Category: Chamomile

DIY Calamine Lotion

8/31/2013

A couple days ago while trimming trees and bushes encroaching on the driveway, I inadvertently brushed against some poison oak. Oddly enough, I'm not reactive to poison ivy, but poison oak is a different story.

If I had known the poison oak had touched my skin, I would have immediately washed the area, an effective deterrent within 15 minutes of contact. I wasn't so lucky this time, but fortunately there were only a couple spots.

Initially, I ignored them, but, of course, they itched, so I finally pulled out my simple DIY calamine lotion recipe. It worked like a charm! Instant relief and the spots healed overnight.

Silly me for waiting so long!

I snapped a quick shot of what the mixture looks like - no fancy photo here, but you'll get the idea of the proper consistency.

Now, here's the formula:
1 part sea salt
1 part baking soda
1 part bentonite clay
1 1/2% essential oils (use one or a combination of lavender, geranium, chamomile, yarrow, peppermint, and/or tea tree)
enough distilled water to make a paste

Be sure to add the water a few drops at a time or you may make it too thin and will have to increase the dry ingredients and essential oils to get the right consistency.

If you only need a tiny bit, for each part, use 1/2 teaspoon each for the dry ingredients and about 5 drops of essential oil.

Be sure to use up your calamine lotion within 10 days and keep it refrigerated.

Best advice . . . leaves of 3, leave them be . . . but if you do get a rash, give this recipe a try. You'll be glad you did!

Do you have a favorite calamine lotion recipe? If so, please share!

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DIY Baby Powder Recipe

7/31/2013

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Medicated protecting powders are popular with all ages. Used for the treatment of diaper rash, to help prevent and heal chafed skin, and to help protect and heal irritated skin.

In this formula we have utilized the natural healing starch, arrowroot. The use of arrowroot powder has a long and storied past. It was used by North American Indians as a traditional medicine to treat wounds from poisoned arrows, hence its name. This natural starch is used in many culinary products, and is increasingly found in many high end and natural body and after bath powders.

Zinc oxide works as a mild astringent and has some antiseptic properties and is commonly used to prevent or to treat diaper rash by forming a protective barrier between the skin and the diaper.

Combine 2 cups of arrowroot powder with 1/4 cup of zinc oxide. That's it!

If you wish to add a few optional ingredients suitable for all ages, here are some suggestions: ground chamomile, ground lavender, ground oats, rice powder, and/or kaolin clay. These are all gentle enough for baby, but great for children and adults as well.

Ground chamomile and lavender can be used for their healing and calming properties. They have antiseptic and antibacterial components, as well as anti-inflammatory and sedative capabilities to soothe irritation.

Ground-grain oatmeal contains large amounts of silica, which benefits problem skin when used externally. Its anti-inflammatory properties helps soothe itching, dryness and irritation, such as diaper rash.

Rice powder has been used for centuries by Asian women for its healing and soothing of skin conditions. It contains anti-inflammatory and antipruritic (anti-itch) properties.

Kaolin clay will gently draw impurities from the skin without removing natural oils and helps keep sweat at bay.

Do NOT use cornstarch, as it grows yeast and can make a rash worse.

There are lots of variations that may be used, but these basics should get you started.

Do you have a favorite powder blend? If so, do share!

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DIY Calamine Lotion

DIY Baby Powder Recipe

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