Diaper Rash Salve Treatment

Diaper rash is irritating, itchy, and red, resulting in an uncomfortable, whining baby. This ever-so-quick-andsimple recipe can be made in a snap and travels well in the diaper bag. Used at every diaper change, it acts as a moisture barrier on the skin and serves as an excellent preventive, plus it helps heal and relieve the irritation of existing diaper rash. It smells pleasant, has a pale orange sherbet color, and is naturally calming.

If your child is prone to diaper rash, make sure your diet (if you’re breastfeeding) and the baby’s diet is not overly acidic or full of grain. In some children, the consumption of excessive citrus juices, dairy, and meats can cause their delicate skin to become red and rashy. And children under 2 years of age often have difficulty digesting grain and cow’s milk, which can result in gas, diarrhea, and an irritating mucous discharge.

Note:
This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger batch.

½ cup organic, all-vegetable shortening, at room temperature
3 drops calendula essential oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops sweet orange essential oil

EQUIPMENT:
Medium bowl, spoon or spatula, plastic or glass jar or tin

PREP TIME:
15 minutes

YIELD:
½ cup

STORAGE:
Use within 6 months if stored at room temperature; within 1 year if refrigerated

APPLICATION:
At each diaper change Combine the shortening with the calendula, lavender, and sweet orange essential oils in a medium bowl. Whip ingredients for 2 minutes, until thoroughly combined. Spoon into a storage container, then cap, label, and store.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
At every diaper change, thoroughly clean baby’s bum, pat dry, then massage ½ teaspoon or so of the salve over the entire bottom area. Follow with a sprinkling of powder, if desired — but not so much as to make a sticky paste on the skin.

Bonus
This soothing salve can be applied to the usual assortment of minor childhood scrapes and abrasions, plus it’s fabulous for dry, cracked hands and feet.