From Homestead to Healing: A Simple DIY Balm

The Udder Balm project from Homestead Education teaches how to create a natural, homemade balm designed to soothe, protect, and heal dry or irritated skin on livestock. Using simple, farm-friendly ingredients like beeswax, oils, and essential oils, this hands-on project emphasizes practical animal care, self-sufficiency, and natural remedies. It also highlights how traditional homesteading solutions can be effective, affordable, and versatile for both animals and everyday use.

Additional Uses for Udder Balm

Then, during fire season, my husband and the guys on his crew all started using it for chaffing from their gear. They all swear by it now and love it each year when I bring them each their own little jars of udder balm. 

Then, one week at our homeschool co-op, the parent who taught the tinctures class couldn’t make it. I quickly grabbed all my supplies and little metal tins to teach the kids how to make this soothing balm. But instead, we added a little more oil and a little less wax, making for an amazing lip balm.

However, some of the kids opted to use Wild Orange or Peppermint essential oil for something that was touching their mouths. 

Benefits of Udder Balm Ingredients For Skin

Shea Butter – moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, stimulates collagen production, reduces stretch marks

Almond Oil – Hydration, Anti-aging, healing, sun protection, cleansing

Beeswax – protects, soothes, softens, aids in healing skin ailments, reduces microbial growth

Raw Honey – Antibacterial, antifungal, exfoliating, healing

Lavender EO – soothing, antioxidants, scar reduction, burn relief, antibacterial

Tea Tree EO – Reduces allergic reactions, treats skin conditions, lightens dark spots, and moisturizes.

Materials Needed:
  • 1 half pint jar (wide mouth)
  • 1 glass bowl
  • 1 food processor or mixer
  • ¼ cup shea butter
  • ⅜ cup almond oil
  • ½ cup beeswax
  • 1 tsp raw honey
  • 5 drops lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops of tea tree essential oil
Procedure:
  • Put shea butter, almond oil, and beeswax in a glass bowl
  • Begin boiling water in the saucepan
  • Melt ingredients slowly, then remove from heat and cool until warm to the touch
  • Mix in essential oils and honey. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour
  • Scrap into the mixer and whip for 10 minutes or until fluffy
  • Scrap into jar, cover, and use as needed
udder balm

Make It Easy With the Printable Project Sheet

To keep this hands-on homestead project simple and organized, we’ve created a ready-to-use printable project sheet you can download and use right away. This one-page resource walks students through the udder balm making process while reinforcing practical livestock care and natural remedy concepts in a clear, age-appropriate way.

The printable includes:

  • A brief overview of udder health and why proper care is important for livestock

  • A simple breakdown of natural ingredients like beeswax, oils, and their benefits

  • A complete supply list using easy-to-find, homestead-friendly materials

  • Step-by-step instructions for making homemade udder balm

  • Guided observation questions to help students evaluate texture, consistency, and effectiveness

  • A clean, student-friendly layout perfect for science notebooks or portfolios

It’s designed to be low-prep, hands-on, and practical—perfect for homeschool families, co-ops, FFA groups, or farm-based learning days.

Download the Udder Balm Homestead Project Printable Below!