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Ever since I found the way to make lotion bars, I’ve experimented with totally different variations together with sunscreen bars, Vapo-Rub bars, and others. Right now’s favourite: bug repellent lotion bars!
They’re as simple to make as the unique bars, and so they appear much more efficient at maintaining bugs away than regular homemade bug spray. In all probability as a result of they really coat the pores and skin with a protecting layer. They’re simple to take alongside and the youngsters can apply it themselves.
What’s the Drawback With Bug Spray?
Whereas I’m actually not a fan of mosquitos or tick bites, I’m not a giant fan of standard bug spray both. These often include DEET, a chemical that research have linked to an entire host of potential well being points.
Among the reported side effects embody wheezing, muscle cramping, pores and skin rashes and blisters, dizziness, disorientation, and problem concentrating. There are additionally experiences of elevated most cancers threat, aggressive behaviors, and uncontrollable physique actions. Specialists guarantee us the chance seems to be low although…
Bug Repellent Lotion Bar Components
As a substitute of being crammed with toxins like standard bug sprays, this recipe nourishes and moisturizes the pores and skin whereas defending it. It makes use of a base of coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax. You may as well use cocoa butter or mango butter if most popular for a barely more durable bar.
I’ve additionally included quite a lot of herbs which might be nice at repelling undesirable bugs. You don’t have to make use of all of them in case you don’t have them available, however I do suppose it really works higher. If you could substitute an herb, simply add some extra of the others as an alternative.
Dried herbs work greatest on this recipe since recent herbs may cause the infused oil to mildew. In case you have recent herbs out of your backyard you’d like to make use of, merely dehydrate them some first. Here’s a guide on drying herbs.
The vitamin E is elective but it surely helps prolong the shelf life and stop the oils from oxidizing as shortly. I additionally add some further safety with important oils. These are extra concentrated than the herbs and assist enhance the bar’s effectivity. I like this kidsafe blend from Plant Remedy.
Lotion Bar Molds
I exploit silicone molds to set the bars. These are the cupcake molds I used however I additionally love these heart ones or simple flower molds which might each be nice for items. There are additionally actual bar shaped ones. When you don’t have a silicone mildew, then a lined cupcake pan may work.
On to the recipe!
Bug Repellant Lotion Bar Recipe
Hold away bugs with out chemical compounds utilizing herbs and important oils in a nourishing lotion bar.
Yield: 5 bars
Infuse the Oil
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Utilizing a double boiler or glass bowl on prime of a small saucepan, warmth some water within the backside of the pan to boiling.
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Place the coconut oil within the prime a part of the double boiler and add the dried rosemary, cloves, thyme, cinnamon, catnip, and mint.
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Cowl the bowl or prime a part of the double boiler and hold the water at a medium temperature for not less than half-hour or till the oil has adopted a darker shade and smells strongly of rosemary. You may as well fill a sluggish cooker about half full with water, put the coconut oil and herbs in a glass mason jar with a decent lid, cowl and carry on the lowest setting for a number of days to make an excellent stronger infused oil.
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Pressure the herbs out of the oil utilizing a small mesh strainer or cheesecloth and pour the oil again into the double boiler. The oil may have decreased by nearly half and you need to have about ½ cup of the infused oil. In case you have extra, reserve it for subsequent time!
Make the Lotion Bars
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Add the butter(s) and beeswax to the double boiler with the infused coconut oil and stir till all have melted.
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Take away from the warmth and add the vitamin E oil and important oils (if utilizing).
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Pour the liquid into the molds.
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Depart within the molds till utterly set (in a single day is greatest). Or you possibly can velocity up the method by putting them within the fridge.
- To make use of, rub the bars on uncovered areas of DRY pores and skin to guard in opposition to mosquitoes.
- I exploit cupcake-size molds for my lotion bars. When you use a special measurement, your yield can be totally different.
Don’t Wish to Make Them?
If you wish to use lotion bars however don’t have the time or substances to make them your self, I discovered a fantastic different. Made On is a small enterprise that makes every kind of lotion bars, soaps, pure child merchandise and hair merchandise which might be as much as my requirements. You’ll be able to browse all of their non-toxic products here and use the code wellnessmama for a reduction!
How do you retain the bugs away? Share under!
