Are you concerned about all the chemicals in products that you use around the house and looking for a way to replace them with natural alternatives? Would you like to know how to make your own natural, chemical-free ointments, salves and balms, allowing you to know exactly what’s in them? Then you’ve come to the right place. You’ll be happy to find 4 variations of this recipe which will allow you to make either soft, firm, x-tra firm or hard versions.

Depending on the application method you’re looking for you may want one that is more like a lotion, other times you may want one for making your own lip balms. Making up all 4 versions in advance takes the guesswork out of what firmness you’ll get before you add your essential oils. When ready to customize yours with your chosen essential oils simply:

1. Choose the firmness you want,
2. Scoop out the amount needed,
3. Remelt it and let cool a little,
4. Add your choice of essential oils.

A little prep work now will save you time and give you the desired results you’re looking for. Another benefit of making these up in advance… it will allow you the ability to quickly make up a small tin, or lip balm, or more, depending on your needs at the time, or to give away as gifts to friends and family.

Make your decision on the firmness needed based on your climate, and on the intended use. In the picture above the temperature in my house was 70°. For those of you located in warmer climates you may want to pass on the soft version altogether as its apt to stay as a liquid because of the warmer temperatures where you live.

• SOFT- this version is a step above being a liquid, although in hot weather it may become more liquid. Great if wanting something closer to a lotion.
• FIRM- this version has a little more firmness to it and but in warm climates may be just a step above being a liquid.
• X-TRA FIRM- this version would be a good choice for a foot or elbow balm.
• HARD- this version would be a good choice for a lip balm, or perhaps even a deodorant.

Make one pint canning jar of each- soft, firm, xtra-firm, and hard

INGREDIENTS

1/2 Cup of Oil Mixture
This mixture is a combination of…

• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup carrier oil (extra-virgin olive oil, almond oil, grapeseed oil, etc.)

Beeswax (pellets or shaved), Shea Butter, or combination of the two:

• SOFT: Use 2 Tbsp per 1/2 cup of oil mixture
• FIRM: Use 4 Tbsp per 1/2 cup of oil mixture
• EXTRA-FIRM: Use 6 Tbsp per 1/2 cup of oil mixture
• HARD: Use 8 Tbsp per 1/2 cup of oil mixture

OPTIONAL but recommended: 10-12 drops Vitamin E oil
(okay to just use Vit E capsules- just poke a hole in them and squeeze oil out)

DIRECTIONS

Place coconut oil, carrier oil and beeswax (and/or shea butter) in small glass jar or use small pint-sized canning jars. Place jar(s) into pan(s) and fill with approximately 2-inches of water. Heat over medium-heat, stirring mixture in jar every often until everything is melted. Remove pan from heat. Using a clean kitchen towel or wash cloth, carefully remove jar from pan and place on cutting board to cool. While cooling stir with knife to make sure contents stay well mixed.

Before adding your essential oils of choice you’ll want to let the mixture cool a little but not too much. Letting the mixture cool helps to preserve and protect the delicate chemical constituents in the essential oils from excessive heat. You can speed the process by gently stirring with a clean knife. You want to add the essential oils while stirring, as mixture is just starting to turn opaque and beginning to harden. Keep a close eye on it as it will only take a few minutes before this starts to happen.

BENEFITS OF INGREDIENTS

Coconut oil: a natural moisturizer with anti-bacterial properties

Beeswax pellets: naturally hydrating and help increase moisture in the skin

Shea butter: according to the American Shea Butter Institute, make sure to use “unrefined” shea butter. Similar to essential oils, when not properly prepared… refined, processed shea butter loses almost all of its beneficial, therapeutic properties whereas RAW, unrefined shea butter maintains its therapeutic qualities and will keep your skin moist and supple!

Extra-virgin olive oil (preferably organic):  Use cold-pressed, extra-virgin, unadulterated olive oil ( believe it or not even your favorite EV olive oil may not be all you thought it was).  Olive oil contains oleic acid, which makes skin more permeable and able to hold in necessary moisture.

Natural Vitamin E Oil: Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that is essential for the maintenance of healthy skin, and a highly beneficial ingredient for the skin, especially when it’s combined with other antioxidants.  Naturally occurring vitamin E is usually labeled as “natural” or “d” vitamin E, while synthetic vitamin E is a mixture of eight isomeric forms, usually labeled “all-rac” or “dl.”  A popular ingredient found in many creams and lotions, most commonly in sunscreens, anti-aging moisturizers and skin brighteners.
 
 
Making your own all-natural, chemical-free ointments, salves and balms are a great way to help rid your household of even more chemicals. I wish you success and hope that you’ll find many ways to use these 4 variations. No matter the firmness, I believe you’ll find them very soothing and leave your skin feeling great while also receiving all the benefits of the essential oils you choose to use in them. Have fun and experiment using various essential oils and let the “oiling” continue!

#HSO4U, DIY ointment salve balm,