This simple scrub is a treat for our skin during the long winter period where we tend to hide and neglect our skin. This scrub is an excellent exfoliation treatment which removes dead skin cells to reveal younger, softer skin. The exfoliation process allows our skin to absorb the nutrients in the herbal oil.

Exfoliating body scrubs can be made with a variety of ingredients, but each scrub consists of a course exfoliant (salt, sugar, coffee, apricot pits or oatmeal) AND a liquid base (shampoos, lotions, infused oils).

The basis of our scrub recipes are herbal infused oils. These are not essential oils but are often very aromatic-depending on the herb used. They are simply a type of herbal extract, using oil as the extraction liquid. They have many uses other than as a base for the body scrubs. Use in balms and salves, in lotions, as hair treatments, as body oils, for sunburn, diaper rash.... Etc etc.

Part 1: Instructions for Making an Herbal Infused Oil

Ingredients

• 1 cup of dried herb (see below for choices- mixtures are okay too!)
• 1 cup of organic extra virgin olive oil

Directions

To make an infused oil, low heat and long infusion time is preferable. I use a crock pot, however an electric roaster is better since they have an even lower temperature setting.

NOTE: The shelf life of infused oils is increased if the equipment and the bottles are clean and sterile. Prepare your infused oils using the same hygienic precautions as if you were canning food.

1. Place herbs and oils into their jars, cover loosely.
2. Place in a crock pot and set on the highest setting.
3. Add boiling water to the crock pot to surround the jars. Add enough to reach an inch beyond the top of the oils.
4. Leave for about 8 hours in a crock pot. Check the water level every 3 hours and top up if necessary.
5. If possible, leave the ingredients to infuse at room temperature after the intial crock pot step.
6. OR leave for about 2 weeks in an electric roaster at the lowest setting.
7. Strain to remove the herbal material.
8. Store liquid in a clean dry jar in a cool, dark place.

Part 2: Instructions for Making a Scrub

Ingredients

• 1 cup of herbal infused oil (see part 1, above)
• 1 cup of exfoliant if using salt, sugar, coffee or apricot pits. (use 1 ½ cups if using oats)
• Glass jar with lid
• Essential oil (optional)

Directions

1. Combine ingredients, stir and store in a sealed jar.
2. The mixture will separate- stir before each use.
3. Scrub will last for 3 months without refrigeration.

Herb Options & Properties

• Chamomile tops - Calming and soothing and antiseptic
• Lavender flowers - Calming and soothing and antiseptic
• Comfrey leaf - Healing and regenerating
• Comfrey root - Healing and regenerating
• Rose Petals - Soothing and softening
• Gotu Kola herb - Regenerating, enhancing circulation and toning (for cellulite)
• Ginger root - Warming and soothing for tired muscles and mild achiness

Exfoliant Options & Properties

• Salt- For deep exfoliation. Suitable for oilier skin since tends to dehydrate. Sea salt may need to be ground a little in a coffee grinder/food processor to remove rough edges.
• Sugar- A gentle daily scrub that is best for dry skin. Use either brown sugar or white sugar, depending on desired grain size.
• Oatmeal- A natural soothing agent that is great for itchy skin. It combines well with Chamomile, Lavender and Rose petal.
• Coffee or ground apricot pits are perfect for normal skin. Coffee is unique in that it acts as a vasorestrictor, meaning it is great for veins. The caffeine improves circulation and acts as a stimulant, causing cellulite to appear less visible. Combines well with Gotu Kola and Ginger.