The recipes below can be made with items you already have in your pantry.
Needless to say you want to source for ingredients that are pure and organic since these items go on and absorb into your skin. I typically order my herbs and spices from Mountain Rose Herbs due to their organic and non -GMO practices.
The beet root powder is the added bonus ingredient. I have not personally found beet root powder (Beta vulgaris) to be very effective as a lip stain but it makes the balm appear prettier and it does contain vitamins and minerals. I still enjoy using it, even if it doesn’t make this balm into a ‘lipstick’ per say. It makes for a nice item in gift basket.
Beet root powder contains the following:
‘Betaine (the same as the nutritional supplement trimethylglycine, not the same as betaine hydrochloride), and also alanine, alantoin, arginine, beta-carotene, calcium, fiber (about 10% by weight), GABA, glycine, histidine, magnesium, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), phosphorous, potassium, selenium, thiamine (vitamin B1), tryptophan, tyrosine, vitamin C, zinc…’ [1]
Beet root powder is a perfect ingredient to keep around the house! You can use it to color cupcake or cake icing (to avoid using dyes or artificial food coloring) or add to a smoothie or yogurt for a nutritional boost. 1 tsp of powder contains the nutrition of 1 beet.
My daughter had an allergic reaction on her first birthday to the red coloring in her ‘smash’ cake, so we take measures now to avoid dyes. If you want to learn more about the dangers of artificial coloring and dyes in our foods click here for a report from the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
Beet juice contains nitrates which help improve blood flow and may have benefits in lowering blood pressure. It also contains ‘high levels of iron that binds oxygen to red blood cells, and supplies the body with oxygen.’ Basically, this oxygenating of our cells helps our bodies perform better for a workout. It is also beneficial in treating anemia. [2]
Enough about beets and dyes…how about these recipes Genbumom?
Lip Softening Sugar Scrub
- 1 tsp honey
- 1-2 tsp organic cane sugar or turbinado sugar
- 1 tsp Coconut Oil
- 1 tsp beet root powder
- 2-3 drops Orange or Lemon essential oils (optional)
This recipe is so easy and does not require any heating. Just mixing!
Simply mix ingredients together and add as much sugar as desired for texture. Spoon into a metal tin or a reused container (smaller sized spice bottles work well). After use follow up with the lip balm recipe from above. I also really enjoy using this Calendula Salve on my lips before bedtime.
The essential oils are optional. However, the citrus oils helps to further exfoliate and add a pleasant and fresh scent. If no essential oils are added this should smell like honey and beet root powder.
Satiny and Smooth Lip Balm
- 1/2 tsp honey
- 1TBSP pure Shea butter
- 2 TBSP coconut oil
- 1 tsp beeswax
- 1 tsp beet root powder (optional for coloring)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional for scent and anti-inflammatory for chapped lips)
- 2-3 drops healing essential oils such as Lavender, Rosemary, or Geranium
In a double boiler on medium-high heat, melt until all ingredients are incorporated. Stir often. After a few minutes of cooling, pour into a metal lip balm tins or reuse an empty lip balm container. Try to source for an item around your house to reuse.
When giving in gift baskets, I like to purchase the Metal Tins.
Note: I make a double boiler by filling a pan with 2 inches of water and a small, glass Pyrex-style dish.
A few simple ingredients …
A side note about the Beet Root Powder. I originally ordered it to make a DIY blush. All 4 attempts at powder blush and creme blush failed {sad face}. However, I got a few pretty pictures and wanted to share one. I also wanted to reiterate that I will never share a recipe that does not work. Mamas do not have time for all of that!
If you have had any success with using beet root powder as a blush- more power to you and I would love to try your recipe. It settled in my pores and made my face look like I had red strawberry seeds on my cheeks and it did not leave any lasting color. I grinded it into a fine powder also. Heating it into a crème or salve didn’t work either.
Pretty picture but the blush did not work…next time I will perfect the recipe first.
Sources:
- Mountain Rose Herbs. Beet Root Powder. www.mountainroseherbs.com
- Carson, Tara. ‘Beet Juice Health Benefits.’ www.livestrong.com
This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. As always, check with your doctor if you are under treatment for any disease or disorder, are pregnant, or nursing.This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Links below to recommended products:
Inspired, Natural and Creative 