DIY Herbal Salves and Balms: Natural Skin Care from Your Kitchen

Long before commercial skincare lined pharmacy shelves, people crafted their own healing salves from herbs and beeswax. These simple preparations combine herb-infused oils with beeswax to create semi-solid balms that protect, moisturize, and deliver beneficial plant compounds directly to the skin. Making your own herbal salves connects you to this ancient tradition while giving you complete control over ingredients—no mysterious chemicals, synthetic fragrances, or petroleum derivatives.

Understanding Salves vs. Balms vs. Ointments

These terms are often used interchangeably, but slight differences exist:

Salves: Herb-infused oils thickened with beeswax. Semi-solid consistency that melts on contact with skin.

Balms: Similar to salves but often include butters (shea, cocoa) for extra richness and hardness.

Ointments: Can refer to any semi-solid topical preparation. In herbalism, often synonymous with salve.

For practical purposes, the terms overlap significantly. What matters is understanding the basic formula: infused oil + wax = salve. Soothes irritated skin, supports wound healing, gentle enough for sensitive skin. Excellent first salve herb.

Plantain: (The common lawn weed, not the banana.) Drawing herb for splinters, bug bites, and stings. Anti-itch properties.

Comfrey: Contains allantoin, which encourages cell regeneration. Traditional use for bruises, strains, and skin healing. Use only on clean wounds (may seal in infection).

Lavender: Calming, anti-inflammatory, pleasant scent. Good for everyday skin care and minor irritations.

Yarrow: Stops bleeding, antiseptic properties. Traditional first-aid herb.

Chamomile: Soothing and gentle. Excellent for sensitive or inflamed skin.

Step 1: Making Infused Oil

Before making salve, you need herb-infused oil. Two methods work well:

Slow Infusion Method (Traditional)

Fill a clean, dry jar 1/2 to 2/3 with dried herbs. Cover completely with carrier oil, leaving 1 inch headspace. Cap tightly and place in warm, sunny window. Shake daily for 4-6 weeks. Strain through cheesecloth, squeezing to extract all oil.

Quick Infusion Method

Combine dried herbs and oil in a double boiler or slow cooker. Heat on lowest setting for 4-8 hours (never let oil simmer or smoke). Strain through cheesecloth. Ready immediately.

Important: Use only completely dried herbs—any moisture introduces bacteria and mold. Fresh herbs require different techniques.

Step 2: Basic Salve Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup herb-infused oil
• 1 ounce beeswax (about 2 tablespoons pellets)
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• Optional: 20-30 drops essential oil

Instructions

Step 1: Set up a double boiler (or place heat-safe jar in pot of simmering water). Add infused oil and beeswax.

Step 2: Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until beeswax completely melts into oil.

Step 3: Test consistency: dip a spoon, let cool 1 minute, then test firmness. Too soft? Add more wax. Too hard? Add more oil.

Step 4: Remove from heat. If using, stir in vitamin E and essential oils.

Step 5: Pour immediately into clean, dry containers. Salve sets as it cools—work quickly.

Step 6: Let cool completely (1-2 hours) before capping. Label with ingredients and date.

Adjusting Consistency

Climate affects firmness—salves that seem perfect in winter may soften in summer. Adjust ratios accordingly.

Healing Salve Recipe Ideas

All-Purpose Healing Salve: Calendula and plantain infused oil with lavender essential oil. Good for cuts, scrapes, dry skin, and general first aid.

Muscle Relief Balm: Arnica and comfrey infused oil with peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils. For sore muscles and minor strains.

Chest Rub: Eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary essential oils in plain olive oil base. Apply to chest and back for respiratory support.

Lip Balm: Calendula infused oil with extra beeswax (3:1 ratio). Add honey or a drop of peppermint for flavor.

"You need: 8 oz of herb-infused oils, 1 oz of the wax of your choice like beeswax, candelilla, or carnauba wax, and a few vitamin E capsules. This simple formula creates effective healing balms for countless applications." — Traditional Herbalism

Adding Butters for Richer Balms

For extra-nourishing balms, incorporate butters:

Shea butter: Deeply moisturizing, slightly softer texture

Cocoa butter: Firmer texture, chocolate scent, excellent for dry skin

Mango butter: Light, absorbs well, good for face products

Replace 1/4 to 1/3 of your oil with butter. Add during the heating stage so butter melts with wax. Properly made salves last 1-2 years, though they're best used within 6-12 months. Signs of spoilage include off smells, mold, or significant color changes.

Use clean, dry fingers or spatulas to prevent introducing moisture and bacteria. Small tins or jars work better than large containers since less product is exposed to air each use.

Vegan Alternatives

For beeswax-free salves:

• Candelilla wax: Use half the amount of beeswax (very hard)
• Carnauba wax: Use 1/4 the amount of beeswax (extremely hard)
• Rice bran wax: Similar properties to beeswax

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh herbs?
Fresh herbs contain water, which promotes spoilage in oil. If using fresh herbs, the quick method with heat helps evaporate moisture. Dry herbs are safer for beginners.

What's the best carrier oil?
Olive oil is traditional and accessible. Sweet almond absorbs well. Coconut oil is naturally antimicrobial but solid in cool temps. Jojoba closely resembles skin's natural oils.

Why did my salve get grainy?
Beeswax cooled too slowly or was heated too long. Next time, cool more quickly by placing containers on cold surface or in freezer briefly.

Can I use salve on open wounds?
Simple cuts and scrapes are fine. Deep or infected wounds should be evaluated by healthcare professionals. Salve seals in whatever is present—ensure wounds are clean.

How much essential oil should I add?
General guideline: 20-30 drops per cup of oil base (about 1% dilution). For sensitive skin or children, use less or omit.

Where can I buy beeswax?
Local beekeepers, craft stores, health food stores, or online. Pellets melt faster than blocks. Yellow beeswax has honey scent; white is filtered and neutral.

My salve is too hard/soft—can I fix it?
Yes! Remelt in double boiler and adjust. Too hard? Add more oil. Too soft? Add more wax. Test on a spoon before pouring.

Creating Your Apothecary

Once you master basic salve-making, you'll find endless possibilities for customization. Start with a simple calendula salve, gain confidence in the process, then experiment with different herbs and combinations. These homemade preparations make thoughtful gifts, reduce dependence on commercial products, and connect you to traditions of plant-based healing that span millennia. Your kitchen becomes a place where ancient wisdom meets modern self-sufficiency.

Sources & Further Reading

• FDA — Cosmetics
• Ewg — Guide and Resources
• Mountainroseherbs — Guide and Resources
• Americanherbalistsguild — Guide and Resources