Urban Herbalism: The Oil Cleansing Method

It's been quite a week. I can tell by how many pairs of my jeans have hand-prints of flour on the butts.  But its a snowy day in Buffalo today, and I am spending the afternoon letting some soup simmer on the stove and sipping some tea.  


Today starts a new series I am working on entitled Urban Herbalism. The course will focus on simple, effective projects you can do to keep your family healthy and well. While some involve waiting periods, most of them can be finished in under two hours, usually divided, in active time.  Sound good? Let's dive in. 

The (Herbalist's) Oil Cleansing Method is a replacement for soap and cream cleansers. It utilizes inexpensive tools and the outcome is quite lovely- clear, healthy skin. For it! The basic ingredients, in the non-herbalists version, are castor oil and olive oil. Castor oil is the cleansing agent, while olive oil moisturizes. There's also evidence that shows olive oil reduces harmful effects of excessive UVB exposure... who knew?

No brands on this gorgeous
 re-purposed soap pump. 

 The premise of OCM is that oil is the most effective way to remove unwanted oil. In fact, removing all oil is dangerous for the skin, leaving it vulnerable to blemishes and damage.  Having struggled with difficult skin for years, I definitely understand this cycle. Using oil to cleanse removes excess without over drying and protects the skin. It also provides nutrients for healing, even more so if infused with herbs.

As an herbalist, I often use herb-infused oils.  One of my favorites is Calendula. This beautiful flower is packed with nourishing qualities, including cell regeneration and renewal. I also love Comfrey* and Plantain, easily sourced plants with proven healing qualities.

I have been infusing a blend of extra virgin olive oil and grape seed with these powerful herbs for several weeks. Expeller pressed grape seed oil is not greasy, absorbs well, and contains 50% of your RDI of Vitamin E per serving. Granted, you aren't eating it, but topically applying E is still useful for your skin and in this oil will act as a natural preservative. It's important to use the purist, best quality oil you can find. After all, your skin absorbs this stuff. Don't use anything you wouldn't want in your blood stream!


How to make your own, you ask?

Here's some Calendula oil,
looking quite sunny. 

1. If you would like to use infused herbal oils, consider starting with calendula. (If not see step three). It's effective at skin renewal and will help your body with healing acne wounds. Take completely dry calendula and fill a clear glass jar to the top, packing loosely. Pour oil over the herbs, shaking to release air bubbles every so often. Make sure to completely cover the herbs. You can make a small or a large amount, depending on your need. I use this so often that I made a half gallon. Only make what you can use before you lose freshness. 
2. After your oil begins to have a mildly fragrant smell- usually two-four weeks, your oil is ready for use. Strain using a thin strainer, like those used for tea. Press down to make sure you get all the active nutrients available. 
3. Make your oil blend based on your faces needs. If you have "normal" skin, start with one part castor oil to four parts other oils. If you have dry skin, you may want to reduce to one part castor oil to six parts other oils. Skin more prone to oil may appreciate a blend of one part castor to three parts other oils. 
4. For my blend, I used one part castor oil, two parts herb infused grape seed and olive blend, and one part jojoba. Jojoba is an expensive oil but shares many qualities with skins natural sebum, so it absorbs easily and helps skin to remain moist all day. In my next batch, I may use Rose Hip Oil in hopes of catching some extra Vitamin C. 



Make sure to squeeze it!!!

5. Add any essential oils you may appreciate. Lavender fights stress and is mildly antibacterial, tea tree is known for its germ killing properties. These are two favorite. 

How on earth do I use it? 

(Here's the best part! Every day is like a mini facial.) 

1. Apply a small handful to your face and neck. 
2. Use a warm, damp washcloth to cover your face until it cools. About a minute. 
3. Once cool, use this cloth to remove excess oil with gentle, upward strokes. 
4. You're done! Take that glow with you throughout your day! 

*Comfrey is actually known as being effective against tumors and in a few posts, I'll discuss Breast-Care Oil, a great way to be proactive in your breast care.