Revealed: The Nectar Recipe that Started it All

YAY!!! Now you can create your own Nectar right at home! 

I originally put together this recipe for Kate O’Donnell, one of my Ayurveda teachers. Kate is an Ayurvedic practitioner, Ashtanga yoga teacher, and author of multiple Ayurvedic books (published in five languages btw). You may have seen her in Yoga Journal, on NPR, or at Kripalu. As far as I’m concerned, Kate is pretty darn famous. 

When I completed my Fundamentals of Ayurveda training, I gifted little jars of a geranium-scented balm to my teachers and peers. This was the very first version of what would become the Nectar, Birchstone’s signature (and very first) product. Nectar is a ghee-based hydration balm for face + body.

You can imagine the surprise, delight, and sheer joy I felt when two years later, after loving the balm, Kate asked if I would contribute its recipe to her next book:  The Everyday Ayurveda Guide to Self-Care. 

Ghee is adored in Ayurveda for many reasons. Most notably, perhaps, is because it provides the deepest moisture for dry skin without all the heat that typically comes along with heavier oils. Though typically consumed as a food, it is just as nourishing when applied topically. The following ghee-based balm is luxurious as an eye cream, hand salve, and on dry patches. Use it as the final step to your nighttime, cold-weather skincare routine.

Here’s how to make the Nectar at home:

Ghee Facial Balm Intensive hydration for face + body. A little drop goes a long way!

Gather:

2 oz Ghee 
2 oz Refined Organic Sesame Oil
.50 oz Beeswax
16-30 Drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)

16 oz wide-mouth jar
4 oz glass jar with lid
Small saucepan 
Spoon or stirring rod

Procedure:

Add ghee, sesame oil, and beeswax to a 16oz wide-mouth jar. 

Fill a small pot with an inch or two of water and place over medium heat. 

Set the jar full of ingredients in the water until the contents are thoroughly melted (about 15 minutes), swirling occasionally. I like to have an ‘Ove’ Glove on for this in case it gets hot hot!

If adding essential oils, allow the mixture to cool for several minutes first, until the jar is warm (but not hot) to the touch. Add in your favorite essential oil or essential oil blend and mix thoroughly with a spoon or stirring rod.

Pour into a sterilized 4oz glass jar and allow it to completely cool and solidify with the cap off.

Directions for use:

Scoop out a small amount with clean fingertips and massage into skin until thoroughly absorbed. Best applied to slightly damp or freshly cleansed skin. Use from head to toe to hydrate and nourish dry skin. A little bit will go a long way! 

Store in a cool, dry location and use within 6-8 months. 

Find this recipe featured in Kate O’Donnell’s new book: The Everyday Ayurveda Guide to Self-Care. (We’re on page 259 OMG!) This is truly a stunning addition to my self-care reference book collection and I think it will be for yours too! My other favorites include Kate’s two earlier books:  The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook and Everyday Ayurveda Cooking for a Calm, Clear Mind.

Made the recipe?! Snap a shot and tag @birchstoneapothecary to let me know how it turned out :D