Herbal Baby Balm Recipe
Made with natural ingredients like calendula, chamomile, and shea butter, it’s designed to soothe diaper rashes, cradle cap, and other skin irritations without the use of synthetic ingredients or artificial fragrances. This DIY balm is easy to make, safe for your baby’s bum, and gives you peace of mind knowing exactly what’s going on your little one’s skin.
Equipment
- 1 Double Boiler
- 1 Glass Jar
- 1 Cheesecloth or Coffee Filter
- 1 Glass Bowl
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- 1 Small Jars or Tins with Lids 1-2 ounce jars for storage
- Measuring Tools metric measurements
Ingredients
- 100 ml olive oil
- 6-8 g dried calendula flowers
- 6-8 g dried chamomile flowers
- 6-8 g marshmallow root optional, for sensitive skin
- 45 g unrefined raw shea butter
- 10 g beeswax
Instructions
Option 1 (Traditional, 4-6 Weeks)
- Combine the dried calendula, chamomile, and marshmallow root in a clean glass jar.
- Add the olive oil to the jar, ensuring the herbs are completely covered by at least 2-3 cm of oil. *Leave the shea butter out for this method, as it won't completely melt down. Simply add it in at Step 2.
- Place wax paper under the lid to avoid contact with any chemical coatings. Seal the jar tightly.
- Store the jar in a warm, dark place, shaking gently every few days to ensure even infusion.
- After 4-6 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth-lined wire strainer into a clean bowl, squeezing out all the infused oil and melted butter.
- Pour the strained mixture into a clean, dry jar and let it settle before proceeding.
Option 2 (Quick, 6-8 Hours)
- Add the herbs, olive oil, and shea butter to the top of a double boiler (or a heatproof glass or stainless steel bowl over a saucepan).
- Fill the bottom of the double boiler or saucepan with 5-8 cm of water, ensuring the water doesn’t touch the bowl.
- Heat gently, maintaining a temperature of 38-48°C (100-120°F). Stir occasionally to combine the melting shea butter and oil with the herbs.
- Check the water level periodically, refilling as needed to prevent evaporation.
- After 6-8 hours, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth-lined wire strainer into a clean bowl, squeezing the herbs to extract every drop.
- Transfer the infused oil and butter into a clean, dry jar, label it, and store it in a cool, dark place.
Step 2: Make the Balm
- In a double boiler, gently melt 10 g of beeswax over low heat until completely liquid.
- Remove from heat and stir in the infused herbal mixture from Step 1.
- Mix thoroughly until the balm is fully combined and smooth.
- Pour the mixture into clean jars or tins, leaving a small amount of space at the top.
- Allow the balm to cool completely at room temperature, or refrigerate for about an hour to set.
Notes
Storage and Use
Store your balm in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months.
A tiny bit of this balm goes a long way—apply to baby’s skin during diaper changes or anywhere skin irritation occurs.