How to Make an Herbal Salve or Balm
There is something deeply satisfying about making a salve. It is tangible in a way that tinctures and teas are not. You can see it set, smell it, feel the texture between your fingers. And when it works well, which a well-made salve often does, it feels like a small act of practical plant wisdom that you made yourself.
A salve is a semi-solid preparation made from infused oil and beeswax (or a plant-based alternative). The oil carries the plant constituents and provides a moisturising base, while the wax gives it body and helps it stay on the skin long enough to do its work. It is applied topically, which means it is absorbed through the skin rather than ingested, making it suitable for a range of situations where an internal preparation would not be appropriate.
Step by Step: Making a Salve/Balm
What You Will Need:
For the infused oil (if making from scratch):
- Dried herb of your choice (calendula, comfrey, lavender, and plantain are popular starting points)
- A carrier oil (olive oil for a traditional, moisturising base; fractionated coconut oil for a lighter, longer shelf-life option; sweet almond or jojoba for a skin-loving luxury)
For the salve:
- Your infused herbal oil
- Beeswax (or candelilla wax if making a vegan salve)
- Optional: a few drops of essential oil for additional benefit or scent
- Small tins or glass jars for storage
Make Your Infused Oil
You cannot make a salve without an infused oil first (unless you are starting from a pre-made oil, which is a perfectly reasonable shortcut). See our Infused Oil guide for detailed instructions. The slow, cold method takes four to six weeks; the warm method takes a few hours.
Make the Salve
Basic ratio: For every 100ml of infused oil, use approximately 10 to 15 grams of beeswax. More wax means a firmer salve; less wax means something closer to a balm or a butter. A lip balm, for reference, typically uses 20 to 25 grams per 100ml.
Method:
- Gently melt your beeswax in a double boiler (a heat-safe bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water works well). Do not allow the wax to overheat.
- Once the wax is fully melted, add your infused oil and stir gently to combine.
- Test the consistency: dip a spoon or a small piece of parchment into the mixture and allow it to cool for a moment. If it is too soft, add a little more wax; if too firm, add a little more oil.
- Remove from heat. If you are adding essential oils, do so now, once the mixture has cooled slightly (high heat can volatilise essential oils).
- Pour carefully into your tins or jars. Do not disturb until fully set (this can take an hour or two at room temperature).
- Label with the herb(s) used, the date, and intended use.
Shelf life: 1 to 2 years, stored away from heat and light. The carrier oil will eventually go rancid, particularly with olive oil. Adding a small amount of vitamin E oil (a few drops per 100ml) during the finishing step can help extend shelf life.
Choosing Your Herb
The herb you use depends entirely on your intention.
- Calendula is a classic skin-supportive choice, traditionally used for dry or irritated skin
- Comfrey has a long folk history of use on bruises and minor injuries (note: not for use on deep or puncture wounds)
- Lavender adds a gentle aromatic quality and has traditional use in wound care
- Plantain (the common lawn weed, not the fruit) is beloved by foragers for its traditional use on insect stings and minor skin irritation
- St John's Wort produces a beautiful red-tinged oil traditionally associated with nerve and muscle comfort
A Note on Safety
Salves are for external use only. Always patch test a new salve on a small area of skin before applying more broadly, particularly if you have sensitive skin. Some plants used in salves (comfrey, for example) have specific precautions worth reading before use.