How to Make Soothing Shea Butter Foot Balm

This rich foot cream is an excellent emollient for dry, cracked skin that can result from a change in seasons or exposure to the elements. It's an especially soothing lotion that helps prevent and heal cracked toes, but it can also be used on the hands. Shea butter is an intense moisturizer but lighter and more easily absorbed than cocoa butter. Myrrh has antifungal and antibacterial properties, in addition to treating dry, cracked skin. Rosewood's healing, anti-inflammatory characteristics make it ideal for sensitive skin. The subtle woodsy aroma of this balm renders it suitable for use by men and women. The high wax and shea butter content gives this cream a longer shelf life than some homemade lotions. Yields about 12 ounces.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 c shea butter
• 2 t beeswax
• 1 T emulsifying wax
• 1/4 c water
• 1/2 t xanthan gum
• 1 T aloe juice
• 1/2 c sesame oil
• 60 drops myrrh essential oil
• 40 drops rosewood essential oil
• Pyrex measuring cups
• knife or grater
• hand blender
• 3 4-oz. glass or plastic cream jars
• plastic or silicone spatula

1. Sterilize cream jars in dishwasher, or hand-wash and spritz with rubbing alcohol.

2. Melt 1 cup of shea butter in large (2-cup or more) glass measuring cup by heating in microwave for 30-second increments.

3. Grate or shave beeswax and add to shea butter along with emulsifying wax. Melt in microwave until liquid, again in 30-second increments.

4. In microwave, heat 1/2 cup of water in small (1-cup) glass measuring cup for 30 seconds. Add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum and blend thoroughly with hand (stick) blender, making sure to eliminate any lumps. If any remain, press with a spoon against the side of the measuring cup to dissolve.

5. Add xanthan gum mixture, 1 tablespoon of aloe juice or gel, and 1/2 cup of sesame oil to shea butter and wax mixture. Blend thoroughly with stick blender. Allow to cool for a few minutes.

6. Add 60 drops of myrrh essential oil and 40 drops of rosewood essential oil to the mixture and blend briefly. Dispense into sterilized cream jars, scraping the measuring cup with a plastic jar spatula, and refrigerate to cool.

Tips & Warnings

• The high concentration of shea butter will cause this cream to feel greasy on the skin at first, but unlike petroleum-based products, it will absorb rapidly.
• Xanthan gum or similar emulsifiers can be found at most health food stores.
• For an inexpensive source of high-quality essential oils, carrier oils, and other natural products, visit Camden-Grey Essential Oils.
• Other carrier oils can be substituted for sesame oil.
• Use different essential oils for varied scents and properties. Peppermint oil is a particularly cooling oil for summer use.
• Essential oils are highly concentrated. Avoid contact with skin.
• Pregnant women should not use products containing myrrh or peppermint and should use caution with any essential oils.
• Essential oil concentration should be reduced by half for the elderly and children under 4.
• Children under 2 should not use products containing essential oils.
• Essential oils can degrade under high temperatures. The measuring cup should be comfortable to the touch before adding oils.
• This mixture does not have preservatives and will turn rancid or possibly mold over time. Use within 2-3 months or store in the refrigerator.

Resources

• Camden-Grey Essential Oils
• Other Benefits of Shea Butter

[From-the-Heart]

on 2/2/2009 What a great recipe to make soothing shea butter foot balm!

[jenng]

on 2/1/2009 I need this thanks for info 5*

[jimdris]

on 1/26/2009 This sounds luxurious and very wholesome!

[PJWilliams]

on 1/25/2009 Thanks for the tip on where to get the xanthan gum. I was wondering about that as I read. Sounds wonderful!