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HERBAL BABY CARE

by Garnet WindDancer

These are not my recipes. I saved them long ago, when I first started surfing the 'net.  If you know who they belong to, I'd love to know so I can give proper credit.  I have tried everything below except for the herbal baby balm and I must say, they are wonderful!  The creamsicle bath is a special favourite!

Herbal Baby Balm

Base:

  • 1 cup sweet almond oil

 Herbs:

  •  3 tablespoons dried lavender flowers

  •  1 tablespoon dried calendula petals

  •  1 tablespoon dried rose petals

  •  1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers

 Emollients (to soften and soothe):

  •  2 tablespoons vitamin E oil (10,000 international units)

  •  1 1/2 teaspoons jojoba oil

  • 4 drops of either rose, Roman chamomile, or lavender essential oil

 Emulsifier:

  •  5 tablespoons beeswax

Yield: Approximately 10 ounces

Grind the herbs into a powder using a clean coffee grinder, blender, or a mortar and pestle. Warm the base oil in the top of a double boiler pot; add the powdered herbs and cook over medium heat for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the healing properties of the herbs to be fully released into the oil.

Place the emollients in a stainless steel or glass bowl. Place a paper coffee filter inside a wire strainer, hold over the bowl, and pour the warm herb and base oil mixture through the strainer into the bowl. Gently apply pressure to the coffee filter to squeeze out most of the oil, being careful not to break it or spill any of the herbs. 

Melt the beeswax in the top of a double boiler; add slowly to the oil and herb mixture while whisking with a Fresh whisk or egg beater. Continue whisking until the mixture is thick and creamy.

 Sterilize several 2- to 4-ounce jars (jelly or baby-food jars work well) in freshly boiled water, so you have enough to hold approximately 10 ounces of finished balm. Fill each jar with balm, screw on the lid, and wipe off the jar. Label. If you plan to store balm for 3 months or more, refrigerate.

 Powdering Baby

Always exercise caution when using powder; talc can be harmful. Use only small amounts, if necessary, and avoid inhalation by either yourself or your baby. Apply powder to your hand and then to baby.

 Basic Baby Powder

  • 3 ounces kaolin clay

  • 1/2 teaspoon myrrh powder

  • 3 drops rose, lavender, or Roman chamomile essential oil

 Combine all ingredients in a small jar or bottle and mix well. Use sparingly by applying powder first to your hand, and then to baby.

  Yield: Approximately 3 ounces (79 ml)

 Herbal Bath Bag for Baby

Here's a simple way to introduce fresh or dried herbs into your baby's care. Always attempt to buy the freshest ingredients available for your natural homemade products, or grow them yourself. This recipe appears in Natural BabyCare by Colleen K. Dodt (©1997 by Colleen K. Dodt; published by Storey Publishing).

  • 2 tablespoons fresh or dried mild herbs:

  • chamomile;

  • lavender;

  • lemon balm;

  • peppermint; or spearmint.

  Put the herbs into a cloth bag or old stocking or sock and tie a knot in the top. Toss this into a baby tub containing warm water and it will act like a very large tea bag. After bathing your baby (you don't have to remove the bag first), put the spent herbs into the compost pile or use to mulch your houseplants or outdoor container plants.

 Always be aware of safety when bathing a baby. Keep objects out of reach of small hands, make sure water is not too hot, and exercise special caution when bathing a baby in a slippery tub.

 Children's Herbal Baths

 Always exercise caution when using essential oils with children. Stick to mild oils and remember, less is best. Make sure the oils are well diluted in the water and that the water is the proper temperature. Improper dilution can result in skin irritation, especially with the citrus oils, so resist the urge to use just a little more.

 Creamsicle Bath

  • 2 drops essential oil of sweet orange

  •  2 drops essential oil of vanilla oleoresin

  •  Add essential oils to a tub full of warm water and mix well.

  

Lemon Drop Bath

  • 2 drops essential oil of lemon

  •  2 drops essential oil of grapefruit

  •  Add essential oils to a tub full of warm water and mix well.

 

Sleep-Easy Bath

  • 2 drops ylang-ylang

  •  3 drops lavender

Add essential oils to a tub full of warm water and mix well. 

 

 



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Last update: 30 July 2006 .