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How Do You Make Herbal Infused Salve?

Herbal Infused Salve Recipe

Salve making is one of the most rewarding skills that you can learn. The ingredients that you can put in a salve are limitless, and they make excellent gifts. All you need is an infused oil (check out our infused oil how-to articles to learn how to make infused oils with heat or how to make infused oils without heat), beeswax, a jar, and (optional) essential oils. If you’ve never made a salve before don’t be afraid! Check out our post all about troubleshooting the most common problems you might encounter when making salves at home.

To make a sore muscle salve we suggest infusing our Tissue Healing Tea or comfrey root in oil for a base and adding (optional) sweet birch essential oil at the end. For skin irritation and fungal issues, calendula infused oil is an excellent gentle option.

How Much Salve Should I Make?

The amount of salve that you make will depend on how much oil and beeswax you use. In general, you will use about 10% beeswax and 90% liquid oil. These measurements are flexible, but this could mean using 1 tbsp beeswax and 9 tbsp of infused oil, or 1-ounce beeswax and 9 oz infused oil.

How Do I Make A Salve?

Before you begin, it’s a good idea to have a few extra jars on hand in case you end up with more salve than you were expecting.

To make a salve, follow these easy steps:

  1. Start off by cleaning your jars, either in the dishwasher or by boiling them for a few minutes. Once they are fully dry, set them aside. 

  2. In a double boiler over low heat, melt your beeswax.

  3. Once the beeswax is fully melted, slowly and gradually stir in your herbal infused oil, allowing it to warm only slightly.

  4. Once your beeswax and infused oil are fully and evenly combined, remove from heat.

  5. (Optional) If you are using essential oils, slowly and evenly stir them in.

  6. Pour your infused oil and beeswax mixture into the individual jars you have prepared. Leave uncovered and allow to cool overnight before sealing the jars with their lids.

Important Note On Cooling Your Salve

You may want to gently rest a paper towel or clean cloth over the top of the open salves to help slow down the cooling process. If your oil became too hot when you were warming it, the salve may cool too quickly and with an uneven texture at the top. This doesn’t change the efficacy of the salve, but the smooth surface makes your salve look especially nice if you plan to give it as a gift.

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