Herbal Salves and Ointments
Salves and ointments are basically the same product, just known by the different names. Herbal infused oils are used to make salves and carry the healing qualities.
Beeswax is used to transform the infused oil into the firm consistency required to create a protective, soothing salve.
Making the Infused Oil
Infused oils are made using olive or grapeseed oil for their healing qualities. Look for carrier oils which are virgin, unrefined, organic and cold pressed. Please avoid mineral oil. Mineral oil is a petroleum based product and not a carrier oil.
To make infused oil, fill a sterilized and dry glass jar half full with dried herbs. (The jar and herbs must be completely dry or you will risk mold growing on your oil.) If you prefer to use fresh herbs, wilt them first by placing them in a shady spot for at least 12 hours. Add enough oil so that the herbs are completely submerged. Then add more oil until the oil covers the herb by at least an inch. Cover with a tight fitting lid.
Place the jar in a warm, sunny location for 4-6 weeks, gently shaking the jar every few days to inhibit settling of the herbs. This method of slowly infusing herbal oils is the one most typically used by traditional or folk herbalists. Some herbalists will shake the jar more often, and some not at all. Shaking the jar allows you to set the oils intention and infuse the oil with your own personal energy, which to me is a very important part of making herbal remedies.
After the herbs have infused, strain the oil through cheesecloth, squeezing out as much oil as you can get and then compost the herbs.
Infused oils can also be made quickly using the double boiler method. Place herbs and oils in the double boiler and simmer over low heat for 30 to 60 minutes. Make sure the herbs are completely covered by the oil. Check the oil periodically to make sure it is not overheating. Let cool, strain and pour the oil into a glass bottle or jar.
Making the Salve
For each cup of herbal infused oil you are using, add 1/4 cup beeswax. Place the infused oil and beeswax in a double boiler, and heat until the beeswax is completely melted. You can easily check the consistency of your final product by placing a tablespoon of salve in the freezer for 1 minute. If your salve is too hard simply add a small amount of infused oil. If the consistency is too soft add more beeswax.
Remove from heat and pour into small sterilized glass jars, or tins if you prefer. Label jars or tins with herb name, the carrier oil you originally used for the infused oil, beeswax and date your salve was made. This salve will last for several months if stored properly in a cool dark place.
