Salves are a simple and safe way to use your oils. They are also super easy and fun to make. One of the biggest perks to using your oils in a salve is the added benefits of the amazing oils that go into making your salve.
Coconut oil is naturally anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, moisturizing, high in lauric acid and healthy fats that your skin needs.
Beeswax helps to seal in the moisture without clogging pores. It is also anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory
Avocado Oil is a rich nourishing oil because it has a high amount of vitamin E and oleic acid which helps with collagen production.
The salve by itself is wonderful for your skin; but add the power of the essential oils and you have a dynamic duo for sure. The Sleepy Salve was my gateway salve, for sure. I would slather it on my feet, slip on cotton socks, sleep like a log, and then wake up with amazingly soft feet! To accomplish so much while I was sleeping…I was hooked.
One batch will supply you with enough base, or what I call “Simple Salve” to make up several different recipes. You can double it or cut it in half depending on what your needs are, but I like to make up for than enough so that I have it on hand. If I need another salve all I need to do it just melt it down again and I am ready to pour! It saves great in the jar with a lid on.
Here is the recipe for the base. It is very simple. I always use coconut oil – the full fat kind that solidifies at cooler temps, but I often switch up what liquid oil I use based on my needs or just what I have on hand. Some of my favorites are avocado oil, or almond oil, but a good olive oil is a good choice as well.
Recipe:
½ cup of Coconut Oil
½ cup of liquid oil, I am using Avocado
2T Beeswax, generous
1-2 tsp of Vitamin E oil (optional)
Directions:
Combine coconut oil, avocado oil and beeswax in a heat proof container and heat over a double boiler until totally melted. I put my oils in a glass canning jar and put it in a pan of water.
Once melted add the vitamin E oil and let cool slightly. Label each of your containers with your recipe and then add the oils.
Pour in the melted and slightly cooled beeswax/oil mixture, stir and leave to set. Do not put tops on until completely cooled
In general I use about 10-15 drops of oil for an ounce. There is a lot of flexibility in this though. If I want something stronger, I add more drops. You can also make it milder, by adding fewer drops. See what works best for you.
The following recipes are based on 2 oz. containers.
All Purpose Salve: 10 Lavender, 8 Lemon, 6 Tea Tree, or Lavender, Tea Tree, Frank
Diaper Salve: 14 Lavender, 10 Tea Tree
Immune Boost: 12 Onguard, 10 Copaiba, 5 Tea Tree,
Sleepy Salve: 10 Lavender and 10 Frankincense, or equal drops of Balance, Serenity, Vetiver
Breathe Easy: 15 Breathe and 5 Lime
Muscle Rub: 10 Deep Blue and 10 AromaTouch
Beauty Salve: equal parts Yarrow Pom, Frankincense, Myrrh, Lavender, Sandalwood
There are so many recipes out there, these are just a few. If you don’t have all the oils that go into the recipe, start with what you do have. Each month, add to your collection and soon you will have what you need on hand to make whatever you want.
