With colder weather approaching, dry, chapped skin and lips are familiar irritations for many of us. A good balm, which contains only fats and oils, can help protect skin weakened from rashes and cracks from the elements. There are so many products to choose from, all claiming to be the perfect fix. A homemade ointment, with natural, simple ingredients can also be very effective for minor irritations.
What you will need:
- Double boiler (or a pot with a heat-safe bowl to fit inside)
- Cheesecloth
- 2-liter jug
- Rubber gloves
- 6 - 125ml glass jars (alternatively, old face cream jars work well)
Ingredients:
- 250 ml beeswax
- 500ml food-grade, high quality oil. I recommend olive and almond, but others work as well
- fragrant or medicinal herbs (edible herbs are safest). I recommend lavender, calendula, yarrow, chamomile, and/or chickweed.
- essential oils for fragrance, if desired
First, heat water in the double boiler to just under boiling point. In the upper pot or bowl, place the oil and herbs. Heat the oil, and infuse the herbs in the oil at a low temperature for a couple of hours. While you are waiting for the herbs to infuse, get the 2-liter jug ready by pinning the cheesecloth over the lid with a few clothespins or a rubber band. Once the herbs have infused for 2-3 hours, pour the infused oil through the cheesecloth, trapping the spent herbs. With the rubber gloves on, squeeze as much of the oil out of the herbs as you can, so as not to waste any. Pour the oil back into the double boiler and add the wax. Once the wax is melted throughout, it is time to add any essential oil fragrance you wish to accent the balm.
Please keep in mind that some skin conditions can be sensitive to essential oils, as they are very strong and contain volatile chemicals.
Once this is done, it is ready to pour into jars for storage.
NOTE: Before the final pour into jars, you can dab a few drops onto a piece of wax paper, to feel the consistency. If you prefer a waxier or more oily mixture, you can add wax or oil to suit yourself. This is a very flexible recipe.
Once you have decided that the balm is a suitable texture, with your rubber gloves on, pour the molten ointment into the jars.
This balm will last a long time in a cool, dark place. It can be kept in the freezer, if you plan to have it around for more than one year.
Jessica Coburn - Jessica Coburn Guide to Natural Living
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