I hope you caught ACHS President Dorene Petersen and my blog update from this year’s Natural Products Day in Washington, DC. It was an amazing experience, and I’m so proud of our holistic health community! If you missed that blog post, go check it out here, and stay tuned for my next post on our adventures as lobbyists in DC.
But I want to do more! So, here’s my educational contribution (DIY recipe below!) you can use and share to celebrate Natural Products Day and take a stand on the products you choose to buy and use on your body. You’re a limited resource after all! I hope you enjoy this DIY all-natural soothing aftershave balm recipe as an alternative to lots of chemical-laden products on the market.
Plus, it smells great and makes a perfect Father’s Day gift (it’s coming up!) or special treat for the people in your life. Yes, women can use this luscious balm, too!
DIY All-Natural Soothing Aftershave Balm
Ingredients
Apricot kernel oil: 1⁄2 cup
Wheat germ oil: 3 tablespoons
Aloe vera gel: 3 tablespoons
Dried calendula Calendula officinalis flowers: 2 tablespoons
Dried comfrey Symphytum officinale leaves: 2 tablespoons
Shea butter: 2 tablespoons
Beeswax (grated): 2 tablespoons
Directions
Combine oils and dried herbs in small saucepan and heat gently in a double boiler or water bath over low heat for 15 minutes. Do not overheat, as this will affect the herb’s actions.
Cool the oil and strain through doubled cheesecloth. You may want to put your cheesecloth or muslin into a colander to make this easier. You can wear gloves if you want, but the oils will leave your hands wonderfully soft if you do not.
Put the herb-infused oil back into the double boiler or water bath. Add the shea butter and beeswax and heat gently until melted.
Stir and cool until mixture becomes cloudy. Put the mixture into a blender. Add the aloe vera, and blend until creamy on high speed.
Store in a sterile amber glass jar and apply after shaving or as needed.
The balm is also good on other areas that need soothing—it contains antioxidant vitamins A and E. Calendula C. officinalis and comfrey S. officinale are restorative and anti-inflammatory. Shea butter is a natural moisturizer.
How will you be celebrating Natural Products Day? I’d love to see your recipes and thoughts in the comments.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I am the CSO of American College of Healthcare Sciences, the Institution that publishes this blog. However, all opinions are our own. If this blog contains affiliate links, they will be marked with an asterisk. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article has not been reviewed by the FDA. Always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.
