Chamomile Lip Balm

Lip balm is something almost all of us use at some point or another. One of the things that I myself have started worrying about more of late is what all chemicals I'm putting on and in my body. So after a bit of research, I've started making my own lip balm for use! This particular mixture is using Chamomile as a flavoring and accent. I hope everyone finds this as easy and as fun as I have!

Here is a list of the major things you will need for this. The measurements listed are to fill the 2 tins you see in the pictures. The ratio for scale is 2 parts bees wax to 1 part coconut oil for it's main components.

• A glass container for melting and mixing
• A glass or metal container to have your balm in (I tend to upcycle mint tins)
• A stirring instrument
• Beeswax (3 tablespoons for this project)
• A teabag of Chamomile Tea
• and coconut oil (1.5 tablespoons for this shown)

Use either a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle (Remember to make sure the grinder is clean first) and empty the of the chamomile tea bag into it and grind the chamomile into as fine a powder as possible. The finer the grind, the better and the quicker the flavor will infuse into the mixture.

for this step, place your beeswax in your glass container and use your microwave on high to melt your wax into liquid. (This amount will usually take 2-3 minutes in a 1100 Watt microwave.) Please remember to use a pot holder or towel as the container WILL be hot!

Once the wax is melted, you will need to add the coconut oil. This will not only help soften the wax so that it will be much easier to apply, but it will add oils and nutrients that will help keep your lips healthy and nourished. Spoon the coconut oil into the wax and stir until it is integrated and no more clumps are visible.

At this point, you pour in your ground Chamomile and stir for a minimum of one minute. This will not only evenly distribute the powder, but it will also help infuse the flavor.

**As a note, instead of the Chamomile, you can use 15-20 drops of any food grade essential oil or extract at this point for flavoring. **

At this point, use your towel or pot holder to pour the mixture into each of your containers. Try to fill as much as possible so as to last the longest. It is best if you do this over a sheet of paper or dropcloth for the just-in-case scenario. Set aside to cool and harden on it's own. Be patient, this will take about an hour or more, depending on the size and make of your container.

And now you can see why I advocate a drop cloth.. If you fill past a leak in the tin's hinge, it won't pour out immediately, but it will still make a mess. *sigh* Extra cleanup.

And here's what you'll have once the balm is cooled.. You apply to your lips by rubbing your finger lightly over the surface to collect some of the balm and then use the same finger to rub it across your lips in a thin film.

I hope you have enjoyed this instructable and that it was informative to you.

Peace.