Spring is in the air and it is official; we have made it through another winter. For children, having been kept inside while dealing with the colder weather for what seems like an eternity, it is time to finally get outside and enjoy all that Mother Nature offers us; the sunshine, the fresh air, warmer and longer days – it is all very exciting!
And, with this additional time outdoors – sports, park adventures, swimming, hiking, or even just fooling around in one’s back yard – accidents will surely happen, because bumps, scratches and bruises are a normal part of growing up.
When this happens, we can call on the help of the green nation. What can us parents make at home to help, rather than running out to the local pharmacy to buy something that is wrapped in plastic and filled with synthetic ingredients?
I am a big fan of salves. I make them to aid with respiratory issues, to help lull my little boy off to sleep at night and of course for boo-boos, a healing balm such as the one in this recipe. The base recipe is usually the same, and all that differs are the essential oils I use, dependent on what I need help with.
As I have written about in previous articles, generally speaking, once a child is past the age of 5 years, most essential oils are safe to use, however there are a handful like some eucalyptuses, birch, chaste tree, peppermint and wintergreen which should be avoided all together, or at least until the age of 7-10 years.
With this said, the essential oils used in this recipe are mild and are deemed safe to use with small children. Still, I suggest using this balm only on children who are 1 year of age and above.
Healing Balm for Little Ones
This healing balm will be of particular help with minor cuts and grazes, just remember to remove all traces of dirt by washing the area thoroughly first. If you want, you can also add a few drops of tea tree and lavender to the cleaning water, as it will act as an antiseptic and will also help to calm your child down after the injury.
For this Recipe You Will Need
- A 2-ounce tin jar, I buy mine here
- A double boiler
- .25 ounces of candelilla wax (Euphorbia Cerifera). This is a vegan wax alternative, however, if you prefer beeswax you can use this at .5 ounces.
- 1.75 ounces of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) or 1.5 ounces of jojoba if using beeswax
- 15 drops of Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum)
- 21 drops of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- 3 drops of Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile syn Anthemis nobilis)
- 9 drops of Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
- 12 drops of Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)
What to Do
- Blend all 5 essential oils together in a small glass container and put to the side
- Melt candelilla wax over low heat in double boiler
- Add jojoba and mix well
- Pour jojoba and candelilla wax into 2-ounce jar
- Add essential oils, and stir thoroughly with a spoon
- Quickly cap jar so the essential oil vapors do not escape
- Let sit until solid
- Label with ingredients, amount in jar, and date created; you can also give it a fun name if you like!
*This salve is created at a 5% dilution, which is 60 drops of essential oils in a 2-ounce amount
Essential Oil Profiles
Here are 5 essential oils I call on often with my young family, and which are incredible allies to help with boo-boos; note this includes what I call the 3 “TLC” essential oils – Tea tree, Lavender and Chamomile.
Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum)
Therapeutic Actions – Anti-inflammatory, and vulnerary (supports the healing of wounds). I love helichrysum. It is one of my favorites to alleviate inflammation, disperse bruising, soothe injured muscles, to help reduce pain and to reduce skin scarring.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Therapeutic Actions – Vulnerary, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic. Lavender helps with wound healing, relieves itching, helps with open wounds and poorly healing wounds, muscular aches and pains, sprains, strains, and is cell regenerating. It is also considered an analgesic.
Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile syn Anthemis nobilis)
Therapeutic Actions – Mild analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and vulnerary. Roman Chamomile is wonderfully soothing, is considered to be a wound healer, aids with muscular aches and pains, and speeds up slow healing wounds.
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Therapeutic Actions – Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-fungal, and immune-stimulant. Tea tree consoles achy muscles, and helps with infected wounds.
Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)
Therapeutic Actions – Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, carminative, immune enhancer, and vulnerary. Frankincense is said to help with scars, inflamed skin conditions, wound healing, calming, and for thousands of years has been considered an all around healer, both emotionally and physically.
Other skin supporting essential oils you can use are – Manuka, Niaouli, Pine and Lemon- to name a handful.
Giving thanks to Mother Nature for these incredible gifts from the Earth, happy parenting and happy blending!
Written by: Libby Vlasic
(Aromatic Studies Instructor)
Elisabeth Vlasic, please call her Libby, is a clinical aromatherapist, and a certified essential oil educator. Additionally, she is currently undergoing a 3 year Herbalism program at ‘Arbor Vitae School of Traditional Herbalism’ in New York City. Her love and profound respect for Mother Nature started as a young child growing up in Australia, running around the foot of eucalyptus trees, always in awe of the beauty our mystical world provides. Fast forward to now, and what has manifested is a love of essential oils and all the benefits plants offer one+all in support of a healthy and happy life. Libby spends her time between upstate New York in the beautiful Hudson Valley, and bustling New York City, with her husband, her little boy, baby girl and 2 dogs. Learn more at Wythe and Berry.
