Whether you’re a seasoned herbalist or just starting your journey into natural remedies, making herbal salves is a valuable skill to have. In this guide, we’ll explore why you’d want to make a salve, what they can be used for, and the best herbs for creating your own herbal salves.
Why Make an Herbal Salve?
Natural Healing
Herbal salves are a natural alternative to conventional topical treatments. They harness the power of herbs, providing relief without the synthetic chemicals found in many over-the-counter products.
Cost-Effective
Making your own herbal salves can save you money. With a few simple ingredients and some basic equipment, you can create high-quality, effective salves at a fraction of the cost of store-bought versions.
Customizable
When you make your own salves, you have complete control over the ingredients. This allows you to tailor your salves to your specific needs and preferences, whether you need something soothing, antiseptic, or moisturizing.
Uses for Herbal Salves
Herbal salves can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Soothing Burns and Sunburns: Aloe vera and calendula are excellent herbs for this purpose.
- Relieving Muscle and Joint Pain: Arnica and cayenne are known for their pain-relieving properties.
- Healing Cuts and Scrapes: Comfrey and plantain can speed up the healing process.
- Moisturizing Dry Skin: Lavender and chamomile are great for making a soothing, moisturizing salve.
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Best Herbs for Herbal Salves
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and healing properties. It’s ideal for treating minor cuts, scrapes, burns, and rashes.
Plantain (Plantago major)
Plantain leaves are rich in allantoin, which promotes cell growth and repair. They are excellent for healing wounds, bites, and stings.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Comfrey is another herb high in allantoin, making it great for healing tissues. It’s often used in salves for sprains, strains, and bruises.
Arnica (Arnica montana)
Arnica is famous for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It’s commonly used in salves for sore muscles, sprains, and bruises.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. It’s perfect for calming irritated skin and minor burns.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow is known for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent properties. It’s excellent for treating cuts, scrapes, and wounds, helping to stop bleeding and promote healing.
How to Make an Herbal Salve
Ingredients
- Dried Herbs: Choose herbs based on your desired salve’s purpose.
- Carrier Oil: Olive oil, avocado oil, or jojoba oil are excellent choices.
- Beeswax: Helps solidify the salve.
Equipment
- Double boiler or a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water
- Cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer
- Glass jars or tins for storage
Instructions
1. Infuse the Oil
- Prepare the Herbs: Most oils are made using dried herbs. If using fresh herbs, wilt them for 12-24 hours to reduce moisture content. Using a mortar and pestle, food processor or high powered blender, add your herbs and grind them into a powder (for dried herbs). This breaks down cell walls and exposes the most surface area to your menstruum as possible (the menstruum is what you are soaking your oils in. So alcohol, glycerine or oil).
- Combine Herbs and Oil: Place the herbs in a clean, dry jar and cover them with your chosen carrier oil. Use about 1 cup of oil for every 1/2 cup of dried herbs. I just fill the jar up halfway with herbs and then fill the jar completely to the top with oil.
- Infuse: There are two methods to infuse your oil:
- Long Infusion: Place the jar in a spot where you will see it for 4-6 weeks, shaking it daily.
- Heat Infusion: Use a crock pot filled half way up the jar with water or a dehydrator to gently heat the oil and herbs for 2-3 days, ensuring the oil doesn’t get too hot and fry the herbs. You’ll want to keep the temperature of the water in the crockpot or dehydrator at about 105-110 degrees Fahrenheit (41-43*C). A yogurt maker should also work, if that is what you have. I find that the crock pot method is fussy. It is hard to keep the temperature just right, but it is doable.
2. Strain the Oil
After infusing, strain the oil through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to remove the herb material. Squeeze the herbs to get as much oil out as possible.
3. Create the Salve
- Melt the Beeswax: In a double boiler, combine the infused oil with beeswax. Use about 1 ounce of beeswax per 1 cup of infused oil. Adjust the ratio for a harder or softer salve.
- Add Essential Oils: If using, add a few drops of essential oils once the beeswax is melted. We do not use essential oils in our house, but you may if that is what you desire.
- Pour into Containers: Carefully pour the mixture into your glass jars or tins. Allow them to cool and solidify.
Storage
Store your herbal salves in a cool, dark place. They typically have a shelf life of 6-12 months. Label your containers with the date and ingredients to keep track of their freshness.
Putting it all together
Making herbal salves is a rewarding and practical skill that can enhance your herbal medicine cabinet. By choosing the right herbs and following these simple steps, you can create effective, natural remedies tailored to your needs. Whether you’re soothing a burn, relieving muscle pain, or moisturizing dry skin, herbal salves are a versatile addition to any home.
Remember to share your creations and experiences with the Herban Farmstead community. We’d love to see your herbal salves in action! Tag us on Instagram @herbanfarmstead and let us know how you’re incorporating these natural remedies into your daily life.
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