5 Botanical infused salve

5 BOTANICAL INFUSED SALVE

This salve can be used daily, on dry hands and feet. It is versatile and can be used for any type of boo-boo. It also works wonders for chapped lips and is a great medium for a massage. Its golden color is pleasing, and it has a lovely sweet herbal fragrance.

Photo by Jacob Ammentorp Lund

5 botanical infused salve

Ingredients:

directions:

• 1 tbsp of each dried Calendula, Lavender, Rose Buds, Chamomile, and Jasmine flowers

• 1 cup Oil for infusing the flowers (olive, coconut, and sweet almond oil make a good blend)

• 1 oz Beeswax

• Essential oils (10-20 drops per cup of infused oil, optional)

BEESWAX the anti-inflammatory properties of beeswax encourage the healing of wounds. It is also protective, helping form a barrier between the skin and the environment without clogging pores. Further, beeswax is high in vitamin A, which has been found to support cell reconstruction and health.

1. The first step is to make the 5 botanical infused oil. Pour the carrier oil of your choice over the botanical in the glass jar until everything is completely covered. Secure lid tightly and shake well. Store the jar near a window (but not in direct sunlight) to infuse for 7 to 10 days. Shake every day or so.

2. Strain. Strain using a strainer or cheesecloth. Pour the mixture through a funnel into a clean glass jar. Store in a cool, dark place; the oil will keep for up to 1 year.

3. Add the beeswax into a double boiler, which can be as simple as a stainless steel bowl that fits over a pot with an inch or two of water in it. Bring that water to a simmer to gently heat the wax.

4. Once the beeswax has melted add the infused oil, and stir to combine. Take the melted infusion off the heat and let it slowly cool down (about 5 min.).

5. Add essential oils if using, and stir to combine.

6. Carefully pour the hot salve into tins or jars.

7. Let cool completely before use.

CALENDULA is often used as a complementary or alternative treatment. Calendula oil has anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that might make it useful in healing wounds, soothing eczema, and relieving diaper rash. It's also used as an antiseptic.

LAVENDER can also help repair damaged skin tissue and heal wounds. This makes it awesome to heal rashes, bites, burns, acne, scrapes, eczema, stings, scars, and more.

ROSE BUDS infused oil is known to hydrate dry skin, clear acne, reduce signs of aging, minimize the appearance of scars, and help with conditions such as eczema and rosacea.

JASMINE Flowers, which are also called Jasminum odoratissimum, Sweet Yellow Jasmine and sweet-scented yellow Jasmine, are very popular herbs due to their aromatic and aphrodisiac properties. Jasmine Flowers are commonly used to scent Jasmine tea, and many types of Jasmine Flowers can be used to produce perfumes and incense.

SWEET ALMOND OIL soaks in quickly and is a powerful moisturizer, so it can be used  on the face or body. You can apply it straight, or mix it with essential oils to get its benefits. Beyond moisturizing your skin, almond oil is a great massage oil or skin treatment. It also has powerful anti-fungal properties.