Recharge Your Batteries on National Lazy Mom's Day

This new school year has been more stressful than most so it’s even more important for moms to take a lazy day and recharge. Try this amazing Herbal Body Oil, one of author Mary Helen Leonard’s favorite recipes, from The Handmade Mama. Use it for bedtime massage, to soothe dry or irritated skin from head to toe, and even as a hair conditioner when your tresses are feeling a bit too crispy.

This super-versatile oil also serves as a base ingredient for more advanced skin care recipes like balms, body butters, and diaper ointments. Infused with a blend of soothing herbs and sweet-smelling vanilla bean, this moisturizing oil really can feel magical as it makes rashes, dry skin, and even frowns disappear.

Herbal body oil

YIELD: 8 ounces (240 ml)

INGREDIENTS

1/2 vanilla bean J 8 ounces (240 ml) apricot kernel oil

2 tablespoons (4 g) dried lavender buds

2 tablespoons (4 g) dried chamomile

1/4 cup (4 g) dried calendula

DIRECTIONS

1. Using a small paring knife, split the vanilla bean open by slicing it down the middle.

2. Combine the vanilla bean, apricot kernel oil, lavender, chamomile, and calendula in a double boiler over medium heat for 60 minutes.

3. Remove the mixture from the heat and let cool for 30 minutes.

4. Strain the oil through fine mesh, cheesecloth, or a nut milk bag (used to strain solids out of homemade nut milk). Discard solids and store the infused oil in a bottle or jar at room temperature for up to 6 months.

TO USE

The oil can be applied directly to the skin as a body oil or massage oil. It can also be dabbed onto hair to serve as a leave-in conditioner or used as an ingredient in other recipes.

You can take a look inside or purchase your own copy of The Handmade Mama from our shop or find it at your favorite retailer.