Mallow Summer Cream balm recipe
Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris) has anti inflammatory, soothing and emollient properties that combine with the other ingredients in this recipe to moisturise the skin during the sunny summer days.
By obtaining a triple infusion of the herb you'll have a concentrate that can be used in combination with a base oil to make this cream balm – ie: infuse the herb in boiled water for 20 minutes, strain and reinfuse and repeat, each time adding more fresh herb to the previous infusion but not adding any more water. In the bain marie, the last infusion, adding the hibiscus flowers, injects a beautiful rich colour.
Ingredients:
120ml Almond oil
40ml aqueous extraction of common mallow herb. (this is a triple infusion of the flowers and leaves, Malva sylvestris).
10-15 grams beeswax (grated)
2 teaspoons emulsifying wax.
4 dried hibiscus flowers
Essential oils of Frankinsense (7 drops) and Bergamot (15 drops).
Instructions:
1. prepare the Mallow (flower and leaf) triple herbal infusion.
2. In a bain marie melt the beeswax into the almond oil and add the emulsifying wax.
3. In a separate bain marie heat the aqueous infusion prepared earlier and infuse the hibiscus flowers into it.
4. Off the heat gradually combine the water herb infusion a little at a time into the oil and wax. Use a small hand whisk to keep the mixture constantly combining whilst adding the infusion.
5. Once the cream has combined smoothly, add the essential oils and whisk a little longer.
6. Finally pour the cream into small sterilised jars (preferably dark glass), tap the jar down onto a work surface to allow any air bubbles to find their way to the surface, allow to cool, place an airtight lid then label and store in the fridge.
Bergamot essential oil has a wonderful fresh scent and also its own beneficial properties for use on the skin. Frankinscense is a familiar skin enhancing essential oil with a unique resonant fragrance.
Use within a couple of months while fresh and before the colour fades.