Nothing can compare to that exhilarating feeling of holding a fresh faced, silken skinned newborn. I know that I didn’t think twice when the hospital staff bathed my baby in Johnson’s baby wash and shampoo, and finished off with lotion and baby oil. I cringe now, knowing what’s really in that stuff, including cancer causing toxic chemicals. This DIY herbal baby oil is a much safer, and more effective option!
Cancer causing toxin
Just this year a case was brought against Johnson and Johnson where Deane Berg alleged her use of Johnson’s baby powder caused her ovarian cancer. Over 20 studies have linked talc (the main ingredient in baby powder) to cancer and Johnson’s lawyers admitted they were “…aware of all literature regarding talc use and cancer at all times.” They also argued that “no warning (label) is necessary because talc does not cause ovarian cancer.” Umm, what? Berg won the case, but this highly toxic product is still being sprinkled on every hospital baby in America.
Mineral oil isn’t any better. It’s used as an insecticide. Yes, the same oil you put on your baby is used to kill bugs. It’s also classified as a potential skin irritant and at a moderate to high risk for organ system toxicity. Lovely.
An affordable option
So what’s a mom to do? You can pay $6 an ounce (plus shipping) for an all natural organic baby oil, or you can make your own. I’ll go for the DIY option. It’s so super easy and it can easily be customized! I like buying my herbs from Bulk Herb Store. They’re very reasonably priced and have good, quality products.
DIY Herbal Baby Oil
Not only is this baby oil safe, but it offers so much more than typical mineral oil. The herbs used in this are all calming and soothing to irritated skin, and also help skin heal faster. Rub it on your little one’s bum, or use it as an all over moisturizer after a bath. (source)
- Chamomile – anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, analgesic.
- Calendula – antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, useful for healing wounds, burns, and rashes.
- Lavender – anti-inflammatory, especially useful for wounds and burns, mild anti-histamine for itchy skin relief
- Plantain – anti-septic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, useful for wounds, bites, and stings
DIY Herbal Baby Oil (for the whole family!)
Ingredients
- Coconut oil, Grapeseed oil or Sweet almond oil.
- 1/4 cup Calendula, dried
- 2 T. Plantain, dried
- 2 T. Lavender, dried
- 3 T. Chamomile, dried
- Pint sized mason jar
Instructions
- Fill a clean glass jar 1/2 full with the dried herbs.
- Keep in mind that coconut oil is a solid at room temperature, so the final product would work best in a jar and be more of the consistency of a salve.
- Once the herbs are in the jar, fill it the rest of the way with the oil of your choice. Place the jar in a warm sunny location for 4 weeks to infuse. If a solar infusion is too long for you, you can use the crockpot method.
Crockpot Infusion.
- Place a dishtowel in the bottom of your crockpot, this will keep your jars from breaking. Fill your jars as specified above. It's more energy efficient to do several jars at once, since you'll be using a whole crockpot.
- Once the mason jars are full, with the lids on, fill the crockpot with water so that it's to the tops of the jars.
- Put the crockpot on warm for 3 days, adding water as necessary to keep the jars covered.
- Once your infusion is complete, strain out the herbs with a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth and throw them in the compost.
- Pour the oil into a bottle, preferably glass, and store in a cool dark place.
- Use just as you would baby oil
The Poor Man’s Version
If you use Nutiva coconut oil, found here, and only use wild harvested plantain leaf (like from an unsprayed backyard), then this can cost as low as $0.40 an ounce. Even less if you’re using a cheaper oil.
Compare that to $6 an ounce for Earth Mama Angel Baby, or $2.25 an oz for Burt’s Bees.
Have you ever made an herb infused oil before? What are your favorite herbs to use? Leave a comment and let me know!