I wanted to prepare a winter body cream that not only nourishes but also warms the skin, and keeps winter blues at bay. What better ingredient to do just that than mustard?
The recipe is real simple and easy to prepare. You hardly need 4 ingredients and you’re all set. So, ready everyone?
Ingredients
Kokum Butter – 1 Tbsp.
Mustard Oil – 2 Tbsp.
Grapeseed Oil – 7 Drops
Myrrh Essential Oil – 7 Drops
Instructions
Melt the Kokum Butter in your double boiler.
Once melted add Mustard Oil and stir to combine.
Remove from heat and let it cool down.
Once it cools down a little, add Myrrh Essential Oil and Grapeseed Oil.
Stir and refrigerate the mixture for a while.
When the mixture is cooled remove and whisk it to a fluffy cream.
Done! Transfer to a sterilized container and use as needed.
Tips to Tweak the Recipe
Before applying, you an also add a dash of Aloe Vera Gel, or fresh fruits of your choice like berries and whisk into this mixture and apply it. This is optional and not something that everyone will prefer.
You can use whatever Essential Oil you like, for better aroma or soothing winter blues. You can also add more than one essential oil.
The choice of carrier oil is again a personal preference. You can use concentrated nourishing oils like Watermelon seed Oil, Carrotseed Oil, Camelia Oil, Rosehip Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Argan Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Tamanu Oil, etc. instead of Grapeseed Oil.
Mustard Oil is warming oil and as such, will tingle when applied directly. It can be used directly, though with Kokum Butter the tingling sensation is offset fairly but the warming property is still there. Besides warming and it is also a mild anesthetic and keeps aches and pains that are common during winter at bay. However, the smell can be off-putting for some. In that case up the quantity of essential oils to counter it. You can also choose different carrier oils for this recipe but the result might vary.
If you want to add fresh fruits – berries is a good idea. They don’t feel sticky when applied on your skin. However, you can always rinse off after a few minute – the cream is absorbed into the skin by then and the sticky sensation (sugars from fruits) can be ridden by a simple lukewarm or tepid water rinse. You can also add Avocado, Apple, Papaya, Guava, etc. I do that not always, but only when the skin needs something extra during winter I do that. I stick with Avocadoes for most part, or berries when Aloe isn’t available. If you are adding fresh fruits to the main recipe prepare smaller batches and use it within few days to a week, but don’t forget to refrigerate.
How to Use the Cream?
Take a small dollop of the cream and massage into your skin. Done! For bet results – apply after shower.
Shelf Life
Without any water-based ingredients this lasts good for months. Go with the expiry listed on the products you use.
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