Making your own healing salve is easier than you may think. A little goes a long way, so you can make small batches and store them in various locations for easy access. I keep one in the kitchen junk drawer (you know you have one too), one in the bathroom with the bandages and such, and one with our camping gear. You use it just like you would any anti-bacterial cream from the store!
I have links to several products for you to check out. These are not affiliate links! I want to show you the options and typical pricing available.
Why bother
Unlike some products, anti-bacterial cremes aren’t quite as full of crazy. However, you can never be sure where things are sourced. If they’re lab-made chemicals, then what in the world did they make them with? If you make your own, you can be sure of exactly where every ingredient came from.
If you are making an herbal variety, you can control it from seed to pot! You can feel good about putting this on a cut or rash on your kiddo, knowing that nothing toxic is going straight into their bloodstream! Every little bit helps bring you peace of mind. It’s a small change, but it’s a change!
Ingredients to make salve & Why you need them
Herbs, roots, flowers = Active ingredients
This is your healing property. Rather, it’s the anti-inflammatory effects of rosemary or the anti-fungal you can get from neem, and this is where your healing comes in. I love combining herbs and flowers to make the most out of a salve.
The Salve in the photos above is made with calendula and oregano! Together, you are getting anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, AND antimicrobial. From. Two. Plants. Man. Nature is really the best.
This one was made with infused olive oil.
If you don’t grow your own herbs, you can try the local grocery store. You may be surprised by what is on offer. Also, search for herbs and healing near you. Maybe try natural stores, etc. There may be a gem in your area that sells a wide range of dried herbs!
Here is a link on making your own infused oil!
Oil as a Base for the Salve
This can come in the form of an infused oil, as seen in this article. However, if you choose to go with essential oils, they can be added to a carrier oil of your choice. There are many options: oil, Avocado, Jojoba, and Coconut. I tend to use olive oil, coconut oil, and jojoba for most things because they have healing properties of their own.
Wax of Choice
This is to solidify the sale without it hardening completely. The most common choice is beeswax, which I use. If you’re not comfortable with that, some alternatives are soy wax, sunflower wax, and carnauba wax. I have never used any of these options, so I can’t tell you which is better.
All of these are available on Amazon, but beeswax can also be purchased at some farmers’ markets, local co-ops, and farms!
Bees Wax Soy Wax Carnauba Wax Sunflower Wax
What you need
-Infused or Carrier oil
-Essential oil (if using)
-Wax
-Double Boiler or pot and bowl
-Small tins or some storage containers
Here are the tins I use. I think the size is perfect.
Process
Here is a link to my general article on making salves. This goes into much more detail.
However, here are the basics.
- Melt Wax
Melt your chosen wax in a double boiler or a bowl over a pot.
2. Add other oils, whether essential oils, carrier oils, etc.
Turn off the heat and add all other oils and ingredients.
3. Mix & melt well
Mix well. Make sure everything is smooth and completely melted.
4. Pour and let cool
Pour into chosen container(s) and let it cool.
**Do not put a lid on, as this will cause condensation and water is the enemy of salves!
The first thing to keep in mind is the oil-to-wax ratio. Which is a 4-to-1 ratio. As in, four parts oil & 1 part wax. It’s best to use a kitchen scale for this. Here is a cost-effective one, like mine:
Here is a super affordable kitchen scale.
To measure the oil, just zero out the scale with a shot glass, then add your oil.
Conclusion
Making your own healing salves is easier than you may think. The hardest part, honestly, is deciding which herbs to start with. Use what you have in the garden or what your local store offers in fresh herbs, preferably organic.
Do some research on what herbs and plants have the healing properties you need, and you’ll be surprised at the common flowers and herbs that can be used!
Until Later!
PJtxGirl
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