The first step in making salve is to infuse the oil with the herbs. The process takes a month but it is mostly passive. Add your herbs to a quart jar and cover with oil. I used olive oil but you can use any liquid oil that you have available. I also simmered the olive oil with poplar buds prior to infusing the other herbs but if you don't have access to poplar buds just use plain oil. Here is the oil after being infused with poplar buds. Notice it is a deep golden color.
Notice that there are a few small herbs that escaped through the cloth into the oil. I don't mind those because they create nice flecks in the salve. If you want to be more diligent in removing them then that is perfectly fine. If you leave too many they will settle to the bottom of your finished salve.
Now you want to heat up the oil. You will add about 2.5 to 3 ounces of beeswax depending on how firm you want your salve. I used 2.5 ounces. I also grate my own but you can buy it in bead form if you prefer. You want the oil hot enough to melt the beeswax but NOT smoking hot. Pour the beeswax into the warm oil.
After an hour the salve appears hardened. you can see that the recipe makes quite a few containers. Leave them to sit until the next day to be sure they are completely hard. Resist the urge to touch:) They will be ready to use the next day.
Comfrey leaf also called "knitbone" helps heal wounds, fractures and sprains, stimulates cell growth in damaged tissue and skin, helps with psoriasis, sores, varicose veins, bruises
Chickweed: helps with rashes, eczema, insect stings or bites, itchiness
Parsley: for bruising, cuts, wounds. Insect bites, itching, anti- inflammatory, helps smooth skin
Nettles: chronic rheumatism, repairs and soothes stressed and sensitive skin, rashes, Psoriasis. Eczema, itching
Golden rod also called wound weed: helps heal wounds, eczema, psoriasis
Calendula: repairs dry damaged skin, promotes fast healing, regenerating, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, burns, eczema, sooth inflamed skin, sunburns, rashes, insect bites, contact dermatitis like poison ivy, diaper rash
Tea tree oil: antiviral, fungal infections, antiseptic, for cuts, wounds, skin infections, ring worm, softens corns, heals cuts, scrapes, chicken pox, warts
Eucalyptus oil: germicidal, for wounds, scrapes, sores, ulcers, insect bites and stings, protects open wounds from infection, anti fungal, anti viral, anti inflammatory, muscle aches and pains, respiratory problems-can be used as a vapor rub on chest and back for respiratory, colds, etc
Glycerine: improves appearance of skin, promotes skin cell maturation, psoriasis, helps wounds heal more quickly, humectant- seals in moisture to heal dry skin and helps hydrate, helps make skin emollient, soft and supple
While this salve isn't a cure all, you can see by the ingredients that is has many healing elements. If you want to gear a salve more for your specific needs then adjust the herbs to make it what you want it to be. I am not a doctor or giving medical advice. I am simply giving you a few suggestions based on herbs I grow, harvest and use. You are the only one who knows your personal allergies and medical conditions. Practice, learn and be safe.
Southern Wood Elf