What is Herbal Salve? How to Make Herbal Salve?

Herbal salve is a semi-solid balm made by infusing herbs into a carrier oil, which is then mixed with beeswax. The result is a smooth, spreadable product that can be applied to the skin for healing or moisturizing purposes. Think of it as a natural ointment that you can customize to suit your needs. From moisturizing dry skin to healing minor cuts and burns, herbal salve works like a miracle.

If you want to make a herbal salve for you, here I gave a step by step process. Check it out!

Ingredients: 

1. Herbs: The choice of herbs is what makes your salve unique and tailored to your specific needs. Here are some popular herbs and their benefits to help you decide:

   • Calendula: Known for its gentle, skin-soothing properties, calendula is excellent for treating minor cuts, scrapes, and rashes. It’s anti-inflammatory, making it perfect for sensitive or irritated skin.

   • Comfrey: Comfrey is often called “Knitbone” because it promotes the healing of wounds, sprains, and broken bones. It contains allantoin, a compound that stimulates cell regeneration, making it ideal for healing salves.

   • Lavender: Lavender is a versatile herb with calming and antibacterial properties. It’s great for relieving stress and anxiety while also soothing minor burns, insect bites, and skin irritations.

   • St. John’s Wort: This herb is known for its ability to relieve nerve pain and help heal bruises, burns, and minor wounds. It’s also slightly antimicrobial, making it a good choice for an all-purpose healing salve.

   • Arnica: Arnica is famous for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It’s often used in salves for bruises, sprains, and muscle soreness. However, it should not be used on broken skin.

   • Chamomile: Chamomile is a gentle herb that’s perfect for calming irritated skin and reducing inflammation. It’s also excellent for treating eczema, rashes, and other skin conditions.

   • Plantain: Not to be confused with the banana-like fruit, plantain is a common weed with powerful healing properties. It’s great for drawing out toxins from insect bites, stings, and splinters, and it also helps soothe and heal cuts and scrapes.

   • Rosemary: Rosemary has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, making it a good choice for a salve that needs to stay fresh longer. It also stimulates circulation, which can be helpful in salves for sore muscles.

2. Carrier Oil: Olive oil, coconut oil, or sweet almond oil are great choices. They help extract the medicinal properties from the herbs and moisturize your skin.

3. Beeswax: This solidifies the oil into a balm. Beeswax also adds a protective barrier to your skin.

4. Essential Oils (optional): Add a few drops for extra scent or therapeutic benefits. Lavender, tea tree, or peppermint essential oils are popular choices.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Herbal Salves

Now, let’s get started with making your own herbal salve.

1. Infuse the Oil

The first step is to infuse your chosen herbs into the carrier oil. Here’s how:

• Slow Method: Place your herbs in a jar and cover them with oil. Let this sit in a warm, sunny spot for 4-6 weeks, shaking the jar daily.

• Quick Method: If you’re in a hurry, you can use heat. Combine the herbs and oil in a double boiler or a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Heat gently for 2-3 hours, ensuring the oil doesn’t get too hot.

Once the infusion is done, strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the herbs.

2. Prepare the Beeswax

Next, you’ll need to melt the beeswax. The amount you use depends on how firm you want your salve to be. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1 ounce of beeswax per 1 cup of infused oil.

• Place the beeswax in a double boiler or a heatproof bowl over simmering water.
• Stir occasionally until the beeswax is completely melted.

3. Mix and Pour

Once the beeswax is melted, slowly add your infused oil to the pot. Stir well to combine the beeswax and oil.

• If you’re adding essential oils, now’s the time to do it. Just a few drops will do.

• Once everything is mixed, pour the liquid salve into clean, dry containers. Small tins or glass jars work best.

4. Let It Set

Allow the salve to cool and solidify. This usually takes a few hours. Once it’s set, your salve is ready to use!

Storing and Using Your Herbal Salve

Store your salve in a cool, dry place. It should last for about a year, depending on the ingredients you used. To use, simply scoop a small amount out with clean fingers and apply it to the affected area.

So, don’t just sit there, make your own herbal salve and try it out!