How to Make Salves

This is the recipe I learned with years ago. Have fun experimenting! I did!!

Wide Mouth Jar
paper towels
approximately 1 ounce of dried herbs (preferably ground/powdered-more medicine stays in the salve)
1/2 ounce of Beeswax (pellets or shaved from block)
1 cup olive oil
3 Vitamin E capsules 400 i.u.
Cheesecloth to strain (Walmarts with sewing/fabric sections, craft shops or sew shops)
Crockpot
Container to store in. Small glass or plastic jar that will keep light out.

Makes approximately 5 ounces of finished salve.

Place oil first and then herbs in jar. Shake well to mix. Then add beeswax. Each crockpot varies in temperature, so rather than give times that will only confuse everyone, I am telling you to keep an eye on it. When everything is well melted, shake well to mix again. Do not overheat..this will kill medicinal properties in the herbs. While it is still warm, strain. Remember, the more you strain out, the more medicine you lose. I tend to use a very coarse strainer and leave a lot of herb in which is why my salves have such a high healing rate. The stuff I use for my family has a gritty texture and is very dark in color, but it works incredibly well!! Add Vitamin E which helps preserve the salve. Pour into storage container(s). LABEL!

If you prefer salve firmer, add more beeswax. Softer, add more oil.

Although this will get a few purists worked up into a tizzy :-), you can use petroleum jelly to make quick salves when you do not have the oil or beeswax on hand. I learned this from a very experienced, very successful herbalist. Our family has no skin problems or allergies from petroleum jelly and have learned it has been used as medicine as far back as Ancient Egypt. My husband prefers the texture of the petroleum jelly. It tends not to be as runny. Today, many people have issues and concerns with petroleum products, so go with your own preferences. Handy info when in a pinch, no matter which you prefer.

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