October 2021 Homemade Lotions and Soaps

This year I've decided to sell soaps and lotions. I've been making soaps and lotions for 10 years for family and friends. Many times I've been told that they work better than anything else they've tried, and those who have received them have offered to buy them. With a large family, selling lotions or soaps isn't something I have had time for until now. 

Making lotions from herbs is one of my favorite things to do. We used homegrown elderberry flowers and lavender flowers to make these lotions. The happy moments in the garden with my children, feeling the sunshine, watering the plants, and gently picking the flowers- the peaceful energy of all of those moments is part of these lotions. Humming bees, families of shy quail, and colorful bluebirds are part of moments in the garden too, it is wonderful to see God's creations. The deer get a few nibbles in as they gracefully meander on their daily route around the garden fence. The lavender and elderberry flowers seem to know that they are loved, that they are being shared and they grow more abundantly. Creating these lotions in my kitchen, with thankfulness for the plants and their gifts, and sharing them is something I thoroughly enjoy. 

Beautiful elder flowers

Elder flowers are wonderful for the skin, they are high in anti-oxidants, which means they fight the effects of sun and age. They are also high in vitamins A, B, C and E, all important to protect the skin and to help it regrow. Their natural anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties means they help to control acne. 

Can you spot the bee visiting the elder flowers?

Lavender is famous for its soothing and calming properties. Lavender helps reduce inflammation and irritation, helping with eczema or redness. It is naturally anti-bacterial, which is helpful for reducing acne. We added hemp seed oil to the lotion, which is marvelous for moisturizing and protecting the skin. Hemp seed oil also reduces inflammation, redness, and irritation because it is high in Omega 6 and Omega 3 oils. It is one of my favorite oils for lotions, it has a luxurious feel to it. These lotions are great for everyday use, a little goes a long way because of how well these lotions work.

These 8 oz lotion bottles are $12. They were made in October of 2021 and will stay fresh for one year, up to one and a half year, depending on the temperature at which they are stored. Refrigeration is not necessary, but it will make them last a little longer.

Medicinal Lotions

Cayenne n' Coffee Lotion

Challenges often lead us to try new things. For me, varicose veins is something I have struggled with during and after pregnancies, and when I am on my feet for long hours. I made a lotion that supports circulation in the legs, and it has worked amazingly well in reducing the pain and swelling. Herbs are smart, they work where they are needed, sometimes in unexpected ways. Cayenne is a great herb for increasing circulation but also helps stop bleeding. Coffee helps to tighten and tone the veins and skin. Horse chestnut is well known for helping with varicose veins. White oak bark is something new I added this year to this lotion. The wonderful tissue toning benefits of white oak bark supports healthy vein structure. This lotion works best when it is put on in the morning, but it works well any time of day. Keep away from eyes and face because of the cayenne. This smells like coffee. A 4 oz bottle of this lotion for $10.

Nerve Calm Lotion

Again, it was a challenge that led me to this lotion. Nerve damage in one of my children, and restless legs are not well addressed in traditional medicine. Our friend and chiropractor, Kyle Christensen, suggested making an herb-infused oil with two herb blends that support the nerves. Nerve Calm Formula helps muscles to relax, relieving tension and muscle spasms. It has valerian, lobelia, passionflower, hops, black cohosh, blue cohosh, skullcap, and wild yam. Nerve Repair Formula stimulates the healing and repair of damaged nerves. It has skullcap, oat seed, celery, St. John's wort, lavender, and coffee beans. These herb blends were infused in organic extra virgin olive oil and made into this lotion. When I have given this to friends with chronic conditions that affect their nerves, they have told me how soothing and calming this lotion is. It smells lightly of celery seeds and herbs, no fragrance was added.  A 4 oz bottle of lotion is $10. 

Soap

I was introduced to homemade soap by a friend who gave me a couple bars when one of my children had a problem with their skin. It was incredibly helpful, and we've been hooked on homemade soap ever since. I love it when my kids ask to use homemade soap over store-bought soap. To me, it is magical to watch soap's ingredients transform to become a soothing, bubbly, creamy bar of soap. This spring my 12-year-old daughter helped me make this soap. It is made with olive oil, coconut oil, and palm oil. She chose a vanilla scent, with ground oatmeal that is a gentle exfoliator. We have loved using it. My daughter also helped package the soap. We added a couple dried lavender flower sprigs from our garden, they grew for you to enjoy. Gently press them between your fingers and enjoy the relaxing aroma. You can put them in a tissue or clean sock enjoy the calming effects of lavender by your pillow. A bar of soap is $5. As of now, I have 45 bars of oatmeal soap available. 

To buy the lotions or soap, contact me at leslieslotions@gmail.com and let me know what you would like. I expect that they will sell out quickly.

I would love to answer any questions and receive feedback. If you have any fragrances or herb-infused oils you would like to see in the lotions or soaps, let me know and I will consider them. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this! God bless you!