No-Fuss Astragalus Healing Lotion

Homemade lotions and creams are surprisingly easy to make using natural ingredients. Typically the process involves melting beeswax or shea butter at some point but this recipe requires no melting and the only equipment needed is some type of blender.

All the ingredients have properties that hydrate and nourish the skin which may be feeling a little depleted this time of year after sun exposure and dry conditions. It is especially beneficial for very dry patches such as elbows, cuticles and feet and has been useful for eczema.

Astragalus: Several preliminary studies indicate that this famous Chinese root has beneficial properties which modulate inflammation and promote healing in the intestines and the skin.

Aloe: The gel of the leaf is not just for sunburned skin. This plant has been cultivated by people who understood the healing properties of its miraculous gel.

Honey: Used in ancient Egypt for wound healing and still revered for skin moisturizing and beautifying properties.

Rose Hydrosol: A famous Ayurvedic remedy to soothe and heal dry and irritated skin.

Coconut Oil: Ayurveda regards this as the ultimate cooling and soothing balm for the skin. It was used similarly by the Polynesians for skin protection from the sun.

Clary Sage Essential Oil: This aromatic essential oil is wonderful for healing skin irritation such as eczema.

No-Fuss Astragalus Healing Lotion

2 oz Astragalus extract
2 tablespoons Aloe Vera gel
2 tablespoons Coconut oil (softened enough to scoop)
3 tablespoons Olive oil
2 teaspoons Rose Hydrosol
1 tablespoon of Raw Honey
Few drops of Clary Sage essential oil

DIRECTIONS:

• Empty the Astragalus extract into a small shallow sauce bowl and leave uncovered in a dry place, preferably outside in the sun. Leave overnight until all the alcohol and water evaporate.
• To the remaining sludge (concentrated plant extract) add the rest of the ingredients and mix with a blender. An immersion blender works best for a small quantity such as this.
• Store in a glass container in the fridge and use within 3 weeks.

NOTES:

Always perform a small patch test before using a new topical cream to rule out allergies and irritation.

Do not use on broken skin or cuts.

A decoction of Astragalus can be substituted for the extract.