#naturecreation

What Is a Salve?

A salve is something applied topically to heal the skin. It can take the form of an ointment, balm, and/or cream. They are made with oils, utters, and waxes in order to create a semi-solid material. Generally, in order for salves to remain shelf-stable, no amount of liquid is applied UNLESS is the utmost smallest drops of a tincture. 

And yes, just so you know, tinctures aren’t only used orally. They can be applied topically when necessary and fit to do so!

What Types of Oils Can Be Used in Salves?

Some examples of oils that can be used in salves are:

Olive - moisturizes and hydrates the skin, fights acne causing bacteria

Coconut - has saturated fats which are responsible for holding moisture in the skin.

Sunflower - Possesses Vitamin A and Vitamin E which provide antioxidants and help repair damaged skin cells.  

Sweet Almond - Treats dry skin, reduces the appearance of scars. 

Apricot - possess anti-inflammatory properties. 

What Kind of Wax To Use?

Beeswax is the most commonly utilized wax to bind all the ingredients together. Candelilla and Carnauba are also very good alternatives but Candelilla can be difficult to find. Most times, beeswax can be found or purchased as pastilles (the little circle beads) which makes measuring very easy.

Why Use/Make Salves?

Since the ingredients in a salve are multi-functional and multi-purpose, you’ll benefit greatly using and making a salve for:

Dry Skin

Diaper Rash

Chapped Lips

Sunburns

Eczema 

Cuts and scrapes

Aches and Pains

However, there are more uses for a salve. Simply shape your recipe by the ingredients and oils to serve the purpose they are needed for. You can also pack a medicinal kick+punch by infusing your herbs in the oils. 

What are good herbs for Salve Making?

Calendula: Good for healing wounds, skin irritations including rashes, abrasions, cuts, scrapes, burns, wounds, and insect bites. Good for people with sensitive skin and babies.

Chamomile: A very healing herb. Suitable for cuts, scrapes, and other minor wounds.

Comfrey: Also known as bone-knit; good for healing cartilage, tendons, and bone. Also relieves occasional pain and swelling. Smells pretty good; sweet yet earthy.

Hibiscus: Natural acids present in hibiscus help to purify the skin by breaking down dead skin and increases cell turnover. Can help to control acne breakouts. Is a good moisturizer for skin because of its high mucilage content. Good for sensitive skin.

Lavender: Good for skin irritations, relieves minor pains; soothing and calming.

Lemon Balm: The scent alone eases stress and anxiety, contains rosmarinic acid (a chemical compound with antioxidant properties). Can also be used for cold sores. Has strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties/actions. Is soothing, healing and tightening on the skin. Great for acne and sunburned skin. 

Rose: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helps fade blemishes.

Thyme: A warming herb that soothes sores muscles. 

Yarrow: Good for bug bites and stings. The flowers stop bleeding very quickly when applied to minor wounds. Reduces swelling.

I know this isn’t the most comprehensive list but this is a simple beginners list. I recommend if you have any curiosity about making a salve with a specific type of herb that you google the name of the herb + salve recipe and you should find articles and recipes especially from herbal sites. 

Pain Relief Salve Recipe (fills 4 9 oz amber salve jars)

Ingredients:

(4) 9 oz amber salve jars

1 tablespoons of Raw Mango Butter 

4 tablespoons of Calendula Infused Oil 

12 tablespoons of Comfrey Infused Oil

2 tablespoons yellow beeswax pastilles

2 tablespoons of Coconut Oil

10 to 15 drops each of Lavender Essential Oil and Eucalyptus oil (1 dropperful of each oil).

1 dropperful of 400 IU Vitamin E oil.

Instructions: Using a double boiler (those double stacked pots people use for fondues), fill the bottom pot with a bit of water and place the top pot on the top to heat until water boils.

Once water starts to boil in the lower boiler pot, add in the above ingredients EXCEPT the essential oils and Vitamin E Oil. 

Simmer on medium-low or LOW heat for 20 minutes due to presence of butter and stir occasionally. 

Once 20 minutes has gone by, stir the mixture one more time before pouring it out in the 9 oz amber salve jars. Place them in the refrigerator to chill so to avoid the butters causing the salves to crystallize later on. 

(Please note: when adding butters to salves, you will want to heat the entire recipe on the stove for 20 minutes on a low simmer then chill the finished salve in the fridge to avoid crystallization)

Any questions about any of the above information? Comment or Inbox me, or Ask. I’d love to help out any way I can! Especially when it comes to craft I love and hold so dearly.

Next time, I hope to be able to explain and share with you all, Infused Oils. I’ll also link those two posts together so its easily referenceable! Please share and reblog or like if this was helpful. Your feedback is immensely needed and appreciated!

Until Next Time! :)