Essential Glow: Recipes & Tips for Using Essential Oils” by Stephanie Gerber, has over 200 recipes and projects perfect for DIY aromatherapy needs to invite healing powers of herbs and botanicals into lives and homes. By focusing on more than just the perfumes of essential oils, readers learn it is possible to incorporate helpful mixtures into daily life which help with kicking headaches, improving sleep, relieving muscle aches, and many other areas of holistic health.
• 2 ounces (55 g) coconut oil
• 1 ounce (30 mL) sweet almond or olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne
• 2 ounces (60 g) shea butter
• 1/2 ounce beeswax pellets (white or yellow)
• 6-ounce (180-mL) glass jar
• 20 drops ginger essential oil
• 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 15 drops clary sage essential oil
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil
1. Heat the coconut and almond or olive oils in a small glass measuring cup in 10-second blasts in the microwave until the oils are melted and combined.
2. Add the ground ginger and cayenne, then let the mixture infuse for between 30 minutes and 1 hour.
3.Using a cheesecloth set over a fine-mesh strainer, filter the infused oil into a heat-safe glass measuring cup with a spout. (Warm the oil again if it’s too thick to strain.)
4. Pour 2 inches (5cm) water into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer.
5. Add the shea butter and beeswax to the infused oil, and set the cup inside the saucepan.
6. Heat on low until the wax and butter have melted, stirring frequently.
7. Remove from the heat and pour the mixture into your glass jar.
8. Add the ginger, eucalyptus, clary sage, and peppermint essential oils. (These three extra essential oils provide anti-inflammatory and healing relief: Peppermint provides a pleasant numbing sensation, and eucalyptus oil has analgesic—aka painkilling—properties. Plus, the clary sage is both anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic.)
9. Stir, then let cool completely before use.
To apply the balm, roll a small amount between your palms to make it malleable. Rub it into sore areas in a circular motion—your skin will feel start to feel warm and tingly. Replace the lid and, when not in use, store in a cool, dark spot. Use within 6 months.
Tip: If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test on an inconspicuous area before use, and wash it off with water and soap if irritation occurs. Be careful not to get it onto mucous membranes or on broken skin. Because this balm can be a bit intense, I don’t recommend it for use on children.
More from Essential Glow: Recipes & Tips for Using Essential Oils:
From Essential Glow: Recipes & Tips for Using Essential Oils by Stephanie Gerber (Weldon Owen, 2017).