Inspired by Better Basics for the Home, by Annie B. Bond (Three Rivers Press, 1999).

Pot marigolds, also called calendula flowers, are blooming in many gardens at this time of year and their petals make a wonderful cleansing milk that will help to heal and nourish your skin. (If you don’t have calendula growing in your yard, you can buy the dried flowers inexpensively online.)

Calendula is a powerful all-purpose skin-helper, since it is highly emollient, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. This cleansing milk is a healing addition to your beauty routine.

INGREDIENTS

* 4 tablespoons avocado oil
* 1 tablespoon fresh calendula flowers or 1 teaspoon dried
* 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
* 25 drops grapefruit seed extract

1. In a double boiler over very low heat, heat the oil and calendula flowers together for 30 minutes. Allow to cool, then strain out the flowers and discard them.

2. Stir the aloe vera and the grapefruit seed extract into the cooled oil, mixing well to combine.

To Use:

Scoop some of the milk onto your fingers and massage gently into skin. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.