Fill a pint or quart sized jar ⅓ to ½ full with dried herbs, then fill it with a carrier oil of your choice.
Cover the jar with a lid and place in a cool and dark place for about two weeks, then strain out the herbal material when ready to use.
No Bug Balm
Create a makeshift double boiler by putting a small bowl or a glass Pyrex measuring cup over a pot with about an inch of simmering water.
Put the infused herbal oil and beeswax into the small bowl or Pyrex, and heat until the beeswax completely dissolves into the oil, stirring occasionally.
Add the shea butter (if using) and stir until it completely dissolves.
Stir in the essential oils.
Carefully pour the mixture into small jars or tins and let sit until the balm sets up completely.
Notes
Because of the large amount of essential oils in this no bug balm, please do a patch test before use.Before making this herbal no bug balm recipe, you will first need to make an infused oil (see instructions above). You will also need tins or jars to keep the finished balms in. This recipe makes approximately 12 ounces total, or six 2 ounce tins.