In early spring the plump, juicy chickweed grows quickly and covers parts of our garden in a green carpet. At this same time the violets are blooming and the yard is speckled with purple and white flowers. These two Springtime herbs are both wonderful supporters of the lymphatic system, helping to bring the flow and movement back to areas of the body that may have become stagnant through the slower, darker Winter months.
I just couldn't help but to combine these two lymphatic & detox support herbs into a body oil. I decided to add the beautifully rich orange calendula that is grown by my friend Jeni of Crystal Organic Farm to further increase the lymphatic action of this oil, and of course impart all its other skin-loving characteristics to this product.
Chickweed is a powerful alterative herb, meaning it supports detoxification through all of the detox organs in the body; the liver, kidneys, lungs, lymphatic system, edocrine system, and skin. It can support the movement of toxins and cellular waste through these channels to be properly eliminated from the body. This can in turn help prevent the buildup of toxins and waste that may cause stagnation, cysts and other non-cancerous growths. It can also help to lubricate, moisten and reduce inflammation throughout the body. I like to think of chickweed oil as the medicinal lubrication that the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz needed.
Violet is also a cooling alterative herb with an affinity for the lymphatic system and the kidneys. It has traditionally been used topically in cases of heat, swelling and skin eruptions, as well as many other skin conditions such as eczema, acne, impetigo, psoriasis, and cradle cap. Many modern Western herbalists recommend violet infused oils to support female reproductive organs, by way of breast massage and oil packs to support issues such as uterine fibroids.
In a clinical study by Khorsand et al. (2019) that evaluated the effects of violet-infused almond oil on skin itching in those undergoing hemodialysis for chronic kidney disease and found that violet oil massaged into the skin was more effective for lessening the severity of symptoms than massage alone.
For this oil the chickweed & violet were infused fresh into organic avocado oil, while the calendula was first dried, to extract the most potent medicine from each of the herbs. I the blended the deep green infused oil with organic hexane-free castor oil, which is another remedy that can help support the detox pathways of the body.
I envision this oil being used in self massage practices for regular lymphatic support, or used more frequently in times of illness, stagnation, skin issues, liver issues, or other situations that call for more detox support. It makes a perfect massage oil for fibrocystic breasts, or used over the uterus in case of fibroids, cysts, heavy or irregular periods, or other pelvic discomfort. It would also make a great castor oil pack. Both of these herbs would be beneficial in all sorts of inflamed skin conditions when used topically, so applying in ares of psoriasis, eczema, rash, irritation or dryness may be supportive of those symptoms.
Ingredients: organic avocado oil, organic hexane-free castor oil, chickweed, violet, organic calendula flowers.
This oil comes in a 2oz dropper bottle.