Customisable Skin Balm
As your skin is the largest organ of the body, it’s important to remember that what you put ONTO your skin goes INTO your body. Most moisturising balms and healing balms today are filled with an assortment of preservatives and additives that are toxic to the body. If you are concerned for your health and that of your family, try this balm out. It only takes a few minutes to mix. The ingredients can be found at most health shops.
This base is so simple and versatile, you can really make it into anything! From a healing salve to a vapour rub to a homemade Soothing Rub to much more. This is the added bonus of making your own balm – you can take something simple and good for your body, and customize it to make it exponentially more healing based on what YOUR body needs. It is completely non-toxic and free of harmful chemicals. And it saves you a ton of money over buying all the ointments you need.
This DIY healing ointment has just two incredibly natural ingredients: coconut oil, which is moisturizing, great for the skin, and anti-microbial in natural; and beeswax, which firms up the product and gives a smoother consistency.
All-Purpose DIY Healing Ointment
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- 1-2 Tbsp beeswax pellets*
- Essential oils (see below)
Special Equipment
- Small clean saucepan
- Sterile glass container with lid (such as a mason jar)
Instructions
- Melt coconut oil and beeswax* over low to medium-low heat in a small saucepan.
- Remove from heat and add essential oils (see below).
- Pour into a glass container and allow to harden.
- Store away from direct heat or sunlight.
- To use: scoop a small amount out, soften between fingers, and apply to desired area.
Note: The amount of beeswax you will need will depend on the temperature of your house. In the summer, I used 2 tablespoons of beeswax pellets and it gave a really nice consistency. It firmed up the liquid coconut oil enough to make an easy-to-use ointment. However in the winter, this much beeswax made it rock solid. Reducing to 1 tbsp beeswax gave a much better consistency.
Customize with Essential Oils
This healing ointment can be used plain as a moisturizer, or essential oils may be added to offer any range of functions. Use only the highest quality of pure, therapeutic grade oils to ensure you are getting the maximum benefit without any adverse reactions. On that note, for small or sensitive children, you will want to reduce the oil added to provide even more dilution than the ointment already offers.
Here are some ideas for what you can add to each batch of healing balm:
- Soothing ointment (for irritated skin): add 8 drops lavender
- Healing ointment (for cuts, scraps, etc.): 7 drops each melaleuca and lavender OR 5 drops melaleuca and lavender, and 3 drops each frankincense and helichysum
- Intensive cream (for extremely dry or irritated skin): 4 drops each of geranium, myrrh, and/or cedarwood
- Vapor rub (for respiratory complaints, apply to the chest or a small amount under the nose): add 8 drops Respiratory Blend
- Homemade Soothing Rub (for sore muscles, achy joints, etc.): add 8 drops Soothing Blend (See below)
- Chapped skin balm: add 4 drops each lavender and myrrh
- Scented hand cream: add 5 drops of your favorite essential oils (suggestions: wild orange, Invigorating Blend, bergamot, Grounding Blend, Calming Blend, Women’s Blend)
Soothing Blend for sore, aching muscles
Here are some popular choices, which can be used individually or blended together.
- Eucalyptus has cooling properties. It’s also used for inflammation.
- Black pepper is known for it’s warming properties.
- Rosemary is stimulating and is used for all muscular conditions, including sprains and sore muscles.
- Birch has a long history of use for sore and tired muscles.
- Clove is known for its pain-relieving properties.
- Ginger has warming and soothing properties.
- Cypress is said to help with muscle spasms.
- Basil is used to alleviate feelings of tension.
- Roman chamomile is calming and is used to relieve muscle discomfort and aches.
- Clary sage is said to be useful in relaxing muscle spasms and pain.
Recommended dosage: choose a maximum of three oils and no more than 4 drops per selection. Mix together and add to at least 120 g of balm.
Remember to date and mark the containers according to the blend of oils mixed into the basic balm.
For more information on how toxic our lives are – visit our You Should Know page:
