Even in natural stores, the balms and lotions you buy will contain cosmetics. This is necessary to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, but these cosmetics can also irritate the skin themselves. Natural balm at home preparingsmall spots natural batches at home make necessary cosmetics – long before you use the product there is a chance for bacteria and molds to flourish. The fact that these balms do not contain water also helps to prevent bacteria and mold. Keep this small batch in a diaper bag and on the changing table and take care of any problems before they get worse.
Even without children, these balms are wonderful for protecting and healing irritated, burned skin. Use it to calm heat rash, rub irritation, or shave elbows. Witch hazel is great for soothing hemorrhoids, especially if it is first infused with a drop of witch hazel oil. herbs All of these are good for a cream to keep anyone’s skin in a calm, happy state.
Reckless Balm
Use this on skin already irritated and/or bitter. This makes 5 ounces of finished balsam, a small enough mass to be used while fresh and often stored.
2.5 ounces of olive oil
1 ounce castor oil
1 ounce beeswax or carnauba wax
.5 ounces (powder, get dissolved oil)
.01 ounce lavender, chamomile, tea tree or geranium EO, OPTIONAL
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil or grapefruit seed extract
Measure the wax, oil, and castor oil into a microwave-safe bowl. Cook on HIGH in 30 second increments until just melted. Stir well. Measure vitamin E oil or grapefruit seed extract and dissolve zinc oxide into it. Add the oil mixture. Stir in essentials, if using.
You can make an oil infusion with dried calendula, comfrey, althaea root or chamomile with olive oil before using this formula for added anti-inflammatory benefits. Just heat the oil in a pan along with 1 tablespoon dry herb. Allow to soak for 6-8 hours, then cool completely. Strain through a piece of clean cheesecloth, pressing down on all the extractives. Use this oil instead of the olive oil in this recipe.
If you have any problems finding cadmium at your local health food, it is easily purchased online. www.theherbarie.com. You can buy it in very small quantities and it is quite cheap. In addition to the role of skin protection and anti-inflammatory agent, it also serves as a sunscreen.
ProtectingSkin Cream
Use this to prevent skin irritation. Again, infusing the oil with the herbs first, so that the cream increases the soothing effect. This makes 5 ounces of finished cream, small enough to be used while fresh and stored often for maximum benefit.
2.5 ounces of olive oil
1.25 ounces of castor oil
1.25 ounces of beeswax or carnauba wax
5 ounces of cadmium cadmium (powder, obtain dissolved oil)
.01 ounce lavender, chamomile, tea tree or geranium EO, OPTIONAL
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil or grapefruit seed extract (makes an antioxidant like fresh oil)
Measure the wax and oils, then melt together in a safe bowl in a deep bowl with short bursts of boiling for 30 seconds. Cook only until everything is melted. Stir well. Combine the zinc flakes with the antioxidant dissolve, add the oils. Stir in essential oil, if using.
For the Skin Protection Cream, you may want to consider using dry gemstones instead of an herbal oil infusion with olive oil before making the cream. Especially if using in the summer time, this will create a cream ready to help if you happen to run into beach bum cliche, but your nose will be safe for hours, even if you swim. Both are water resistant quite well.
