1/2 cup dried lavender flowers
10 drops lavender essential oil
4 tablespoons beeswax or other emulsifier such as monoi oil or cocoa butter
1 teaspoon Manuka honey or Vitamin E tab as a preservative(optional)
1 cup carrier oil
1 bowl large enough to sit over a pan of simmering water making sure that the water cannot get into the bowl
Clean container with air tight lid
approxmately 12" (30cm) square of muslin or net curtain(small holes to use for a sieve)
Make a lavender infusion by adding 1/2 cup dried lavender flowers to the olive oil and gently heat over simmering water for about 15 minutes. While you are waiting cover the measuring jug with a piece of muslin or cheese cloth to use as a sieve and secure it with a rubber band. You may wish to make some lavender infused carrier oil to use in this as well as other recipes by adding dried lavender to a bottle of oil and leave for 3 weeks.
Taking care with the hot bowl, remove the lavender infusion from the heat and carefully strain through the cloth into a measuring jug.
When most of the oil is filtered through the cloth, remove the rubber band, pick up the cloth keeping the lavender enclosed and squeeze out as much oil as possible.
Place the measuring jug into the boiling water, add 10 drops of lavender essential oil and 4 tablespoons of beeswax. At this stage you can also add manuka honey for its fantastic healing properties. Stir over simmering water until melted.
Test consistency by adding a drop to a dish of cold water or an ice cube. It should be the consistency of heavy syrup. If too hard add more carrier oil. If too soft add more beeswax. Pour into clean containers and allow to cool and harden for two hours before sealing with an airtight cover.
Do not keep for longer than a few months.
Note: make this recipe with chamomile for a skin soothing lotion after sunburn or for children to soothe and calm.