This recipe is an ever-popular blend from my book Naked: Botanical Recipes for Vibrant Skin and Healthy Hair. You can use this delectable butter on your entire body including your face. It soaks in well and does not leave an oily residue. It is light, fluffy, and makes a lovely and inexpensive gift! Click to get a PDF copy of the Shea Lavender Butter Recipe.

 Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shea butter

• 3 1/2 cup virgin coconut oil

• 3/4 cup almond oil

• 1/4 cup jojoba oil

• 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil

• 2 Tablespoons alkanet root (for a pink color, if desired)

• 50 drops lavender essential oil-optional (or any other essential oils you like)

You Will Need:

• Double boiler

• Large bowl

• Strainer

• Blender

• Glass jars

• Labels

Directions:

1. Melt shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler. Stir well.

2. Once completely melted, take off the stove and pour into a large bowl. Let cool until the oils start solidifying on the sides of the bowl. This step can take several hours and can be expedited up by putting the bowl in the refrigerator for a while.

3. Meanwhile, add the alkanet root to the almond oil. It infuses very fast and should be ready to strain as your coconut/shea mixture is finishing cooling.

4. Strain the alkanet root from the almond oil. You can compost the spent alkanet root.

5. Add all ingredients together.

6. Blend, blend, and blend. This step can take a while. You can watch your recipe get fluffier as more air is incorporated into the oils.

7. Scrape the sides of the bowl every once in a while. It takes a while, but you will end up with a light, creamy butter that is wonderful for the whole body.

8. Put in jars right away, as the mixture will harden as it cools completely.

9. Enjoy!

You can download the Shea Lavender Butter Recipe

© Elaine Sheff, Clinical Herbalist, RH (AHG)