Monday, March 9, 2015

Period(ic) Balm

One of my favorite period remedies is a balm/massage oil that helps not only moisturize my skin, but also helps lighten my mood and ease cramping. It is SUPER easy to make, and can be customized to suit your individual tastes/needs. You can also double or even triple the recipe (this stuff lasts a LONG time, so I usually make up about 4 cups at a time). Some alternative ingredients are listed below the recipe. To use, just scoop some balm from the jar, and massage onto stomach and lower back, or anywhere you feel cramping/pain/nausea.

Ingredients:

1 cup Coconut oil
1/4 cup Chamomile flowers
1/4 cup Lavender flowers
20-30 drops total of Essential oils as desired (Optional)

Method 1: Gently warm the coconut oil, add the chamomile and lavender flowers, and allow to steep on low heat for 1-2 hours. Strain well, pour coconut oil into an airtight container, add essential oils, shake, and enjoy!

Method 2: Warm the coconut oil until it is just melted. Pour the lavender and chamomile flowers into an airtight jar, then pour the warm coconut oil over the flowers. Seal and place in a sunny window for 3-4 weeks. If the oil has solidified, gently warm it using a double boiler until just melted. Strain, pour coconut oil into a clean airtight jar, add essential oils, shake, and enjoy!

Method 3: Warm the coconut oil in a crock pot on low (or set it to "warm" if yours has that option), add lavender and chamomile flowers, cover, and allow to steep for 1-2 days. Strain, pour oil into an airtight jar, add essential oils, shake, and enjoy!

Alternative Ingredients and their uses...

Peppermint leaves or oil: helps with digestion/upset stomach, helps ease nausea, helps ease cramping, smells yummy, may irritate skin, usually causes a tingling sensation

Frankincense oil: helps ease cramping, smells nice, anti-inflammatory, good for skin

Lavender oil: eases cramps, eases stress/anxiety and depression

Chamomile oil: anti-inflammatory, eases cramps, eases anxiety/stress and depression

Cramp Bark: just like its name, this is AMAZING for reducing cramping

Raspberry flowers/leaves: eases cramping

Ginger (fresh, powder/grated, or oil): good for digestion, helps ease upset stomach/diarrhea/nausea, test on a small patch of skin first if using oil as it may cause irritation

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