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LIP CARE
The lips, covered with the thinnest skin on the body, contain no moisturizing oil of their own. Therefore, they are extremely sensitive to exposure to the elements. Sun, cold, indoor heating and air-conditioning can dry them out and make them chapped. In addition, small and painful cracks can develop and are slow to heal, since the lips are constantly in motion. These cracks may make one more susceptible to germs, such as the herpes virus type 1, a common viral infection affecting the lips. It causes recurring episodes of small blisters or sores, which are highly contagious, painful and can take several days to heal. Lip balms help prevent and soothe chapped lips, as well as reduced the risk of infection. They can also be customized for specific needs. Apply a natural lip balm as a base for lipstick to prevent drying, a common reaction to many commercial products. Be sure your lip balm contains edible ingredients, however, as it ends up being ingested.
BRUSH YOUR LIPS
Before applying any lip balm, moisten a soft toothbrush in warm water and gently brush your lips in circular motions. This stimulates blood flow to the lips, which temporarily plumps them for that famous "pouty" look. Brushing your lips also removes dead skin cells, thus promoting better absorption of the nourishing ingredients contained in lip balm. You can do this twice a day. Disinfect the toothbrush once a week by dipping it in boiling water. Or place it in a blend of 2 drops of tea-tree essential oil mixed well with 1/4 cup of warm water.
LIP CARE INFORMATION
APPLICATION
If your lips are healthy, you can apply the balm with your finger. If you have an illness, cold sores or a minor injury, use a clean cotton swab. You can store lip balm in squeeze tubes, small jars or lipstick-style tubes, because germs are less likely to enter a tube during use. If there is more than one user, remove lip balm from a jar with a cotton swab or small spatula.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Cosmetic Containers: Lip Balm Tube container, 0.15 oz
The standard container for lip balms, this cylinder container features the screwing bottom which pushes the contents upwards. Containers fit roughly 0.15 ounces of material.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Cosmetic Containers: Clear Glass Salve Jars
These wide mouth jars are perfect for creams, balms, scrubs and lotions, and are accompanied with white metal lids that provide a tight seal. Economical and sturdy with straight sides, these have become an herbalists staple. Choose from 3 different sizes - 1, 2, and 4 ounce.
Extra Tip - Lip balm is also useful for treating chapped noses and cheeks. Apply the balm to affected areas and gently massage it in.
LIP BALM INGREDIENTS
Basically, the proportions will be as follows:
40% of your recipe should be any cosmetic grade oil that is liquid at room temperature (sweet almond, apricot kernel, avocado, grape-seed, hemp seed, macadamia, olive, sunflower, etc.)
25% of your recipe should be any cosmetic grade oil that is solid at room temperature (coconut, lanolin, palm, mango butter, shea butter, etc.)
20% of your recipe should be cosmetic grade Beeswax (white or yellow, pellets or solid blocks).
15% of your recipe should be any cosmetic grade oil that is brittle at room temperature (cocoa butter, palm kernel, etc.)
The above measurements are by weight, so you can calculate your own recipe in ounces, grams, or pounds.
Basic Directions: Melt all carrier oils, honey, beeswax and butters over low heat. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then add the flavored oils, essential oils, vitamin E, etc. Stir until all ingredients are blended well and pour into containers. The easiest way to do this, is to purchase those inexpensive "pointy" paper drink cups (like the kind on the side of a water cooler). Cut off the point and use it as a funnel. Then you can just toss them out when you are finished with them.
You may have to adjust your recipes by adding a tiny bit more or less of the beeswax to get just the hardness you desire. As with any of these recipes, if it comes out too soft, add more beeswax; if it's too hard, add a little more almond oil (or other oil). They are really hard to mess up, so enjoy yourself and have fun. Do not be afraid to experiment and come up with your own recipes. Keep a notebook of each recipe you work with and note any changes you make so you will be able to reproduce it again if it comes out just the way you wanted.
I have tried to include links to ingredients and products whenever possible so you can order your supplies from the various product resources listed on this page.
This is a great information page, including graphics on making lip balms:
Not Martha: How To Make Lip Balm
Sweet Almond Oil is cold-pressed from sweet almond kernels. This high quality oil is mainly used in cosmetics and massage oils, because it leaves the skin soft and smooth and is usually absorbed well by all skin types.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Carrier Oils - Sweet Almond Oil, 8 ounces to 5 gallons
Method of extraction: Expeller Pressed/Partially Refined. This is one of the most useful, practical, and commonly used oils. It is great for all skin types as an acting emollient and is best known for its ability to soften, soothe, and re-condition the skin. It is truly marvelous as a carrier oil and is equally superb for addition to body care products. Natural expeller pressed oil from raw almond kernels and exceptionally rich in fatty acids.
Natural beeswax is obtained from honeycombs and has a brownish yellow tint. Use unrefined beeswax rather than white beeswax, which has been bleached with chemicals. Beeswax helps to condition delicate skin and leaves lips with a creamy feel. It also contains propolis, a waxy material that fights infection and inflammation.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Beeswax
A wonderful substance secreted by worker honeybees. This line of pure, filtered, cosmetic grade bees wax comes from the Pacific Northwest by beekeepers that Mountain Rose Herbals have a wonderful working relationship with. This beautiful wax is the finest they have ever acquired; producing a very fragrant, clean, and perfectly filtered product without the debris and muddy color found in typical waxes. Use it for cosmetics, salves, body care products, lotions and you can melt it down to make your own aromatic candles. Pure bees wax with no filler, synthetics, debris, or foreign fragrances. Choose from 3 different sizes - 1 ounce to 5 pounds.
Grape-Seed Oil has a light, thin consistency that allows it to penetrate the skin especially well. It also has an appealing yellow-green color and is practically odorless. Typically available in its refined form, Grape-Seed Oil nourishes and conditions the skin and protects it from cold weather, which can cause drying and cracking.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Carrier Oils, Grape-Seed Oil
Method of extraction: Expeller Pressed/Partially Refined. Mountain Rose Grape-Seed Oil is truly superb in every regard. It has a mild green color with a pleasant odor, superb taste, and great absorption rate. Generally employed as a base oil for many creams, lotions and as a general carrier oil; this Grape-Seed Oil can also be employed as a delicious salad dressing or cooking oil. Grape-Seed is especially useful for skin types that do not absorb oils too well, and it does not leave a greasy feeling. Wonderful for those with skin sensitivities because of its natural non-allergenic properties.
Essential oil of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), with its strong, camphor-like odor, is derived by distilling the plant's leaves. It is a broad-spectrum antiseptic that combats bacterial, viral and fungal infections and can be applied directly to cuts, abrasions, nail fungus, athlete's foot, bleeding gums and acne. Helpful in treating cold sores.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Tea-Tree Essential Oil, Organic, 1/2 Ounce to 16 Ounces
Such essential oils as Tea-Tree Oil have an antiseptic property that helps prevent infection. Other Essential Oils can add flavor and fragrance.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Essential Oils, Organic, 1/2 Ounce to 16 Ounces
The essential oils offered by Mountain Rose Herbs are 100% pure steam distilled plant oils with an unsurpassable fragrance, exceptional depth, magnificent keynote, and are free of carriers, diluents and other inputs. Here you will find some of the worlds most magnificent oils from reputable distillers and suppliers we know, trust, and have a wonderful working relationship with. Mountain Rose Herbs essential oils are processed from freshly harvested material within clean distilleries, thus promising you some of the most magnificent oils available on the market.
LIP CARE RECIPES
BASIC LIP BALM RECIPE
3 Tablespoons Grape-Seed Oil
3 Tablespoons Sweet Almond Oil
1 Tablespoon Natural Beeswax
1. In a small double boiler, heat all of the ingredients until the beeswax melts.
2. Stir the lip balm until it is mixed well.
3. While it is still in liquid form, fill small jars, lipstick-style tubes or squeeze tubes. Because this lip balm contains no water, it will keep about 1 year. Note: You can buy lipstick-style tubes and jars from Mountain Rose Herbs (see above under application) or at specialty stores for natural cosmetics. Squeeze tubes may be found at camping supply or outdoor sporting goods stores.
LIP BALM FOR COLD SORES RECIPE
3 Tablespoons Basic Lip Balm (Recipe Above)
15 Drops Tea-Tree Essential Oil
1. Carefully heat 3 tablespoons of the traditional Basic Lip Balm in a small double boiler and stir in the Tea-Tree Essential Oil.
2. At first sign of a cold sore, such as tingling or itching, dab your lips 4-6 times daily with the Tea-Tree Balm. Use a fresh cotton swab each time so that germs don't contaminate the lip balm. Note: Tea-Tree Oil is a strong antiseptic that can help inhibit the growth of fungi, bacteria, and viruses, including the herpes virus type 1, which produces cold sores.
AROMATIC LIP BALM RECIPE
3 Tablespoons Basic Lip Balm Recipe (Above)
5 Drops Honey
Or
5 Drops Vanilla Essential Oil
Or add both of these essential oils:
2 Drops Cinnamon Essential Oil
2 Drops Orange Essential Oil
1. In a double boiler, warm the lip balm to about body temperature.
2. Add the desired essential oils to the lip balm and mix them in thoroughly. Note: Any of the essential oils suggested for this recipe will add both a pleasing aroma and a delicious flavor to your lip balm. These essential oils will also work to moisturize your skin.
APRICOT & LEMON LIP BALM RECIPE
1 Teaspoon Beeswax
1 Teaspoon Apricot Kernel Oil
1 Teaspoon Calendula Essential Oil
Few Drops Essential Oil of Lemon or Orange
A delicious protective and healing gloss especially good for chapped lips.
1. Melt the beeswax. Add the apricot and calendula oils, stirring constantly.
2. Remove from the heat while stirring and when partly cooled, add the essential oils.
3. Store in a small glass pot.
APRICOT & ORANGE LIP BALM RECIPE
1 Teaspoon Beeswax
1 Teaspoon Apricot Kernel Oil
1 Teaspoon Calendula Essential Oil
3-4 Drops Orange Essential Oil
A delicious protective and healing gloss especially good for chapped lips. If you want to make it more of a lip gloss, add FDA Approved Mica for coloring or Beet Root Infused Oil (Optional).
1. Melt the beeswax in a double boiler. Add the apricot and calendula oils, stirring constantly.
2. Remove from the heat and add Mica or Beet Root Infused Oil, if desired for color. While stirring and when partly cooled, add the Orange essential oil.
3. Pour into lip balm jars or tubes.
AVOCADO LIP BALM RECIPE
1 Ounce Beeswax
1 Ounce Avocado Oil
1 Ounce Coconut Oil
1/2 Ounce Mango Butter
20 Drops Flavor Extract/Oil
1. Melt all ingredients and mix together. Put into lip balm tubes or jars.
BASIC LIP BALM RECIPE #2
1 Teaspoon Beeswax
2 Teaspoons Coconut Oil
1 Vitamin E Capsule or Vitamin E Oil
20 Drops Flavor Extract/Oil
1. Melt and all beeswax, coconut and vitamin E together. Add flavoring. Put into lip balm tubes or jars.
BERRY LIP BALM RECIPE
1 Ounce Beeswax
1 Ounce Coconut Oil
1 Ounce Jojoba Oil
2 ml Vitamin E Oil
1.5 Ounces Menthol Crystals
Flavor Extract/Oil (Of your choice - Raspberry, Cherry & Strawberry are good choices. See links to flavoring oils and colorings under Products below.)
Warm the oils and beeswax until beeswax melts. Stir in the vitamin E and menthol crystals. Add flavor oil. Pour into jars.
BRONZE LIP BALM RECIPE
2 Teaspoons Beeswax
2 1/2 Teaspoons Coconut Oil
1/2 Teaspoon Cocoa Butter
1 Teaspoon Mango Butter
1/2 Teaspoon Vitamin E Oil
1/2 Teaspoon Castor Oil
1 Teaspoon Sweet Almond Oil
1 Teaspoon Kukui Nut Oil
1 Teaspoon Aloe Vera Gel Or Aloe Vera Organic Oil
1/4 Teaspoon Amber Mica
Flavor Oil of choice.
Warm the oils and beeswax until beeswax melts. Stir in the vitamin E and menthol crystals. Add flavor oil. Pour into jars.
BRONZE LIP BALM RECIPE
2 Teaspoons Beeswax
2 1/2 Teaspoons Coconut Oil
1/2 Teaspoon Cocoa Butter
1 Teaspoon Mango Butter
1/2 Teaspoon Vitamin E Oil
1/2 Teaspoon Castor Oil
1 Teaspoon Sweet Almond Oil
1 Teaspoon Kukui Nut Oil
1 Teaspoon Aloe Vera Gel Or Aloe Vera Organic Oil
1/4 Teaspoon Amber Mica
Flavor Oil of choice.
Combine all butters and oils in a double boiler and melt them over gentle heat. Once all ingredients have melted remove pot from heat. Add flavor oil if desired and then add the amber mica. Stir to blend well. Pour the mixture into jars or tubes. Let them cool and set.
BUBBLEGUM LIP BALM RECIPE
3 Teaspoons Beeswax
6 Teaspoons Jojoba Oil
1 Teaspoon Aloe Vera Gel Or Aloe Vera Organic Oil
1/4 Teaspoon Red-Gold Mica
Bubble Gum Flavor Oil
In a glass measuring cup melt beeswax in the microwave, add the oils (you may need to put it back in the microwave for a few seconds more). Stir in flavoring and mica. Let it cool for about 5 minutes. Give it one more quick stir and pour the mixture into jars.
CHOCOLATE LIP BALM RECIPE
1 Ounce Beeswax
1 Ounce Grape-Seed Oil
1 Ounce Coconut Oil
1 Ounce Jojoba Oil
1/2 Ounce Jojoba MP56
1/2 Ounce Brown Jojoba Wax Beads
1 Chocolate Kiss
1 Teaspoon Cocoa Powder
1 Teaspoon Vitamin E Oil
1 Teaspoon Aloe Vera Gel Or Aloe Vera Organic Oil
1 Dropperful Chocolate Flavor Oil
Melt all of the ingredients (except vitamin E Oil, Aloe Vera and Chocolate Flavoring) over a double boiler. Once melted, add the Vitamin E, Aloe Vera and Flavoring. Pour into jars or tubes.
CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT LIP BALM RECIPE
1 Ounce Beeswax
1/4 Cup Coconut Oil
2-3 Drops Carrot Seed Essential Oil
2/3 Ounce Cocoa, Shea & Mango Butters
1/4 Teaspoon Honey
3-5 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil
For the butter, mix equal parts Cocoa, Shea and Mango butters. The cocoa butter makes the chocolate, and the shea butter provides much more moisture and healing ability than cocoa butter alone. Mango is wonderful for lip balms. Melt the butters and Coconut Oil over a double boiler and allow the mixture to reach 175°F. Let it remain over the heat for at least 20 minutes. Add the Beeswax and stir until it melts. Allow to cool briefly. Add the Peppermint Essential Oil and a drop or 2 of Chocolate Flavor Oil, if desired. You can add some cocoa powder to the balm for the natural brown color. This balm turns out mainly a natural color versus anything else, even with the honey added. It has a tingling, very refreshing feeling. The smell is great. Pour into lip balm tubes or jars. Let sit and harden.
CHOCOLATE MINT LIP BALM RECIPE
1 Ounce Beeswax
1.5 Ounces Cocoa Oil (Or Shea Oil)
1.5 Ounces Virgin Olive Oil
1 Ounce Cocoa Butter
1 Ounce Shea Butter
1 Ounce Glycerin (Slightly Warmed)
10-20 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil 0.75 Ounce Red Mica (Optional)
Handful of Chocolate Chips (Real Chocolate Only)
In double boiler, melt beeswax and cocoa butter. Add chocolate chips and incorporate well. Remove from heat, add shea butter and carrier oils and stir. Put back on heat to ensure mixture is even and consistent. If using mica, add to glycerin and stir well. Add glycerin (and mica) to butter/oil mixture. Keep stirring. Remove from heat and add essential oil. Mix all ingredients well and pour into pots, tins and/or tubes. Allow to cool completely before capping.
THERAPEUTIC LIP BALM
During the time of year, when the days start to become cold in the North, lip balm is an essential for protecting against chapped, sore lips. With a few basic ingredients, lip balms can be made very easily at home for friends and family. These recipes are for small batches so that you can try a few different kinds without waste.
This lip balm is healing and soothing for sore chapped lips and can also be used for minor cuts and scratches. We like to keep a tube handy to dab it on insect bites in the summer.
5 Tablespoons Infused Herb Oil
5 Teaspoons Bees Wax
10 Drops Vitamin E Oil
4 Drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
Herbs suggested for this balm recipe include Calendula, Plantain and St. John's Wort. Place 1 tablespoon of each herb in the top of a double boiler and cover with approximately 1/2 oil (such as extra virgin, cold pressed olive oil). Follow the basic directions for infused oil below. Then measure infused oil into a small, heat resistant glass jar. Heat slowly until the was is completely melted. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining ingredients. Pour into small pots or tubes. Cool and use.
BASIC DIRECTIONS FOR INFUSED HERBAL OIL
In a double boiler, combine selected herbs and cover with pure, cold pressed vegetable oil such as olive, apricot, almond or sunflower oil. Heat on a very low heat for 30 to 60 minutes. Lower heat allows for longer cooking time and produces a better quality oil. Allow to cool and then strain through a cheesecloth. Store infused oil in a covered glass jar in the refrigerator.
HERBAL MINT BALM
4 Tablespoons Infused Herb Oil (Spearmint & Lemon Balm are suggested)
4 Teaspoons Bees Wax
1/2 Teaspoon Jojoba Oil
10 Drops Vitamin E Oil
1 Drop Peppermint Essential Oil
Place 1 tablespoon each of Lemon Balm and Spearmint herbs in the top of a double boiler and cover with approximately 1/3 cup of oil. Infuse according to the directions above for an Infused Oil. Once the oil is completed, measure out 4 Tablespoons (as given in this recipe) into a small, heat resistant glass jar. Add the beeswax and place the jar in a pan filled with a few inches of water. Heat slowly until the wax is completely melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining ingredients. Pour into small pots or tubes. Cool and use.
VEGAN LIP BALM
3 Tablespoons Almond Oil
2 Teaspoons Candelilla Wax
1 Teaspoon Carnauba Wax
1/2 Teaspoon Jojoba Oil
10 Drops Vitamin E Oil
Measure oil into a small, heat resistant glass jar. Add the waxes and place the jar into a small, heat resistant glass jar. Place the jar in a pan filled with a few inches of water. Heat slowly until the wax is completely melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining ingredients. Pour into small pots or tubes. Cool and use.
Therapeutic Lip Balm Recipes are from the collection of recipes by WildRoots.com: Recipes. Check out their website for more recipes.
MORE LIP CARE RECIPES FROM THE INTERNET
For more Herbal Ointments, Balms, Lotions and Salve Recipes, return to index:
QUALITY SUPPLIES & PRODUCTS
Mountain Rose Herbs: Aromatherapy Essential Oils
The essential oils offered by Mountain Rose Herbs are 100% pure steam distilled plant oils with an unsurpassable fragrance, exceptional depth, magnificent keynote, and are free of carriers, diluents and other inputs. Here you will find some of the worlds most magnificent oils from reputable distillers and suppliers we know, trust, and have a wonderful working relationship with. Mountain Rose Herbs essential oils are processed from freshly harvested material within clean distilleries, thus promising you some of the most magnificent oils available on the market.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Bulk Herbs, Spices & Botanicals
All of their bulk dried herbs, botanicals and seasonings are strictly selected from the finest harvests and they have meticulously reviewed and analyzed all their materials to promise you an herbal product that is so fresh, colorful, and fragrant you can't help but to smile. Their line of organics are the first choice for respected authors, herbalists, stores, scientists, manufacturers, students and schools. Since 1987 they have continually come to Mountain Rose Herbs to satisfy their botanical requirements, and in this time they have repeatedly delivered the quality they expect. They attribute this astounding quality to the fact that Mountain Rose Herbs has over 11 farm operations, 6 wild harvesting operators, and acts as a direct liaison and processor with farmers and growers all across the globe. They are confident not only in the quality of material you may order but the ethics involved with their preparation and handling. If you feel beguiled and often frustrated with the inferior quality of "Mass Market" herbs that have been on market shelves and within stores inventories for months and sometimes years, then you can count on Mountain Rose Herbs to deliver a product that is unsurpassed in quality and freshness. Mountain Rose Herbs promise to you that their line of bulk herbs and botanicals are... True certified organic by OTCO. Certified OQK Kosher. Free from irradiation and ozone treatment, sulfur, gasses and other sanitary chemicals. Quality control tested, analyzed and supervised. Unsurpassable in color, depth, taste and aroma. Ethically wildharvested when not certified organic. Guaranteed fresh and not from "warehouse stock". Processed and handled according to strict organic standards. Grown, harvested, processed and handled by fun, knowledgeable and caring people. Analyzed for quality, safety and true botanical identity. Bulk ordering Discounts available.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Hydrosols & Flower Waters
Flower waters also known as hydrosols, hydroflorates or distillates are products from the direct steam distillation of whole plant materials. Unlike their "essential oil added to water" counterparts, true steam distilled hydrosols contain all the beneficial components that whole plant materials have to offer, and are more true to their scent. They are wonderful and inexpensive as a facial splash, as a deodorant, an air freshener, in the spa, for skin application, during massage, as a base in your body care recipes, and most may be used in culinary creations. They are moisturizing, fragrant, cooling and contain similar properties as essential oils but in much less concentration, which makes them a lovely alternative to those with sensitivities. Mountain Rose have now expanded their entire line of hydrosols, which have all been distilled in improved stainless steel cookers and processed through certified organic methods. They are excited to offer you these exceptional quality flower waters which are quality control supervised from cultivation to distillation by Mountain Rose Herbs. Each of their 4 oz hydrosols is packaged in an amber bottle with a black mister. The bulk 8 oz, 16 oz ounce and 1 gallon waters are packaged in HDPE plastic bottles.
For a full list of available products from Mountain Rose Herbs, click on banner below:
HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
This is only a small sample of educational materials and products available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.
HERBS, OILS, & SUPPLIES
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
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