Basic Balm Recipe - A Base Recipe for Herbal Balms

You need:

• 8 oz of the base oil of your choice, like coconut, jojoba, or sunflower. If you are working with herb-infused oils, substitute them for plain base oil.
• 1 oz of the wax of your choice, like beeswax, candelilla, or carnauba wax.
• A few vitamin E capsules.
• Essential oils (About 100 drops total, or 1 teaspoon for this recipe)
• Containers, like jars, tins, or tubes.

1. Using a double boiler, gently warm wax and base oil together until melted.
2. Stir until combined, using a non-reactive spoon or stirring rod.
3. Test the consistency of the balm by allowing a few drops to cool in a separate bowl. If you prefer a firmer blm, add more wax. If you prefer a softer balm, add more oil. Adjust the ratios of wax to oil until your desired consistency is reached.
4. Pierce vitamin E capsules with a needle, and squeeze into the balm.
5. Add essential oils, and transfer liquid to containers to cool. Once cooled, the balm should be ready for use.

Use 100 drops or 1 teaspoon total of essential oils for this recipe. If you're combining more than one type of oil, just make sure they add up to this amount total. For example, you might use half a teaspoon each of lavender and tea tree oils for an antibacterial, healing balm.

To use, apply a little to lips to help prevent chapping and keep them moist and supple. To reduce split ends, warm a tiny dab of balm in the palms of your hands and smooth them over the ends of damp hair. After showering, apply balm to knees, elbows, cuticles, and feet to soften and moisturize. The possibilities for this recipe are virtually endless.

Herbs + Oils to Consider

These combos will work by using herbs to infuse your carrier oil or adding essential oils to the balm.

For wounds + scars: ½ teaspoon lavender essential oil + ½ teaspoon tea tree oil

For burns: ¼ teaspoon lavender essential oil + ¼ teaspoon frankincense essential oil + ¼ teaspoon tea tree oil + ¼ teaspoon peppermint oil

For dry skin: ½ teaspoon frankincense essential oil + ½ teaspoon sandalwood essential oil

For congestion (use as a "vapor" rub): ½ teaspoon eucalyptus oil ½ teaspoon rosemary oil