DIY Healing Oil for Flare Care: A Potent and Personal Recipe
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When flares hit, sometimes you just need relief you can trust. This DIY healing oil is a true labor of love and my go to topical solution for dealing with a flare. It calms inflammation, supports healing, and even helps reduce scars over time. The best part? You can make it right at home with just a few ingredients. It’s a recipe I've been perfecting for years, long before I ever had a name for the inflammation it soothes. At first, it was simple, just coconut oil and tea tree, it has grown and evolved over the years, much like my own journey with my diagnosis.
My Haitian roots couldn't help but influence my early recipes, naturally I added lwil maskriti (Haitian Black Castor Oil) a staple in our households for everything from hair growth to soothing aches. Then, during my time living in India, I discovered the incredible healing properties of Tamanu oil, and it was a game changer. Each ingredient was a new layer of knowledge, a new tool for healing that I intuitively collected. Over time, this recipe became a true blend of everything I’d learned from different cultures, my own body, and ancestral wisdom.
Once I was officially diagnosed with Hidradenitis Suppurativa, all of that intuitive knowledge finally had a purpose. I was able to do deeper research and craft a potent blend specifically suited for my condition.
However, I didn’t stop there, this recipe eventually became the foundation for a new self-care system I've been developing, my upcoming CPC Ritual®: Cleanse, Protect, Comfort. It’s my way of turning years of trial, error, and healing into something that can help others too.
Why This Oil Works
Every ingredient in this healing oil was chosen for a specific purpose, creating a powerful blend that soothes, repairs, and protects. It’s a holistic approach to healing, with each component playing a vital role in calming inflammation and supporting your skin's natural recovery process. Here’s why this potent mix is so effective.
Avocado Oil (Herb-Infused): This is the nourishing base of the healing oil. Rich in vitamins and fatty acids, it's easily absorbed by the skin and acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. When infused with herbs, it carries their therapeutic properties deep into the skin.
Castor Oil: Known for its thick consistency and unique properties, castor oil is incredible for "pulling" impurities from the skin. It also supports wound healing and reduces inflammation, making it a key player in this blend.
Tamanu Oil: This oil is a superstar for skin recovery. It’s famous for its ability to promote new tissue formation, which helps to significantly reduce the appearance of scars and speed up the healing of minor wounds and skin irritations.
Calendula: A classic herbal remedy for skin. Calendula is known for its remarkable ability to repair damaged skin, calm redness, and reduce inflammation. It’s a gentle yet powerful addition that provides soothing relief.
Rosemary & Clove: These two herbs team up to boost the oil's effectiveness. Rosemary helps improve circulation, which aids in healing, while clove adds a potent antimicrobial punch, helping to keep the area clean and protected.
Arnica: A fantastic natural remedy for pain relief. Arnica is a numbing agent that helps to soothe discomfort, but because it's so powerful, it should be used sparingly.
Lavender, Peppermint, & Sweet Orange Oils: This trio of essential oils adds a refreshing and calming element to the blend. Lavender is famously soothing, peppermint provides a cooling sensation, and sweet orange uplifts and refreshes.
Tea Tree Oil: This is an optional but highly beneficial addition. Tea tree oil is well-known for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which can help protect the skin from further irritation. Just be sure to skip this if you have a known allergy.
The Recipe: DIY Healing Oil (4 oz)
This soothing oil is perfect for calming inflammation, speeding up healing, and naturally reducing scars. Here's how to make it:
Base Oils
- 3 tbsp Avocado Oil (infused with herbs)
- 2 tbsp Castor Oil
- 1 tbsp Tamanu Oil
- Herbs (infused in avocado oil)
- 3 tsp Calendula
- 2 tsp Rosemary
- 1 tsp Clove
- 1 tsp Arnica* (This is a numbing agent, so use it sparingly!)
Essential Oils
- 4 drops Lavender Oil
- 2 drops Peppermint Oil
- 4 drops Sweet Orange Oil
- 2–4 drops Tea Tree Oil* (Only if you are not allergic)
Steps
- Infuse the Herbs: Gently heat the calendula, rosemary, clove, and arnica in avocado oil on low heat for 4–6 hours. For a no-heat method, let the herbs sit in the oil for 4–6 weeks.
- Strain and Mix: Strain the infused oil to remove the herbs, then mix it with the castor oil and tamanu oil.
- Add the Essentials: Add the essential oils and stir well.
- Store It: Pour the finished oil into a clean jar or bottle and store in a cool, dark place.
How to Use This Oil
Massage a small amount of the healing oil onto affected areas once or twice daily. Store it in a cool, dark place to maintain its potency.
The Bigger Picture: A Journey to Healing
This healing oil is more than just a recipe; it's a piece of my personal healing journey. I've learned that true comfort doesn't always come from a prescription bottle. While this oil isn't a cure for HS, it can be a powerful tool to provide comfort, support your skin's recovery, and help you feel more in control of your own healing.
Be sure to save this recipe for your next DIY project. And stay tuned for the launch of my CPC Ritual, a three-step system born from this very healing oil and years of learning and self-care. Sign up for our email list to stay up to date.