You will find this recipe in dozens of books – and it is often called the Merry Wives of Windsor Balm.
I’m not sure what the addition of lemon balm does, as the smell of turps somewhat overpowers the lemon scent, but it is such a good polish I didn’t mess with the recipe. I’ve also used this on my unpolished floorboards. It will solidify over time, but you simply need to heat it by sitting it in the sun or next to a heater for a while, and then giving it a good shake to restore it to its glorious unctuous self.
250ml turps
80g beeswax
20g Sunlight Soap, grated
250ml tea, made from infusing a handful of lemon balm leaves in boiling water
20 drops essential oil
Place the beeswax and turps in a double boiler. Heat gently and do not take your eye off the mixture, as turps is highly flammable. When they are combined, put to one side and melt the grated soap in the lemon balm tea. When both mixtures are cool, mix together until creamy then add the essential oil. Pour into a wide-mouthed jar.
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