My biggest issue during winter, besides trying not to get sick, is dry lips. I’ve tried every lip balm and lip gloss out there, and they all seem to eventually dry my lips out even more. After much trial and error, I’ve decided that this recipe is one of my favorites. And because variations of this recipe has been around for a long time, Sarah Munro added it to her collection of herbal remedies. (Sarah, a PhD historian, is the heroine in book 2 of the Deadly Force series, ONE DARK WISH.)
This lip balm is all natural so once you start using it, you have to use it within the month. Still, it’s a nice lip balm that’s both easy to make and tastes great alone or with another flavoring. This time of year, I prefer a very light peppermint flavor because it blends well with the grapefruit. I use a drop of the same peppermint flavoring that I buy for cookies and frostings. I also like to add a bit of beet root powder to tint the balm a light pink. All of the ingredients, including containers, are available online or in natural food stores. If you buy the ingredients in bulk, they are cheaper. Luckily, all the ingredients last a long time in their original forms. I hope your lips stay plump and hydrated this winter!
Sarah Munro’s Grapefruit Lip Balm
Ingredients:
Directions:
Sterilize your containers and let them dry completely.
In a double boiler over medium-low heat, melt the beeswax. Once it’s almost all melted, stir in the shea butter, coconut oil, and castor oil. Stir constantly until all the ingredients are melted and well blended.
Remove the top pan from the heat and place on a cutting board or a towel on the counter. Quickly mix in the grapefruit essential oil, peppermint flavoring (optional), and beet root powder (optional for coloring tint). Add in the coloring until you reach the desired tint. Before the wax hardens, pour the lip balm into the completely dry containers. (this is really important). Once the balm is dried, cover tightly. The lip balm will keep, unopened, for up to four months. Once open, use within one month.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING, AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
