Recipe for Orange blossom Massage Cream

You will need:

·        5 ml (1 tsp.) lecithin capsules

·        25 ml (1 fl. oz.) rosewater

·        25 ml (1 fl. oz.) almond oil

·        50 ml (2 fl. oz.) olive or avocado oil

·        10 g (¼ oz.) beeswax pieces

·        20 drops neroli or petit grain essential oil

Pureneroli essential oil gives this cream its luxurious orange blossom scent, butless expensive alternatives include petit grain, bergamot or  ylang ylang oils. This moisturising mixturealso makes a good massage balm and skin salve.

Method

·        Put the lecithin granules of the contents of thecapsules to soak in the rosewater for several hours, preferably overnight. Putthe almond oil, olive or avocado oil, and beeswax pieces in a heatproof bowland place in a  saucepan half–filled withwater,

·        Gently heat until the beeswax has meltedcompletely. Add the lecithin and rosewater, and beat vigorously before removingfrom the heat. Add the essential oil of your choice to fragrance the cream.

·        Allow to cool slightly before pouring into ashallow tub or screw-top jar (scraping the cream from the sides of the mixingbowl before it sets).

 To use, massageliberally into rough, chapped skin on the hands, elbows, and feet.

Top Three Remedies for Hands and Feet

The top three remedies for hands and feet are easy to makeand are well worth including in your regular beauty routine. Not only do theymake the hands and feet look more attractive, but they also help prevent moreserious disorders from developing in the future.

1. Lavender BarrierCream

·        10 g (14 oz.) beeswax pieces

·        25 g (1 oz.) cocoa butter

·        600 m (4 tbsp.) almond oil

·        15 ml 1 (tbsp. )castor oil

·        15 drops lavender essential  oil

Method

This waterproof hand cream will protect the hands fromenvironmental abuse and is perfect to use before chores such as gardening andwashing-up. Keep a tub handy in the kitchen for regular use. Instead of usinglavender essential oil, the cream may also be scented with lemon or sandalwoodoils for more macho aroma.  

·        Put the beeswax pieces and cocoa butter in a heatproofbowl and place in a saucepan half-filled with water. Gently heat until thebeeswax and cocoa have melted together. Remove from the heat and stir in thealmond oil and castor oil.

·        Allow cooling and beat in the lavender. Pour themixture into tubs of shallow screw-top jars and rub into the hands whenever aprotective barrier cream is needed.

2. Cuticle Cream

·        10 g (¼ oz.) beeswax pieces

·        60 ml. (4 tbsp.) almond oil

·        5 drops lavender essential oil

·        10 drops tea tree essential oil

Method

This nourishing cream also contains essential oils to healminor skin irritations and the inclusion of the tea tree essential oil willhelp prevent common fungal nail infections.

·        Put the beeswax pieces and almond oil together ina heatproof bowl and place in a saucepan half-filled with water. Gently heatuntil the beeswax has completely melted into the oil. Stir thoroughly, removefrom the heat, and allow cooling slightly. Then stir in the essential oils.

·        Pour the mixture into a small screw-top jar anduse to massage daily around the nails to soften cuticles and prevent them fromsplitting and peeling.

3. Hot oil Smoother

·        50 ml.(2 fl. oz.) almond oil

·        20 ml. (4 tsp.) wheat germ oil

·        10 drops lavender essential oil

·        Pair of old cotton socks

·        Pair of cotton gloves

Method

This is an excellent overnight intensive treatment forre-moisturising hard skin on the hands and feet. The hot oil rapidly soaks intothe upper layers of skin and is sealed in with cotton socks and gloves. Thisencourages our natural body heat to boost penetration of the oil even further(cotton manicure gloves are available from major department stores and somechemists).

·        Warm the almond oil in a small saucepan. Add thewheat germ oil and lavender essential oil and remove from the heat.

·        Apply liberally to clean feet and hands,massaging well into the skin before covering with cotton socks and gloves.Leave overnight and in the morning the skin will feel fabulously soft andsmooth.

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