Healthy DIY Holiday Gifts

Thanks to Madeline Everett! for today’s guest post! I definitely plan on trying these out. Hope you enjoy! Also don’t forget to check out our Wellness Inspired Gift Idea board on Pinterest for more ideas!
The upcoming holiday season had me stressing out at first, but I’ve been looking into easy DIY gifts made with simple ingredients anyone can find at their local grocery store. After perusing a bunch of home and garden magazines for ideas, I’ve settled on making homemade salves and lip balms in fun vintage tins from antique shops.

Here’s how to do it yourself using all-natural, healing herbs and spices.

Lip Balm

Homemade lip balm is easy to make and there is no limit to the flavor combinations you can mix up. This recipe is can be doubled or tripled depending on how many pots you’d like to end up with. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite herbs and essential oils.

You will need:

•   1/4 c. coconut oil
•   1/4 c. cocoa butter
•   1/4 c. dried herbs OR a generous pinch of spices OR 10-15 drops of essential oil
•   2 T beeswax pellets
•   1 t honey

Instructions:
•   Infuse the oil, cocoa butter, herbs, and spices over low heat on a double boiler for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain the herbs from the oil using a coffee filter or square of cheesecloth set over a clean bowl.
•   Place the oil back in the double boiler and add beeswax, stirring until completely melted. Stir in the honey and essential oil, if desired, until the ingredients are completely incorporated.
•   Pour the mixture into small glass pots. Allow the balm to solidify and then label and wrap the pots however you wish.

Healing Salve

Salves are ointments used to soothe irritation or discomfort. The process of making salve is nearly identical to the process used to make the lip balm above. The difference is in the sorts of herbs you’ll want to add.
While a salve that smells great is always a good thing (and a natural alternative to perfume!), its true purpose is its medicinal properties. Lavender is both soothing and antibacterial, while clove and arnica are excellent pain-relievers. Sage speeds healing and green tea rejuvenates the skin. You can find more information on the properties of different herbs and spices here.

You will need:

•   1/2 c. coconut oil (or olive oil)
•   1/2 c. cocoa butter
•   1/2 c. dried herbs OR a generous T of spices OR 10-15 drops of essential oil
•   4 T beeswax pellets
•   1/2 oz. arnica flower oil (if using)

Instructions:
•   Infuse the oil, cocoa butter, herbs, and spices over low heat on a double boiler for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain the herbs from the oil     using a coffee filter or square of cheesecloth set over a clean bowl.
•   Place the oil back in the double boiler and add beeswax, stirring until completely melted. Stir in essential oils and arnica, if desired, until the ingredients are completely incorporated.
•   Pour the mixture into a sterile container with a secure lid, such as a mason jar. Allow the salve to cool completely and enjoy!