Salves and ointments

Salves and ointments are essentially of the same make up. They are used medicinally to treat aches and muscle pain, arthritis, bug bites, cuts and abrasions. As far back as the ancient Egyptians the use of salves and ointments treated the same variety of ailments as we do today. Through out history we have learned to incorporate herbs and spices for their medicinal effects. Interestingly enough in all areas of the world you can find different herbs that treat the same ailment which represents deep connections to local ecologies.

essential oils good for inflammation are: Lavender, Chamomile (Roman & German), Ginger, Eucalyptus, Bergamot, Frankincense, Peppermint, and Tea Tree oil.

essential oils good for acne and eczema: Lavender, Tea Tree, and Chamomile oils have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

essential oils good for cuts, abrasions and bruising:  Lavender, Tea Tree, Helichrysum, Frankincense, Geranium, Calendula, Comfrey, and Yarrow have anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits speeding up the healing of cuts, abrasions, bruises, and other minor injuries. In addition Arnica (topical only) is great for bruising.

You may choose to infuse Your carrier oil (If not using pre-infused oil). This requires planning because it takes a bit of time. Place dried herbs in a jar, cover with your chosen carrier oil, and let sit on a window sill in a sunny spot for a few weeks, shaking daily. This is the old fashioned way of creating an essential oil. If you choose to you can gently heat it in a double boiler for a few hours, , then strain well. 

A carrier oil is a plant-based oil that essential oils are diluted in. This is to ensure a safe absorption rate is achieved for topical application and may also provide moisturizing benefits.

carrier oils: Jojoba, Coconut (fractionated), Sweet Almond, Grapeseed, Avocado, Olive, Argan, Rosehip, and Apricot Kernel oils.

beeswax comes in blocks or beads and can be purchased in a natural food store or in an arts and craft store like Michaels.

choose an essential oil for the remedy you want to make

choose a carrier oil to put the essential oil in

optional nutrients Vitamin E oil

medium sized bowl

bees wax

double boiler

spatula

spoon 

small mason jar with a cover

A good ratio is 1 part bees wax to 4 parts oil mixture. This will give you a firm but spreadable salve.

In a double boiler melt the beeswax 

While that's happening combine the essential oil with the carrier oil

a good ratio is 1 part bees wax to 3 parts oil mixture. this will give you a very firm salve. the suggested ratio is 1 part bees wax to 4 parts oil mixture this will give you a firm but spreadable salve.

Pour that mixture into the melting beeswax.

stir this until it is completely combined.

with a cold spoon test the consistency of the salve. You can adjust this by adding beeswax or carrier oil mixture.

when you have the consistency that you want pour it into the small mason jar and cover it.