We have designed a three stage balm. We chose a balm because as it has no water in it, it needs no preservative. It is highly concentrated and a small pot is convenient to keep in your bag or have in your drawer or locker at work. A little goes a very long way and it is so simple to make and use. Being simple to use is important because then there is much more likelihood that you will continue to use it as your “actively pursued goal!
The basis of the balm is Part 1. Everything in this part is weighed on a small set of scales so you know you will be accurate and that it will work. We even weigh the oils as well as the solids. We work in percentages so that it is easier to increase or decrease your batch size accurately. When all three parts are combined, you will have 100g of product. If you want to make more at one time, simply double or treble the amounts, the percentage will remain the same but the volume will be different - you get the idea.
METHOD:
Make up a double boiler. This can be a small stainless steel saucepan put into a larger saucepan. The larger saucepan contains boiling tap water and your weighed ingredients go into the smaller saucepan. You could also use a stainless steel bowl on top of the larger saucepan or a Pyrex bowl over the boiling water. This means that no direct heat is used so all the ingredients heat gently and safely. Because of the boiling water, they cannot overheat or burn so remain safe and effective.
At this point stir in whichever Part 3 you have chosen. Work quickly now as it is starting to firm up. If it has got too thick, you can briefly put the pan back over the hot water to loosen it up a little. Stir well and pour into your containers.
It’s handy to choose several different sizes of containers so you have a few in different places. Label the containers and commit to using your perfectly designed YOU BALM every day at the very least.
Wellness takes a little effort but when things become a habit, they are much easier to do.
PART 1
PART 2
Choose from any one of these Part 2 sections;
When Part 1 is melted, take the small saucepan or bowl off the heat and stir in whichever Part 2 you have chosen. Stir gently to ensure it is all mixed together. It will start to cool down and go opaque at the edges and get a little more gloopy.
PART 3
(Note - DO NOT USE if you are pregnant or have low blood pressure. Not for use in sun protection products.)
Choose from any one of the PART 3 sections giving some thought as to what the function will be and not just the fragrance. To make it simple, we have given you drops to use here because your scales may not be sensitive enough to weigh the small amounts needed. With the essential oils, we advise that you look at the details for each one on the website to see if there are any contraindications for use that may be relevant for you such as not to use if pregnant or have high blood pressure.
NOTES:
So, just to give you an example, I want to get into the regular habit of looking after my feet better. I get hard skin and sometimes have athlete’s foot so I want a balm that I can apply before bed and also after my morning shower before I put my socks on. So, of course, I start with
PART 1:
And after it has melted in the double boiler, I take it off the heat and stir it until it cools a little. Then I stir in my chosen PART 2
To clear up athlete’s foot
Stir it some more and before it gets hard, add the essential oils in my chosen PART 3
Athlete’s Foot and General Foot Care Blend
Do a quick double check of the maths and you will see that this totals 100% (or 100g). That will be enough to fill 3 of the 30ml aluminium tins with a screw lid. I can keep one by the bed, one in the bathroom and one in the gym bag.
If you think of someone else who would benefit from this idea, share the care whether that is by Facebook, an email or a ‘phone call. Share the care.