With so many people staying over the last few weeks I have ended up making quite a few topical herbal remedies to help with bites, stings, sun burn, minor cuts and abrasions and have used my basic balm recipe as a great base to custom create herbal healing balms.
I thought I would share my favourite (and super easy) basic balm recipe with you.
Depending on what I need it for I infuse different herbs into the oil and add the appropriate essential oils.
My favourite use for this balm is as an ‘everyday’ balm for my hands which get a hard time between cooking, cleaning, and being out on the farm. I often infuse calendula and kawakawa into my organic sunflower oil as these two herbs are well known for their skin healing and nourishing qualities and my hands often have little cuts or cracks on them.
THE OIL
I really like using organic sunflower oil for this recipe as it has high vitamin E levels (which is great for your skin) and has a lovely yellow colour.
You may however like to try olive oil or coconut oil, or for something fancier like argan, rosehip, cacay, or jojoba oils.
ESSENTIAL OILS
If you would like to add some essential oils into your balm for their fragrance or properties then do this just before you are ready to pour your balm into the container. I like to use lavender and rose as they are both very gentle essential oils in case the kids get into my balm, as well as having antibacterial, healing, and calming qualities.
Please do your research first and/or talk to a qualified professional if you are going to use essential oils in your balm. Essential oils are an amazing product but also incredibly powerful and need to be well respected.
BALM RECIPE BASE
INGREDIENTS:
4 Tbsp Oil (or herbal infused oil)
1 Tbsp Beeswax
A few drops of essential oils (optional)
METHOD:
STEP 1:
Put a small heatproof jar in about two centimetres of water in a saucepan (or use a double boiler) over a low heat.
STEP 2:
Add oil and beeswax.
Stir gently until the beeswax is melted.
Carefully remove the jar or double boiler from the saucepan.
STEP 3:
If you are adding essential oils, then add them now and stir in.
STEP 4:
Pour into a clean dry jar or container.
Leave to cool until set and then use as required.
This is a super easy little recipe but if you have any questions about the ingredients or how to make it please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Find your own balm ingredients here: