Healing salves are an excellent option for anyone looking to relieve pain, inflammation, or discomfort.
People have been using such salves for centuries to help heal wounds, burns, and bruises, and to soothe skin irritations such as eczema and psoriasis. While you can buy various types of healing salves from the store, there is a sense of satisfaction that comes with making your own.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a healing salve using natural ingredients that you probably already have in your home.
What is a Healing Salve?
A healing salve is a topical ointment that can help relieve pain, inflammation, and discomfort caused by injuries or skin irritations.
Generally speaking, most salves are made from a mixture of oils, herbs, and natural wax like beeswax, which helps to thicken the mixture and give it a smooth texture.
What are the Benefits of a Natural Healing Salve?
One of the main advantages of creating your own healing salve using natural ingredients is that you have full control over the ingredients that go into it. This means you can create a mixture that is perfectly tailored to your specific needs.
Other benefits of using a natural healing salve include:.
- It’s cost-effective: Creating your own salve is often much cheaper than buying commercial salves from the store.
- It’s free from harmful chemicals: Store-bought salves often contain chemicals and synthetic ingredients that can harm your skin. A homemade salve uses only natural ingredients, so you know exactly what you’re putting on your skin.
- It’s environmentally-friendly: Making your own salve means you’re not contributing to the waste caused by the packaging and transportation of commercial products.
Ingredients You’ll Need for a DIY Healing Salve
Before we dive into the step-by-step process of creating a natural healing salve, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need. Here are the items you’ll need (all measurements are in ounces):.
- Coconut oil (2 oz)
- Beeswax (1 oz)
- Olive oil (1 oz)
- Lavender essential oil (10-15 drops)
- Peppermint essential oil (10-15 drops)
Steps to Make a Natural Healing Salve at Home
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s go through the steps you’ll need to follow to make your own DIY healing salve:.
Step 1: Melt the Beeswax
The first thing you’ll need to do is melt the beeswax. Break the beeswax into small pieces and place them in a double boiler.
If you don’t have a double boiler, you can create your own by placing a heat-safe bowl on top of a pot of boiling water. Make sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl.
Step 2: Add Coconut Oil and Olive Oil
Once the beeswax has melted, add the coconut oil and olive oil to the mixture. Stir well until everything is fully combined and the mixture achieves an even texture.
Step 3: Add Essential Oils
Now it’s time to add the essential oils to the mixture. Lavender essential oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, while peppermint oil is excellent for muscle aches and pains.
You can adjust the number of drops according to your personal preference, but ten to fifteen drops of each essential oil should do the trick.
Step 4: Pour the Mixture into a Container
Once you’ve added the essential oils, pour the mixture into a heat-safe container. You can use small glass jars or metal tins.
The salve will take about an hour to fully solidify, so be sure to place the container somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight.
Step 5: Use Your Healing Salve
Once your salve is completely solid, you’re ready to use it. Apply a small amount of the salve to the affected area and rub it in gently. Repeat this process as needed until the pain or irritation subsides.
Conclusion
A natural healing salve can provide a safe, effective, and affordable alternative to store-bought products. By making your own salve, you can avoid potentially harmful chemicals, save money, and have greater control over the product’s ingredients.
Follow the steps outlined above and start enjoying the benefits of homemade natural remedies today.