Ingredients
Scale
1 T of marshmallow root
3/4 c distilled water
15 g clear high-proof spirits such as 151 proof Everclear
1.5 g ionic trace mineral powder
3–4 drops essential oil (optional) *
2.5 g Geogard ECT at 1% or preservative of choice at the recommended usage rate (optional)
Instructions
- Enclose loose marshmallow root in a disposable tea bag or tea strainer. (You can also wrap in cheesecloth and tie closed with string).
- In a small mason jar, suspend marshmallow root and green tea bag and cover with 3/4 c distilled, room temperature water. Make sure herbs are all submerged but near the top of the water level.
- Cover and allow herbs and tea to steep overnight or up to 24 hours for maximum extraction.
- Strain out the herbs, squeezing as much liquid goo as possible out of the herb pulp to retain all that lovely marshmallow mucilage. The discarded herbs can be used as a poultice on dry or inflamed skin or composted. The remaining marshmallow root extract should be yellowish, thick and a bit syrupy.
- Place an empty jar on the scale, hit “tare” to zero it out, and measure out 200 grams of your marshmallow extract. If necessary, top up with a bit of distilled water to bring it up to 200 g.
- In a separate small container, combine the alcohol with your chosen essential oil(s) and stir until the EO has fully dissolved. I’ve used neroli/orange blossom, lavender and Roman chamomile (separately) in various batches and enjoyed all of them.
- Add alcohol/EO blend, trace minerals and preservative (if using) to the jar containing the marshmallow root extract. Cover and shake until the mixture is fully blended.
- Transfer to a misting bottle. The type designed for perfumes seem to work the best, since they produce a finer, gentler mist than regular spray bottles. My favorite mister is a little spendy, but it’s beautiful, reusable and delivers the finest mist I’ve come across. ♥
Notes
I recommend glass containers for storing homemade lotions and potions. Glass doesn’t leach chemicals and it’s easier to clean/sterilize after the product is used up and you’re ready to refill.
If you do choose to use a plastic container, be aware that essential oils tend to react with plastic, so even if you can get it “clean,” your container will likely not be reusable.
