How to Make Homemade Salve

Salves have been used to heal, soothe and protect skin for years. Herb-based salves moisturize and soothe dry, irritated skin. Salves are thicker than lotions and creams, and a little bit tends to go a long way. Salves are available in stores, but you can also make your own, using herbs grown in your garden to customize the salve to your personal needs.

Things You'll Need

• Glass jar
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup fresh herbs
• Saucepan
• 3 tablespoons beeswax
• Wooden spoon
• 1 tablespoon vitamin E oil
• Jar with lid

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Instructions

• 1

  Infused oils are used for skin care and cooking.

  Pour 1 cup olive oil into a glass jar. Add 1/3 cup fresh herbs. Use the herbs of your choice to make your salve, such as chamomile to calm and soothe dry skin.

• 2

  Allow the oil and herbs to sit in the closed glass jar for two weeks. This allows the herbs to infuse the oil with their fragrance. Remove and discard the herbs after two weeks.

• 3

  Melt 3 tablespoons of beeswax in a saucepan. Add the infused oil and allow it to heat until warm. Remove the saucepan from the heat.

• 4

  Stir 1 tablespoon vitamin E oil into the infused oil and beeswax mixture to preserve the mixture. Pour the salve mixture into a jar with a lid. As the salve cools it will solidify to the consistency of petroleum jelly.