It seems that this winter season has brought especially temperamental weather. In such unpredictable conditions, our bodies struggle to find balance. However, essential oil-infused shea butter is the perfect remedy to provide both internal and external wellness.

Not only does the shea butter in this moisturizer nourish and repair the skin, but also its essential oils offer the significant health benefits of aromatherapy. For skin, shea butter is:

moisturizing
anti-inflammatory
smoothing
anti-itch
antibacterial

Plus, as it comes directly from the nut of the African shea tree, it is a completely pure and natural healthcare option. This butter is free of the harsh chemicals usually found in household lotions and skin treatments.

Adding essential oils to shea butter only increases this remedy’s benefits. Essential oils and aromatherapy have been used for thousands of years as forms of natural medicine for both mental and physical wellness. Here are some benefits:

relieve anxiety/depression
boost energy levels
speed up healing process
cure headaches
boost cognition
induce sleep
reduce pain
improve digestion
increase circulation

To add these oils into shea butter in a way that provides optimal health benefits (and also smell delicious!), we seperate certain scents into three different categories. Their descriptions are as follows:

1. Base notes (grounding and rooting)

2. Middle notes (balancing)

3. Top notes (uplifting and mood-boosting)

We will blend one oil from each category into the butter (and can then add an accent oil for an additional boost).

Here are some good base note oils:

vanilla
rosewood
cedar wood
cinnamon
frankincense
myrrh
patchouli

And middle notes:

cardamom
geranium
ylang ylang
nutmeg
lavender
rosemary
pine

Top notes:

lemon
pink grapefruit
tangerine
bergamot
lime
tea tree
verbena
cinnamon

Accents (optional):

eucalyptus
rose gardenia
peppermint
jasmine

Since this recipe is based on personal scent preference, we have a lot of freedom to choose our own essential oil ratios. Typically, base notes are stronger, so it is recommended that you begin with one drop of your chosen base note oil to every two drops of middle and top note oils.

Have fun with this — start with organic, unrefined shea butter (I recommend setting a bit aside incase you need to dull out the scent later), and high-grade essential oils (I like brands doTERRA or Young Living).

Scoop shea butter it into a bowl, and smooth out a thin layer in the center. Then, add to this layer one drop of your chosen base note oil, two drops of your middle note oil, and two drops of your top note oil. Gently stir the oils into only the CENTER portion of shea butter. This is to get an idea of what the scents smell like once blended.

If you like the scent, you can then mix it throughout all the butter in your bowl. If not, play around with the ratio! Once you have your perfect blend, mix it throughout the bowl. If a stronger scent is preferred, you can add more drops in the same ratio. If less strong is preferred, you can add more of the shea butter you’ve set aside.

You’ve now got an entirely personalized, completely natural product that will leave your mind, body and skin happy and healthy!