Lavender Salve
This lavender salve heals and moisturizes skin, soothes irritation, burns and itching, and can alleviate discomfort from acne, eczema, and scrapes. Not only that, but lavender essence is well-known to ease anxiety, stress, and insomnia, making this the perfect salve to apply on nights you need a little extra comfort.
What is a Salve?
A salve in general is a healing solution that you put on you skin such as a balm, cream, lotion, or ointment. Salves typically contain a moisturizing oil such as coconut, olive, jojoba, sweet almond and many more. The base oil is typically infused with one or more herbs in order to maximize the therapeutic benefits of the salve. Along with that carrier oil, salves contain a wax to bind all the ingredients and solidify them at room temperature. The most commonly used wax in salves is all natural beeswax, however, candelilla wax is also frequently used as a vegan substitute. Additional ingredients can be vitamin E (which preserves shelf life) and essential oils (to enhance the natural herbal essence).
What is the Difference Between Infused Oil and Essential Oil?
An infused oil, such as the lavender infused oil we will be making in this recipe, is made by steeping comminuted, dried lavender flowers in the carrier oil of choice for a period of time, usually at least one hour. As the dried flowers infuse into the oil, the natural essential oils of the lavender are drawn out and incorporated in the oil. This is a very easy method and can be performed at home.
Essential oils, on the other hand, are made using different techniques such as steam distillation or solvent extraction, which require a lab. Steam distillation, for example, is performed by first adding steam to the dried lavender flowers. Steam is injected through the plant material containing the desired oils, releasing the plant’s aromatic molecules and turning them into vapor. The vaporized plant compounds travel to a condensation flask where two separate pipes make it possible for hot water to exit and for cold water to enter. This makes the vapor cool back into liquid form. The aromatic liquid by-product drops down and gets collected. Because water and oil do not mix, the essential oil floats on top of the water and it is siphoned off.
The Health Benefits of Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia is a commonly used herb due to the variety of therapeutic effects it has on the body and soul.
Scientific studies show that lavender has powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antioxidant properties.
Lavender scent is very calming and uplifting which helps reduce anxiety, stress, depression, and insomnia.
Recent studies have found that inhaling lavender scent may be an effective and safe treatment modality in acute management of migraine headaches.
It is also a known pest and insect deterrent, making it a great natural ingredient that is found in many insect repellants.
Lavender reduces swelling, redness, and irritation, and has the ability to promote new cell growth to repair scrapes, cuts, wounds, and stings.
It’s antioxidant and antimicrobial properties make it a wonderful addition to any skincare regime to protect and nourish the skin against acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Ingredients:
2 cups carrier oil of choice (I used sweet almond oil)
2 cups dried lavender flowers
1/2 cup all natural yellow beeswax (or candelilla wax for a vegan salve)
16mL of liquid Vitamin E (about 1 mL for every oz. of fixed oil)
10 drops of lavender essential oil (amount is up to you - if you love the smell, use more!)
Method:
If you have a double boiler, use that…if not, heat stovetop on light heat and get a pot of water simmering .
Place 2 cups of oil into a heat-resistant glass bowl (or the top part of the double boiler).
Comminute 2 cups of lavender flowers, add them to the oil, and mix with a wooden spoon.
Heat oil and lavender infusion on low heat for at least one hour, making sure that the oil doesn’t get too hot.
Using a fine mesh sieve, separate the oil from the herb by pouring the infused oil into a separate bowl or beaker.
Slowly, add the beeswax into the infused oil and mix until the wax is melted.
Lastly, add the vitamin E and essential oil and mix.
Divide into jars and let them sit, uncovered, for 24 hours to allow them to cool and harden
Cover jars and enjoy!
Make sure to keep your salve in a cool, dark place with the lid tightly secured. Most salves will keep for 1-2 years when stored appropriately.