Winter Care Body Balm

"Surely everyone is aware of the divine pleasures which attend a wintry fireside; candles at four o’clock, warm hearthrugs, tea, a fair tea-maker, shutters closed, curtains flowing in ample draperies to the floor, whilst the wind and rain are raging audibly without."

-Thomas de Quincey

Oh winter. Such beauty. I suppose it is easy to see the bare side of winter and sigh, but if we are able to embrace the simplicity of the smallest moments and sink deeply into the rest of the season, it takes on a joy all its own. One of the things that winter asks of us is a deeper nourishment of body. Nourishing foods to strengthen and warm us, and a nurturing care of our skin to combat the drier air and colder winds. This body balm recipe has been my favorite for years now, and I alter it slightly with the seasons. In the winter, I infuse my oil with dried calendula from the summer garden to add even deeper skin healing properties. If you do not have calendula, you can certainly make this balm with plain olive oil and it will still be a wonderful treat for your skin.

Ingredients

(This Recipe Makes Approximately Three 6oz Containers of Liquid)

1/4 Pound or 1/2 Cup Raw and Unrefined African Shea Butter https://amzn.to/3oFJ98n

1/4 Cup Cold Pressed and Unrefined Coconut Oil https://amzn.to/3EHmDBD

1/4 Cup Cold Pressed Olive Oil (Infused Oil Optional) https://amzn.to/3ydL8E7

4 Tablespoons Raw and Filtered Beeswax Pellets https://amzn.to/31POLE4

10-20 drops (or to your liking) Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils (optional)

*Please note that certain essential oils can cause skin sensitivity in individuals. Please use discretion.

Revive Oils

*You will also need measuring tools, containers for your balm and a double boiler*

When giving as gifts or displaying on an open shelf, I love using these reusable cobalt blue jars

Directions

* For the Winter Balm, I infuse my olive oil with dried calendula flowers for the added skin healing benefits. There are many herbs and flowers that you could infuse the oil with, however, If you only have plain cold pressed olive oil, that will do just fine.*

1. Fill the bottom piece of your double boiler with water

• I found my vintage double boiler on a local marketplace site for a great price. I have also seen them at thrift stores for a few dollars. They are worth the investment if you plan on learning to make body balms, body butter, lip balm, soap, candles, etc. I use this double boiler solely for making products and not for food preparation, as making all these homemade goodies tends to leave some residue behind that is very challenging to fully remove. If you do not have a double boiler, you can make this in a pot over a VERY low flame. You do not want to burn or overheat your ingredients.

2. Add your shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil , and beeswax pellets to your pot. Allow to heat in the double boiler or in your pot or very low heat until all your ingredients are melted and blended together. Remove from heat.

3. If using essential oils add your essential oils, add your drops to the bottom of your containers. Then, while your balm liquid is still warm, carefully pour your liquid into your containers. Stir with a toothpick.

• The essential oils I used in my last batch, were a combination of a blend called pumpkin pie and black spruce oils, and it was delightful. I get my oils from Revive Oils, which you can check out here: Revive

4. Allow your balm to cool until fully opaque in color. It usually takes 2-4 hours to set. Put your lid on your jar and you are ready to go. If you are feeling creative, you can add a pretty label to your jar. With this balm, a little goes a long way. I apply my winter balm to hands, feet, lips, knees, and elbows. Everyones skin is different, and so use discretion when applying. I truly hope you will enjoy this nourishing body balm as much as I have.

*Some links on this website or blog may contain affiliate products or links. This means that If purchases are made through links on this website, I may receive a commission*