Making salves is easy. Depending on the essential oils or herbs added, salves can be used topically for a variety of purposes. These include: dry lips, chapped feet, tight muscles, and to help with various skin types of issues. Start with the basic recipe listed below. Add more beeswax to make it harder, or less beeswax to make it softer. Also listed below are several specific salve recipes to try.
Basic Salve Recipe
- 1/2 cup of oil (jojoba, coconut, sweet almond, etc.)
- About 1 Tbsp of beeswax
- About 1 Tbsp of mango or cocoa butter
- 60 drops (about 3 mL) of essential oil OR 1 Tbsp of herb infused oil (optional) OR 30 drops of essential oil and 1/2 Tbsp of herb infused oil
- 1/4 tsp of Vitamin E oil (optional)
Basic Salve Instructions
In a double boiler, add all ingredients except the essential oil / herb oil. Melt everything down at a low heat, remove from heat, then add the essential oil or herb oil. Immediately pour into glass or metal jars. Allow to cool / harden and then cover. Label the date and quantity of each ingredient on the jar. Salves should last as long as the expiration date of the ingredients used as long as cross contamination and exposure to oxygen does not occur.
Review possible contra-indications of essential oils or herbs added to a salve before use.
Basic Salve Recipe Flyer
Here are some excellent salve recipes using herbs and essential oils.
By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, RA (ARC), NAHA and AIA Professional Member, LMT
9/17/18
