Even in natural product stores, the balms and lotions you buy will contain preservatives. This is necessary to prevent the growth of molds and bacteria, but these preservatives are also irritating to the skin themselves. Creating small batches of natural balm at home makes preservatives unnecessary – you will use the product up long before there is a chance for bacteria and molds to flourish. The fact that these balms contain no water also helps to prevent the spread of bacteria and mold. Keep a little batch of this in the diaper bag and on the changing table and take care of any problems before they get worse.
Even for those without children, these balms are wonderful for protecting and healing irritated, chafed skin. Use them to calm heat rash, friction irritation, or for a scraped elbow. The rash balm is great for soothing hemorrhoids, especially if the olive oil is first infused with a bit of dried witch hazel herb. These are good all-purpose creams for keeping anyone’s skin in calm, happy condition.
Rash Balm
Use this on skin that is already irritated and/or chafed. This makes 5 ounces of finished balm, a small enough batch to be used while fresh and replaced often.
2.5 ounce of olive oil
1 ounce of castor oil
1 ounce of beeswax or carnauba wax
.5 ounce zinc oxide (powder, get the oil soluble form)
.01 ounce lavender, chamomile,tea tree or geranium EO, OPTIONAL
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil or grapefruit seed extract (acts as an antioxidant to keep oils fresh)
Measure the wax, olive and castor oils into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH in 30 second increments until just melted. Stir well. Measure Vitamin E oil or grapefruit seed extract and stir zinc oxide into it to dissolve. Add to oils mixture. Stir in essential oils, if using.
You can create an oil infusion with dried calendula, comfrey, marshmallow root or chamomile with the olive oil before using in this formula for an added anti-inflammation benefit. Just warm the oil in a crockpot on low along with 1 tablespoon of dried herb. Allow to macerate for 6-8 hours, then cool completely. Strain through a piece of clean cotton fabric, pressing to get all the extractives. Use this oil for the olive oil in this recipe.
If you have any problems finding zinc oxide powder at your local health food store, it is easily purchased online at www.theherbarie.com. You can purchase in very small amounts and it is quite inexpensive. In addition to it’s role as a skin protectant and anti-inflammation agent, it also serves as a sunscreen.
Protecting Skin Cream
Use this to keep skin from becoming irritated in the first place. Again, infusing the oil with herbs prior to making the cream will heighten the soothing effect. This makes 5 ounces of finished cream, a small enough amount to be used while fresh and replaced often for maximum benefit.
2.5 ounce of olive oil
1.25 ounce of castor oil
1.25 ounce of beeswax or carnauba wax
.5 ounce zinc oxide (powder, get the oil soluble form)
.01 ounce lavender, chamomile,tea tree or geranium EO, OPTIONAL
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil or grapefruit seed extract (acts as an antioxidant to keep oils fresh)
Measure the wax and oils, then melt together in a microwave-safe bowl on HIGH with short, 30-second cooking bursts. Only microwave just long enough to melt everything. Stir well. Combine the zinc oxide with the antioxidant to dissolve, then add to the oils. Stir in essential oil, if using.
For the Protecting Skin Cream, you may want to consider using dried jewelweed for an herbal oil infusion with the olive oil prior to making the cream. Especially if using in the summertime, this will create a cream that is ready to help out if you should happen to come into contact with poison oak or poison ivy, in addition to it’s usefulness as a general-purpose skin protectant.
In a pinch, either of these recipes can be used as a sunblock to protect your nose from blistering. You will look like a bad beach bum cliche, but your nose will be safe for hours, even if you swim. Both recipes resist water quite well.
