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Homemade Herbal Salves: A Natural Way to Heal and Soothe Your Skin
Homemade herbal salves are a great way to take care of your skin naturally. They’re easy to make, and you can customize them to your own needs.
Benefits of Homemade Herbal Salves
- Control over the ingredients
- Made with natural and organic ingredients
- Can be tailored to specific skin concerns
- Can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including dry skin, chapped lips, rashes, sunburn, scrapes, cuts, and eczema
Herbs for Homemade Salves
The best herbs for homemade salves are those that have healing properties or aroma therapeutic benefits. Some good options include:
- Arnica: Reduces inflammation and pain
- Calendula: Soothes and heals skin irritations
- Coltsfoot: Treats respiratory problems and skin conditions
- Comfrey: Promotes cell growth and healing
- Echinacea: Boosts the immune system and fights infection
- Elder flower: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
- German chamomile: Calming and soothing
- Goldenseal: Antibacterial and antifungal properties
- Horsetail: Rich in silica, which is essential for healthy skin
- Lavender: Relaxing and calming
- Lemon balm: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
- Marshmallow root: Soothes and protects skin
- Mullein: Expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Plantain leaf: Heals wounds and reduces inflammation
- Roses: Anti-aging and antioxidant properties
- St. John’s wort: Antidepressant and antibacterial properties
- Yarrow: Anti-inflammatory and astringent properties
How to Make Herbal Salves
Step 1: Make Infused Oil
- Fill a glass jar with your chosen herbs.
- Cover the herbs with your chosen oil, leaving an inch of room at the top.
- Stir, seal with a lid, and place in the sun for at least 3-4 weeks.
- Tip the jar each day to mix the oil.
- Strain the oil through cheesecloth.
Step 2: Make Herbal Salve
- Melt beeswax or carnauba wax in a double boiler.
- Remove from heat and add the infused oil.
- Add essential oils, if desired.
- Pour the mixture into tins, glass jars, or lip balm tubes.
- Allow to cool completely.
Herbal Salve Recipes
Basic Herbal Salve Recipe
- 1 ounce beeswax or carnauba wax
- 4 ounces infused oil
- 10-20 drops of essential oil (optional)
Multiple Essential Oils Herbal Salve Recipe
- ¾ cup beeswax or carnauba wax
- 2 cups lemon balm oil
- 1 cup calendula infused oil
- 2 drops of lavender essential oil (optional)
Tips for Using Homemade Herbal Salves
- Store homemade herbal salves in a cool, dark place.
- They will keep for 1-3 years.
- Apply homemade herbal salves to the affected area as needed.
- If you experience any irritation, discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
Homemade herbal salves are a safe and effective way to treat a variety of skin conditions. They’re easy to make, and you can customize them to your own needs. So why not give them a try? Your skin will thank you for it!
