Natural Herbal Remedies For Scars - Part 2

Hello Everyone!  Hope you are enjoying spring's warmth and getting your fingers dirty in your organic gardens or at least you're potting some veggies and herbs.  Nothing like garden fresh food to nourish deep down and tantalize your taste buds!  With the help of my boyfriend's 3 kids, I just prepped a new garden plot in which to plant some asparagus crowns.  I've never planted this succulent veggie before, so, according to the planting instructions, I should have a bountiful crop in about 2-3 years . . . can't wait!

Today, I'll continue with Part 2 of my series on "Natural Herbal Remedies For Scars".  The formula has a lovely lavender/rosemary aroma and a reddish-gold color from the rosehip seed base oil.  If you've recently cut yourself or had surgery with a resulting incision, then I think you will find this oil quite therapeutic in minimizing potential scar tissue.  This recipe, and more topically-applied herbal remedies, can be found in my book, "Hands-On Healing Remedies" (Storey Publishing, 2012).

Rosehip & Rosemary Recovery Oil Blend

Rosehip seed oil, rich in essential fatty acids, is highly regenerative, promoting the growth of fresh, healthy new skin.  With continued application, it dramatically increases the elasticity of the skin and stimulates the formation of new collagen fibrils (versus using animal-derived collagen), resulting in a smoother, more toned appearance.  Combined with skin-conditioning wheat germ oil, plus rosemary and lavender essential oils, this blend synergizes to form a superior scar-preventive treatment when applied to new injuries and a scar-fading treatment when applied to existing scars less than 2 years old.

Ingredients:
- 15 drops lavender essential oil
- 15 drops rosemary (chemotype verbenon) essential oil
- 3 tablespoons rosehip seed base oil
- 1 tablespoon wheatgerm base oil or jojoba oil

Equipment:  Dropper, 2 oz., dark glass bottle with dropper top or screw cap

Prep Time:  15 minutes, plus 24 hours to synergize

Yield:  Approximately 1/4 cup

Storage:  Refrigerate; use within 6 months

Directions:  Add the lavender and rosemary essential oils drop by drop directly into the 2-ounce storage bottle.  Add the base oils.  Screw the top on the bottle and shake vigorously for 2 minutes to blend.  Label the bottle and place in a dark location that's between 60 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit for 24 hours so that the oils can synergize.  After 24 hours, refrigeration is required.

Application Instructions:  Shake well before each use.  If possible, immediately after incurring an injury, clean the area and then massage several drops (or more, depending on the size of the injury) of this formula into the surrounding skin.  Massage several drops into the entire wound twice daily as it begins to heal to prevent or at least minimize scarring.

Additionally, twice-daily application for at least 6 months can dramatically fade and soften existing scars that are less than 2 years old.  Consistency with application is key.

Bonus:  This remedy can be applied twice daily by the drop to areas of your face and neck where you notice new wrinkles/fine lines forming as well as to deeper, existing wrinkles to help plump, tone, and nourish the underlying tissue.  If you are consistent with application and proper care of your skin, expect to see noticeable results within 6 months.

NOTE:  This article was written by Stephanie Tourles, Lic. Esthetician, Author, Certified Aromatherapist, Herbalist, and Nutrition Consultant.  Portions of this article were adapted from my book, "Hands-On Healing Remedies", Storey Publishing, (c) 2012.  The information in this article is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.  All recommendation are made without guarantee.  I disclaim any liability in connection with the use of this information.  It is for educational purposes only.