Herbal Balm Recipe
Basic Recipe
1/4C Beeswax pellets
1C Infused Oil
½ tsp vitamin E Oil (optional)
½ tsp essential oils (optional)
Yields just over 1 Cup
Combine all ingredients, except essential oil, if using, and warm the mixture on a low heat. Once all the beeswax is dissolved, dip a spoon in the liquid and place the spoon in the freezer for 2-3 min to harden in order to test consistency. If you’ve reached your desired consistency, add in the essential oils to the mixture. Now transfer the warm liquid to a pouring vessel and distribute into jars or tins.
Two Methods for Infusing Oils
No Heat Method
Passively steep dried herbs in oil for several weeks. Sanitize a mason jar and fill it to the brim with dried herbs. Cover the herbs completely with oil, and let it sit in a sunny window sill for ~30 days. Occasionally shake the contents and burp the jar by opening the lid every 2-3 days to prevent spoilage. Whisper your good intentions and gratitude to your herbs. :) Alternately you can store it in a cupboard but remember to open the jar and let it breathe occasionally. Strain with a cheesecloth or reusable nutmilk bag and store in a clean jar until ready for use.
Double Boiler Method or Crockpot Method
Assemble a double boiler and use a ratio of 1:4 herbs to oil. Gently heat the oil to no more than 110 degrees. Keep the burner on low or “keep warm” setting. It is very important to not overheat and burn the herbs. Simmer oil and herbs for 30 minutes to several hours.
For the crockpot method, place the jar in the crockpot, cover with water to below the rim, and keep on low for 3-24 hours. You can place a small towel under the jar to prevent the herbs from getting too hot.
Let the herbs cool before straining and storing in a clean jar until ready for use. The quick heat method is more ideal for fresh herbs because moisture evaporates while heating.
Oils for Infusion:
Jojoba: deeply hydrating and moisture locking
Sunflower: great for all skin types, affordable, light scent
Almond Oil: great for sensitive skin, rich in antioxidants
Olive Oil: conditioning, cleansing, affordable
Grapeseed: hydrating, anti-inflammatory
Coconut Oil: softens skin, and strengthens the skin barrier to prevent water loss
Castor Oil: intensely moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial
Herbal Balm Benefits
A homemade herbal balm is a special way to intentionally preserve and utilize your cherished garden harvest. In a dry climate like CO, our bodies can never get enough moisture! Using a salve daily is so nourishing to the skin and will keep it soft and supple even in the harshest conditions. The calendula, lavender salve combo is versatile and is great for daily hydration. Furthermore, there are many herbal combinations that can have wondrous healing effects. A plantain, yarrow, comfrey salve is extraordinarily helpful in swiftly healing minor cuts and bruises. A peppermint, arnica, CBD salve is a powerful combination that brings instant pain relief to sore muscles. Be creative in your kitchen and come up with your own combinations!
Benefits of Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural product chock full of vitamins and antioxidants to help heal and repair skin. Beeswax also helps seal in hydration while protecting the skin barrier. It helps the skin feel soft for longer. It is highly anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory. Soy wax is the closest alternative to beeswax, if wanting to make vegan products.
Methods for drying Herbs
Screened Herb Drying Rack
Food Dehydrator
Hang herbs or flowers on stems in a space with good airflow
Common Southwest Herbs to use in a salve:
Dried Lavender
Calendula
Comfrey
Yarrow
Rosehips or Rose petals
Arnica
Plantain
Bachelor’s Button
Peppermint
Chamomile
CBD
