What is a salve?
A salve is a soothing natural remedy made up of herbal oil and wax used to deliver plant medicine to the skin. Rub an herbal salve on skin irritations, eczema, dry skin, minor cuts, bruises or diaper rash, the use of this skin soothing remedy is endless.
What is the difference between a salve and a balm?
This question is debatable, as some will use these terms interchangeably or have differing opinions but typically, a salve is softer in texture and traditionally made up of just oil and beeswax. A balm is firmer, contains more wax and may include added butters, oils and other additives at higher concentrations to deliver healing properties for acute areas on the body. Think of a soft salve that glides over a large area of the skin, penetrating delivering moisture and healing properties. A balm can be placed over an area - say, over a strained muscle, or a bug bite, in need of localized, soothing relief. Balms are better at sealing in moisture and creating a barrier against environmental irritants.
Here is what you'll need to make a basic salve:
Ingredients:
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2 oz herb infused oil* (or plain oil such as olive oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil)
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1/2 oz beeswax
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5-10 drops essential oil(s) (optional)
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1/2 tsp vitamin E oil (optional)
*Enhance this recipe by using herb infused oil - lavender and chamomile for soothing, calendula and chickweed for gentle skin healing, arnica and comfrey for pain relief, the options are endless!
Method:
Melt beeswax in a double boiler. Add infused herbal oil, stir to combine until all has melted and remove from heat. Add essential oil or vitamin e oil at this time. Mix thoroughly. Quickly pour or ladle the mixture into heat-safe containers while still liquid. If wax begins to harden, scoop back into the double boiler to warm back up. Let the salve fully cool and harden before applying lid. Store in a cool, dark, dry spot and use within one year.
This recipe is simple and flexible. Prefer a softer consistency? Add more oil, prefer a harder consistency? Add more beeswax.