This super salve is perfect for any area on your body; face, lips, elbows, bums, ears, feet… If you’re currently using Vaseline type products, you might like to try this as a replacement. It contains nourishing ingredients like coconut oil and Shea butter, with no petroleum jelly in sight. This by-product of the oil refining process, and a limited resource, is something I can’t understand why people are using when there are perfectly beautiful and nourishing plant-based, natural ingredients available.
There are many products on the market that doctors have been known to recommend for sensitive, eczema-affected skin. Sadly, many of them contain petrolatum – which the EU lists as a probable human carcinogen, (although it is important to note that companies should obtain certification from the producer of petroleum jelly stating that it is free of carcinogens).
Anyway, back to the Super Salve – I like lemon, lavender and tea tree essential oils, but you have permission to exercise your creative muscle and add whatever essential oils you please, depending on the purpose you wish it to serve (try adding eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, and lemon for “Vapour Rub” replacement).
At the end of the day, the simpler you can make your skin care routine, the healthier you will be. And while your children may not appreciate the enormous efforts you’re going to for their health, they’ll thank you someday.
SUPER SALVE HEALING BALM
Makes: 200 g Prep time: < 10 min.
Ingredients
• 90 g carrier oil (fractionated coconut oil and sweet almond oil are popular choices)
• 45 g coconut oil (the type that solidifies)
• 30 g shea butter
• 15 g beeswax
• 20 g evening primrose oil
• 60 drops of essential oils
MY CHOICE OF ESSENTIAL OILS
My favourite essential oils in this recipe are tea tree, lemon and lavender, but don’t be limited by my suggestions. Use oils that fit your budget, or those that you already have in your collection. Read here for more information.
Method
1. Add carrier oil, coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax to a glass bowl and heat until completely melted, using either a microwave or the double boiler method. (Double boiler method– place bowl on a pot of gently simmering water and stir frequently; Microwave method– heat in short bursts on low, stopping and stirring frequently). Remove from heat.
2. Add remaining ingredients and mix until combined.
3. Transfer into container of choice.
4. Place into the fridge or freezer to set (this will reduce the chance of graininess developing over time).
To Use
Scoop a small amount of super salve and apply sparingly to areas as required.
Krissy Ballinger
AUTHOR & ADVOCATE FOR NATURAL LIVING
Krissy wants to see a world where people make conscious choices that honour both humans and habitat. It is her mission to gently guide people towards this beautiful way of life. With a background in education and health promotion, she devotes her time to increasing awareness on common and avoidable toxins, as well as educating individuals on simple ways they can adjust their lifestyles to better serve themselves, and the planet. Natural DIY is Krissy’s speciality, and she has sold over 80,000 copies of her recipe books, including her latest book, The Lifestyle Edit, the award-winning, Naturally Inspired - Simple DIY Recipes for Body Care and Cleaning, and her kids book, Make & Play - Natural DIY Recipes for Kids.
Hello. I’m gathering the ingredients to make this recipe—it looks like a winner!! I’m going to try your combo of essential oils (Tea Tree, Lemon, Lavender). Do you recommend 20 drops of each? I know I can experiment, but I’d rather (with such precious ingredients) trust the expert’s advise 🙂
I am going to use unrefined Shea Butter, if that is something to consider.
Hi Joey! Start with 10 of each, rub a little on your arm and see what stands out to you. If you feel it needs more lavender, add 10 drops of that and try again, and so on. Otherwise, 20 of each is fine. I love unrefined shea butter, the aroma is so earthy. Have fun!
Thank you, kindly, for your response!
Hi Krissy,
I love your book! I was wondering how you would recommend adding calendula to this recipe? I plan on buying a calendula infused oil.
Thank you!
Hi Alyce, thank you! I am so glad you’re enjoying my book. Assume you have Naturally Inspired? I think adding calendula infused oil would be just fine. Just sub out for the carrier oil. Enjoy!
Yes! Naturally Inspired!
That’s great, thanks so much!
Hi! Is it possible to substitute beeswax for candelilla wax? If so, should I use the same amount as above? Thanks!
Yep, just use half the amount x
Hey! Wondering what the shelf life on this and similar products would be?
Hey 🙂 At the bottom of every recipe I have recommended reading for
info like this. Here’s the link for you > https://krissyballinger.com.au/recipes/recommended-reading-for-diy-recipes/ It depends on so many factors!
Hi Krissy,
Would this be suitable to use as a nappy or nipple balm for new mum and baby?
I know lots of people who use it for those purposes. I would still wipe/wash it off before feeding though. You might want to look into the Booty Balm for a nappy cream recipe > https://krissyballinger.com.au/recipes/baby-booty-balm/
Hi krissy.
I am Isabella٫ a young girl and trying to be like you. We are trying to make a business . I dont know where to start . PLEASE HELP!!!!
-Isabella?
Hello Isabella. This info may help you > https://krissyballinger.com.au/blog/inspired-to-sell-your-diy-goodies/
Good luck!
Krissy
Hi Krissy,
This may be a silly question but is it ok to make these and the cleaning recipes in my Thermomix that I use for our food?
Thanks
Hi Holly, I do – ALL. THE TIME!
Just clean it properly (more info here > https://krissyballinger.com.au/blog/cleaning-up-after-diy/ )
Can I substitute FCO with castor oil? Not sure if they’ll have the same consistency, have heard castor oil is good for eczema.
Yes you can. Castor is thicker so the consistency will change a little but it won’t be a problem.
Is your recipe good for stretch marks too?
I think it will help to hydrate your skin yes, but I believe stretch marks appear if you’re genetically predisposed to getting them, and only really fade with time.
Just wondering why you use evening primrose oil in the recipe??
I love its properties – rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, and aids in the healing process. You can sub it out for another carrier oil of choice.
Krissy, wondering if there is a substitute for the evening primrose oil? i have all the other ingredients, and would love to make this to help my daughters hands. The become very dry, even to the point of cracking and bleeding, in winter, and if she eats too much wheat. Trying to reduce her wheat consumption, but it’s proving difficult during the current atmosphere (everyone home and a bit overwrought due to COVID-19)
Hi Erika, you can sub any of the liquid oils for another liquid oil of choice. Good luck x
Hi Krissy
Would this balm be suitable for eczema? Our son suffers from a bad eczema and we’d like to avoid giving him steroid cream. Our GP recommended the steroid cream and QV Intensive Cream. Although they do help heal and moisturise his skin, I really hate the ingredients in the QV cream and would like to find a better non-toxic alternative (no luck so far). I’d like to give this a go but am not familiar with essential oils. Are they safe for eczema sufferer and which ones should I go for?
Thanks so much!
Hi Susanna, I’m sorry to hear your son suffers so much 🙁 When it comes to eczema, I can only suggest that you seek advice from a practitioner that looks at the body holistically. Also, have you removed irritants from his life, like certain mainstream washing powders, softeners, fragranced products – they’re all notorious for aggravating eczema? Have you looked into gut health? So many things to consider. I listened to a podcast recently by the ATP Project (episode is on Stitcher, April 6, titled: Eczema – A detailed look from the inside and out!) and they suggest olive oil and honey to be incredibly healing for eczema. As for essential oils, they can be quite irritating so I’d be careful. Perhaps join my discussion group and see if you get some more guidance there (with over 20,000 people, I am sure you will – the topic has been discussed plenty of times, as has this recipe). Good luck. https://facebook.com/groups/theinspiredlittlepot
Hi Krissy,
Can I use jojoba oil instead of evening primrose only because I have this at home.
Kind regards
Thank you
You sure can 🙂
Thank you so much
After going through several different creams and ointments to help my son’s eczema I decided to try homemade and that’s when I came across Krissy’s Recipe and all I can say is, I’m so glad I did, it was a lifesaver, his eczema finally started to clear up ans another bonus was it cleared up my dermatitis ony hands.
Don’t think about it just do it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it earlier.
Hi Krissy,
I have your book but just wondering which one of your recipes is good for a grazed elbow with a scab to prevent scarring? My daughter had a fall and large scab. I would like it to heal well. Any advice is appreciated.
Oh no, hope she’s ok. If it were me or my daughter, I’d apply the Super Salve or the Sunscreen (zinc is very healing).