Another of the uses for forsythia is in skin care products. If you want to use forsythia in skin care preparations later on, then preparing a forsythia infused oil now is a good idea. This oil can be made ahead to have on hand for lotions, creams, soaps, and lotion bars.
Step 1.) Collect fresh forsythia flowers and spread them in a single layer on clean dish towels or paper towels. Allow to air dry for a few days as you don’t want the water content to be too much or your oil may go rancid.
Step 2.) Fill a jar half-way with your air dried flowers, pour oil into the jar until it covers the herbs completely.
Good oils to use for this are the ones suited for skincare. I recommend: olive (for soapmaking) or rose hip, grapeseed, sweet almond, apricot kernel, or rice bran for lotions and creams.
Step 3.) Cover with a lid and infuse at room temperature in a warm, dark place for 4 to 6 weeks before straining and using.
For a quicker infusion place herbs in crock-pot or double boiler and cover with your carrier oil, leaving at least an inch or two of oil above the herbs. Heat over a low heat setting (100º – 140º F) for 1-5 hours making sure not to overheat your herbs. Turn off heat and allow to cool, then strain through cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve. Bottle your oil in clean glass labeled (with contents and date) bottles. Store in cool, dry, dark place for up to 6 months.
Tip: Adding vitamin E oil before storage may help to prolong the shelf life of your oil. Add at a
Thanks for the information on forsythia flower. I’m mixing it with dried violet to make a tea/compress to apply to skin irritated by acne. The violet alone is helping, and I’m hoping that the forsythia provides even more relief and a reduction to the inflammation.
You’re welcome! Do let us know if it helps you.
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