Calendula & Clay Skin Balm

I recently spotted a particular brand of hand salve that contained bentonite clay as one of the main ingredients.  This particular clay-based balm was touted as having advanced healing properties from the addition of the clay.  The clay also negates the normal greasy and slippery feel that most salves and balms tend to impart to the skin.  I set out to make my own version and it turned out wonderful!!  This product is made from nourishing ingredients such as handcrafted calendula infused olive oil, beeswax, clay, helichrysum essential oil, myrrh essential oil and frankincense essential oil.  A little goes a long way!!! This particular skin balm is perfect for over worked hands, parched skin on all areas of the body and can be applied to patches of eczema to help soothe and protect those irritated areas.

You will need to make some homemade calendula infused carrier oil (I chose olive oil).  You will need six tablespoons.  Click here for a tutorial on how to make it.

Calendula infused oil is such a wonderful ingredient to have on hand! According to Mountain Rose Herbs, "Not only one of the most effective topical oils, it also makes an excellent base for salves, facial creams and many other natural cosmetics. Gentle, cooling, and soothing. Calendula oil is the most successful oil for assisting us with dry and damaged skin, irritations, and other skin ailments. Makes a wonderful baby’s oil and is exceptional for those with sensitive skin." If you don't have time to make it yourself, you can purchase it from Mountain Rose Herbs. Click HERE

For this recipe you will need......

6 tablespoons of calendula infused carrier oil
2 heaping tablespoons of beeswax
1 1/4 teaspoon bentonite clay
10 drops of each HelichrysumFrankincense and Myrrh Essential Oils



Start out by melting your beeswax in a small glass measuring cup placed in a few inches of simmering water.  Once the beeswax is melted, add in the calendula oil and the clay.  The mixture will need to be remelted which takes just a few minutes while constantly stirring. Remove from heat. 
Stir in the essential oils. 

The clay will give it an opaque appearance.  Pour into metal or glass tins to harden. 

The balm's appearance will look dark until it has completely cooled down. I like to place it in sturdy metal tins.  

Once it has cooled, place a cute label on the container.  Perfect for gift giving!! Has a 6 months shelf life when kept away from heat and moisture.  

I got most of the ingredients from Mountain Rose Herbs.  Visit them here