New Ache & Pain Cream Class

I introduced a new class yesterday co-taught with Susan Haas and held it at Henschel Haus Publishing. Susan and I have created a nice selection of body care products made with only all natural ingredients and put them up on Etsy under the name Green Goddess Gardens. https://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenGoddessGardens

We are passionate about our products and love sharing how to create these simple recipes. Our latest product was designed to relieve aches and pains. It is a wonderful healthy substitute for Tiger Balm. Tiger Balm has a base of Petrolatum. If you are unfamiliar with petrolatum, I have added some information here:

“Petrolatum, which is used as a base for Tiger Balm, commonly known as petroleum jelly, is a byproduct of petroleum. Petrolatum is a soft paraffin or wax mixture sold as a topical skin ointment. It is acknowledged by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an approved over-the-counter skin protectant and is used in the manufacturing of cosmetic skin care. However the side effects of petrolatum include finding the petroleum byproduct in breast tumors, suffocation of the skin, premature aging and aggravated acne.

Petrolatum or mineral oil jelly and mineral oils can cause skin photosensitivity or promote sun damage. Petrolatum may interfere with the body's moisturizing mechanism, leading to dry skin and chapping despite its cosmetic use as lip protection. According to the Environmental Working Group, petrolatum may be found in one of every 14 products as well as 15 percent of lipsticks and 40 percent of baby lotions and oils.”  Livestrong.com

Petrolatum will increase the shelf life of a product but in my opinion, it doesn't make up for the damage it does along the way. Our recipe uses only all natural essential oils and beeswax. The added vitamin e is an antioxidant and will help to extend the shelf life. It should last at least 6 months and if stored in a cool area out of the sun, at least a year. I've included the recipe here:

1 tsp. peppermint EO

1 tsp. wintergreen EO

1 ¼ tsp camphor EO

2 tsp. Cajaput EO

¼ tsp. Cassia (cinnamon)

¼ tsp. Clove bud EO

2 TB Beeswax

2 TB Grapeseed oil

¼ tsp. vitamin E

Combine all essential oils into a small glass container.

Heat beeswax and grapeseed oil in a double boiler. Take off heat when beeswax liquefies and add essential oils one teaspoon at a time. Stir continuously until the batch reaches a smooth consistency. Pour into a 2 oz. container.