How to make herbal cream

Making your own herbal cream is a wonderful way of including your home grown herbs into your skincare routine. This simple but nourishing cream can be used in a few different ways – from soothing dry skin to providing a natural remedy for minor irritations. Follow our step-by-step guide below.

What is herbal cream?

Herbal cream is a soothing and aromatic blend made by infusing fresh herbs in a mixture of oils and beeswax. This versatile concoction captures beautifully the essence and therapeutic benefits of the herbs, making it a delightful addition to your skincare routine. It can be used as a moisturiser or a healing balm both providing a natural way to enjoy the calming and restorative properties of fresh herbs.

What is herbal cream used for?

Herbal cream has many uses thanks to its soothing nature. Common applications include:

• Moisturising dry skin: The natural oils and beeswax in the cream provide deep hydration and create a protective barrier.
• Soothing irritations: Herbs like chamomile and calendula have anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm irritated or sensitive skin.
• Healing minor cuts and scrapes: The antiseptic qualities of herbs such as lavender and rosemary aid in the healing process of minor wounds.
• Relieving muscle aches: A blend of peppermint or arnica can provide relief from sore muscles and joint pain.

Which herbs can I use to make herbal cream?

Below is a list of herbs that you can find on our website that can be made into herbal creams. These are our favourites:

There are of course many more plants that can be made into herbal cream:

Other herbs that can be made into herbal creams include comfrey, rosemary and peppermint.

How do I make herbal cream?

Ingredients

• A handful of fresh herbs (choose from the herbs listed above)
• 120ml carrier oil (such as olive oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil)
• 20g beeswax
• Optional: a few drops of essential oil (for added fragrance and benefits)

Equipment

• A medium-sized saucepan
• A double boiler or heatproof bowl
• A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• A clean glass jar or tin for storage
• Labels & pen

Method

• Harvest fresh herbs: Pick fresh herbs from your garden. The best time to harvest is early in the morning, after the dew has evaporated but before the sun gets too hot. Gently wash the herbs to remove any dirt or insects.
• Prepare the herbal infusion: Chop the herbs roughly to release their oils and place them in a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Add the carrier oil and gently heat the mixture for about 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the herbs to infuse their beneficial properties into the oil.
• Strain the infused oil: Once the oil has taken on the colour and aroma of the herbs, remove it from the heat. Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the oil into a clean bowl to remove the herb leaves and any sediment.
• Melt the beeswax: In a clean double boiler or heat proof bowl, combine the strained herbal oil with the beeswax. Heat gently until the beeswax is fully melted, stirring occasionally to combine.
• Combine and cool: Once the beeswax has melted into the herbal oil, remove the mixture from the heat. If using essential oils, add a few drops at this stage and stir well. Pour the warm mixture into a clean glass jar or tin and let it cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will solidify into a creamy consistency.
• Label and store: Seal the container tightly, label it, and store it in a cool, dark place. Your herbal cream should last for up to six months.

Making herbal cream is a simple yet rewarding way to harness the healing power of your herb garden. With just a handful of fresh herbs and a bit of time, you can create a luxurious cream that brings a touch of nature’s care into your daily skincare routine. Happy blending!