Excited to begin putting my products up online and share with you!  The process is slow, since I am all about researching and making these products and not so much about the ‘technical’ side of getting them online.  Life is all about striking a balance though and with a little down time to take pics and get it online I am really proud to offer Baby’s Bum Balm.  This is an incredible blend of herbs and oils designed to help heal the uncomfortable rash caused by moisture, yeast, and bacteria… ie diaper rash.  It is very important to me that every ingredient in my products is organic and in there for a reason.  Which means there will not be any un-natural colorants, perfumes or scents in any of them.  The color of this is a light green with a soft lavender and chamomile smell. It has a low melting point which makes it easy to warm up in your hands and easily spread over the tender skin.

Let’s break it down…

I can’t tell you how amazing and beautiful German Chamomile and Rose Petals are when suspended in oil.  It was mesmerizing to watch, like a snow globe.  I am so pleased with this infusion!  I used the long slow infusion method (8 weeks) using sunshine, positive intention, and daily mixing to achieve a lightly scented, powerfully healing base oil to add to my products. German Chamomile is the Matriarch of skin care herbs as its Latin name indicates Matricaria Chamomilla. The use of this herb dates back thousands of years before it was a popular medicine and skin care herb in Ancient Egypt, where it was considered a gift from the Sun God Ra.  Chamomile has numerous uses, but for the Baby’s Bum Balm it is the anti-inflammatory effect that stands out. German Chamomile owes it’s powerful anti-inflammatory effect to the presence of a compound called Azulene. Roman Chamomile Essential Oil (Anthemis Nobilis)  is added in a small amount that complies with the dilution ratio suggested for babies. It is an important component by contributing additional anti-inflammatory effect, anti-bacterial/anti-septic properties, and an analgesic soothing effect to the end product.  Rose petals and hips bring Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and anti-oxidants to the oil. Rose oil, like Rose water is excellent at calming skin irritations.

The next champion of herbs in this mix is the infusion of Plantain Leaf (Plantago major).  Anyone who knows me has heard me talk about Plantain.  It is one of the first herbs I turn to for just about everything from skin problems to systemic infections.  It is an amazing herb and one of the most widespread ones.  In fact this year, after 10 years of zero chemicals being sprayed on my property, I finally have some coming up in my yard.  When I was a child it was prolific in everyone’s yard however since it is considered a weed to the unenlightened it has been nearly eradicated in the highly treated lawns of the city. Step outside the city and you find it everywhere!  This particular infusion of Plantain oil was also infused slow method using organic grape seed and coconut oil as the base.  This is where the balm gets its earthy green tint.  Wow is all I can say about this batch of Plantain oil.  I have used it in several preparations and just can’t tell you how incredible the results have been.  It is added to Baby’s Bum Balm because of it’s effect of cooling and soothing as well as cleaning a wound.  Historically there is so much rich information about Plantain’s use.  Alexander the great used it for headaches in 350ish B.C. Certainly it is a good feeling to know that information… from Alexander the Great’s headaches to your baby’s butt!  Ok, I have to share one more then I will move on… Pliny the Roman (23 A.D. – 79 A.D.) commented that “…on high authority, [that if] it be put into a pot where many pieces of flesh are boiling, it will sodden them together.” I am not sure about that but from Dioscordies to Chaucer, to Shakespeare… Plantain has not gone unnoticed, certainly not by me.

Calendula Calendula Calendula. If German Chamomile is the Matriarch of skin care herbs…well Calendula (Calendula Officinalis) is most certainly the Goddess.  Better known as Pot Marigold, Calendula is best known for its ability to sooth, soften, and calm subborn wounds, ulcers, and skin conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema.  It is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, and other healing properties make it ideal for this preparation.  The color of this infusion is a rich orange-yellow with an organic olive oil as the base.  There are multiple studies done using Calendula on burn victims and patients with radiation related skin issues from radiation therapy for cancer treatment.

Lastly we have Organic Lavender Essential Oil, again added in appropriate dilution for your baby’s skin.  Lavender is a natural pain reliever and it’s soothing properties shine in this product.  Lavender helps bring improved circulation to the area which promotes speedy healing.  The soothing smell is a tonic to frazzled nerves and lets face it… if your bum is red and irritated your nerves are frazzled!  One of the common things I hear is how well the baby slept after just one application. Lavender provides the relief from the burning and discomfort.  Lavender also has a strong and proven history of being  a valuable weapon in the treatment of eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.

The carrier oils used shouldn’t be overlooked for their contribution to this balm.  Coconut, Olive, and Grape Seed oil are all well known for their skin loving properties.  When you combine that with the value of beeswax in protecting the skin from further damage associated with continuous moisture…well you have an amazing product that is clean, pure, and non-toxic.  It is also versatile since it is packed with such incredible ingredients with a wide range of healing properties it can be used for more than just the Bum.  It can be used as a healing balm for Mum and Da too!

Hope you learned a little and smiled a little today.  That is the sign of a good day!

Peace out,

Ida