acne safe lip balm

DIY LAVENDER SALVE: A SOOTHING BALM FOR SKIN AND MIND

Lavender salve is a versatile and effective topical remedy that can be easily made at home. It offers a range of benefits, including: Skin healing: Soothes irritation, moisturizes dry skin, and can help heal acne, scrapes, and eczema; Stress relief: The calming aroma of lavender is scientifically proven to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

Making lavender salve is surprisingly simple. If you’ve followed along with our previous tutorials on calendula or cannabis salve, you’ll find many familiar steps. However, lavender offers its own unique set of benefits. Let’s get started on creating your own soothing lavender salve!

What is Lavender Salve?

Not familiar with salve? Simply put, a salve is a healing solution applied to the skin, which can take the form of creams, ointments, or balms. Typically, salves are thick, shelf-stable, and contain nourishing oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, or sweet almond oil.

In addition to a base oil (or a blend of them), salves usually incorporate natural waxes or butters to help bind the ingredients and give them a semi-solid consistency at room temperature. Beeswax is a popular binding agent due to its availability, ease of use (especially in pastille form), and ability to create smooth, cohesive results.

If you prefer a vegan alternative to beeswax, check the ingredient list below for recommended substitutions. When you incorporate lavender-infused oil (or lavender essential oil) into a salve recipe, you create a delightful lavender salve, enriched with the medicinal benefits of lavender.

Lavender-infused oil vs. lavender essential oils

When you glance at the concise ingredient list below, you’ll notice our preference for a blend of homemade lavender-infused oil and a dash of lavender essential oil in our lavender salve recipe.

But what’s the difference? Lavender-infused oil is made by steeping dried lavender flowers in a carrier oil of your choice for a period of time. This process allows the natural essential oils from the lavender to be drawn out and infused into the carrier oil, which is then strained. In contrast, lavender essential oils, often found in small bottles, are produced through a distillation extraction process, which is typically done on a large industrial scale. While some hobbyists use small distillation stills at home, it’s not the most common method for making essential oils.

We love using lavender-infused oil because it utilizes our homegrown lavender and adds a personal touch along with an extra boost of natural lavender scent to the salve. However, if you prefer, you can also create lavender salve using plain oil and essential oils. If you’d like to make lavender-infused oil for this salve recipe, check out our instructions for preparing homemade lavender oil, and then return to the recipe once it’s ready!

The Health Benefits of Lavender

  • The soothing yet cheerful aroma of lavender is both calming and uplifting, making it a favorite for promoting relaxation. Scientific studies have shown that lavender can effectively reduce anxiety, stress, depression, and insomnia, helping individuals find peace in their daily lives.
  • Beyond its calming effects, lavender boasts powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, making it a versatile ingredient in natural remedies. It is well-known for deterring pest insects such as mosquitoes and flies, which is why many natural insect repellents include lavender in their formulations.
  • Additionally, lavender has remarkable healing capabilities. It can relieve pain and itching while promoting new cell growth, aiding in the repair of damaged skin tissue and healing wounds. In her book Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide, Rosemary Gladstar highlights lavender’s effectiveness in treating a variety of infections, including staph, strep, colds, flus, ringworm, and yeast infections. She also notes its ability to ease headaches and migraines, further showcasing its extensive benefits.
  • With its multitude of uses, lavender is not just a delightful fragrance; it’s a powerful ally in both physical and emotional well-being.

What can lavender salve be used for?

While lavender is often utilized in culinary and medicinal applications, its true gift lies in its ability to soothe our skin and nerves. You may have noticed that lavender features prominently in many natural skincare products, and it’s not just for its delightful fragrance! When applied topically, lavender can alleviate, heal, or treat a wide range of skin issues. Enter homemade lavender salve!

This versatile salve can be applied to irritated skin to reduce swelling, redness, and discomfort. It effectively addresses conditions such as rashes, bug bites, burns (including sunburn), acne, scrapes, eczema, stings, scars, and psoriasis. I find it particularly soothing after shaving, helping to prevent or treat razor burn, and it also calms the small rashes I sometimes get from brushing against certain plants in the garden.

Beyond treating ailments, homemade lavender salve is an excellent remedy for everyday issues like chapped lips, rough elbows and feet, or dry hands, providing essential moisture. After a long day of gardening, I love applying it to my dry, cracked cuticles!

If you’re looking for a natural way to unwind, simply dab some lavender salve on your temples, neck, wrists, and under your nose, then take a few deep breaths. The calming aromatherapy properties of lavender can help you relax, enhance your meditation or yoga practice, or prepare for a restful night’s sleep. I keep a tin on my bedside nightstand and often reach for it in the middle of the night when my mind is racing.

Lavender oil is generally safe for children and babies, making homemade lavender salve ideal for addressing issues like diaper rash or cradle cap. In fact, one study even found that lavender oil may help alleviate colic! Just remember never to use undiluted essential oils directly on the skin, and always double-check the safety of your other salve ingredients for use with infants.

Finally, lavender salve can also assist in shrinking skin ulcers, softening the appearance of scars, and reducing the swelling and discomfort associated with varicose veins.

If you’re skeptical, take a look at these testimonials from our satisfied customers who have experienced remarkable results with our Homestead and Chill organic lavender salve. People have found relief from various skin issues, including cystic acne and persistent large rashes that resisted other treatments. I am genuinely delighted and humbled by this positive feedback. It reinforces my commitment to helping individuals lead their most naturally healthy lives—this is the very reason I started this journey!

Now, without further ado, let’s dive into the process of making your very own lavender salve! Here’s a simple guide to creating a soothing, effective salve at home.

HOMEMADE LAVENDER SALVE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS FOR LAVENDER SALVE

Lavender-Infused Oil: 1 cup (8 ounces)

  • OR 1 cup of your preferred carrier oil (like jojoba, olive, sweet almond, sunflower, or coconut oil) with additional lavender essential oils. To help you choose, check out our article on lavender oils, which details the unique benefits of various carrier oils.

Beeswax Pastilles: 3 to 4 tablespoons (approximately 1 ounce if using shaved, block, or other forms of beeswax)

  • Note: If you decide to add shea butter, you can use only 3 level tablespoons of beeswax. If you skip the shea butter, use 4 tablespoons of beeswax.
  • Vegan Alternatives: Consider soy wax or candelilla wax.

Lavender Essential Oils (EOs):

  • When using lavender-infused oil as your base, add about 20-25 drops of organic lavender essential oil per cup of oil for a delightful scent that isn’t overpowering.
  • If you’re using only essential oils, you can add up to 12 drops of lavender EOs per fluid ounce of carrier oil (up to 96 drops per cup). This is the maximum recommended amount based on a safe dilution ratio of 2%. It’s best to start with half that amount and adjust according to your scent preference.

Optional Ingredients:

  • Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter: 2 tablespoons
    • This adds rich moisture and essential nutrients to your salve.
  • Other Essential Oils: Add a few drops of complementary essential oils, such as chamomile, rose, pink grapefruit, lemon, rosemary, sweet orange, ylang ylang, bergamot, geranium, or sandalwood. Experiment with different blends to create a custom scent, each with its unique benefits.

    These ingredients come together to create a soothing and healing lavender salve perfect for various skin needs!

    Other Supplies Needed

    Double Boiler:

    • You can use a traditional double boiler or create a makeshift version. For example, place a smaller pot or a glass Pyrex or stainless steel bowl on top of a saucepan filled with water.
    • Using a double boiler is crucial to prevent overheating the volatile lavender essential oils, which can diminish their healing properties.

    Storage Containers:

    • Small glass jars or salve tins are needed for storing your finished product.
    • Common choices include 2-ounce amber glass jars for personal use or gifts, and larger 4-ounce jars. For easy shipping, consider using 2-ounce salve tins.

      Recipe Yield

      • The quantities provided will yield just over 1 cup of finished salve (approximately 10 ounces, or five 2-ounce tins).
      • Feel free to scale the recipe up or down as needed. A general guideline for salve is to use about 1 part beeswax/butter to approximately 4-7 parts oil. A higher beeswax-to-oil ratio results in a firmer salve, while using less beeswax creates a softer consistency.

      Note on Quality Ingredients

      • When making salve, herbal oils, or other homemade body care products, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients. Opting for certified organic options is even better.
      • Aim to create a healing medicinal product. For instance, use virgin, unrefined, cold-pressed oils whenever possible. Avoid lesser-quality oils that are extracted with solvents, which can introduce contaminants like hexane—known to be a neurological toxin.
      • Be cautious with non-organic essential oils; as the natural oils in the plant become concentrated in essential oils, so do any pesticides or contaminants present on the plant.

      Using high-quality, organic ingredients ensures that your lavender salve is not only effective but also safe for your skin. Enjoy the process of creating a natural remedy that promotes healing and well-being!

      INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKING LAVENDER SALVE

      Prepare Storage Containers:

      • Have your salve tins, glass jars, or any storage containers ready for the lavender salve.

      Set Up Double Boiler:

      • In the top portion of a double boiler (or a makeshift double boiler), combine 1 cup of lavender-infused oil (or your chosen carrier oil) and 3 to 4 level tablespoons of beeswax (refer to the sliding scale notes above).
      • If you’re using it, also add 2 tablespoons of shea butter at this point.

      Add Water:

      • Fill the bottom portion of the double boiler with enough water so that the top bowl or pot is resting in the water. This helps create a gentle heat for melting.

      Heat the Mixture:

      • Place the double boiler on the stovetop and heat it over medium-low heat. It’s important to avoid overheating the lavender oil more than necessary to melt the beeswax.

      Melt and Combine:

      • Monitor the mixture closely and stir it routinely until the beeswax (and shea butter, if added) is completely melted. Once fully melted, stir to combine thoroughly.

      Remove from Heat:

      • Immediately take the mixture off the heat once everything is melted and well combined.

      Add Essential Oils:

      • After removing the salve from heat, add the lavender essential oils. Essential oils are volatile and dissipate quickly when exposed to high temperatures, so it’s important to add them at this stage. Whisk the mixture to ensure even distribution.

      Pour into Containers:

      • While the mixture is still hot, carefully pour the liquid lavender salve into your prepared containers. If it starts to solidify while you’re filling the containers, place it back on medium-low heat until it liquifies again.

      Cool and Harden:

      • Set the filled lavender salve containers aside with the lids off, allowing them to fully cool and harden.

      Enjoy Your Salve:

        • Once cooled and set, enjoy your homemade lavender salve for healthy, moisturized skin! Use clean fingers or a salve spoon to collect a small amount and apply as needed. Remember, a little goes a long way!

        Feel free to customize your salve with different essential oils or carrier oils to suit your personal preferences. Happy crafting!

        CONCLUSION

        I hope you’re feeling inspired and ready to create your own healing homemade lavender salve! It’s a personal favorite of ours and makes for a thoughtful gift for loved ones, whether for a special occasion or just because. For storage, keep your salve containers in a cool, dark place. I like to keep one accessible for daily use while storing the others in a cabinet. Homemade lavender salve can last for several years, although its medicinal potency may gradually diminish over time. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below! And once you’ve made your own, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to share this post with others. Thank you for reading!

        DIY BEESWAX BODY BUTTER RECIPE

        For years, my skin would react to cooler weather by becoming red and chapped, especially during pregnancy or while breastfeeding (which has been my reality for nearly a decade!).

        I used to rely on store-bought lotions throughout the winter, which would provide temporary relief, but because lotions are mostly water, they never offered the deep hydration my skin truly needed.

        A few years ago, I decided to start making my own skincare products, and that’s when I discovered the power of homemade body butter. Now, I create a natural, deeply moisturizing body butter that actually heals my skin, instead of just masking the issue. It’s been a game changer—no need to look for anything else!

        What You Need To Make Homemade Beeswax Body Butter

        iNGREDIENTS

        • White Beeswax Pellets – Adding beeswax helps reduce the greasy feeling on your lips while still offering moisture and protection.
        • Vitamin E Oil – Known for its nourishing and healing properties, Vitamin E oil is excellent for treating damaged skin, such as scars and stretch marks.
        • Shea Butter – Known for its soothing, softening, and anti-inflammatory properties, shea butter helps tone and calm your skin, making it ideal for homemade skincare products.
        • Coconut Oil – Rich in antioxidants, coconut oil helps protect your skin and lips while minimizing signs of aging.
        • Sweet Almond Oil – With its healing properties, sweet almond oil is great for acne and other blemishes. If needed, you can substitute it with jojoba oil, olive oil, or any other carrier oil you have available.
        • Essential Oils (Optional) – Customize your lip balm by adding your favorite fruity or spicy essential oils to personalize the scent and benefits.

        SUPPLIES

        • Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – An electric mixer is essential to achieve the creamy, whipped consistency of body butter.
        • Double Boiler – You can use a double boiler or create one by adding an inch or two of water to a saucepan. Place a glass bowl on top of the saucepan, heat the water over medium heat, and melt your ingredients in the glass bowl.

        How To Make Body Butter With Beeswax

        Melt the Ingredients – In a double boiler or by placing a glass bowl over a pot with a few inches of water, heat the jojoba oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until all solid bits have completely melted.

        Add Essential Oils – Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Once slightly cooled, add 20 drops of your chosen essential oil for fragrance and extra benefits.

        Cool the Mixture – Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Then, place it in the fridge for about an hour until it starts to harden, but remains soft to the touch.

        Whip the Mixture – Using a stand mixer or handheld beaters, whip the body butter mixture for about 3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.

        Tips For Success

        To Use – This body butter is safe for most areas of your body, but avoid applying it to sensitive areas. If you experience any skin irritation, discontinue use immediately.

        To Store – Since this body butter doesn’t contain water, it has a long shelf life. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 months, or in a cool place for up to 6 months. To protect the essential oils, store the body butter in a glass amber jar or another container that shields it from direct sunlight.

        Variations – Feel free to experiment with different essential oil combinations to customize the fragrance of each batch!

        Substitutions – If you don’t have sweet almond oil, you can substitute it with jojoba oil or olive oil in this recipe.

        About This Body Butter Recipe With Beeswax

        • No Harmful Chemicals – This body butter is free from any worrisome chemicals, making it a perfect choice for sensitive skin.
        • Budget-Friendly – You can make enough body butter to last your family all winter for just a few dollars’ worth of ingredients, which is a fraction of the cost of store-bought natural body butter!Hydrating and Soothing – All the ingredients are specifically chosen to hydrate and soothe dry skin, leaving your skin soft and nourished.
        • Non-Greasy – While this body butter is rich and creamy, it absorbs well without leaving a greasy residue.
        • Customizable Scents – You can easily create a variety of scents by adding different essential oils to suit your preferences!

        CONCLUSION

        Making your own body butter is a simple, cost-effective way to nourish and hydrate your skin without the worry of harsh chemicals. With its rich, creamy texture and customizable scents, this body butter is perfect for keeping your skin soft, smooth, and moisturized all winter long. Whether you’re treating dry skin or just want a luxurious self-care routine, this DIY recipe is a natural and affordable solution that the whole family can enjoy.