Herbal salves and balms (also known as lotions, unguents, creams, body butters, and ointments) are a great, natural remedy for cuts, scrapes, bruises, burns, and joint pain. Herbal Balms can also make great moisturizing skin lotion, deodorant, and cosmetics. You can save money by making your own herbal salves and botanical balms at home.
You can carry your non-toxic natural herbal balms and salves with you wherever you go, making them an easy and quick natural remedy! Check out our Balms Page to see our herbal balm and botanical ointment offerings. As always, before starting a new herbal regimen be sure to check with your naturopathic doctor, physician, or herbalist.
How to Make your Own Botanical Salves and Herbal Balms
To make your own herbal salves and balms, choose natural herbs with healing and soothing properties and then simply combine an infused oil with chosen herbs and beeswax. You can apply to your herbal salves to sore skin and wounds.
1. Add a small, square piece of beeswax to infused oil, stirring constantly until the wax has completely melted. Usually, you will use about two tablespoons of beeswax to 1/4th cup of oil. If your mixture is not thick enough, add more beeswax (very small pieces at a time). The beeswax will thicken the mixture, giving it just the right consistency.
2. Store in a cool, dark place. Always label your herb balms with date, herbs used, and quantity used.
Common Salves and Balms
The information below has some common salves and balms that you can make at home for natural relief.
Burn Ointment - Herbal Ingredients are Calendula, comfrey - Commonly used for Burns.
Calming Balm - Herbal Ingredients are Rose, chamomile flowers - Commonly used as a Relaxant.
Foot Balm - Herbal Ingredients are Calendula, plantain leaves, comfrey, lavender, rosemary, cocoa butter. - Commonly used for soothing cracked skin, moisturizing.
Headache Balm - Herbal Ingredients are Peppermint, lavender - Commonly used for pain relief, stress headaches.
Insect Repellent Balm - Herbal Ingredients are Coconut oil, citronella oil, rosemary, cedarwood, lemongrass, eucalyptus, shea butter. - Commonly used for Pest Repellent.
Joint Salve - Herbal Ingredients are Dandelion, eucalyptus, peppermint - Commonly used for Joint stiffness, arthritis.
Soothing Balm - Herbal Ingredients are Comfrey, calendula, chamomile flowers, nettles - Commonly used for moistening skin, soothing rashes and skin issues.
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