How To Make A Herbal Balm

To support the skin during Djeran season.

A balm is a rich formulation with a firm consistency and is designed to leave a protective coating on the skin and imbue the healing benefits of herbs to speed up healing.

This makes balms particularly useful during Djeran season, when the dry, cold winds dries the skin and lips, causing them to become cracked and painful.

INFUSED OILS

To get the most out of your balm you will need to include herbal infused oils so that you can imbue the healing benefit of herbs into your balm.

Different herbs and different oils have their unique healing properties, so you can get really creative with your infused oil and make a blend specific to your needs.

I have written a blog post on infused oils here to guide you through the process of making an infused oil.

BASIC BALM RECIPE

A basic recipe that will make 50gms. Once you are confident with this recipe you can play around with different oils and plants butters to make it your own. If you want to essential oil, add 20 drops once the balm has cooled, before pouring into your jar.

Ingredients

• 2.5gm Beeswax

• 22.5gm Shea butter

• 25gm Infused oil (read blog post here)

• 2 drops Vitamin E (antioxidant to extend shelf life)

• 20 drop essential oil (optional)

• Double boiler

• Clean jar

Method

• Set up the double boiler by adding water and simmering over medium/high heat (you can also use a heatproof bowl over a saucepan).

• Add the shea butter and beeswax to the double boiler and stir continuously until melted - continuing for another 10 minutes after everything is visibly melted to ensure everything is thoroughly melted and incorporated.

• Remove bowl from the pan and allow to cool for a few minutes before adding the infused oil - stirring well.

• Stand the bowl in an ice bath while whisking to help the balm coagulate smoothly.

• Add the Vitamin E oil and optional essential oil, then pour into your clean jar, screw on lid and allow to fully cool.

• Apply to affected area 3 x daily.