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Udder Balm with Beeswax and Essential Oils
Homemade udder balm is great for your cow’s teats when they dry out or crack. I started using it for my hands almost immediately because I knew the benefits of all the ingredients.
Additional Uses for Udder Balm
Then during fire season, my husband and the guys on his crew all started using it for chaffing from their gear. They all swear by it now and love it each year when I bring them each their own little jars of udder balm.
Then, one week at our homeschool co-op, the parent who taught the tinctures class couldn’t make it. I quickly grabbed all my supplies and little metal tins to teach the kids how to make this soothing balm. But instead, we added a little more oil and a little less wax, making for an amazing lip balm.
However, some of the kids opted to use Wild Orange or Peppermint essential oil for something that was touching their mouths.
Benefits of Udder Balm Ingredients For Skin
Shea Butter – moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, collagen production, reduces stretch marks
Olive (or Almond Oil) – Hydration, Anti-aging, healing, sun protection, cleansing
Beeswax – protecting, soothing, softening, aids in healing skin ailments, reduces microbial growth
Raw Honey – Antibacterial, antifungal, exfoliating, healing
Lavender EO – soothing, antioxidants, scar reduction, burn relief, antibacterial
Tea Tree EO – Reduces allergic reactions, treats skin conditions, lightens dark spots, and moisturizes.
Importance of teaching balm and lotion making to kids.
So often, I hear the thought process behind food, medicine, and hygiene products coming from the store. And well, this is true, but not exclusive.
Products like udder balms have been made at home for years because they were used for women breastfeeding and baby’s diaper rash in addition to caring for livestock.
I will admit that just a decade ago, I was a conventional consumer. When I decided to become a creator of the products we consumed and used, many of our friends and family were concerned.
This is because in just a few generations, people believed that the only place to obtain any of our daily needs is through commercially produced supply chains. They also believe that it is more expensive or unsafe to do it at home.
The realities of creating at home
The initial expense of getting supplies can sometimes be a little higher than grabbing a premade product at the store. But when these basic ingredients can be used for several products that you are less likely to waste, the price reduces dramatically.
As for safety, these are the products that we have been using for hundreds of years! And what you buy at the store is the adulterated version of these ingredients with added preservatives and fragrances. So, really, which one is safer???
When teaching and talking to your kids about making anything at home, teach it as though it is normal and not taboo.
Homemade Udder Balm
Equipment
- 1 Half Pint Jar Wide mouth works better
- 1 Double Boiler Saucepan and glass bowl work too
Materials
- 1/4 cup Shea Butter
- 3/8 cup Olive or Almond Oil
- 1/2 cup Beeswax
- 1 Tsp Raw Honey
- 5 Drops Lavender Essential Oil
- 5 Drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
Instructions
- Put shea butter, olive oil, and beeswax in a glass bowl or the top of a double boiler.
- Begin boiling water in saucepan or base of boiler.
- Melt ingredients slowly, then remove from heat and cool until warm to the touch.
- Mix in essential oils and honey. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Scrap into mixer and whip for 10 minutes of until fluffy.
- Scrap into jar, cover, and use as needed
Want more projects like this to do with your kids?
Check out the Build Your Own Homestead – Little Learners Edition.
This in depth and interactive homeschool curriculum helps your child understand where their food comes from and gives them ownership in our own families homestead endevours.
