Natural Beauty: Winter Beauty Balm

Posted by Claire Ragozzino

There was once a time when I ran around in hiking boots, covered in dirt and spitting at boys.  I was the ultimate tomboy growing up, and I detested anything that was the slightest bit “girly”…this, of course, included anything pink and especially anything with rose in it. Yuck.

Who was that girl? I can hardly recall 20 years later as I rarely leave my house without an arsenal of rosewater spray and essential oils. Rose has been a life saver for me and an integral part in reclaiming my empowered femininity and balanced reproductive health.  Now, I take lavish baths of dried rose and orange essential oil before bed, I diffuse palmarosa and rose geranium in my office and bedroom throughout the day, I spritz myself in rosewater whenever I need a little energy clearing and enlivening, I even add it into elixirs and baked goods! Over the past year, rose has even seemed to migrate into every little fold of my daily life.

With the cold, dry winter upon us, this rejuvenative winter beauty balm made from a base of cacao butter, coconut oil, and vitamin E oil provides deep hydration to the skin, muscles and joints.  Alongside my favorite oh-so-girly, heart opening & root grounding essential oils of rose, geranium, palmarosa and orange, there’s a magnesium oil to relieve achey winter tension.  Alongside my regular abhyanga (oil massage) practice, I love to keep a jar of this balm nearby when dry hands, lips or feet need some extra attention.  It also makes for a great healing massage oil around moontime. Here’s why…Rose Essential Oil (Rosa damascene)
Botanical Family: Rosaceae

• Anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, antiulcer, reduces scarring, relaxant
• Used for improving fertility, treating PMS, regulate menses, relaxes the uterus
• Helpful for women who have miscarried or had unsuccessful IVF
• Reduces stress, anxiety, grief and depression, improves libido
• Improves skin quality, reduces wrinkles and scarring

Geranium Essential Oil (
Pelargonium gravolens)
Botanical Family: Geraniaceae

• Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, hemostatic, bile duct dilator, liver and pancreas stimulant
• Adrenal cortex stimulant; helping to regulate and balance hormones
• Stimulates circulation and helps to detoxify the lymphatic system
• On the skin it has regenerative, healing, hydrating and soothing properties
• Helps to balance the secretion of sebum while the antiseptic properties aid burns, wounds, ulcers and other skin problems.
• Relieves PMS and menstrual problems, improves blood flow and overall circulation

Orange Essential Oil (Citrus sinensis)
Botanical Family: Rutaceae (citrus)

• Anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, circulatory stimulant, diuretic, relaxant
• Rich in limonene, which has been extensively studied for its ability to combat tumor growth
• Used to treat arteriosclerosis, hypertension, depression, indigestion, circulatory disorders
• Astringent, improves dull and oily complexion, reduces fluid retention and signs of wrinkles
• Uplifting, energizing, clarifying

Palmarosa Essential Oil (Cymbopogon martinii)
Botanical Family: Poaceae or Gramineae (grasses)

• Antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, digestive
• Used to treat fungal infections, like Candida, aid in digestion and increase cardiovascular and circulatory functions
• Relieves tight, sore muscles
• Soothing and hydrating for the skin, stimulates cell regeneration
• Balances production of sebum to keep the skin supple and elastic, reduces scarring, acne, dermatitis, and other skin infections
• Calming, soothing effects reduces stress and supports the nervous system

Essential Oil Companies:

• Floracopeia
• Living Libations
• Mountain Rose Herbs
• Young Living
• DoTerra

References & Resources:

1. Essential Oils Pocket Reference, 5^th Edition by Gary Young
2. The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood
3. Ultimate Balance: Infusing Vibrational Energy of Essential Oils into Chakras, Meridians and Organs by Deardruff
4. Floracopeia Guide to Essential Oils
5. Easy Ways to Use Essential Oils

WINTER BEAUTY BALM

1 cup cacao butter, melted
1 cup coconut oil, melted
2 tbsp vitamin E oil
2 tbsp magnesium oil
12 drops rose geranium essential oil
8 drop palmarosa essential oil
4 drops orange essential oil

In a double boiler, slowly melt the cacao butter until it’s fully a liquid. Gently mix in the coconut oil. If you desire a creamier balm, add in slightly more oil than cacao butter. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes before stirring in the vitamin e oil, magnesium oil and the essential oils. Pour the mixture into glass jars and let it cool in the fridge. After an hour or two, it will form a solid balm and can be removed from the fridge to keep in a cool, dry place.  I keep a jar by my bed, one in my bathroom, and one in my purse!