Calendula flowers for an herbal healing salve

the wild apothecary

All-Purpose Herbal Healing Salve

Soothing • Calming • Family-Friendly

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YieldAbout 1 cup (several 2 oz tins)

Time6 weeks to infuse (or 48 hrs quick method), then about 20 min

UseCuts, scrapes, itchy bug bites, chapped lips, dry knuckles

ToolsPint mason jar, cheesecloth or fine strainer, double boiler, tins or jars (slow cooker for the quick method)

TextureFirm, smooth salve

StorageCool, dry place away from direct sunlight with the lid tightly closed. Lasts 2–3 years. Keep water out of the jar and scoop with clean, dry fingers.

About This Recipe

This is our family's everyday healing salve, perfect for cuts, scrapes, itchy bug bites, chapped lips, dry knuckles and more. It's full of skin-soothing herbs like calendula, plantain and lavender, and gentle enough for the whole family.

From my herbal guides The Art of Herbal Infusion Make your own herbal oils, then turn one jar into face oil, cream, scrub and body butter.

Make your own herbal infused oils
Turn one jar into face oil, cream, scrub & body butter
Step-by-step PDF guide

$19 See inside →

Ingredients

1 cup herb-infused olive oil (see Notes)
1 oz beeswax pastilles
1 tbsp jojoba oil
½ tbsp vitamin E oil
20 drops lavender essential oil
20 drops tea tree essential oil

Directions

Have your tins or jars ready before you start; the beeswax sets quickly.
In a double boiler, combine the herbal oil and beeswax and heat gently until fully melted.
Remove from the heat and stir in the jojoba oil, vitamin E and essential oils.
Quickly pour into clean tins or jars while still liquid.
Label with the ingredients and the date.

To Use

Apply a small amount to clean skin as needed.
Use on cuts, scrapes, itchy bug bites, chapped lips and dry knuckles.

Notes

Make the herbal oil first: ¼ cup calendula, ¼ cup plantain, ⅛ cup lavender, ⅛ cup echinacea and olive oil to cover (about 1½ cups).
Slow method: place the herbs in a clean pint mason jar, fill to the top with olive oil so the herbs are fully submerged, seal and infuse in a warm, dark place for 6 weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain through cheesecloth or a fine strainer.
Quick method: place the jar in a slow cooker filled with water halfway up the jar and warm on low for 48 hours, watching the temperature so the herbs don't overheat. Strain into a clean, tightly lidded jar.
Store extra infused oil in a cool, dark place for up to a year and use it in other herbal body care recipes.
This salve is perfect to keep in your car, diaper bag or backpack.

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