Breathe Easy Balm

If your child is suffering from a cold, the flu, or allergies, this is a most comforting, super-mild remedy that helps open blocked respiratory channels and ease breathing. The vapors are not so strong as to assault the nose as a mentholated rub or balm might, so no worries if you want to use this balm on your infant. If you decide to add the eucalyptus essential oil to the formula (and I hope you do), be sure to get the exact type specified, as it is completely child-safe and significantly potentiates the antiviral and antibacterial capacity of the formula — plus the aroma really promotes clearing of mucous-clogged sinuses.

½ cup dried or 1 cup freshly wilted peppermint leaves
½ cup dried or 1 cup freshly wilted rosemary leaves
½ cup dried or 1 cup freshly wilted thyme leaves
3 cups extra-virgin olive base oil
3–4 tablespoons beeswax (depending on how firm you want the balm to be)
8 drops eucalyptus (species radiata) essential oil (optional)
2,000 IU vitamin E oil

EQUIPMENT: 2-quart saucepan or double boiler and candy or yogurt thermometer (for stovetop method), 1- quart canning jar (for solar infusion method), stirring utensil, fine strainer, fine filter, funnel, glass or plastic storage container and plastic wrap(for the infused oil), glass or plastic jars or tins (for the balm)
PREP TIME: 4 hours (stovetop method) or 1 month (solar infusion method) to make the infused oil; 20 minutes to make the balm, plus 30 minutes for it to thicken
YIELD: Approximately 2½ cups of infused oil and 1¼ cups of balm
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, away from heat and light; use within 1 year
APPLICATION: As desired

STOVETOP METHOD:

If using wilted herbs, strip the leaves from the stems, discarding the stems, and then cut or tear the leaves into pieces to expose more surface area to the oil. Combine the peppermint, rosemary, and thyme with the olive base oil in a 2-quart saucepan or double boiler and stir thoroughly to blend. The mixture should look like a minced, leafy green soup. Bring the mixture to just shy of a simmer, between 125° and 135°F. Do not let the oil actually simmer — it will degrade the quality of your infused oil. Do not put the lid on the pot.

Allow the herbs to macerate in the oil over low heat for 4 hours. Check the temperature every 30 minutes or so and adjust the heat accordingly. If you’re using a double boiler, add more water to the bottom pot as necessary. Stir the infusing mixture at least every 30 minutes or so, as the herb bits tend to settle to the bottom.

After 4 hours, remove the pan from the heat and cool for 15 minutes. While the oil is still warm, carefully strain it through a fine-mesh strainer lined with a fine filter such as muslin or, preferably, a paper coffee filter, then strain again if necessary to remove all debris. Squeeze the herbs to extract as much oil as possible. Discard the marc.

Add the vitamin E oil and stir to blend. This infused oil blend will be medium to dark green in color. Pour the finished oil into the storage container, cap, label, and store in a dark cabinet.

SOLAR-INFUSION METHOD:

If you’re using the wilted herbs, strip the leaves from the stems, discarding the stems, and then cut or tear the herbs into pieces to expose more surface area to the oil. Place the peppermint, rosemary, and thyme in the canning jar. Drizzle the base oil over the plant matter to within 1 inch of the top of the jar. You may need more or less oil depending on whether you used dried or wilted herbs. The dried herbs may pack in the bottom and the wilted herb matter will settle with the weight of the oil, so don’t worry if it looks as though you don’t have enough. Gently stir to remove air bubbles and make sure that all the plant matter is submerged.

Place a piece of plastic wrap over the mouth of the jar (to prevent the metal lid from coming into contact with the herbs) and tightly screw on the lid. Shake the jar several times to blend thoroughly. Place the jar in a warm, sunny location such as a south-facing windowsill, and allow the herb to infuse for 1 month. Shake the jar every day for 30 seconds or so.

After 1 month, carefully strain the oil through a fine-mesh strainer lined with a fine filter such as muslin or, preferably, a paper coffee filter, then strain again if necessary to remove all herb debris. Squeeze the herbs to extract as much of the precious oil as possible. Discard the marc. Add the vitamin E oil, stir to blend. The infused oil blend will be medium to dark green in color. Pour the finished oil into a storage container, cap, label, and store in a dark cabinet.

PREPARING THE BALM:
Combine 1 cup of the herbal infused oil with the beeswax in a small saucepan or double boiler, and warm over low heat until the beeswax is just melted. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes, stirring a few times. Add the essential oil, if desired. Stir again to blend. Pour into storage containers, cap, label, and set aside for 30 minutes to thicken.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Apply a dab of the balm to the chest, back, and neck and under the nose as needed to encourage easier breathing. Cover the area (except the nose!) with a warm blanket or soft clothing.