BrittLeaPunch

Making a handmade salve at home is a simple and satisfying way to create a natural remedy for cuts, dry skin, or general skin irritation. You can customize it with your favorite herbs for an extra boost of healing properties. Here’s how to make a versatile, all-purpose salve.

Step 1: Choose Your Healing Herbs

• Pick herbs with soothing and healing properties. Some popular options include:
  
  • Calendula: Known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing benefits.

* Comfrey: Promotes wound healing and cell regeneration.

* Plantain: Known for reducing irritation and soothing bug bites.

* Lavender: Has calming and antiseptic properties.

• You can use dried herbs from the garden or purchase dried herbs from a reputable supplier.

Step 2: Create an Herb-Infused Oil

• Measure 1 cup of dried herbs and add them to a clean, dry glass jar.
• Pour in 1 cup of carrier oil (like olive oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil) to cover the herbs completely.
• Infuse the oil by letting it sit in a warm, sunny spot for 2–4 weeks, shaking the jar daily to encourage extraction. For a quicker method, gently heat the oil and herbs in a double boiler on low for 1–2 hours.
• Once infused, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove the herbs, pressing gently to get every bit of oil.

Step 3: Prepare the Salve Base

• Measure 1 cup of your infused oil and pour it into a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water.
• Add ¼ cup of beeswax and heat gently, stirring occasionally until it melts and combines with the oil.

• Optional: Add 10–20 drops of essential oil like tea tree (for its antiseptic properties) or lavender (for its soothing aroma) for extra benefits.

Step 4: Pour and Cool

• Pour the hot mixture into clean, sterilized containers like small tins or glass jars.
• Let the salve cool and solidify completely at room temperature for about an hour. As it cools, the salve will thicken into a smooth, spreadable balm.

Step 5: Label and Store

• Label your containers with the ingredients and date made, then store them in a cool, dry place. Your homemade salve should last up to a year when kept in a cool location.

Using Your Handmade Salve

• Apply the salve to cuts, scrapes, insect bites, dry skin, or chapped lips for soothing relief.
• Use it as a hand or foot balm to lock in moisture or even as a cuticle balm.

Customizing Your Salve

• Feel free to blend multiple herbs to tailor the salve to your specific needs, like adding arnica for sore muscles or chamomile for sensitive skin.
• For a vegan option, replace beeswax with carnauba wax, adjusting the amount to achieve the desired texture.

Making a homemade salve is an easy and satisfying project, and it’s wonderful to have a natural, versatile remedy on hand whenever you need it. Enjoy the process and the nourishing benefits!