Wax and Bubbles

Tis the season to over indulge on peppermint. From the candy canes on the tree to teas, but what about over indulgence without all that guilt later during this time of year. There are ways you can get the wonderful benefits of peppermint when it’s just peppermint you gotta have. And the best part is, you can use them on your lips and your tips, or wherever else you want a bit of peppermint to tide you over during the holiday season. Here’s how.

• Peppermint Lip Balm
Makes 1/2 ounce

1 1/2 tsp. grated cocoa butter
1/2 tsp. coconut oil
2-3 drops peppermint essential oil
1 1/2 tsp. beeswax

Combine all ingredients listed above in a microwave-safe dish or in a double boiler over the stovetop. Bring the ingredients to a liquid form and combine till the mixture is smooth. Add the peppermint essential oil and stir to combine. Pour your mixture into a small jar or a lip balm tube you can pick up at the local market or health food store. Allow to cool at room temperature and if the top of the lip balm creates a dip, add a bit more lip balm to cover the dip in the balm. You can also add any combination of essential oils if you prefer a different scent to peppermint.

• Peppermint Cuticle Cream
Makes 1 ounce

1 tsp. cocoa butter, grated
2 tbs. coconut oil
4 drops peppermint essential oil

Heat the cocoa butter and coconut oil in s small pot or in a microwave safe dish until melted thoroughly. Stir well until the mixture is a smooth liquid. Add the essential oil and combine till smooth once again. Pour into a clean jar with a tight fitting lid and allow to cool completely. You can use this mixture on your cuticles or even on very dry parts of the skin. It’s a great salve with over worked hands and you can replace the peppermint essential oil with any other oils or other essential oils you prefer the smell of over peppermint.