This formula is ideal for elbows, knees, and other problem areas that seem especially rough and dry.  As your rub the cream into your body, your hands will benefit, as well.  It can also be used as a massage cream.

1/4 cup (59 ml) cocoa butter

1/4 cup (59 ml) sweet almond oil

1/4 cut (59 ml) olive oil

5 to 6 drops essential oil (if desired)

Combine all the ingredients in a double-boiler and warm them until the cocoa butter is completely melted.  Remove from the heat and stir until the mixture is cool and starts to gel; then allow it to rest as it finishes setting up.  When it’s cool, the mixture should be creamy.  If it separates, then use a hand mixer on low speed and beat until it’s smooth.  Store in a decorative container.  If it’s kept in very cool temperatures, this cream will need to be reheated before using.

Shelf life is 3 to 4 months.

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Infusions - The weakest of preparations, infusions are useful for hydrating the skin. Steep 1 ounce of herb leaves or flowers in 1 pint of simmering (200F) water for about 5 minutes. Do not boil. Let cool to room temperature. Soak a washcloth in some of the liquid, then apply it to the skin. You may also use an infusion as a toner, soother, or astringent.

Decoctions - A decoction is used to same way as an infusion, but is more potent. Boil 1 ounce of the chopped, dried bark, chopped roots, and/or seeds of an herb in 1 pint of boiling water for at least 15 minutes and as long as 24 hours (bark, roots, and seeds require a longer boiling time to release their active constituents).

Macerations - Like decoctions, macerations are concentrated, potent herbal preparations. Fill a sterilized jar with crushed herbs, dried or fresh, using 1 ounce of herb for every pint of liquid. Cover with vegetable oil, cider vinegar, and rubbing alcohol or grain alcohol such as vodka. Cover the jar and let the mixture stand for two weeks; shake the jar daily.

Strain the liquid into a sterilized bottle, cap, and store in the refrigerator. Warm to room temperature before using. Oil macerations may be used as massage treatments; vinegars as toners, hair rinses, or in foot soaks; and alcohols, as toners, astringents, antiseptics, or cleansers. Macerations will keep in the refrigerator for as long as two months.

Poultices - These draw out impurities from the pores. Place a handful of herbs in a cup and moisten them with water heated to about 200F. Allow them to cool enough so they won’t burn your skin, then wrap them in cheesecloth or muslin. Apply the poultice to the skin; remove it when cool.