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Herbs & Cultures

Natural skin and hair care

Warm massage compress

Herbal bundles in warm oil.

Used for

Time
20 minutes
Makes
Two compresses
Almond

A compress of dried herbs dipped in warm oil and moved over the skin. The warmth and the scent of lavender, jasmine, juniper and rosemary are relaxing.

Ingredients

  • 120 ml almond oil
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 3 tablespoons dried lavender
  • 3 tablespoons dried jasmine
  • 1 tablespoon juniper berries
  • 3 tablespoons dried rosemary

Step by step

  1. Warm the oils in a bain-marie until warm, not hot.
  2. Mix the herbs, divide them between two pieces of muslin or cheesecloth and tie closed with kitchen string.
  3. Put the bundles in the oil until they are soaked.
  4. Test the temperature and massage with slow circles. Put the compresses back in the warm oil when they cool; test again each time.

Registry

Herbs in this recipe

Read more about effects and safety on each herb’s page.

  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 223

    Almond

    Prunus dulcis

    Traditionally attributed effects: sweet almond soothing, stimulating, nourishing, strengthens the nerves; bitter almond soothing, laxative, calming in cough.

    Ayurveda+2Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 357

    Coconut

    Cocos nucifera

    Traditionally attributed effects: cooling, diuretic, antiseptic, laxative; root for uterine diseases, bronchitis, liver complaints, dysentery, sore throat (gargle); coconut water for thirst, fever, urinary complaints and vomiting; ash for scabies and toothache.

    Ayurveda+1
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 44

    Lavender

    Lavandula angustifolia

    A fragrant plant used in bath products, perfume, and aromatherapy. Evidence for medical effects is preliminary.

    Greco-Roman medicine+4Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 126

    Jasmine

    Jasminum officinale / J. grandiflorum

    Best known as a fragrance and in jasmine tea; jasmine aromatherapy is used for relaxation. Medical claims are unproven.

    Ayurveda+4Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 81

    Juniper

    Juniperus communis

    The berries are traditionally used as a diuretic, for digestive complaints and externally for joint pain. Clinical evidence is limited.

    Western herbal medicine+5Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 2

    Rosemary

    Salvia rosmarinus (syn. Rosmarinus officinalis)

    An aromatic culinary herb with carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid. A few small studies point to a slight effect of the scent on alertness; that it improves memory has not been shown. The leaf is used for digestive complaints.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+4Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 114

    Arnica

    Arnica montana

    Used externally for bruises and muscle aches. Studies give mixed results. Homeopathic arnica is so diluted that it contains no active substance.

    Western herbal medicine+1Folklore

Cultures and traditions

Where the herbs come from

These traditions know the herbs in this recipe.