Homemade bag balm

Within the first week of having our cow, Happy, I realized the importance of a good udder butter.  She was dry and bugs were biting.  Commercial bag balms are petroleum based and come in big litre-sized, or bigger containers.  That’s a few year’s worth if you have only one cow.  So I decided to try making my own.  It turned out so easy to do and cheap!  The result is a nice thick cream that nourishes and lasts the day out in the sun and wind.  The use of essential oils is optional but why not take advantage of the properties?  Cedarwood, Sandalwood and Lavendar are both a natural antiseptic and an insect repellent.  I am using lavendar right now and it really does protect her from fly bites.  And smells good. 🙂  This cream is good for us too so spread it around!

3 Tbsp. olive oil
2 tsp. beeswax
9 tsp.  hot water
20-30 drops of essential oil

Combine the olive oil and beeswax and warm until the wax melts.  Heat some water so it is the same temperature as the oil/beeswax mixture. Using a hand blender, mix and slowly add the water, 1 tsp at a time until it emulsifies and becomes thick.  Add essential oil and stir well.  Store in a clean glass container, in the fridge.

This post is part of Simple Lives Thursday blog hop hosted by GNOWFGLINS, A Little Bit of Spain in Iowa, Sustainable Eats, Culinary Bliss, and Just Making Noise.