From my sun-kissed Texas upbringing and my affinity for Tex-Mex cuisine to my modern-day role as a grade-school teacher bent on instilling healthful culinary traditions into a younger generation, my heart and soul are inseparably intertwined with food. Today, I’d love to share a recipe that has an exceptionally special place in my heart. It’s not your typical dish, and it carries a delightful fusion of Tex-Mex fragrances and fortifying properties. Welcome the Yarrow and Lavender Balm Recipe to your kitchen!
A Gentle Touch of the Southwest
Picture this: The robust aroma of freshly grounded herbs wafts through the ranch, an enticing prelude to the healing balm you’re lovingly preparing for your family. Like so many traditional Southern recipes, this delicate Yarrow and Lavender Balm Recipe has roots deep within the global culinary landscape, reminiscent of the balms crafted traditionally in South of France but with a touch of unique Tex-Mex twang.
In Southern cuisine, we value not just taste, but also the ability of our meals to nourish our bodies and minds. This balm recipe is no exception. Packed with Lavender and Yarrow, known for their soothing and relaxing properties, it is a powerhouse of natural relaxants and medicinal qualities.
A Healthful Combination
The olive oil, with its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, merges beautifully with the beeswax to moisturize and condition the skin. Together, they form a bridge, connecting the invigorating properties of Yarrow and the restorative powers of Lavender. This balm also includes a smattering of Vitamin E oil. While it’s an optional ingredient, it certainly takes this concoction up a notch with its nourishing and protective properties, perfect for shielding your skin against damaging environmental elements.
The Yarrow and Lavender Balm Recipe closely aligns with other vegetable-based balm recipes. It’s versatile, and harmonizes well when used in conjunction with other natural skincare components such as a homemade face mask or a body scrub.
A Lifestyle Change
Introducing this balm into your regimen is more than just about adopting a new recipe; it is about embracing a healthier lifestyle that draws upon the virtues of nature, promotes well-being, and connects us with our roots. So, why do I love the Yarrow and Lavender Balm Recipe? Well, it’s simple. The recipe represents everything I am passionate about: tradition, innovation, and wellbeing. Plus, it’s a wee touch of my Tex-Mex heart!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup Yarrow flowers and leaves, fresh or dried
- 1/2 cup Lavender flowers, fresh or dried
- 1 1/2 cups Olive oil
- 1/2 cup Beeswax pellets
- 1/2 cup Distilled water
- 10 drops Lavender essential oil
- 5 drops Yarrow essential oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Vitamin E oil (optional)
- Six small jars for storing balm
Method
Step One
Begin by combining the Yarrow flowers and leaves, and the Lavender flowers in a medium heat-safe bowl. If you’re using dried, make sure they’re free of any stems or twigs.
Step Two
Add the Olive oil to the bowl and stir until everything is well coated in the oil. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water to create a double boiler, ensuring the water doesn’t touch the bottom of your bowl. Let the mixture steep over the gentle heat for about 2 hours. This allows the healing properties of the flowers to infuse into the oil.
Step Three
After infusion, strain the mixture using a cheesecloth through a funnel directly into another heat-safe bowl. Squeeze out as much of the oil as possible.
Step Four
Add beeswax pellets to the strained infused oil. Set the bowl over the same pot of simmering water to melt the beeswax and blend it with the infused oil. Make sure to stir the mixture constantly.
Step Five
Once the beeswax is completely melted, add the Distilled water slowly while constantly stirring the mixture. The addition of water will make the balm creamier and less greasy.
Step Six
Remove the bowl from heat and let it cool slightly, just enough to allow it get lukewarm. Now, add the Yarrow and Lavender essential oils, and the vitamin E oil if using. Stir well to incorporate everything.
Step Seven
Distribute the warm mixture into the six jars, using a jug or ladle. Cap loosely until completely cooled, then screw on lids tightly. Store these balms in a cool dark place, preferably refrigerated for longer shelf life.
Step Eight
Your Yarrow and Lavender balm is ready to use! Apply it to the skin as needed to enjoy its soothing and healing properties. Remember to do a patch test first if you have sensitive skin or allergies to any of the ingredients used.
