Here at Robert Kline Art, we believe in the power of nature to heal and nourish. That’s why we’re excited to share this simple yet effective DIY lemon balm lip balm recipe, perfect for soothing and protecting lips, especially during a cold sore outbreak.
Why Lemon Balm?
Lemon balm, with its bright, citrusy scent, isn’t just a delightful garden herb. This member of the mint family boasts potent antiviral properties, particularly against the herpes simplex virus, the culprit behind those pesky cold sores.
Studies, like the one published in Phytomedicine [1], have shown that lemon balm oil can significantly hinder the virus’s activity on the skin, making it a natural ally in the fight against cold sores.
Crafting Your Healing Balm
This recipe involves two simple stages: creating a potent lemon balm-infused oil and blending it with a protective wax.
What You’ll Need:
For the Lemon Balm-Infused Oil:
- Dried lemon balm leaves
- Sweet almond oil (or grapeseed or olive oil)
- Glass jar with a lid
- Fine-mesh sieve
For the Lip Balm:
- 10g Candelilla wax (or beeswax)
- 50g Lemon balm-infused oil
- 3 drops Melissa officinalis essential oil (optional, for added potency)
- Two stainless steel pans (one smaller for creating a double boiler)
- Wooden skewer for stirring
- Silicone spatula
- Lip balm containers (recipe yields approximately five 10 ml containers)
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Infuse the Oil:
- Fill your jar halfway with dried lemon balm leaves.
- Pour sweet almond oil (or your chosen carrier oil), leaving about an inch of space at the top.
- Seal tightly, shake well, and store in a warm, dark place for two weeks, shaking daily for optimal infusion.
- After two weeks, strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the leaves.
- Repeat the infusion process with fresh lemon balm leaves for a second round.
- After the second infusion, strain again, this time through cheesecloth for extra clarity. Your lemon balm-infused oil is now ready! Store it in a dark place or a dark glass bottle.
2. Create the Lip Balm:
- Create a double boiler by filling one pan with water and placing the smaller pan inside.
- Add the candelilla wax to the smaller pan and heat until melted.
- Carefully remove the pan from the heat and add the lemon balm-infused oil. The mixture will likely solidify slightly as the cooler oil mixes with the warm wax.
- Return the pan to the double boiler and gently heat, stirring with a wooden skewer or silicone spatula until fully melted and combined.
- Remove from heat and stir in the optional melissa essential oil.
- Pour the warm mixture into your lip balm containers, using the spatula to ensure you capture every last drop.
Allow the lip balms to cool and solidify completely, which may take up to three days. Once set, your homemade lemon balm lip balm is ready to soothe and protect!
Tips and Tricks:
- Harvesting Lemon Balm: For the most potent oil, harvest lemon balm in the morning when its oils are at their peak. Ensure the leaves are fully dry before infusing to prevent spoilage.
- Drying Lemon Balm: Air drying, oven drying, or using a food dehydrator all work well. If using a dehydrator, a low heat setting (around 100°F) for a couple of hours does the trick.
- Early Application is Key: A study published in Nutrition and Metabolic Insights [2] found that lemon balm is most effective when applied at the first sign of a cold sore, so keep your balm handy and apply it as soon as you feel that telltale tingle.
Embrace the Power of Handmade
This lemon balm lip balm is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the incredible healing power found in nature. At Robert Kline Art, we encourage you to embrace the art of handmade, to explore the world of natural remedies, and to create something beautiful and beneficial for yourself.
Have you tried this recipe or have any questions? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below! And for more unique, handcrafted gift ideas, be sure to explore the rest of our website.