This simple balm contains just three ingredients and is perfect for soothing dry, scraped or irritated skin. It’s gentle and safe enough to use on all of your family members, including the dog!
Ingredients
- 4 T. coconut oil
- 1 T. beeswax
- 1 tsp. honey
Preparation
In a heat-proof glass jar or recycled tin can, combine the coconut oil and beeswax.
Set the jar or can into a saucepan containing a few inches of water, to form a makeshift double boiler. Place the pan over a medium-low burner until the beeswax has melted.
Remove from heat and mix in the honey. Continue stirring for 3 to 4 minutes, then allow the mixture to sit for 5 to 10 more minutes until it starts to thicken. Stir thoroughly again for a few minutes. These extra stirrings will help ensure the honey won’t separate out.
Pour the balm into a small glass jar. (The 2 ounce glass jar shown came from SpecialtyBottle.com.) Once cool, cap and keep in a cabinet, out of direct sunlight. Shelf life is around one year.
Use It
Use as needed for irritated skin, scrapes, mild abrasions, and general moisturizing purposes. For dogs, use on hot spots or dry paws.
Tips and Variations
- If you don’t want to use coconut oil, you can use another light oil, such as sunflower, olive, avocado or sweet almond. Depending on the oil, you may want to add an extra teaspoon or so of beeswax.
- The consistency of this balm is very soft and ointment-like. If you’d like a firmer texture, just remelt and add another 1 to 2 teaspoons beeswax.
- You can further boost the soothing properties of coconut oil by infusing it with herbs or flowers before use. Violet leaves, dandelion flowers, rose petals, plantain leaves and lavender buds all have skin-healing properties. Directions on how to infuse coconut oil can be found on The Nerdy Farm Wife.
- For a lightly scented version, try adding a few drops of lavender essential oil. (If you’re pregnant, nursing, on medication or have chronic health conditions, check with a health care provider before using essential oils.)
| About Jan Berry Jan is a goat-chasing, soap-making, homeschooling farm wife who loves vintage tea cups, word games and turning weeds into beautiful things. She joins the Craft Hub each month with DIY body care recipes and projects. She can also be found at her blog, The Nerdy Farm Wife. |
