Easy Lemon Balm Lip Balm Recipe (lip salve for cold sores)

[@tommy-ij9nd]

I would like to add that for cold sores I have found that grinding up licorice root in an old blade type coffee grinder and then mixing that powder with some olive oil in a mortal and pestle and grinding til the cows come home…add that to rewarmed purchased lip balm or mix it with your lemon balm creation. I have not had a full blown cold sore since I started doing this 6 years ago.

[@poppybean7807]

I love that you rinse outside so any insects get a better chance to survive

[@lovineveryminuetofit1314]

Lmao ok

[@Humble_abode-k2h]

Makes sense under a outdoor tap cause home grown is messy!

[@bee7549]

Yes, that is the sweetest thing ❤

[@CharP1960]

I started one in a 3 inch pot, and now it's big. I didn't know what to do with it but to enjoy its smell. Thank you.

[@Lovelygreens]

You're welcome!

[@jodiatkinson9552]

I am so happy that I found this tutorial! Years ago, a dear friend gifted me a lemon balm plant that I placed beside my house. I had no idea how easily and quickly it would spread! I have been pulling it out of nearby flower beds for years to try to keep it contained to that one bed beside my house. This year, I decided to give in to it and let it spread...and learn how to use it. At this moment, the lemon balm that I harvested this morning is dehydrating, and today I will begin the process of making lemon balm lip balm! Thank you so much for taking the time to create videos like this one!

[@Lovelygreens]

You are most welcome 💚 And yes, it's a speader! From both roots and seeds.

[@lilolmecj]

This plant is crazy invasive! Mine is growing all around between my raised beds. Any that gets inside the raised bed gets pulled out immediately. I don’t love the smell of it fresh, but it tastes completely different dried. It pushed out all my other varieties of mint. The bees love it.

[@witcherwoo8938]

Anything that helps our beautiful bees....❤

[@i8dpie]

Can't wait to make this. I grow lemon balm in my community garden and the leaves are huge right now. I wash it outside as well, shake it, leave on a few paper towels under the rear window of my car for 1-2 days-depending on the weather. I dry mint this way too-no need for a dehydrator and the car smells nice.

[@countrylife8853]

In a few years it will spread every where

[@EliasShadowflame]

Great video and love your time in showing the process

[@mistyrosemarie]

I made this lip balm and everyone including me loves it! I purchased your book and it is great! I’m going to put in a spiral herb garden this Spring.

[@Lovelygreens]

I'm incredibly pleased on all counts 💚 🙂 I made a video showing how to build the herb spiral in the book, if you need any help building it.

[@mistyrosemarie]

@@Lovelygreens Thanks. I did watch the video as well! I’m zone 6 U.S.A Pennsylvania so it’s still Winter here but I can’t wait until Spring to get started!

[@eileenbartnick7202]

I have learned how much lemon balm likes to spread, too! Thank you for sharing!! Great idea for gift giving, too! I cannot tell you how much I absolutely love your green tomato chutney!! I made several batches last year and gave as Christmas gifts to my family. So delicious!! I purchased your book last year. It is such a beautiful book and sits on my coffee table for my guests to enjoy, too! Happy gardening and have a wonderful day!

[@Lovelygreens]

Everything about this makes me incredibly happy! Thank you, Eileen 💚

[@PamWarwick]

I ordered your book and can’t wait to get it. I’m growing some lemon balm, calendula and chamomile and plan to make lotion and salves from these.

[@Lovelygreens]

Brilliant 👏

[@NaturalElicia]

Great video and love your time in showing the process :) Good day and God Bless~

[@tinkerbethels]

love this - I'm working on a Native bush tucker garden with our youth group but wanted to show them, things we can make with the produce.

[@carolngan8669]

I have just started following this channel. Found the instructions are very clear and useful. Thank you!

[@Lovelygreens]

You're welcome, Carol

[@niyyahhandcrafted]

Love this recipe! I’ve been following you for years and I should say thank you! Your soap was one of the first recipes I’ve ever tried and your tutorials are so helpful.

[@martinathomas814]

Oh my gosh, such a great idea. I have Lemon Balm coming up in all corners!

[@lauriewhitley1794]

Just got your book yesterday. It is amazing

[@Lovelygreens]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@jacquibuckley6015]

Tanya, you are an angel. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe. ❤❤

[@Lovelygreens]

You're very welcome!

[@katherinediniz5030]

This was a great recipe! I'm looking forward to trying this as I did not realize that lemon balm takes up the whole garden lol so now I (gratefully) have an abundance of lemon balm. Curious what the shelf life is for this lip balm and what is the best way to store it? I'm thinking of making a big batch to gift to people. Thank you!

[@Lovelygreens]

There's more detail on shelf life in the written/printable recipe. I'll leave a link for you to see. Once made, store in a cool place at room temperature in your home. A cupboard is fine lovelygreens.com/cold-sore-lip-balm-recipe-lemon-balm/

[@a1hindes]

So fun to watch this with your book in hand! ~Cheers, Audrey

[@pollyjohnstone9473]

Thanks for sharing lovely

[@AlexanderAMY]

Thanks for sharing so many homemade things with us xx ❤

[@Lovelygreens]

You're very welcome 💚

[@wilmarainwater5333]

Many thanks!

[@suesue1764-r8c]

thanks so much for your excellent video and information and calm approach!

[@rissaaliya95]

Fantastic video! Thank you, I plan on using this recipe to make my mom a lip balm. 😊

[@KanadadaYasam]

You should send some of them to your followers!!!! I love it!!!!❤❤

[@katiecrosby1187]

What a wonderful recipe! I just bought your Kindle edition of A Woman’s Garden and can’t wait to delve into it! I’ve also subscribed to your channel! 😊

[@Lovelygreens]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@poodlepup1]

good morning from Australia.. just found your channel ... I have a huge amount of lemon balm growing... oopps did not know how much it spreads around.... and did not really know what to do with it.. but thought it help in my vegie patch with in sects... I am sorry I do not have your book it looks wonderful, but thank you for the recipe.. I would like to make the balm for xmas presents for my daughter x

[@barbaraasquasciati4006]

Buongiorno, sono capitata qui per "caso"...faccio anch'io il balsamo labbra, proverò con la Melissa che adoro, grazie per l'idea, un "consiglio" : se aggiungi un po' di olio di ricino biologico e un po' di burro di Karite si ottiene un ricco, nutriente e lucido burro labbra!

[@Lovelygreens]

Agree 💚 Castor oil makes an excellent lip gloss!

[@andreadybvik]

Learned so much! Can't wait to try! 💛 Thank you!

[@Lovelygreens]

My pleasure 😊

[@samanthab6668]

Love your book....it's awesome!

[@Lovelygreens]

Thanks so much!

[@harindervirk3810]

Oh i want it to go everywhere and not loose it .made my balm today ,it was infusing for two months .thx .

[@boop7313]

Love seeing a recipe video from you! It's always such wonderful simple natural recipes from the garden. Thanks for that and I really enjoyed your book, I bought a copy.

[@Lovelygreens]

You're welcome and I hope that you enjoy my book! 💚

[@diannellyfetalvero4893]

@@Lovelygreens how to order your book I am from Odiongan Romblon Philippines

[@boop7313]

Love your book!@@Lovelygreens

[@elizabethananda930]

I thought i'd give this a try, looks amazing. Are you quite sure about adding a few drops of lemon balm essential oil? Just in case it gets in my mouth? Thank you.

[@Lovelygreens]

Yes, it's fine. Natural peppermint lip balm is made with essential oil, too :)

[@patriciaboatman8423]

Love lemon balm. Do you have a link to the steel tins please?

[@adielbarrera9848]

Really enjoying your channel.

[@cherrylicious8772]

this is awsome, my lemon balm has struggled since moving it into a pot. like it died. then i planted more seeds nothing happnd. sigh. i have to grow in pots now. i cant dig. any tips?- so i was growing it to make this tea. in a teapot, i put fresh lemon cut into slices- skin and all, lemon thyme lemon balm, some fresh ginger, i think that was all. its been a while since i made this, since my lemon balm isnt producing. i prefur to drink this tea cold but one can drink it hot. was great for my lungs.

[@shalimarlittle8374]

Lovely video.

[@charlottedunne3418]

So do you have to use a dehydrator to make this balm? Any other alternatives?

[@johnking-ht5ez]

Nice one Tanya. Thanks

[@Lovelygreens]

Many thanks, John!

[@siouxsiesiouxwilson7247]

I've got lots Growing too x Might have a go at this x

[@bennybodash855]

I just found your channel. Loved your video, thank you!

[@rebeccaketner816]

Beautiful, thank you!

[@MegaFairandsquare]

Hi Tanya, After watching your video, I went to Lowes the next day and bought the Lemon balm seeds. They are just sprouting as I plan to use in soap and homemade laundry liquid. I don’t want to sound impatient, but how long before I can get a harvest? 😂

[@Beatngu23]

What are all the measurements? This is great!

[@leslievm7221]

Is it possible to skip the drying process and just use fresh lemon balm?

[@Lovelygreens]

No, lemon balm is too wet as a leafy herb. That water will get into the oil and can cause all kinds of issues. Early rancidification of the oils and an unpleasant flavor in your lip balm. It can also create enough habitat for microbes to grow.

[@CristinaTobosaru-np3kk]

Multumesc mult numai bine vă doresc felicitări

[@sophmeister-aussiegamergal1183]

I am about to make this today! However I am going to try it with my lime balm, not lemon. I’m excited. I do have a question which may seem obvious - but why dry the leaves? Why not stick them in the oil fresh? Will the leaves go yucky and not hold up? I’m curious. Drying my lime balm now. I love this video!

[@Lovelygreens]

Three reasons - the leaves can mold and introduce microbes into the oil, possibly passing them on to your skin and mouth. Second, fresh leaves may have botulism spores on them, which, again, could pass into the oil and to your mouth as a lip product. Drying leaves kills off microbes on fresh leaves. Third, a tiny amount of water from fresh leaves passes into oil if they're infused together. This moisture speeds up the oxidization process, making any leftover infused oil spoil quicker. Water = rancid oil.

[@sophmeister-aussiegamergal1183]

@@Lovelygreens thank you very much for your response and helping me learn ☺️ I wonder could this recipe be used with many different herbs? I’m thinking a chocolate mint 🤔

[@jclaypool66]

Do you have a preferred carrier oil for lip balm...for cold sores? Also, can I use a bit of lemon essential oil in the recipe? My lemon balm is coming back in force this year and I am so excited to try this!!

[@Lovelygreens]

A liquid carrier oil of your choice will work, but my favourite is sweet almond oil. Probably leave the lemon essential oil out if you're using the balm for cold sores, but a drop per tin of lip balm would be fine for "flavoring" normal lip balm. Organic essential oil is best for lip balm 💚

[@adinamarica1867]

Hi! I love your videos and I find this one very interesting. But I have a question : how come this infused oil doesn't develop Clostridium botulinum bacteria? I know this happens when we store things in oil. Is it because the plants are dry?

[@Lovelygreens]

That's right! Infusing fresh herbs in oil can lead to botulism, but dried herbs are safe since the spores need moisture to live.

[@virginiagirip8758]

Thank you !

[@Lovelygreens]

My pleasure!

[@inasmal3996]

This really works

[@coffeerocks4764]

This looks like a great recipe. Thank you! I've been looking for stainless steel lip balm pots, but haven't found any. Where did you get yours?

[@victoriabecraft6166]

I purchased a stainless steel dog dish that fits inside one of my pans. I only use it for making salves and things...never for the dog.🙂

[@lindaswedenlifestyle]

Wow thank you for sharing this leaves lemon balm👏👌❤️

[@Lovelygreens]

My pleasure 🙂

[@GinaW7061]

Just found your channel , thank you so much for this recipe x

[@Lovelygreens]

You are so welcome! Glad to have you here :)

[@carlotarodrigues03]

Can I ask you, do you think it would work the same with olive wax? Maybe I should change the measures? Thank you so much 🥹🫶

[@Lovelygreens]

Sure, though the consistency may be different. You'll probably need to play with the oils and wax ratios.

[@audreystar4868]

Been following you for years. I love your channel. Where can I purchase your book?

[@Lovelygreens]

Thank you 🙂 You can find it on Amazon, various other online booksellers, and even some physical booksellers. I list some here lovelygreens.com/a-womans-garden-grow-beautiful-plants-and-make-useful-things/

[@sean2val]

awesome going to give this a go thank you

[@Lovelygreens]

Have fun!

[@irishcottagerenovation9900]

Simple and brilliant. Thank you will definitely give this a try. Lip balm is so important as a gardener i am always exposed to the elements and lips dry up. Any tips for winter fingers that split from working outside?

[@elisamarro7356]

Do u have any salve or cream recipes for psoriasis and comfrey. Thanks elisa

[@Lovelygreens]

Look for my neem balm recipe - it's in the beauty playlist on my channel page :)

[@dn744]

I shared this 3 times 😊

[@Lovelygreens]

Thank you!

[@dn744]

@@Lovelygreens excellent idea 💡

[@suesparkledimndart4309]

Hi thanks for the video .What essential oils would you use please 😊

[@KarrenAnn]

Thank you 🙏

[@Plotonthehill]

Great idea. Going to try this. X

[@joycewillis6751]

Hi I would love to have your book ? How do I get it please😊

[@Lovelygreens]

Thanks :) there are links in the video description or you can look on your favourite online bookseller for A Woman's Garden by Tanya Anderson

[@pageabadie3751]

I do have your book, love it. Would it be ok to freeze dry the lemon balm leaves?

[@Lovelygreens]

Sure!

[@karinacamara5127]

Can I used coconut oil? Thank you for the tutorial.

[@Lovelygreens]

Sorry, but I don't advise it. Coconut oil has a low melting temperature, and your balm could completely liquify on a hot day or left in a warm place.

[@annlockey8552]

Thank you i ordered your book x

[@Lovelygreens]

You're welcome and I hope you enjoy it!

[@angiebailey9829]

what does it taste like? Thanks for the information

[@Lovelygreens]

Without added essential oil, there's almost no lemon balm flavor. Just a light clean waxy aroma.

[@peshomeshogosho9083]

Hello! It looks great, but can I ask for how long it lasts? Do I have to, or can I put conservatives in it?

[@Lovelygreens]

You only use preservatives in formulations (or food!) that contains water. There is no water in this lip balm recipe. As for shelf-life, it's one year or the closest best by dates of the exact ingredients you use to make the recipe with.

[@bonnieweeks7601]

I made the mistake of growing lemon balm. It's sneaky and shows up everywhere. Bit of a pain. It's trying to threaten my rosemary but she holds her own.

[@Lovelygreens]

It can really be a thug!

[@bonnieweeks7601]

No offense, but who is Drobalar?

[@ninemoonplanet]

Lemon balm is a family favourite just for the fragrance. It certainly does spread everywhere unless it is contained. Unfortunately someone let it go and it's everywhere in the gardens. I love it dried in tisane (herbal infusion frequently misnamed 'tea"). I think I will give the balm a go.

[@Lovelygreens]

You certainly seem to have enough! 😍 Have fun making use of your romping lemon balm - the lip balm makes great gifts, too 💚

[@ChellzHarding-e2c]

Can you squeeze actual lemon juice in this or would that make it turn bad?

[@jackie9068]

Thank you

[@sherisauer6]

Want to check out your book

[@lyndikierans5972]

Do you have a link for your book for Ireland ?

[@temperancetalley]

Does anyone know which dehydrator she uses?? I would love to put it on my Christmas List this year but I really don't know which brand to get. And I like the one she uses.

[@Lovelygreens]

It's an older Stockli model :)

[@evitacastor1593]

Thank you so much for this informative tutorial. How much beeswax to use and do I melt it the same way…double boiler. Thank you

[@Lovelygreens]

You can use the same amount, and yes, use the double boiler. Beeswax, in particular, should always be melted using one since it has a high melting point and is also highly flammable.

[@essentialcomforts2166]

have you used lilac for balms? Mine are starting to bloom and I'd love to use them if the scent can be retained.

[@Lovelygreens]

I've not, yet, but think it would work!

[@theblissfullone]

Excellent video! 🌷 Thanks for sharing. What kind of olive oil do you use? How long should you let it sit in the cheese cloth and strainer before squeezing it out ?

[@Lovelygreens]

Use your favourite olive oil, but I use a good extra virgin olive oil that has at least a year left on its expiration date. As for straining and squeezing, I squeeze when the majority of the oil has already passed through.

[@theblissfullone]

@@Lovelygreens Tusind tak! 🌷(a thousand thank yous)

[@hekayat2731]

Very nice sharing

[@mdhoopshere]

Hey! I have a question…. Is there any reason why not to infuse fresh leaves into the oil? Is there a benefit to dehydrating it vs using fresh?

[@Lovelygreens]

Fresh leaves can have botulism spores on them, and because of the small amount of moisture in the leaves, it can transfer and grow in the oil. Botulism can make you incredibly sick and has even led to fatalities. For this reason, culinary infused oils should not be made with fresh herbs either, unless it's intended to be refrigerated and used within a week.

[@mdhoopshere]

@@Lovelygreens Thank you so much! 🥰

[@dtgirl5320]

Hi, where do you buy stainless steel jar? Cannot find them. Thank you ❤️

[@juliazehetmair2761]

Can you use dandelion for lip balm as well? Can you infuse both lemon balm and dandelion?

[@Lovelygreens]

Sure :)

[@1jayyoung]

What do you do with the leaves after the cheese cloth? Is there any other purpose we could get from them?

[@Lovelygreens]

They're pretty zapped...best just to compost them.

[@grimwulf8547]

thank you.

[@candacegray3084]

Great video! May I ask what the difference will be if I left the oil to infuse in the sun instead of in the cupboard? I've been led to believe that oil infusions should be done on a shelf, so it's interesting to see a different method :-)

[@Lovelygreens]

The UV rays in sunlight can damage the oil and cause it to oxidize/go rancid. Warmth is okay for oil infusions - light is bad.

[@candacegray3084]

@@Lovelygreens thank you very much!

[@CoralJoyTravel]

I’m a new follower and subscriber, just found your channel and I’m so happy I did! This looks so wonderful. I don’t have lemon balm, but I’m going to plant some now!

[@Lovelygreens]

Welcome and have a great time planting your lemon balm 💚

[@alexhintley9067]

Z

[@ulrikatuvebrant]

Thanks ❤❤❤❤

[@jocollins9036]

Can you use fresh lemon balm leaves not dried?

[@sharonrowland3041]

Can you use coconut oil instead of wax?

[@allinonegardenandkitchen435]

Thanks for sharing

[@jenniferbritt3261]

I love your hydrator. What kind is it?

[@Lovelygreens]

It's a Stockli model from over ten years ago. It's really good, but this model is no longer around unless you get it used.

[@victoriahatten9746]

Can I do the same thing with peppermint?

[@Lovelygreens]

Yes, absolutely 💯

[@confidenshal-learnwithkay1511]

However, I'm understanding that you have to dry the leaves before infusing them. Is this so even for oils being used in hair and on skin? We have to use dry leaves instead of fresh leaves? Wouldn't the dehydrator take all the nutrients from the leaves?

[@anvangheluwe4049]

Hello Tanya, I just discovered your you tube channel and went straight to your website. It is all looking marvellous! I just had a question about the beeswax. I have leftover (clean)beeswax from encaustic painting. Do you think I could use that? Thanks to you I am now considering buying a dehydrator, which one do you use or what would you recommend? Thank you for your beautiful website and videos! And you live in my favorite part of the world also! Greetings from France

[@Ccal488]

Could I use apple mint instead of lemon balm for this recipe? I have a lot of that growing right now lol

[@eagaryoungmindsoftomorrowe4690]

Can we use cooking oil.. Or it's necessary to use olive oil

[@Lovelygreens]

If that's all you can afford, then yes, it's possible. Any oil sold for cooking, including most olive oil, is poor quality for skincare, though, and will not have as good a shelf life.

[@ashesluvify]

Do you have to dry out the leaves or can you infuse them fresh?

[@Lovelygreens]

I've answered that a few times in the comments. You must use dried for two reasons - to stop the tiny moisture in the leaves from affecting shelflife (it causes oxidation) and to avoid botulism growing in the oil. That second point is especially important for lip care products.

[@JoanaPontes-fy9go]

Hi Tanya! Lovely videos with simple-to-follow explanations! Could you tell me, what is the brand of your food dehydrator? Thank you! :)

[@Lovelygreens]

Thank you, and I'm glad that you enjoyed it! It's a Stockli branded food dehydrator, but it's old, and I'm not sure if it's around any longer.

[@AAHomeGardening]

Lovely, thank you

[@HomewardBound27]

Do you have to dry out lemon balm to make soaps and lip balm?

[@Lovelygreens]

Yes, for lip products like this. Although it's a low risk, using fresh lemon balm leaves could introduce botulism spores in the oil. Best to use dried!