DIY herbal salve recipes are easier to make than you think! They are perfect for the home first aid kit and make special gifts.
Herbal salves are semi-solid medicinal preparations that are used topically. This makes them handy to take with you on the go. They can be used for all different types of purposes such as eczema, diaper rash, headache, chapped hands, broken bones and as an anti-septic. Recipes for each are given below along with a fabulous lip balm recipe.
Herbal salves only require a few ingredients.
The first ingredient is wax such as beeswax. You can find beeswax from beekeeper’s or you can purchase it from health food stores or craft supply shops. Make sure that it’s pure, untreated and that it really smells like honey. You will know you’re getting an excellent quality that way. Cocoa butter can also be used.
The second ingredient is an herbal-infused oil. You can purchase herbal oils that are already made for you. However, I do highly recommend making your own oil. Learn how easy it is to make your own herbal-infused oils here.
Some recipes are enhanced by the addition of essential oils, vitamin E and honey.
Making DIY Herbal Salve Recipes
For your DIY herbal salve recipes the proportion of wax to herbal-infused oil can be modified depending on how soft or hard you would like your salve. Softer salves have more absorbency so they get into the skin more easily. Harder salves are a bit more protective. You may want a harder salve for the lip balm for example. They are also better in warm weather since they won’t melt quite as easily as the softer salves.
Eczema Salve
- 3 tablespoons (44 grams) wax
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) calendula infused oil
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chickweed infused oil
- Liquid from 1 capsule vitamin E
Diaper Rash Salve
- 3 tablespoons (45 grams) wax
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) calendula infused oil
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chamomile infused oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
Headache Salve
- 3 tablespoons (45 grams) wax
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) peppermint infused oil
Chapped Hands Salve
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) cocoa butter
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) calendula infused oil
Broken Bones Salve
- 3 tablespoons (45 grams) wax
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) boneset infused oil
Anti-septic Salve
- 3 tablespoons (45 grams) wax
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) bergamot (beebalm) infused oil
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) thyme infused oil
Lip Balm
- 3 tablespoons (45 grams) wax
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) apricot oil
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 10 drops wintergreen or peppermint essential oil
Gently melt the beeswax in double boiler or a pan on very low heat. Add the oil and stir until mixed well with the wax. Remove from the heat.
Test your consistency by taking a small amount of the wax oil mixture and placing it in the refrigerator for a minute or two. Once it solidifies, see if it is the preferred consistency. If you prefer a little harder add a bit more wax. If you prefer a little softer add a bit more oil.
At this point you can mix in the additions such as essential oil, vitamin E and honey.
Pour the salve into storage containers. Shallow tins work nicely. You also can purchase lip balm containers. You can order containers online or purchase from a craft shop. Salves should last for about three years.
Have fun, experiment and be creative.
Feel free to leave any comments or questions below. If you would like to learn more about herbal medicine, check out the Home Herb School at www.homeherbschool.com