Updated December 2020
A couple of years ago hubby asked if I could make something for his dry, tired feet.
I went right to work! I did some research and whipped up a foot balm that contained (as far as I can remember) coconut oil and essential oils. It was good stuff!
Unfortunately I lost my notes almost immediately and couldn't replicate what I'd done. The moral of the story is to take good notes when you do something, and don't lose them!
That jar is empty now. In the winter my heels are terribly dry and this year has been no exception. So I gave up looking for those missing notes and made a new batch from scratch, trying my best to replicate my recipe.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase I might earn a small commission, but it doesn't affect the price you pay. Read my disclosure here for more info.
Pour the melted mixture into a straight-sided jar or other container and let it cool a bit.
Add the rest of the ingredients (sweet almond oil, Vitamin E and essential oils), and use a stick blender to whip it until it's creamy.
Why not share this post with someone who spends a lot of time on their feet? They'll thank you for it!
That jar is empty now. In the winter my heels are terribly dry and this year has been no exception. So I gave up looking for those missing notes and made a new batch from scratch, trying my best to replicate my recipe.
The Ingredients
I used tea tree essential oil for its anti-fungal properties and peppermint essential oil because it is good for circulation.
Since I use this at bedtime, I also added lavender essential oil which is relaxing and calming.
The rest of the ingredients - lard, coconut oil, sweet almond oil and vitamin E - are all moisturizing and very good for dry skin.
Lard is easily absorbed into our skin. If you prefer not to use lard, you can double the amount of coconut oil instead.
As soon as you scoop some of this balm onto your fingers it begins to warm up and is so easy to apply. I didn't add a lot of beeswax to the balm - I don't like a waxy texture - but you can add more if you wish. That's the beauty of making your own, you can customize it to your liking.
This time I also whipped the balm with my stick blender. I love how it turned out: creamy, rich and luxurious.
As soon as you scoop some of this balm onto your fingers it begins to warm up and is so easy to apply. I didn't add a lot of beeswax to the balm - I don't like a waxy texture - but you can add more if you wish. That's the beauty of making your own, you can customize it to your liking.
This time I also whipped the balm with my stick blender. I love how it turned out: creamy, rich and luxurious.
The trick is to use a straight-sided container when you whip it. I used an empty and clean salsa jar, which has a wide mouth, straight sides, and is wide enough for my stick blender to fit inside.
This recipe will make one container (about one cup) of foot balm.
The foot balm recipe
This recipe will make one container (about one cup) of foot balm.
I've included links to some of the products you might have a hard time finding. These are affiliate links, which means that if you follow a link and then make a purchase, I might make a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read my affiliate disclosure here.
I like the Rocky Mountain brand of essential oils, so that's what I've linked to at Amazon. I have also used Plant Therapy essential oils.
All of these ingredients can be used in future salves and ointments (and in my hard lotion bars), as well as soap making. Just sayin'.
1/2 cup lard
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 tsp sweet almond oil
1/8 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
10 drops tea tree essential oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
2 Tbsp beeswax pellets
Start by melting the beeswax, lard and coconut oil in a double boiler. I use a tin can set in a pan of hot water; I used a needle-nose pliers to bend a "spout" into the can for easy pouring.
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 tsp sweet almond oil
1/8 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
10 drops tea tree essential oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
2 Tbsp beeswax pellets
How to Make Foot Balm
Start by melting the beeswax, lard and coconut oil in a double boiler. I use a tin can set in a pan of hot water; I used a needle-nose pliers to bend a "spout" into the can for easy pouring.
Keep an eye on it, because it won't take long to melt. You can use a wooden skewer to stir it a bit.
Spoon the whipped foot balm into a storage container such as a small, wide-mouthed jar, and let the mixture cool completely before adding the lid. It's that easy.
How to Use Your Foot Balm
Massage the balm into your feet at bedtime, especially into dry, cracked heels. Slip on a pair of socks to protect the bed sheets.
By morning your tired, achy feet will be ready for a new day and your cracked, dry heels are on the way to "healthy and smooth."
Why not share this post with someone who spends a lot of time on their feet? They'll thank you for it!
