Lemon Balm Lip Cream for Cold Sore Relief

Lemon balm is one of those herbs that once planted tends to become almost invasive in the garden. Thankfully, it’s tasty for numerous culinary purposes and full of medicinal benefits for the home apothecary as well. One of the benefits being studied by modern medical circles is that of lemon balm’s healing effects on cold sores.

If you happen to be one of the 90% of Americans suffering from Herpes Simplex 1 (otherwise known as cold sores), put all that lemon balm to good use by making some lemon balm cold sore lip balm to have ready as soon as that tell-tale tingle begins.

Ingredients:

Lemon Balm Infused Oil

• 2 T carrier oil of choice (see notes)
• Handful freshlemon balm leaves, finely chopped
• Small glass jar

Lip Balm

• 2 T infused oil from above
• 1 ½ t beeswax, grated or pellets (organic)
• 1 t honey (raw, organic)
• 10 drops lemon balm essential oil (organic.)

Directions:

Infused Oil

1. Combine your carrier oil and chopped lemon balm leaves in a small jar. Make sure the leaves are submerged in the oil.
2. Cover and place in a sunny spot for 2 weeks, turning/shaking every so often while still making sure the leaves are submerged.
3. Strain out the leaves and the oil is now ready to use.

Lip Balm

1. In a double boiler, warm the oil, beeswax and honey until the wax is just melted.
2. Remove from heat and add the essential oil.
3. Set the pan in a shallow ice-water bath and with a whisk or spoon stir rapidly for 30-45 seconds until the honey is completely incorporated and the balm looks a bit like a thick frosting.
4. Spoon this balm into a glass storage container and let cool to room temperature before putting the lid on the container. Let sit for 2 hours before using.
5. To use, apply with a clean finger the minute the tingle of a cold sore is felt. Apply liberally 3-4 times a day until the cold sore is healed.
6. Use the balm within 1 year.