Salves, also known as ointments, are a semi-sold herbal preparation that softens when applied to the skin. This is a great way to topically apply a concentration of herbs to a specific area of the body. The base for salves is usually plant or animal fats. The oil enhances the absorption and delivers the Earth Medicine through the skin.

Just as we covered in the Lesson on Herbal Oils, salves are another way to invite herbs into your daily medicine chest.

You can also consider adding essential oils to salve preparations when formulating a Chest Rub or Muscle Rub (You will find recipes in the downloadable Recipe section).

What you will need

Ingredients + Materials:

Measuring cup

Scale

Cooking pot

Beeswax (shaved or pellets work best)

Herbal Oil infusion (must be strained and completed)

Salve jars to fill

Labels

The Process

 1. Measure 1 cup of infused herbal oil

 2. Measure 1oz of beeswax.

3. Add ingredients to the cooking pot and keep on low. Stir oil and beeswax.

4. Continue to stir until the herbal infused oil and beeswax have completely melted.

5. Turn heat off.

6. Test consistency if necessary (see directions below for testing consistency)

7. If you wish to add essential oils, you may add to salve jars before filling with salve. Generally, 10-15 drops of Essential oil per oz. for a strong aromatherapy benefit.

8. Carefully pour into clean empty salve jars.

9. Allow to cool before applying the lid and label.

This is the most basic salve recipe. If you would like to play around with adding other ingredients, such as; shea butter, cocoa butter, camphor crystals, ect. I suggest testing the consistency of the melted

salve ingredients before bottling to make sure you have the consistency you prefer. If you live in a hot tropical climate, you may consider adding more beeswax to your overall recipe. Likewise, if you live in a very cold climate, you may consider adding more infused herbal oil to your overall recipe.

Put your own unique labeling and packaging flair on the finished product. Remember your creations are an expression of you. Don't be afraid to experiment and listen to the Kitchen Witch in your Heart that wants to Create !!!

This is an example of adding a personal touch to your finished salve. This salve has a fresh cedar tip placed on top. These "chest rubs" were gifted during the holidays!

Testing Consistency

1. Once the infused oil, beeswax, and any other ingredients you are crafting with have completely melted, turn the heat off to prevent burning the oil.

2. Remove the mixture from the heat and dip a metal spoon into the warm mixture.

3. Place the spoon in the freezer or refrigerator, so that the salve sample will cool quickly.

4. When cool, the salve will have hardened on the spoon, allowing you to test the firmness and consistency of the salve. If the consistency is to your liking, then you are ready to bottle. If the consistency isn’t quite what you wanted, add the mixture back to the melting pot and add more oil, beeswax, or nut butter depending on the consistency you are searching for.

5. You can repeat the spoon test as often as needed until you are happy with your creation.