Almost any plant can have an extract made from it. There are different ways to get the good stuff out to a useable condition.
Oatmeal Water(skin softener)
Take a cup of oatmeal, instant or rolled preferred to steel cut or whole, and put it in about 4 cups of water. Overcook the oatmeal, meaning boil it for about 10 minutes. Strain the solids out and put the Oatmeal Water into a jar to be stored in the refrigerator.
Oatmeal water can be used to help dry out oily skin like a toner, added to soap and lotion recipes and is good to use on light burns with Aloe Vera.
Calendula water(anti-bacterial)
Do you know what Calendula is? Marigolds! This flower has been in use in lotions and soaps for aeons.
Take about 5 flowers, making 3/4 cup of loose pack petals. Place in a sealable clear glass jar with room temp water. Put on a shelf or window ledge that will see the sun for at least two hours a day. Let stand, perhaps shaking the jar once a day, until four days have elapsed, or the color of the water is a greenish brown. Strain out the petals and store the liquid in the refrigerator.
Roses can be used like the Calendula, or magnolia petals or any strongly scented flower.
Peppermint water(foot massage).
Peppermint can be used for tea, and that is the best way to extract the essence for immediate use. Take a pot, fill it up about 1/2 way with peppermint leaves and pour hot water over it. Let it steep for 30-40 minutes. Strain the leaves through a cloth, like cheese cloth. Ball up the cloth with the leaves and squeeze as much of the liquid out as possible. It will be quite green and will stain the cloth, so make sure it isn't an heirloom. Keep in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
Use the liquid as a freshener for your skin, and it is great for in a foot massage lotion for rejuvenation.
Other mints can also be used, though I would suggest staying away from Wintergreen.
other Crafty Recipes