Bleeding Heart, Cedar & Cleavers Body Oil

Donation-Based Exchange: These offerings are presented on a sliding-scale basis. With this approach I hope to reflect the intention that these things remain accessible while honoring the time, care, and resources that go into their making. By choosing the level that fits your circumstances, you help sustain this work and ensure it continues to be shared with the community.

Infusing organic extra virgin olive oil with bleeding heart (whole plant), cedar (leaf), and cleavers (aerial parts) brings together the potent benefits of each constituent, offering a wide range of potential therapeutic effects for topical use. Each of these plants were wildcrafted from the Willamette Valley, taking only a few plants from each stand to insure the ethical collection (or in the case of the cedar, collecting fallen leaf bundles), in order to avoid over harvesting and insure the plants continue to thrive.

Bleeding heart is traditionally known for its analgesic and sedative properties, often used to alleviate pain and muscle spasms. While the plant is typically used in tincture form, incorporating it into an oil infusion may provide similar soothing effects, especially when applied topically to areas experiencing muscle tension or joint pain. It is also believed to help with calming the nervous system, promoting relaxation (1, 2; Kloos, 2017).

Cedar has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for skin conditions and respiratory health. When infused in olive oil, it may help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and act as a natural antiseptic. Cedar oil is also thought to help in alleviating stress and promoting respiratory well-being, making it also useful in aromatherapy (3; Kloos, 2017).

Topically, cleavers-infused oil may aid in managing skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne due to its anti-inflammatory and cooling effects (5).

This oil may be applied generously all over the body to provide a supportive antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and gently detoxifying, soothing experience. This moisturizing oil is gently and naturally scented, creating a calming experience that also promotes healthy skin. Regularly massaging oil into the skin may also help move stagnation held within muscles to balance energy and nourish the nervous system. Folk preparation.

For more information about the benefits of herb infused oils check out this blog post

4 ounces. For external use only.

INGREDIENTS:
Organic Extra Virgin Olive oil (single source), infused with:
Bleeding Heart flowers, leaves and roots (sustainably wildcrafted from Willamette Forest)
Cleavers (sustainably wildcrafted from Willamette Forest)
Cedar Leaves (gathered from downed branches in Willamette Forest)
Vitamin E (vegan)

PRODUCT NOTE:
Please note that this is a small batch, slow craft, handmade product that may have variations in color, scent, or texture between one batch and the next. This body oil uses vitamin E to help extend shelf life for 6 months to over a year. This product is shelf stable and is best preserved if kept in a cool, temperature controlled place. It is not advised to be exposed to excessive or high heat (i.e. left in the sun or a hot car), as it will increase the likelihood of rapid oxidation, which will degrade and spoil the oil.

Use clean hands to apply. Store in a cool, dry place. For best freshness, use within 12 months.

Contraindications: For Bleeding Heart and Cedar, best not used (even externally to be safe) during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For Cleavers, test on skin to ensure there is no allergic reaction.

Kloos, S. (2017). Pacific Northwest medicinal plants: Identify, harvest, and use 120 wild herbs for health and wellness. Timber Press.