Last Updated on February 12, 2025 by Kiersten James, BS, RN
This natural homemade teething balm for babies relieves sore gums and inflammation from teething with coconut oil, clove, and chamomile.
Teething can be a rough phase for both babies and parents. Sore, swollen gums, excessive drooling, and sleepless nights can wear everyone down and leave you desperately searching for safe, effective relief.
Many commercial teething gels contain artificial ingredients, numbing agents, or preservatives. The ones marketed as natural are usually ineffective – at least the ones that I’ve tried.
This natural homemade teething balm for babies is what I’ve been making for 6 years in and out of our family’s teething seasons.
It’s effective enough to soothe pain, contains no questionable additives, and avoids medication use when combined with other home remedies like clove tea, chamomile washcloths, homemade teething gel and teething biscuits, and wooden spoons.
Coconut Oil for Teething
Coconut oil is one of the best natural remedies for teething. Here’s why:
Natural anti-inflammatory agent: helps reduce gum swelling and discomfort.
Antibacterial and antimicrobial: protects sore gums from bacteria that can cause irritation and infection.
Natural moisturizer: prevents the skin around the mouth from becoming dry and irritated from the excessive drooling
Completely safe if swallowed: unlike some commercial teething gels, coconut oil is food-grade and non-toxic for babies.
To strengthen the effectiveness of the teething balm, the coconut oil is infused with chamomile and crushed clove. Both are well known for their calming and pain-relieving properties.
Is Coconut Oil Safe for Babies?
Yes! Coconut oil is absolutely safe for babies but always check for allergic reactions before using it regularly.
Skip the Clove For Babies Under 6 Months
Avoid using clove for babies under 6 months, as it is naturally very strong. Stick to just coconut oil and chamomile.
Homemade Teething Balm for Babies
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup organic coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers, or 1 chamomile tea bag
- 1 whole clove
Instructions:
Place the coconut oil into a small ramekin. Add a cup or two of water to a small pot to create a water bath, and place the ramekin inside the pot. The water line should be no higher than halfway up the ramekin.
Leave the pot over low-medium heat until the coconut oil is thoroughly melted. Do not let it come to a boil.
Crush the clove with an old-fashioned mortar and pestle or with the bottom of a jar. If you don’t have whole clove, you can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon ground clove. The whole clove is preferable because it’s in its purest form.
Add the chamomile flowers and crushed clove to the pot. Let them steep in the oil over low heat for 10–15 minutes.
Pour the oil through a fine mesh strainer or double layer of cheesecloth to remove the herbs.
Transfer the infused oil into a small glass jar or tin and let the balm set for one hour in the refrigerator.
Store at room temperature for up to 3 months.
How to Use the Teething Balm
Using clean hands or a soft baby toothbrush, rub a small amount of the teething balm onto your baby’s gums as needed throughout the day.
The gentle massaging combined with the soothing properties of coconut oil, clove, and chamomile will help to ease discomfort.
For extra relief, chill the balm in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before using. The cooling sensation can help further reduce gum inflammation.
Other Ways to Use Homemade Teething Balm
Apply to a teething toy: rub a thin layer of the balm onto a silicone or wooden teether, then let your baby chew on it for added comfort.
Massage onto baby’s jawline: teething pain can often extend beyond the gums. Gently massage a small amount of balm onto your baby’s cheeks and jawline to help relieve tension.
Add to a chilled washcloth: dab a little balm onto a cold, damp washcloth and let your baby chew on it for a combination of texture and cooling relief.
More Natural Baby Care
DIY Chamomile Teething Gel for Babies
How to Break a Fever in Babies Without Medication
Home Remedies for Constipation in Babies and Toddlers
Natural Cough Remedies for Babies
Homemade Teething Balm for Babies
This natural homemade teething balm for babies relieves sore gums and inflammation from teething with coconut oil, clove, and chamomile.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup organic coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers, or 1 chamomile tea bag
- 1 whole clove, crushed
Instructions
- Place the coconut oil into a small jar or ramekin. Add a cup or two of water to a small pot to create a water bath, and place the ramekin inside the pot. The water line should be no higher than halfway up the ramekin. Leave the pot over low-medium heat until the coconut oil is thoroughly melted. Do not let it come to a boil.
- Add the chamomile flowers and crushed clove to the pot. Let them steep in the oil over low heat for 10–15 minutes. The clove can be crushed with an old-fashioned mortar and pestle or with the bottom of a jar.
- Pour the oil through a fine mesh strainer or double layer of cheesecloth to remove the herbs.
- Transfer the infused oil into a small glass jar or tin and let the balm set for one hour in the refrigerator.
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 months.
Notes
If you don't have whole clove, you can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon ground clove. The whole clove is preferable because it's in its purest form.
Save It For Later!
Always monitor your child’s symptoms and trust your instincts—if something doesn’t seem right, or if you simply feel that something isn’t right, do not hesitate to bring them into the doctor or ER for medical evaluation. Nurses and doctors are always the happiest when we can send home a healthy child within a few hours.
This information is intended for educational purposes only. The content created for www.naturalhomeapothecary.com has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider for personal healthcare decision-making guidance.
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