Herbal Healing Salve

This is our go-to first aid salve. We use it for many things - from hydrating dry skin in the winter to healing rashes, scrapes, and burns.  

Herbal Healing Salve

Ingredients

• 1 c. coconut oil infused with your choice of herbs (options we have used include plantain, comfrey, calendula, rose, and chamomile)

• 1 c. extra virgin olive oil infused with your choice of herbs (see above for some of the healing herbs we use)

*See the DIY Infused Oils article for instructions on how to make infused oils.*

• 5 T. beeswax pellets (add a bit more if you want a firmer salve)

• Lavender essential oil

• Rosemary essential oil

• Peppermint essential oil (optional - see note below)

• Vitamin E drops (optional)

Containers

• 8 each 2 oz. jars with lids  OR

• 4 each 4 oz. jars with lids

Directions

• Put a pot of water on the stove to simmer. In a double boiler or in a glass jar set into the water, slowly melt the coconut oil, olive oil, and beeswax pellets. Stir from time to time to ensure the beeswax and oils mix well. You want it to melt slowly, so this step could take 15 minutes or so.

• While the above mixture heats, put five drops each of lavender, rosemary, and peppermint oil (and a couple of drops of vitamin E oil, if desired) into each 2 oz. jar.

• Pour the melted oils into each of the jars. Stir well.

• Cover the jars with the lids and allow to cool for 12 hours. Store in a cool, dry place.

Notes on Ingredients

Coconut oil is moisturizing for the skin and has antibacterial properties.

Olive oil has long been used to moisturize skin and to heal wounds. It is rich in vitamins and has both antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Lavender has antiseptic, antiviral, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. It is also an analgesic. 

Rosemary is antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory.

Peppermint is antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. (See cautionary notes below.)

Vitamin E is a natural preservative and is also anti-inflammatory.

Notes on Herbal Options  for Oil Infusions

Plantain is usually applied topically in a poultice,  but we have made an oil infusion before to use in this recipe. Plantain is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic.

Comfrey accelerates healing of skin and wounds.

Calendula accelerates healing. It is antimicrobial and antibacterial. 

Rose helps heal wounds. It is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral.

Chamomile is soothing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging.

CAUTION: Be sure to avoid including any oils or herbs to which you are allergic. Children can be sensitive to peppermint, so I generally leave the peppermint essential oil out if I plan to gift a jar to someone with children.