CannaBasics: D.I.Y. Hemp Lotion
[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]D[/dropcap]uring the winter months, human skin tends to get dry. While any old lotion is useful to temporarily relieve you of that dry, itchy feeling, it’s not the only way to go. As we discussed in CannaBasics: Topicals, cannabis or hemp lotion adds value and many more benefits. While it has the ability to hydrate (its naturally packed with vitamin E), it can also help treat medical conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Not to mention that hemp seed oil is inexpensive, and completely legal to purchase! You can find it anywhere from Amazon to The Vitamin Shoppe.
So how can you take advantage of this unique ingredient? Make it yourself, of course!
What You Need
1/2 cup shea or cocoa butter (or other lotion of your choice)
1/4 cup hemp seed oil
2 drops essential oil scent (optional, but encouraged)
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 jar or reused lotion container for storage
How To Make It
- Whip the shea or cocoa butter (or both!) in a mixer.
- Add hemp oil to the bowl. Continue to mix until you see desired consistency.
- Add in essential oils and cornstarch (which will eliminate greasiness in the lotion).
- Scoop the lotion mixture into a jar or other container.
- Write out an expiration date on the jar, normally 3-4 months from when you make it.
Hemp Seed Oil Tips
- A bottle of unopened hemp seed oil should last up to 14 months. If opened, the shelf life is considerably less. Placing it in the fridge can help keep the oil in good condition for some time though.
- When unopened, store your hemp seed oil in a dark and cool place. Heat and sunlight can cause the oil to become rancid and unusable. Keep an eye out for discoloration or separation of ingredients in a lotion.
3. Make lotion in small amounts, to ensure that you use it all in a short amount of time. That way, you can prevent a large amount of lotion from going to waste, as it tends to expire quickly without added preservatives.
