Rose Lip Salve

Ingredients

• 1.5 ounces (42g) Spermaceti (or substitute with beeswax) (Spermaceti is no longer commonly used; substitute with an equal amount of beeswax for a modern version)
• 9 drachms (32g) White beeswax (Approximately 1 ounce or 2 tablespoons grated)
• 12 ounces (340g or 1.5 cups) Sweet almond oil (Can substitute with jojoba oil or fractionated coconut oil)
• 2 ounces (57g) Alkanet root (Provides natural pink/red color; optional for modern version)
• 1 drachm (3.5g or about 60 drops) Otto of roses (rose essential oil) (Use pure rose essential oil or rose absolute)

Instructions

1. 1Set up a double boiler by placing a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
2. 2Add the spermaceti (or beeswax substitute), white beeswax, sweet almond oil, and alkanet root to the double boiler. Heat gently over simmering water.
3. 3Maintain the mixture over the heat of boiling water for 4 hours, stirring occasionally. The alkanet root will infuse the oil with a pink color. Keep the water at a gentle simmer and add more water as needed.
4. 4Remove from heat and strain the mixture through cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove the alkanet root pieces. Work quickly while the mixture is still liquid.
5. 5Allow the strained mixture to cool slightly (to about 140°F/60°C) but remain liquid. Add the otto of roses (rose essential oil) and stir thoroughly to combine.
6. 6Quickly pour the liquid lip salve into small tins, jars, or lip balm tubes. Work efficiently as the mixture will begin to solidify as it cools.
7. 7Allow the lip salve to cool completely at room temperature until fully solidified, approximately 1-2 hours. Cap the containers once completely cool.