Healing Herbal Baby Powder
Naturally, after creating a homemade baby butt balm I had to create a homemade baby powder. But not just any baby powder. One that harnessed the goodness of calming herbs! I never truly appreciated the power of a good baby powder until getting these two little kiddos. Hello diaper rash! Between the baby butt balm and this lovely baby powder their little bottoms are generally free from the evil red diaper rash.
Can I substitute other ingredients?
Sure! There are definitely other ingredients you can use. I chose these ones for very specific reasons plus I tend to always have them on hand. After the recipe you’ll find my reasons for using these particular ingredients and also a few substitution ideas.
Let’s get to it!
Herbal Baby Powder
Ingredients
1 ounce kaolin clay
1 ounce arrowroot powder
.2 ounce dried calendula
.1 ounce dried chamomile
Directions
Weigh out all the ingredients and place all of them together in some type of blender. I use a Magic Bullet but I’m sure a regular blender or possibly even a food processor would work. OR if you have a coffee grinder you use for herbs that would work as well. Blend for quite awhile until the herbs are finely powdered. You might have to shake the blender up a bit while blending to get all the pieces. BEFORE opening the lid, let the dust settle for a few minutes so you don’t inhale all the find powder.
You can use it as is, or for a finer more consistent powder sift it through a fine mesh sieve, flower sifter, or something similar. I highly recommend this step, otherwise there may be a few larger herb particles which probably won’t feel great to your baby.
That’s it! Pour it into an old (clean) baby powder dispenser for easiest application. Use as you would regular baby powder. A little goes a long way—and remember NO fine dust (even natural ingredients) aren’t good for your lungs to shake carefully so you don’t create a dust cloud for you and baby!
Benefits of the ingredients
Kaolin Clay
Kaolin clay is one of the most mild and versatile of the clays. It’s very gentle and effective for wicking away moisture. Substitutes could include other types of clay, but keep in mind they may not be as gentle as the kaolin clay. Many recipes use bentonite clay in place of kaolin clay, however bentonite clay is known as a “swelling” clay which is probably not ideal for a baby powder.
Arrowroot Powder
I use arrowroot powder in place of cornstarch due to cornstarch being an “iffy” ingredient. Arrowroot powder is highly absorbent as well as silky smooth—great for a baby’s delicate bottom. If you’re okay with cornstarch (you can find non GMO ones) then that can make a good substitution.
Calendula
Calendula is one of the most healing and beneficial herbs for the skin. It is very gently for babies and helps to soothe and restore skin.
Chamomile
Chamomile is another very gentle herbs great for babies. It is anti-inflammatory making it a wonderful edition to help heal red inflamed bottoms.
Substitutions for the herbs
Other great herbs that are gentle and healing could include:
Lavender
Plantain
Comfrey
Marshmallow root
If you wish to include essential oils, you certainly can. Chamomile or lavender essential oils would be my recommendation. I would use only a couple drops and make sure to blend the oils up in the blender with the other ingredients to disperse them as best as possible. If you’re wanting to use essential oils on a baby under 6 months old, please do some research and make sure that’s the best option for your baby.
WHERE TO PURCHASE
I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog! By purchasing through one of my affiliate links you will not spend a penny more, but you are allowing me to receive a small commission. This allows me to keep posting great content for you. Thanks for your support!
If you are unable to grow your own herbs, or find ingredients locally, then here are two of my favorite places to buy bulk ingredients:
And this place is pretty cool for finding organic and/or heirloom seeds:
