Herbal Baby Balm
This recipe was developed by George Vutetakis of Inn Season Cafe in Royal Oak, Michigan. A balm is a fragrant ointment or aromatic oil that is healing, soothing, or helps mitigate pain or mental distress. It can be used to protect baby's bottom from getting chapped or dry, and is great for softening dry skin spots of little hands or feet.

Base:

1 cup sweet almond oil

Herbs:

3 tablespoons dried lavender flowers

1 tablespoon dried calendula petals

1 tablespoon dried rose petals

1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers

Emollients (to soften and soothe):

2 tablespoons vitamin E oil (10,000 international units)

1 1/2 teaspoons jojoba oil

4 drops of either rose, Roman chamomile, or lavender essential oil

Emulsifier:

5 tablespoons beeswax


Yield: Approximately 10 ounces

Grind the herbs into a powder using a clean coffee grinder, blender, or a mortar and pestle. Warm the base oil in the top of a double boiler pot; add the powdered herbs and cook over medium heat for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the healing properties of the herbs to be fully released into the oil.

Place the emollients in a stainless steel or glass bowl. Place a paper coffee filter inside a wire strainer, hold over the bowl, and pour the warm herb and base oil mixture through the strainer into the bowl. Gently apply pressure to the coffee filter to squeeze out most of the oil, being careful not to break it or spill any of the herbs.

Melt the beeswax in the top of a double boiler; add slowly to the oil and herb mixture while whisking with a Fresh whisk or egg beater. Continue whisking until the mixture is thick and creamy.

Sterilize several 2- to 4-ounce jars (jelly or baby-food jars work well) in freshly boiled water, so you have enough to hold approximately 10 ounces of finished balm. Fill each jar with balm, screw on the lid, and wipe off the jar. Label. If you plan to store balm for 3 months or more, refrigerate.

From Natural Baby Care by Colleen K. Dodt (© 1997 by Colleen K. Dodt; publishhed by Storey Publishing).