This recipe is absolutely divine and is such a treat to use on your face. It’s even more amazing when you make it yourself. I spoke to herbalist and naturopath Alice Bettany from Sacred Seeds in Sussex to get the low down on how to easily make this yourself. Now is the perfect time of year.
It must, of course, be pointed out that this is not the real deal expensive rosehip seed oil where they press the tiny seeds to produce the oil. However, in Alice’s experience of using this oil over the last few years she can wholeheartedly can vouch for it’s efficacy, nourishment and vitality.
How to make
First extract the seeds from the fruit. Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin as those tiny hairs can be an irritant. Leave these seeds laid flat on baking tray over night to dry out, this will avoid a sticky mess in the grinder. Keep the outside fruit flesh to one side, maybe wash and nibble on a few as absolutely delicious. Some of the flesh could also be dried in a dehydrator to be used in tea blends or to eat.
Finely grind the rosehip seeds. When grinding the seeds, Alice uses a coffee grinder. A succession of short bursts to lessen the strain on the grinder as the seeds are very hard.
Place ground seeds and the majority of the fruit flesh in a pan and cover with an organic oil of your choice at least 2inches above the plant matter. She uses sunflower but olive, macadamia or hemp are all good options. Stir well.
Turn onto lowest heat and stir continuously without letting it bubble or boil for about 10 minutes. You should be able to smell the sweetness of the fruit once it is ready.
Take off the heat and strain through a jelly bag so those fine hairs are all taken out. Make sure all appliances used have been sterilised. Let it cool down and then mix in 1% of Frankincense essential oil. Frankincense is predominantly relaxing yet rejuvenating in it’s properties.
Rosehip oil is full of Vitamin C & Vitamin A and has an antioxidant, anti-aging effect on our skin.