Unfortunately bugs and bug bites seem to go hand-in hand with warm, balmy weather, this bug bite balm is just what the doctor ordered for this time of year 🌅

This is a 2-in-1 goodie as you can apply is as a bug repellent AND to soothe existing bug bites once they occur.

The soothing properties also help prevent potential infections caused by scratching. 

Ingredients

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 tsp shea butter

1 tsp beeswax pellets

1 tsp kaolin white clay

10 drops of rosemary essential oil

10 drops of peppermint essential oil

5 drops of lemongrass essential oil

Coconut Oil is antibacterial and moisturising, both healing and nourishing bites and skin.

Shea Butter has soothing vitamin E, helping to calm bites.

Beeswax acts to create a protective, breathable barrier on the skin helping the bug bite balm to stay on.

Rosemary Oil is a natural astringent and eases redness, so works to calm angry-red bites.

Peppermint Oil is strongly scented, an antiseptic and astringent, helping to sanitise and prevent infection.

Lemongrass Oil is a great disinfectant too, and is an insect repellent, keeping biting insects at bay.

Method

1. Add the beeswax, shea butter, clay and coconut oil to a glass jug and place into a saucepan filled with about 4cm of water. Turn to medium heat and melt the ingredients stirring frequently.
2. As soon as the ingredients have melted and combined, turn off the heat and add the essential oils. Stir to combine all ingredients.
3. Pour into glass jars and place the bug bite balm into the freezer to set for a couple of hours. I like to store this balm in lip balm sized jars (5g or 10g) and keep one in my handbag, one in the boat and two spares that we take on random outings.

*This recipe makes approximately 40-50g of balm

To Use

Apply bug bite balm liberally, avoiding the face, to discourage pesky mozzies and bugs from biting.

It can also be used as a soothing treatment balm after being bitten, to help ease itchiness, redness and welts. The antiseptic properties of the balm prevent potential infections from scratching.

If you intend of using this balm as a soothing after bug bite balm only. Replace the above mentioned essential oils with a combination of lavender and tea tree essential oils (10 drops of each).

Keep out of direct sunlight and use within 6-9 months.