Winters are cold in Vermont, and even more so in Alberta.
This salve makes wonderful gifts for the holiday season. I find that it provides comfort and warmth for sore, achy muscles, soothes chapped hands and feet, promotes emotional clarity, and soothes holiday stress.
Use: Apply a thin layer occasionally to hands, feet, elbows, sore shoulders when resting. Rub in thoroughly. Put on warm socks on feet and cotton gloves on hands overnight. Makes 7 cups (14 jars, 4 oz each or 28 jars, 2 oz each.)
Method: Combine on stovetop in large deep heavy bottomed pot, low heat: Watch carefully; Mixture is not meant to simmer or boil. Stir gently.
Remove from heat as soon as the beeswax pellets and shea butter melt.
Beeswax pellets: 1 ¾ c.
Refined Shea Butter: 2 lbs.
Arnica infused almond oil: 2/3 c.
Rose infused almond oil: 2/3 c.
Vitamin E oil: 2 Tbsp.
After removing from heat add essential oils.
Combine the following, pour into the above. Stir gently.
Lavender: 1 Tbsp.
Tea Tree: 1 Tbsp.
Camphor: 1 Tbsp.
Peppermint: 1 ½ Tbsp.
Ginger: 1 tsp.
Clove: 1 tsp.
Wintergreen: ¾ tsp.
Black Pepper: ½ tsp.
Pink Pepper: ½ tsp.
Frankincense: ½ tsp.
Pour into jars, cool, cover with lids. Store in a cool place.
Safety note: Whenever you make a product to apply to the skin do a simple allergy test, a “skin test” before use. Apply a small amount on a small area on the inside of your wrist and wait 24 hours. If a rash, redness or itchiness results at any time in the 24 hours do not use it any further. Doing a skin test is important for anything you make for yourself, but its even more important for anything you share with another person. Also, be aware that essential oils are better tolerated by adults than children. The recipes you’ll find on my website are all meant for adult use. Significant adjustments have to be made for use with children.