I’m grateful that we don’t often get sick, but when we do, it is typically the runny nose and mild cough type of illness (or just seasonal allergies). I use my natural remedies to help speed recovery, but inevitably, at least one of the children will end up with a sore, red nose from wiping it too often.
I’d always heard to rub Vaseline on dry, chapped noses, but I’m very much not a fan of petroleum jelly (more on that in another post) and wanted a better option.
Certainly, several bulk ingredients I always keep on hand, like Shea Butter and Coconut Oil work wonderfully on their own for chapped noses, but I wanted to create something with beeswax that would also help protect the skin from future kleenex abuse.
Sore Nose Soothing Balm Recipe
To keep it simple, you could use shea butter or coconut oil alone to sooth a sore nose. A pre-made lip chap like my classic recipe also works, but I don’t like using lip balm containers for this since some of the bacteria/snot/general nastiness might be left on the balm, so the entire tube would need to be thrown out after the illness has passed.
This soothing balm in a tiny metal tin solves both problems. It is petroleum jelly free, not in a one-time use tube and it combines all of the soothing and protective ingredients with herbs for an extra boost.
I added an additional but optional step of infusing the oil with the dried herbs I use in my healing salve to give this soothing balm additional skin-nourishing properties. You can leave out this step, but I highly recommend it.
Infusing the Oils with Herbs:
I keep some of this herbal infused coconut oil (or olive oil) on hand for recipes like this. The infusion process takes a while, so I prefer to make in bulk once every few months rather than have to infuse small amounts every time I need it for a recipe. You’ll need:
- 1 cup olive or coconut oil (you won’t use this full amount for this recipe)
- 1 tablespoon dried comfrey leaf
- 1 tablespoon dried plantain leaf (herb-not banana!)
- 1 teaspoon dried calendula flowers (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried yarrow flowers (optional)
Place the oil in a double boiler. If using coconut oil, melt the oil first. Add the herbs. Simmer on low heat for 3-4 hours or until the oil has taken on a green color from the herbs. Be careful not to have the heat too high or leave too long.
If warm enough, you can also simply place the herbs into the oil in an air tight glass jar and leave for 2-3 weeks. This works best in indirect sunlight and won’t be possible at all times.
Other Ingredients
Once you’ve infusing the oil with herbs (if you’re going to), you’re ready to make a balm. You’ll also need:
- Shea Butter– soothing and protecting to skin with vitamins and healthy acids
- Beeswax– protects the skin from further damage
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon herb infused olive or coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon shea butter
- 1 teaspoon beeswax pastilles
Instructions
- Melt all ingredients in a double boiler or small glass bowl over a small saucepan of water.
- Stir well and pour into individual tins or a small glass jar. Can double or triple recipe if desired.
- Pour into containers, tins or a small glass jar.
- To use: scrape off a small amount with a clean spoon or fingernail and apply to the skin around the nose. To avoid contamination, do not re-use the same spoon or finger until it has been washed.
- Use as needed until redness and soreness is gone.
Notes
This recipe will fill approximately two ½ ounce round tins or one 1-ounce round tin from this link. The square containers I used are available here and this recipe will fill 4-5 of them.
What do you use to sooth sore noses? Share below!
Just curious how long you think this might last, and whether adding a few drops of Vit. E would increase the shelf life?
I don’t like that it’s green lol
I haven’t got the patience for making infused oils, but I have a lot of essential oils around the house. Can you suggest a way this can be made using essential oils instead?
My daughter gets extremely dry even cracked hands from all the hand washing at preschool. She is also a thumb sucker. I’ve been rubbing coconut oil on them often and even send some to school with her, but it is not helping all that much. Would you recommend trying one of your recipes for dry/cracked skin for this? If so, which one? Thanks!!
This recipe would work. Shea butter and beeswax would help protect the skin from the water with constant washing. I’ve also used castor oil in some skin preparations, and it works really well on skin, but it could upset her stomach if she got it in her mouth (though the taste might break the thumb sucking habit)
Katie, I make your infused oil each summer and fall and keep a jar in my fridge so I can us it in all these soothing butters and balms that you suggest. You are so wise, and I am so grateful for all the goodness you share here. Thank you.
This sounds so soothing. I have some oil infused with chickweed, comfy, lavender, and nettle that I use for boo boo balm. Will this work with your recipe?
I bet it would!
What do you do with the leftover infused oil?
Keep for making salves and lotions.
I have had the best success using Lanolin.
I am in desperate need of this right TN now, but i don’t have shea butter, i was wondering if i could use cocoa butter instead?
This sounds so delicious, Katie. I can’t wait to try this!