The easiest way to make a lip balm with your choice of essential oils, is simply to warm your favorite balm (with all those pure natural ingredients) and add a few drops of the therapeutic grade essential oil. For example, take about a Tablespoonful size of a beeswax type of lip balm, place the container in some warm water until it softens, and then add 2 drops of Melissa, 1 drop Tea Tree and 1 drop of Spearmint essential oils. Stir well with a toothpick. This formula is wonderful salve for healing cold sores. It tastes good, too.

Lip balms make great gifts. You can experiment around with different combinations. Check with your aromatherapist for specific essential oils specific to your special needs.

If you want to make your own, here is a wonderful recipe for cracked, dry or sore lips that I have used with success:

• 1 tablespoon of beeswax
• 2 tablespoons of castor oil
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1 Vitamin E capsule
• 2 drops of carrot seed essential oil
• 2 drops of sandalwood essential oil
• 2 drops of myrrh essential oil

Melt the beeswax in the top pan of a double boiler over low heat. Stir in the castor oil and honey until you have a thick liquid, then remove from heat. Cut the end off the vitamin E capsule, and add the gel from the capsule to the mixture. When cool, add the therapeutic grade essential oils. Blend well, and then put into small containers for storage. Be sure to make labels that contain the ingredients and directions for use. Directions are to smooth a small amount on lips as needed. Precaution: do not use myrrh during pregnancy. (Just leave it out if this is the case).

For lip balm, the proportions you need are 2:1 solids to liquids. The beeswax is a solid and all of the other ingredients are liquid. I like to use castor oil because if gives a nice gloss to the lips. Honey adds a bit of sweetener, and the vitamin E contains antioxidants and will extend the shelf life of your balm. The essential oils listed are all known for healing properties. In particular, myrrh is renown for mouth care.