cheesecloth into another jar to remove the plant material.
- Repeat the straining process 2-3 times to achieve the desired potency.
Benefits and Uses of Flower Essential Oils
Homemade essential oils infused with flower essences offer a wide range of benefits and uses:
- Rose essential oil: Contains therapeutic components that can help fight acne, slow down aging, and improve mood.
- Rose geranium essential oil: Has a rose-like aroma, treats poor circulation and stress, and minimizes wrinkles.
- Lavender essential oil: Known for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-depressive properties, it can be used to treat skin breakouts, reduce inflammation, and protect the skin from free radical damage.
Flower essential oils can be used in various ways, including:
- Massage oil
- Bath or foot bath additives
- Potpourri and sachets
- Homemade beauty products (e.g., soap, lotion)
- Topical application for treating skin ailments and bug bites
