Pro tip: The consistency of salves can easily be adjusted depending on your preferences. Use less beeswax for a softer salve and more beeswax if you’d like a firmer salve.
You can test the consistency by placing a spoon in the freezer before making your salve. When the beeswax melts, pour a little salve onto one of the cold spoons and place it back into the freezer for 1 to 2 minutes. This will simulate what the final consistency will be like.
Once cooled, you can make adjustments by adding more oil (for a softer salve) or more beeswax (for a firmer salve).
First make Make an infused oil
You can use a 1:2 ratio of dried herbs to olive oil, and simmer the mixture for an hour. You can also use a double boiler to gently heat the oil and beeswax together until the beeswax melts.
Basic Salve 1 Makes 5 ounces.
Ingredients
1 oz. beeswax (use carnauba wax for a vegan salve)
4 oz. herbal infused oil(s) of your choice (choose one or a combination)
10-20 drops essential oil of choice (optional)
Directions
Wrap beeswax bar in an old towel. On a sturdy surface, use a hammer to break bar up into small chunks.
Place beeswax in a double boiler and gently warm over low heat until the beeswax melts.
Add herbal oils and stir over low heat until well-mixed.
Remove from heat and add the essential oil(s).
Quickly pour warm mixture into prepared tins, glass jars, or lip balm tubes and allow to cool completely.
Store in a cool location for 1 to 3 years.
Salve 2 Makes approximately 9 ounces.
8 oz. infused herbal oil
1 oz. beeswax, either grated or pellets
a double boiler
Directions:
Warm oil in double boiler. Add beeswax and stir until melted. Test the consistency of your salve by dipping a clean spoon into the mixture, and putting it in the freezer for a few minutes. If it’s softer than you’d like, add more beeswax.
Pour the still-warm salve into containers (old jam jars or small metal tins work well). If adding essential oils, do so now (only a few drops are need) and stir with a chopstick or other clean implement.
Put the cap on the containers, and store in a dark, cool place. Salves will last up to a year.