Does it seem that everywhere you turn you’re adding another name to your holiday list? Would you like to make an awesome gift that’s as therapeutic as it is luxurious? Give the silky smooth gift of “ahhhh” in a jar. Make your own body butter! The following recipe includes a juicy twist.

Have you ever made your own body care products?

They’re surprisingly simple to whip up – literally. And, they require just a few basic ingredients. Of course, if you haven’t made your own lotions and rubs, you may not have shea butter or beeswax handy in your pantry right now. But, once you do, you’ll be looking for any excuse to whip up your own creations.

When I received my delightful box of Village Naturals Therapy products to try, I immediately wondered how I could turn them into body butters. That’s one of my favorite things to make since I do tend to get sore calves and feet. Magnesium (found in Epsom salts, etc.) can be very helpful for muscle aches and tightness. So, it was all the more exciting to dig in and adapt my favorite recipes until I found just the right mix.

Of course, I can use plain ‘ol Epsom salts, but I like to use the additional soothing benefits of lavender and chamomile that are found in Village Naturals Therapy Aches + Pains Nighttime Relief. I use this product right out of the package in my bath to soothe away muscle tension – especially after a long day of shopping or standing in the kitchen.

Even better, when added to the ingredients below, this product becomes an amazingly versatile muscle rub for my own use or to dispense in pretty packages as gifts. Got any teachers, colleagues, or mail carriers on your list? What about your hairdresser, neighbors, and hostesses? Whip up a quick batch of body butters and check off as many gifts on your list as you like.

I found these cute and decorative 4 oz. jars on Amazon. Not surprisingly, I found almost everything else there too, including the labels, shea butter, and beeswax.

Sorry folks …

Sven the reindeer is sold separately. 😉 

Luscious Coconut Lime Mint Body Butter

Here are the items and ingredients that I used:

• Village Naturals Therapy Aches + Pains Nighttime Relief Bath Soak with Epsom salts (includes Lavender, Chamomile, and Menthol)
• Beeswax
• Shea butter
• Essential oils
• Glass bowl, measuring spoons/cups
• Pan of water for hot water bath
• Hand mixer
• Jars for storage, with lids
• Labels
• Ribbons, decorations

RECIPE:

1/3 C -VN Therapy Nighttime Relief Foaming Bath Soak Epsom salts

3 TB Water, boiling

¼ C Coconut oil, unrefined

2 TB Beeswax, pellets

3 TB Shea butter

7-15 drops Lime essential oil (depending on how lime-ey you like it)

5 drops Spearmint essential oil (may substitute peppermint if you prefer)

DIRECTIONS:

• In a small dish, stir boiling water into Village Naturals Nighttime Relief Foaming Bath Soak and stir until salt crystals are dissolved.** 
• Measure the coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter into a glass bowl and place the bowl over a very warm water bath. You can use a bowl or mason jar placed inside a saucepan of water.
• Stir until all ingredients are melted and well-incorporated. It takes the beeswax the longest to melt. Be patient and use this time to sing a few carols.
• Set the bowl aside and allow to cool. It won’t whip to a butter-like consistency if the mixture is too warm, so make sure it has cooled thoroughly.
• Blend the cooled “butter” ingredients with a hand mixer adding in the liquid Therapy Bath Soak ½ TB at a time. You may or may not need the entire amount depending on how thick you like the body butter. Whip until soft peaks form and don’t worry if it looks runnier than you think it should. It’ll firm up in the fridge. Add in the essential oils last and give it a final whip.
• Scoop the whipped body butter into the containers you wish to use for gift giving. There’s no need to fill them to the top. (This batch made 3 using the 4 oz. containers.)
• Place the containers in the refrigerator and allow to cool while you make the labels.
• Add labels and decorative ribbons or other crafty doodads, if desired.

** You’ll want to use boiling water to make sure the crystals dissolve. I made a batch where they weren’t completely dissolved and it wasn’t a big deal. But I can imagine that if the remnant crystals are too big, it would be slightly bumpy and less than soothing on tender skin.

Body butters can be kept in the refrigerator for a cool, soothing relief or kept at room temperature if it’s not too hot. Go ahead and apply to any sore muscles and say, “Aaaahhhhh….” This recipe is particularly delightful before bed.

What’s your favorite way to use body butters? Got any favorite recipes? I plan to try a coconut orange blend next. What about you? Share your ideas below and tell me what you think!

Why not try Village Naturals Therapy products for yourself? Download your own $1.00 off coupon by clicking here. 

Did you catch this post, too? Try out this  Holiday Relaxation Remedy Recipe! Get tips to see how your Holidays can stay Zen even if you feel zonked!