My hands have been so dry, so I made this butter infused with comfrey and calendula to add a bit of extra herby skin healing properties. If you don’t have the comfrey/calendula oil (or don’t want to make it) you can substitute with apricot or almond oil and it will still be a very moisturizing hand butter.
Shea butter is full of vitamins like A and E and helps to moisturize skin and encourages elasticity.
Comfrey, known for its allantoin, helps to heal, repair, and grow new skin.
Calendula rich in antioxidants helps to nourish and relieve dry skin.
Jojoba oil is actually a wax or waxy oil that is similar to the skin’s own oils, it's rich in Vitamin E and helps the butter be rich and creamy in texture, it also absorbs quickly into the skin and helps keep skin hydrated.
Calendula Comfrey Hand Butter
4.0oz Shea Butter
4oz Comfrey Calendula Infused Apricot Oil
1oz Jojoba Oil
2.0g Vitamin E Oil
5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
5 drops Bergamot Essential Oil
Double Boiler
Scale
Jars
Hand Mixer
Spatula
First Step
The first step is to make the Comfrey Calendula Infused Oil
I like the slow method but there are quicker methods if you are in a pinch and need an herbal infused oil faster.
The slow method is favored among many because it does not use a high heat to infuse the herbs. High heat is thought to destroy some of the more delicate medicinal properties of the herbs and of the oils. This might be better for something like roses, that are so delicate to begin with.
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Fill a clean glass jar half full with your dried herb or herbs.
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Pour a carrier oil over the herbs and fill to the top of the jar. Make sure to fill the jar to top.
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Cover with a tight fitting lid.
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Label with the date and the ingredients
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Store in a warm, dark cabinet for 6 weeks. (Some folks like to infuse on a sunny window sill, but I prefer the dark cabinet)
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In 6 weeks strain through a funnel lined with a coffee filter or cheesecloth into a clean glass jar. And label your jar.
For this recipe I used a pint size jar and had the perfect amount of oil needed for this Calendula Comfrey Hand Butter Recipe.
Second Step
Measure the shea butter and oils into a double boiler and gently melt over low heat. Stir well to combine everything.
Place in the refrigerator to cool down, you want it almost solid, but not completely solid.
Once hardened, remove it from the fridge and add the vitamin e and essential oils.
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip until light and fluffy. At first it may seem like it is still too runny, but just keep mixing, it will start to fluff up and change consistency to a light whipped texture.
Scoop into clean and disinfected jars and label. Use within 6 months for best freshness. Shea butter is quite shelf stable, especially if kept in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
I keep this by the kitchen sink and use it after washing my hands while they are still somewhat damp from washing. The water and the oils help each other to sink in and lock in moisture to the skin.
