Part 1: Make Herb-Infused Oils
To make a salve, first craft your herb-infused oil(s). Depending on the method use, this can take anywhere from about a day to several weeks. Below, I detail the quicker method which takes anywhere from 5 hours to 20 hours.
You can also purchase infused herbal oils if you're short on time or wish to skip the process of infusing the oil yourself. I recommend that you only use dried herbs in your infusions because the lack of moisture (that is in fresh herbs) will severely limit any possible spoilage.
Quick Method for Heat-Infused Oils
The quick method utilizing heat is sometimes necessary when herbal oils need to be created in a shorter period of time. In this method, a lot of care needs to be taken because you do NOT want to deep-fry your herbs! Heat-infused oils can be used in both culinary and apothecary preparations, as long as both the oil and the herb(s) you choose are suitable to ingest.
Ingredients
1.25 oz Dried Calendula
1.25 oz Dried Plantain Leaf
14 oz Sweet Almond Oil
3 oz Avocado Oil
2 oz Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 oz Jojoba Oil
Note:
Ratio of dried herbs to oil should be 1:8 (weight of herbs: volume of oil). For example, in this recipe I used a total of 2.5 oz dried herbs (1.25 oz of both Calendula & Plantain Leaf) and a total of 20 oz of oils (Sweet Almond, Avocado, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, & Jojoba).
Directions
Place herbs in crock-pot, double boiler, or electric yogurt maker, and cover with the carrier oil of your choice (organic extra virgin olive oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, etc.).
Gently heat the herbs over very low heat (preferably between 100° and 140° F for up to 20 hours, if possible, or until the oil takes on the color and scent of the herb. Turn off heat and allow to cool.(Some texts recommend heating the oil 48 to 72 hours at a controlled temperature of 100° F.)
Once oil is cooled, strain using cheesecloth or any other method that separates the oil from the herbs.
Bottle in dry, sterilized glass bottles. Be sure to label your bottles with the date contents before storing. Store in a cool, dark, dry place for up to six months. Vitamin E at a concentration of up to 1% may also be added to prolong shelf life for oils to be used topically.
Part 2: Make Your Salve
Once you've created your herbal oil, there a few more steps that must be followed to achieve your finished salve! Below, I've detailed a basic or "naked salve recipe", along with 4 other salves that can be used for medicinal purposes, as a lip balm, skin moisturizing, or even to just smell great!
Ingredients:
(Note: The ratio of Beeswax to Herb-Infused Oil should be 1:4)
2 oz Beeswax
8 oz Herb-Infused Oil
5 drops of Vitamin E Oil
Essential Oils of your choice (optional)
*I prefer Plant Therapy Organic essential oils.
2 oz Glass Jars
Directions:
If beeswax came in a bar, then wrap it in an old towel and on a sturdy surface, use a hammer to break up into small chunks. Place beeswax in a double boiler and gently warm over low heat until the beeswax melts.
Add the herb-infused oil gently and continue to stir over low heat until all the liquid is fully melted and well-mixed. If you see the herb-infused oil coagulate when poured in, don't worry. Just continue to stir until all the contents are fully melted.
When its completely melted turn the stove off and set up the tins glass jars, or lip balm types you're going to use.
If using small glass jars, place the essential oils into the jars first, add the liquid with a small metal ladle, and then stir the contents with a bamboo straw. (Note: To keep the liquid from cooling off on the ladle, place the ladle in another pot of water that is on medium heat).
If you're going to label each jar, place them onto the top and sides of the jars after the liquid has cooled to prevent any damage to them from spillage.
5 Salve Recipes:
Naked Salve:
Calendula & Plantain leaf infused oil
5 drops Vitamin E.
Headache Blend:
Calendula & Plantain leaf infused oil
20 drops Peppermint essential oil
20 drops Lavender essential oil
5 drops Frankincense essential oil
5 drops Cypress essential oil
5 drops of Vitamin E
Sleep Blend:
Calendula & Plantain leaf infused oil
20 drops Cinnamon essential oil
20 drops Sweet Orange essential oil
10 drops Peppermint essential oil
6 drops Grapefruit essential oil
6 drops Lemon Essential oil
5 drops of Vitamin E
Kyle's Blend:
Calendula & Plantain leaf infused oil
10 drops Lavender essential oil
10 drops Bergamot essential oil
10 drops Cedarwood essential oil
5 drops Geranium essential oil
5 drops Juniper Berry Essential oil
5 drops of Vitamin E
Sweet & Woody Blend:
Calendula & Plantain leaf infused oil
15 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil
5 drops Palo Santo essential oil
5 drops Marjoram essential oil
5 drops Blue Tansy essential oil
5 drops of Vitamin E
Make sure to store in a cool location for 1 to 3 years. Enjoy!!!
One more thing...
If you are not satisfied with the consistency of your salves, it can be easily adjusted to suite your needs. Use a little less beeswax for a softer salve and more beeswax if you'd like a firmer salve. Before you pour it into a tin, glass jar, or lip balm tube, you can test the consistency by placing a spoon in the freezer and pouring some of the salve onto the cold spoon and placing back into the freezer for 1 to 2 minutes. This will simulate what the final consistency will be like. This will simulate what the final consistency will be like. Once its fully cooled, you can make any adjustments that are necessary, such as adding more oil for a softer salve or more beeswax for a firmer salve.