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Salves are a simple and effective medicine. Best of all, they are easy to make naturally. Salves are easy to take with you on the go. You can put them in your purse, or a pocket, and they make a wonderful addition to any first aid kit.
Most salves are a semi-solid cream, and they soften when applied to the skin. It is a great way to use herbs and essential oils with your family without the mess. Just rub on the skin and go – that’s it! You can use them for a wide variety of issues such as:
- cuts
- bruises
- rashes, skin irritation or inflammation
- insect bites or stings
- sores
- arthritis & painful joints
You can even use salves for cough and congestion!
Additionally, by making your own salves, you can guarantee that what you make is all-natural. It’s good to know your family isn’t applying any toxic chemicals to their bodies! Adding beeswax and nourishing oils, like coconut oil or almond oil, to your salves gives them added benefits such as healing and protective properties while nourishing and soothing the skin.
There are many salve recipes out there, but this is the one I like the most. It is relatively easy to source the ingredients for this recipe, it’s easy to make, and best of all, it goes on smoothly. This recipe will also make a lot of salve at once – approximately two cups – so you’ll have plenty to use for months!
New “Survival Herb Bank” Gives You Access to God’s Amazing Medicine Chest
Lindsey’s Favorite Soothing Salve
1 cup almond oil
1 cup grapeseed oil
4 tablespoons of beeswax (I use the beeswax beadlets)
1 tablespoon vitamin E oil
A selection of essential oils – around 40 drops
- Place all oils (except essential oils) into a mason jar.
- Put the jar into a pan of hot water and increase temperature until the oils melt together thoroughly. You may want to use a metal spoon for stirring as the oils combine. (You can also use a double boiler for heating oils if you have one.)
- Set aside and allow to cool for a few minutes.
- As you see the salve beginning to turn white, it’s time to add the essential oils. Add in approximately 40 total drops. (See below for ideas.)
- Pour into containers and allow to set completely.
- Use and enjoy!
There are many different salves you can make. Here are a few we like to use in our house:
Lavender and tea tree oils make a wonderful salve that’s a great balm for the skin. Use this combination (about 20 drops of each) that you can use for cuts, scrapes, bruises, sunburns and other skin ailments. It’s a great option for those who suffer from eczema.
Another skin care option is making a salve with lavender, rosemary, calendula, chamomile, comfrey and mint. You can use essential oils here or you can use herbs straight out of the garden – or a combination of the two! The sky is the limit with homemade salve…my suggestion is to play with a recipe and find what you like best.
Make a salve with eucalyptus, peppermint, lemon and tea tree oil for coughs, colds, and congestion. (It’s like a homemade version of Vicks Vapo Rub!) For this recipe, use about 10 drops of each oil.
Happy salve making!
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