There comes a time when every herbalist needs something to encourage skin healing. Whether you’re brand new to herbal remedies or have studied herbalism for years, a simple salve may be exactly what’s needed. Depending on the herbs used, a salve can have herbal actions like analgesic (pain-relieving), antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and so much more.

My very first homemade herbal salve was a simple calendula salve. The term “simple” refers to using a single herb instead of a combination (1). I chose calendula for its many skin-healing properties, which make it great for diaper rashes, sunburn, kitchen accidents, and other skin concerns. It’s my go-to for almost anything, even lip balm in a pinch. 

Of course, calendula is just one of many herbs. Next up on my list of simple salves to make is cayenne pepper. I plan to make two batches of simple cayenne salve for my dad and myself since we both struggle with nerve pain. I hope to make this in the very near future and will be sure to share the recipe as soon as possible, so stay tuned (or subscribe to my email list)!

What is an Herbal Salve

Salves, sometimes called ointments, are herbal-infused products for topical (skin) application (2). Herbal salves often have vulnerary properties, meaning they can heal wounds by replacing damaged or destroyed tissue with new tissue (3). These ointments contain herbs that influence healing while providing moisturizing properties and a protective barrier. Salves are made by creating an herbal-infused oil and then adding wax to solidify the final product. Please note there is a difference between topical and ingestible oil infusions. 

If you read my post, How to Make a Topical Oil Infusion, you know it’s important to use good-quality oil when making an oil infusion. The most common choice is olive oil; however, some people use avocado or coconut oil. Olive oil is typically recommended because it rarely turns rancid. I usually do not recommend canola, rapeseed, sunflower, or vegetable (usually soybean), as they’re high in PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), which can negatively impact birth weight, cholesterol levels, liver enzymes, blood pressure during pregnancy, and even cancers of the kidneys and testes (4). PFAS absorbs through the skin, disrupting the skin’s barrier functions and integrity, leading to premature skin aging (5,6).

I do not recommend using fresh herbs. Although some herbal resources say fresh herbs are fine, fresh herbs contain water, and basic science tells us that water and oil do not mix. Additionally, fresh herbs often float to the top, leaving them open to the air and bacteria like mold. In other words, fresh herbs may shorten the final product’s shelf life. Although a fermenting weight or even a sterilized heavy rock/stone can be used to keep the herbs down, using dried herbs is less work, making it my preferred choice and what I recommend. If you don’t have dried herbs, you can dehydrate them yourself (check out my post, How to Dry Fresh Herbs).

Of course, there is more than one way to make an herbal salve, depending on how solid you want the final product. One of my favorite herbal resources, the Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, mentions two different consistencies for herbal ointments. They recommend using 140 grams of oil and 120 grams of wax for a solid, less-greasy consistency that’s easy to spread or 500 grams (2 cups) of oil and 60 grams of wax for a less solid option. 

Best Herbs & Essential Oils for Salve-Making

When I make homemade herbal remedies, I try to buy herbs locally. When buying locally isn’t an option, I typically purchase from one of the following brands:

• Anthony’s Goods 
• Frontier Co-op
• Starwest Botanicals 

Looking for additional herbal suppliers? Check out my post, 3 Ways to Source Herbs.

Of course, you can use many different herbs to make a salve. The possibilities are endless, from single (simple) to combination herbal salves. My top recommendations for herbal salves include:

• Arnica flowers – check out my post, Benefits of Arnica
• Calendula flowers – check out my post, Benefits of Calendula
• Cayenne pepper – check out my post, Benefits of Cayenne Pepper
• Comfrey leaves – check out my post, Benefits of Comfrey
• Mullein leaves, flowers, and/or roots – check out my post, Benefits of Mullein
• Plantain leaves – check out my post, Benefits of Common Plantain 

If you’re planning to add essential oils and aren’t too sure where to start, I recommend reading my post, Essential Oils for Skin Health. 

How to Make an Herbal Salve

The process of creating an herbal salve comes in two parts. First, a topical oil infusion must be made, followed by actually making the salve. If you already have an oil infusion made, you will only need one glass jar (no lid necessary) and the last four ingredients/materials on the list below. Additionally, the first four steps explain how to make an herbal-infused oil, so you can skip ahead to step 5. This recipe makes approximately 8 ounces of an herbal salve.

You will need: 

• 2 glass jars & 1 metal lid (I use 16-ounce mason jars)
• Digital kitchen scale (optional)
• 60 grams (6 tablespoons) of dried or 150 grams (2/3 cup) of fresh herbs 
• 250 grams (1 cup) of oil (I use Madhava Organic Olive Oil)
• Extra-fine mesh strainer 
• Unbleached coffee filter 
• French press (optional, but highly recommended)
• A little patience (optional)
• 30 grams (3 tablespoons) of beeswax or candelilla wax
• Wooden utensil (for stirring, I use reusable bamboo chopsticks) 
• Essential oils (optional, but ensure essential oil safety by diluting according to bottle directions)
• Funnel
• 8 oz. dark glass jars for storage (I use two Vivaplex Amber Jars)

Step 1: Clean Equipment

Before starting, it is important to thoroughly clean and sanitize everything. You can sterilize handheld equipment by boiling it in water. Simply place the equipment in a large pot and fill it with water. Ensure all equipment is submerged in the water. Then, bring it to a boil and continue to let it boil for 10-15 minutes. Do not let the water come to a boil first and then add the equipment; this can cause the glass equipment to heat too quickly and shatter. When removing the freshly sanitized equipment, I recommend using canning tongs. After sterilizing, ensure all equipment is completely dry before moving on.

Step 2: Measure the Materials

Measure 60 grams (6 tablespoons) of dried or 150 grams (2/3 cup) of fresh herbs and put them in the glass (mason) jar. I do not recommend using fresh herbs as the water content may shorten the final product’s shelf life. If you only have fresh herbs, I recommend dehydrating them before infusing the oil (learn how from my post, How to Dry Fresh Herbs). However, if you prefer fresh herbs, ensure they are properly cleaned beforehand. If the herbs are big or thick, roughly chop them or use a mortar and pestle to break them apart. Stir, ensure the herbs are completely covered (add more oil if necessary), and then tighten the lid (to hold in the volatile oils). If you’re using fresh herbs, you may need a fermenting weight or sterilized heavy rock/stone to keep the herbs from floating to the top. 

Step 3: Infuse the Herbs

If you want the oil ready quickly, make a hot infusion by filling a pot with water, placing the jar in the water, and bringing it to a boil (this is known as the double-broiler method). When the water has started to boil, decrease the heat to a low simmer and let infuse for 2-3 hours. If you have time and patience, you can make a cold infusion by tightening the lid and placing the jar in a sunny spot, such as a windowsill, to steep for 4-6 weeks and shake daily.

Step 4: Strain & Press

If you made a hot infusion, let it cool before straining the mixture through an extra-fine mesh strainer covered with an unbleached coffee filter into the optional French press and then into the second glass (mason) jar. I highly recommend using a French press to extract the remaining liquid after straining because herbs can be expensive, and we don’t want our medicine to go to waste. If you did a cold infusion and are picking up at this step 4-6 weeks later, be sure the equipment is freshly sterilized (see step 1) and your hands are washed to avoid contaminating the infusion. 

Step 5: Melt the Wax

Combine the herbal-infused oil and 30 grams (3 tablespoons) of wax in a sterilized mason jar. Just like step 3, use a pot filled with water over medium heat to create a double-broiler, then place the jar in the water to melt the wax. Mix occasionally with a wooden utensil (you do not want to use stainless steel or plastic materials, as they react with herbs). After the wax has melted, turn off the burner. If you’re adding essential oils, do so now and give it a final stir.

Step 6: Transfer & Label

Using a funnel to avoid spilling the hot wax, transfer the contents to an airtight jar for long-term storage. I highly recommend using a dark-colored glass jar. Don’t forget to label your final jar with what the salve is and when it expires (1 year from the oil infusion’s start date). As it cools, it will solidify (you can place it in the fridge to speed up the process). Once solidified, it’s ready to use. 

Dosage & Storage 

You can apply herbal salves as needed. However, a general dosage is 3 times per day. Herbal salves stored in a cool, dark place, like a cabinet (or the refrigerator), will last up to one year. However, for best results, use within 6 months. It has gone bad if you notice a rancid smell or see visible mold.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to source herbs?

There are many ways to source herbs. I usually purchase locally or online from Anthony’s Goods, Frontier Co-op, or Starwest Botanicals. However, there are many other brands and sourcing methods. I recommend reading my post, 3 Ways to Source Herbs, to find the best method for you.

What’s the difference between beeswax and candelilla wax?

Beeswax comes from honeybees and offers benefits like improving skin elasticity and cell repair. Its lower melting point makes it ideal for softer, moisturizing products like salves. On the contrary, candelilla wax comes from a shrub, which makes it plant-based and vegan-friendly. It provides the skin with protection and hydration. However, it has a higher melting point, offering a more solid final product.

Is a preservative necessary to prevent the salve from going bad?

No. Salves are anhydrous, meaning they do not contain water. Without water, products aren’t susceptible to bacteria, yeast, or mold growth unless contamination occurs. However, if you use fresh herbs, the water content may shorten the final product’s shelf life, so I recommend drying them before infusing the oil (check out my post, How to Dry Fresh Herbs). Additionally, the School of Natural Skincare says an antioxidant can be added to slow the oxidation process and extend shelf life.

How should I label my salve for storage?

When you label the salve, include the herb(s) used and the date it was made. To avoid guesswork later, you can also include the discard date (one year from the oil infusion’s start date). 

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