Title: My Field Guide to Beeswax Salves & Solar Herb Infused Oils: What Actually Works Category: Beeswax Salves & Solar Herb Infused Oils Author: Eleanor Rowan Blog: Root & Tincture
As I stand in my kitchen, the sun streaming through the windows, I can feel the vibrant energy of the herbs I’ve collected. There’s something incredibly grounding about working with nature’s bounty, especially when it comes to creating my beloved beeswax salves and solar herb-infused oils. Over the years, I’ve experimented, learned, and sometimes made a mess of things, but each batch has taught me valuable lessons I’d love to share with you.
Why Beeswax Salves?
I adore beeswax salves for their versatility and healing properties. Whether you’re looking to soothe chapped lips, relieve dry skin, or tackle minor cuts and scrapes, a well-crafted salve can be your best friend.
Benefits of Beeswax Salves:
- Natural Barrier: Beeswax creates a protective layer on the skin, locking in moisture while allowing the skin to breathe.
- Antimicrobial Properties: The natural properties of beeswax help to protect against bacteria and promote healing.
- Customizable: You can tailor your salve to suit your specific needs by adding various herbs and essential oils.
Crafting Your Beeswax Salve
To make a basic beeswax salve, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Beeswax: 1 oz (about 28 grams) – I usually buy local beeswax from the farmer's market for around $10.
- Carrier Oil: 2 oz (about 60 ml) – I love using olive oil, but you can also opt for sweet almond or coconut oil, which usually costs around $5-$15 depending on the brand.
- Herbs: Dried herbs of your choice – I often use calendula, comfrey, or plantain. A small bag of dried herbs typically costs around $5.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Infuse Your Oil: Start by creating an herb-infused oil. Combine your chosen dried herbs with your carrier oil in a glass jar. Use a ratio of 1:2 (herb to oil). For instance, if you use 1 oz of dried herb, add 2 oz of olive oil. Seal the jar and place it in a sunny window for 2-4 weeks, shaking it gently every few days. This is where the magic happens—allowing the sun to coax out the herbal properties into the oil.
Tip: If you're short on time, heat the oil gently in a double boiler for 2-3 hours, keeping the temperature below 140°F (60°C).
- Strain the Oil: After 2-4 weeks, strain the infused oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the herbs. Discard the herbs, keeping only the infused oil.
- Melt the Beeswax: In a double boiler, melt 1 oz of beeswax until completely liquefied.
- Combine: Slowly add your infused oil to the melted beeswax, stirring well. You can add a few drops of essential oils at this stage if desired.
- Pour and Cool: Pour the mixture into small containers or tins and let it cool completely before sealing.
Solar Herb-Infused Oils
The process of creating solar herb-infused oils is similar to making salves, with the added benefit of having a liquid oil for topical applications, cooking, or even as a base for homemade salad dressings.
Ingredients:
- Carrier Oil: 1 cup (about 240 ml) – again, I recommend olive oil or sunflower oil.
- Dried Herbs: 1 oz (about 28 grams) of your preferred herbs.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Combine: Place your dried herbs in a glass jar and cover them with the carrier oil, ensuring the herbs are fully submerged.
- Infuse: Seal the jar and place it in a sunny spot. Allow the herbs to infuse for 4-6 weeks, shaking it every few days.
- Strain: Strain out the herbs once the infusion is complete, and store the oil in a dark glass bottle to preserve its properties.
The Real Deal: What Works and What Doesn’t
Through trial and error, I've come to understand what truly works in the world of herbal preparations. Here’s a quick comparison of my experiences:
| Aspect | Beeswax Salves | Solar Herb-Infused Oils |
|---|---|---|
| Consistency | Thick, balm-like | Liquid, versatile |
| Application | Topical for skin issues | Topical, culinary, and medicinal |
| Storage | Room temperature, in airtight containers | Cool, dark place in a glass bottle |
| Duration of Infusion | 2-4 weeks | 4-6 weeks |