Recipes for moisturizing cream
1. Red Ginseng and Shea Butter Hand Cream
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup shea butter (Butyrospermum parkii)
- 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil (Prunus amygdalus dulcis)
- 1 tablespoon red ginseng extract (Panax ginseng)
- 10 drops lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
- 10 drops geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
Instructions:
- In a double boiler, gently melt the shea butter over low heat.
- Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Add the sweet almond oil, red ginseng extract, lavender essential oil, and geranium essential oil. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a container and let it cool completely. As it cools, the cream will thicken.
- Once the cream has reached room temperature, seal the container and store it in a cool, dry place.
Photo by Tijana Drndarski on Unsplash
2. Red Ginseng and Coconut Oil Hand Cream
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (Cocos nucifera)
- 2 tablespoons jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis)
- 1 tablespoon red ginseng extract (Panax ginseng)
- 10 drops frankincense essential oil (Boswellia carterii)
- 10 drops myrrh essential oil (Commiphora myrrha)
Instructions:
- In a double boiler, gently melt the coconut oil over low heat.
- Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Add the jojoba oil, red ginseng extract, frankincense essential oil, and myrrh essential oil. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a container and let it cool completely. As it cools, the cream will thicken.
- Once the cream has reached room temperature, seal the container and store it in a cool, dry place.
Anticancer Properties
While the primary focus of these hand cream recipes is to nourish and moisturize the skin, it's worth noting that some of the ingredients have been studied for their potential anticancer properties. For instance, Panax ginseng, the star ingredient of these recipes, has shown promise in reducing cancer cell proliferation and increasing cancer cell apoptosis (programmed cell death) in some studies.
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
Questions and Answers
Q: Can I use other types of ginseng in these recipes?
A: While red ginseng (Panax ginseng) is the primary focus of these recipes, you can experiment with other varieties, such as American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), which has similar properties. However, the potency and benefits may vary between different types of ginseng.
Q: How long does the hand cream last, and do I need to refrigerate it?
A: The hand cream should last for up to three months when stored in a cool, dry place. Refrigeration is not necessary, but it can help extend the shelf life of the product.
Q: Can I replace the essential oils in the recipes with other scents?
A: Yes, you can customize the scent of your hand cream by substituting the essential oils listed in the recipes with your preferred oils. Just make sure to choose high-quality, pure essential oils for the best results.
Q: Are these hand creams safe for sensitive skin?
A: The natural ingredients in these hand creams should be gentle on most skin types. However, if you have sensitive skin or allergies, it's always a good idea to perform a patch test on a small area before applying the cream to your hands.
Q: Can I use these hand creams as a body cream or face cream?
A: While these recipes are designed specifically for hand care, you can certainly try them on other areas of your body. For facial use, be cautious and perform a patch test, as some ingredients might be too rich for delicate facial skin.
