Winter has taken over, bringing along low humidity and dry skin. Although we can buy all sorts of salves and lotions at the store, making your own is a low-cost option. This recipe, which Sarah Munro (the heroine in ONE DARK WISH, the second book in my Deadly Force series) revised from an earlier 18th century receipt, is easy and fun to do with kids. If you buy different containers and tins (like glass jars and lip balm containers) you can use this salve from your lips down to your feet.
Sarah Munro’s Calendula Skin Salve
- 1 cup calendula infused oil*
- 1 ounce by weight of Beeswax (pastilles or small blocks cut/grated into small pieces)*
- 1-2 teaspoons each of essential oils like peppermint or lavender (optional)*
- Glass measuring cup
- Double Broiler
- Tins or sterilized glass jars or lip balm containers*
Set aside some extra oil and beeswax in case you need to adjust the finished consistency.
In the top of a double boiler, preferably glass, combine the calendula oil and the beeswax. Slowly bring the water to a low simmer. Stir the ingredients gently until the beeswax is melted and blended with the calendula oil.
Once the ingredients are melted, remove the top of the double boiler and place on a towel on the counter. Using a clean, dry spoon (it must be at room temperature) dip the tip into the melted mixture. Take the spoon out and place it in the freezer for two minutes.
Take the spoon out and if the salve is too hard, stir a few drops of the extra oil into the mixture. If the salve is too soft, add in some of the extra beeswax and stir gently until melted and well mixed.
Once you’re happy with the consistency, you can add other essential oils. Once you choose your scent, quickly stir in the essential oil into the warm beeswax mixture. Test and adjust the consistency until you’re happy with the salve. Once you’re satisfied, you can add more essential oils. If you want to scent the entire batch, choose your essential oil and, once you’re at the desired consistency, quickly stir the essential oil into the warm beeswax mixture. Pour into containers and cool.
You can also separate the batch so you can add different essential oils to each one. Once the oil is added, pour into containers to cool.
Let the salve rest for at least twenty-four hours. If cracks appear while the mixture is setting, melt the top with a hair dryer. This will give each container a smoother appearance.
*Note: All of these ingredients, including the containers, can be found on Amazon and at most health food stores (online and in person).
Important disclaimer about wild plants, foraging, and making herbal remedies:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
