If you have ever walked through a spruce forest (or any coniferous forest really) after a rain or when the breeze is blowing just right, then you know just how enchanting the smell is. It is grounding, uplifting, calming and inspiring all at the same time.
But they are also a source of Vitamin C and antioxidants which are soothing, brightening, and healing for skin. They also have antiseptic and antifungal properties which can help to treat acne and minor skin irritations. Spruce also have mild analgesic and anti inflammatory properties which can helpful for soothing sore muscle aches and pains.
The Spruce Oil for this can be replaced with other conifer oils like White Pine and Douglas Fir. Just make sure you know what you are harvesting and that you are gathering from a clean place. In general it is best to stay away from roadsides and places with heavy exhaust, so put on your hiking boots and go find a tree in the forest or field (but of course from a place that you can harvest legally).
Spruce Lotion Bar Recipe
4 oz of Spruce Infused Jojoba Oil
4 oz of Beeswax
4 oz of Organic Shea Butter
*6-10 drops Black Spruce Essential Oil
Directions
Measure all the ingredients, except the optional Spruce Essential Oil into a double boiler. Gently melt over low heat. I like to use a glass proof measuring cup with a pour spout on it (like a pyrex measuring cup) so that its easier to pour in the next step.
Once melted remove from heat and pour into the paperboard tubes almost to the top. Leave about a 1/4inch of space.
Set the measuring cup back over the warm water to keep it all liquid.
Once the tubes have hardened up (this only takes a few minutes) then top off with more of the warm lotion bar mix.
When the tubes are completely solid, label them, and then wrap a piece of clear packing tape around them, this helps keep them clean.
A Few Notes
The essential oil is optional, I couldn’t decide which way I liked better, with the spruce essential oil or without it. It is a softer scent without it, but it is still there and feels gentle. And with it, it’s just a little more rounded out, if that makes sense.
I actually love these Lotion Bars so much I am giving them a seasonal spot on the shop shelves. Maybe if it's well loved they will be a permanent shop addition.
Check them out or make your own. Either way, these are so good! The little cardboard tubes are made of paper (yay, no plastic) and when they are empty can be composted. The outside can get oil stains on them, so I like to wrap them with clear tape after I have labeled them.