When I was pregnant with Enoch, I really appreciated a lovely “Belly Balm” that a friend made for me as a pregnancy gift. I used it from early on in my pregnancy once or twice a day on my chest and belly. When I ran out, I missed it so much that I decided to make some more!
I never got stretch marks during the pregnancy (which may or may not be due to the balm or genetics), but this balm is definitely the solution for that itchy, expanding belly!
I searched around, and decided to use this Beautiful Belly Balm recipe, with a few adjustments. I substituted Apricot Kernel Oil instead of Olive Oil, and used some Rose Hip Oil for half of the Jojoba Oil (1 oz each).
I also found that if I added extra Cocoa Butter, I could create it into a convenient “roll-on” style of balm (similar to a tube of lip balm), instead of a messy “cream,” which was great for traveling without spills.
This recipe made quite a bit more than I expected, resulting in three containers-full, instead of the one I was anticipating! So, I used a different scent for each jar. I used essential oils of Lavender, Sweet Orange, and Rose Geranium.
Since I have a good “stash” of these balms, they will be wonderful to use on our skin during the dry winter weather, or as a pregnancy gift for someone special!
Michele,
I already have Wintergreen and as I like to save money, do you think that this would be a nice scent to have instead? It would be for a friend who is prego, so I thought I would get your suggestions!
Thanks,
tarena
oh, I also have sweet almond oil (liquid), do you think that I could use that as a replacement? What would it replace well?
[Reply]
Wintergreen might be a nice "anti-nausea" scent!
I don't know if I would necessarily want to go around smelling like it though. I'd use your best judgement regarding your friend.
The balm is also nice unscented, if you just want to leave it out.
The almond oil would probably be a great replacement for at least the olive oil.
Blessings,
Michele
[Reply]
Hi Michele,
Where did you find rose hip oil? I just looked at Azure and they don't seem to have it.
Thanks so much,
Elizabeth
[Reply]
Elizabeth-
I purchased the Rose Hip Seed Oil from Mountain Rose Herbs (with a coupon!).
Blessings,
Michele
[Reply]
hi! i was wondering where you purchased these ingredients? i can find apricot kernel oil, essential oils and coconut oil, but was wondering where the best/least expensive way to do the others? thanks,
sarah
[Reply]
Mountain Rose Herbs.
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This belly balm is amazing!! But I’m a Vegan so I don’t want to use beeswax, can I simply don’t put it?? Would the balm be ok if I don’t use beeswax?? or should I use another ingredient insted??
[Reply]
i cant see the recipe! what am i doing wrong?
[Reply]
Michele Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 7:37 pm
@danyl, You’ll need to click on the recipe link to go to the blog with the recipe. (This post just notes the adjustments I made.)
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[...] massage oil to soothe that itchy feeling, as well as massages for general muscle aches. I love my homemade balm “bars,” applying 1-3 times per day, as well as massages with some Apricot Kernel Oil (sometimes with [...]