Herbal Education 101: How to Make Basic Oils and Salves

Welcome to Herbal Education 101! Today, we’ll cover the basics of making herbal oils and salves, which are fantastic for creating your own natural, soothing remedies at home. These simple, effective preparations are easy to make and can be customized to suit your needs. We’ll guide you through making a basic herbal oil and then turning that oil into a versatile first aid salve safe for kids.

Understanding Herbal Oils and Salves

Herbal oils are made by infusing dried herbs into a carrier oil, extracting the beneficial properties of the herbs into the oil. These oils can be used directly on the skin or as a base for creating salves, creams, and other herbal products.

Salves are thicker, ointment-like preparations that combine herbal oils with a solidifying agent, such as beeswax, to create a soothing, protective layer on the skin. They’re perfect for cuts, scrapes, and minor skin irritations.

Basic Herbal Oil Recipe

To get started, you’ll need:

Dried Herbs: For our first aid salve, use equal parts comfrey, calendula, rose, chamomile, and yarrow. These herbs are known for their skin-soothing, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties, making them great for a gentle, all-purpose first aid salve.
Carrier Oil: Olive oil is a great choice for its skin-nourishing properties and accessibility, but you can also use other oils like almond or sunflower.
Vitamin E: Acts as a natural preservative, extending the shelf life of your oil.

Steps to Make the Oil:

Prepare the Herbs: Measure equal parts of each dried herb. For a small batch, start with about 1/4 cup of each.
Combine with Oil: Place the herbs in a clean, dry jar and cover with your chosen carrier oil. Ensure the herbs are completely submerged to prevent mold growth.
Infuse the Oil: There are a couple of methods to infuse your oil:
- Solar Infusion: Place the jar in a sunny spot and let it infuse for 4-6 weeks, shaking it gently every day to help the process.
- Quick Method: Gently heat the jar in a double boiler or a slow cooker on low for 2-4 hours, making sure the oil doesn’t get too hot (ideally under 100°F or 38°C).
Strain the Oil: After infusing, strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the herbs. Add a few drops of vitamin E oil to preserve.
Store: Pour the finished oil into a clean glass jar or bottle and store it in a cool, dark place.

Basic Herbal Salve Recipe

Now that you have your infused oil, let’s turn it into a salve! You’ll need:

Infused Herbal Oil: Use the oil you just made.
Beeswax: Use one part beeswax to four parts oil. Beeswax helps solidify the salve and adds a protective barrier on the skin.

Steps to Make the Salve:

Melt the Beeswax: In a double boiler, gently melt the beeswax. Make sure you use sustainable beeswax—sourcing from ethical beekeepers helps protect bee populations and their vital role in the ecosystem.
Add the Oil: Once the beeswax is melted, slowly add your infused oil, stirring continuously until fully combined.
Pour into Containers: Carefully pour the mixture into clean tins or jars. Let it cool and solidify completely before covering.
Label and Store: Label your salve with the ingredients and the date made. Store in a cool, dry place.

Why Sustainable Beeswax Matters

Using sustainable beeswax is essential for supporting healthy bee populations and ecosystems. Bees are crucial pollinators, and choosing ethically sourced beeswax ensures that bee habitats are protected and that the bees are not harmed in the process of wax collection.

Using Your First Aid Salve

This gentle, kid-safe salve is perfect for minor cuts, scrapes, and skin irritations. It’s free from essential oils, which can be too strong for young children or sensitive skin, making it an excellent all-purpose remedy for the whole family.

Enjoy crafting your own herbal remedies and feel confident knowing exactly what’s in your products. Happy salve making!

Herbal Education 101: How to Make Basic Oils and Salves