We all want what is best for our children, and sometimes that means throwing away the toxic chemically ridden products from the store and finding something better.
Over the years I have come up with recipes to replace the items we use to buy with better alternatives. I want to share those with you over the next few posts. You can see my herbal facial toner recipe here
Today I will be sharing a recipe for a Diaper Ointment packed full of beneficial herbs and oils that you can make yourself.
Let's meet our ingredients for this recipe;
The Herbs
Chamomile is known for it's calming properties, but it is also has powerful anti-fungal, antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it a perfect addition to this recipe.
Calendula has impressive anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help speed up the healing process and protect the skin from future infections
Lavender is another herb that is packed full of anti-fungal properties along with being known to help purify the skin. It is also full of anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties which help the skin to heal.
Lemon Balm is full of antioxidants that help to protect cells from free radicals. It also has strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and helps to stimulate circulation.
Marshmallow Root is an herb with antimicrobial and anti inflammatory properties but it is unique in the fact that it has low concentrations of ceramide precursors, which is a natural hydrator. This herb not only hydrates delicate skin but actually helps skin to retain moisture as well.
The Oils
Organic Raw Shea Butter is full of high concentrations of fatty acids and natural vitamins which makes it an extremely nourishing ingredient. When Shea Butter is left in its raw state it is also full of anti-inflammatory properties and high levels of vitamin A and E. It not only moisturizes the skin, but protects it as well.
Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil is an excellent moisturizer along with being full of anti-bacterial and anti inflammatory properties, but I like to include it in this ointment because of its anti-fungal properties as well. It helps to fight those dreaded yeast ridden diaper rashes that seem to plaque so many little ones.
Organic Olive Oil is full of anti-oxidants and has been used for centuries as a nourishing moisturizer. It also is my preferred Oil to infuse all those lovely herbs in, making it easy to add to any herbal recipe.
The Power Punch
Bentonite Clay is a mineral rich clay formed from volcanic ash found naturally right here in The United States. In fact, Bentonite Clay gets its name from the largest deposit of the clay found in Benton, Wyoming. The clay works topically to detox and clarify skin. Bentonite Clay has a very strong negative electrical charge and since most toxins have a positive charge, it actually bonds to the toxins. It essentially absorbs the toxin (removing it from the body) while releasing its high level of minerals for the body to use. It also pulls hydrogen from cells allowing more room for oxygen. All these benefits together make Bentonite Clay the absolute best remedy for rashes I have come across.
Well, now that I have convinced you that this will be the best Diaper Ointment you have ever tried- Let me show you how to make it....
Herbal Healing Diaper Ointment
1/8 Cup Organic Raw Shea Butter
1/8 Cup Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil
1/4 Cup Organic Olive Oil infused with herbs of choice
1Tbsp Beeswax
1Tbsp Bentonite Clay
The first thing you will need to do is infuse your herbs into the Olive Oil. I do so by adding 2 Tbsp of each herb into a quart jar and covering with olive oil, I then place the oil in a dark location for 2 weeks. Here is a great tutorial on how to infuse herbs using heat to get a quicker result.
Once you have your infused olive oil you can start the process of making the ointment;
First place your coconut oil and shea butter into a glass jar.
Then add your beeswax...
Next I add the Bentonite Clay (be sure not to use a metal spoon while measuring your clay). Then I like to run some dried Lavender and Chamomile through the spice grinder and add 1/4 tsp of each to mixture for a nice scent.
Now we want to melt down the Beeswax and Oils. I do this by using a fancy recycled glass jar in a small pot of water over low heat... I like this method because I can have a designated jar for each item I make.. making clean up much easier.
Stir mixture until melted and combined ( I use a wooden kabob stick to stir), then remove from heat.
Now you will want to strain your herbal infused olive oil and add to mixture stirring well. Don't throw away the herbs you strained out though, just place them back into the jar and cover with more olive oil. Store in a cool dark place for future use.
Then just simply pour into container of your choice and use on your little one as needed.
We used this ointment recipe when our children were little and have shared it with many friends and family who have found it beneficial, We hope you do as well!
Thank you for reading and Happy Homesteading!
