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Herbs & Cultures

Natural skin and hair care

Coconut balm

A smooth balm of coconut, cocoa and shea.

Used for

Time
15 minutes
Makes
About 120 ml
Orange

Three plant fats with a little beeswax, and orange and ginger for a warm scent. Good for elbows, knees and heels.

Ingredients

  • 7 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa butter
  • 1½ teaspoons shea butter
  • 1 teaspoon beeswax
  • 15 drops sweet orange oil
  • 5 drops ginger oil

Step by step

  1. Melt everything in a bain-marie until well mixed; stir regularly.
  2. Pour into a clean jar and let it cool.
  3. Rub into dry patches as often as needed.

Registry

Herbs in this recipe

Read more about effects and safety on each herb’s page.

  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 220

    Orange

    Citrus sinensis

    Traditionally attributed effects: against dandruff; sweet oranges good for skin and hair.

    Ayurveda+2Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 1

    Ginger

    Zingiber officinale

    Traditionally used for nausea and digestive discomfort; it has a warming flavor.

    Ayurveda+6Folklore
  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 357

    Coconut

    Cocos nucifera

    Traditionally attributed effects: cooling, diuretic, antiseptic, laxative; root for uterine diseases, bronchitis, liver complaints, dysentery, sore throat (gargle); coconut water for thirst, fever, urinary complaints and vomiting; ash for scabies and toothache.

    Ayurveda+1
  • Caution

    Central America and the Caribbean · Food · № 30

    Cacao

    Theobroma cacao

    The seeds are the basis of cocoa and chocolate and contain theobromine and some caffeine. Health claims do not make cacao a treatment.

    Maya healing knowledge+2
  • Caution

    Africa · Other · № 385

    Shea

    Vitellaria paradoxa

    Shea butter softens dry skin and protects hair; it is also an important cooking fat. Medical claims are not well studied.

    Local African healing traditions

Cultures and traditions

Where the herbs come from

These traditions know the herbs in this recipe.