how to dilute fragrance oil for skin

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!

        15 TOP ESSENTIAL OIL BRANDS OF 2024

        Essential oils have exploded in popularity in recent years, offering natural ways to promote relaxation, improve mood, and enhance your well-being. But with so many brands on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. This guide explores the top 15 essential oil brands of 2024, helping you find high-quality, effective products to experience the true potential of aromatherapy. We’ll consider factors like purity, sourcing, variety, and brand values to help you find the perfect fit for your needs. So, get ready to embark on a journey of aromatic discovery!

        WHAT CRITERIA ARE USED TO DETERMINE THE POPULARITY OF ESSENTIAL OIL BRANDS?

        Several key criteria come into play when determining the popularity of essential oil brands. Here’s a breakdown of the most important factors:

        Quality and Purity: This reigns supreme. Reputable brands prioritize high-quality essential oils, free from adulterants, fillers, or harmful synthetics. They ensure their oils are obtained through careful sourcing and meticulous distillation processes.

        Transparency and Sourcing: Popular brands are transparent about their sourcing practices. They often disclose the origin of their plants, ensuring ethical and sustainable harvesting. This resonates with consumers who value eco-friendly practices and fair trade principles.

        Accessibility and Availability: Top brands make their products accessible to a wider audience. This might involve having a strong online presence, partnerships with reputable retailers, or offering a variety of purchase options, including single oils and pre-made blends.

        Reputation and Brand Values: Popularity is often built on a foundation of trust and positive brand image. Popular brands cultivate a reputation for excellence through consistent quality, positive customer experiences, and clear communication of their values. They might emphasize organic practices, aromatherapy education, or giving back to communities.

        LIST OF TOP 15 BRANDS OF ESSENTIAL OILS

        NOW ESSENTIAL OILS

        NOW Essential Oils is a strong contender in the essential oil market, ticking many of the boxes for popularity. They prioritize quality, offering a wide range of 100% pure, undiluted essential oils obtained through methods like steam distillation. NOW is transparent about their sourcing and highlights their commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. The brand boasts a vast selection, catering to various needs and preferences. With their accessible online presence and readily available products in stores, NOW makes it easy for consumers to experience aromatherapy. Finally, NOW has cultivated a positive reputation for quality and value, making them a popular choice for those seeking effective and affordable essential oils.

        EDENS’ GARDEN

        Edens Garden stands out as a consumer-friendly brand in the essential oil world. They champion affordability without sacrificing quality, ensuring their 100% pure therapeutic-grade oils are accessible to a wider audience. Edens Garden prioritizes rigorous third-party GC/MS testing to guarantee the purity and safety of each oil. They stand out for their commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability practices. Unlike some multi-level marketing (MLM) companies, Edens Garden offers their products directly to consumers, eliminating markups and keeping costs reasonable. They boast a diverse selection of single oils and expertly formulated blends, along with diffusers and other aromatherapy accessories. Edens Garden’s focus on quality, affordability, and education makes them a popular choice for beginners and experienced essential oil users alike.

        AURA CACIA

        Aura Cacia occupies a solid position in the essential oil market, catering to those seeking good value and decent quality. They offer a broad range of essential oils and pre-made blends, including popular options like lavender, peppermint, and citrus varieties. Aura Cacia emphasizes affordability, making them a good choice for those new to aromatherapy or looking to experiment with different scents. While they might not offer the same level of meticulous sourcing or in-depth educational resources as some higher-rated brands, Aura Cacia provides a reliable and accessible entry point into the world of essential oils. Their user-friendly blends can be a good option for those seeking specific aromatherapy benefits without the need for extensive research.

        REVIVE ESSENTIAL OILS

        Revive Essential Oils positions itself as a brand focused on offering effective and potent essential oil solutions. They highlight the therapeutic benefits of their products, promoting them for uses like boosting immunity, reducing stress, and improving sleep. Revive emphasizes the purity of their oils, claiming to use 100% pure therapeutic-grade essential oils and plant extracts. While independent verification of these claims might be beneficial, Revive focuses on creating user-friendly products like roll-ons and blends that cater to specific needs. Their subscription options offer a convenient way to stock up on favorites, and their satisfaction guarantee demonstrates confidence in product quality. Whether Revive lives up to its claims of high potency depends on user experience and independent testing results, but they cater to those seeking convenient and results-oriented essential oil solutions.

        PURA D’OR

        PURA D’OR carves a niche in the essential oil market by prioritizing quality, ethics, and variety. They’re known for offering a diverse selection of 100% pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils and pre-made blends. PURA D’OR emphasizes quality control through meticulous sourcing and distillation, ensuring their oils are free from adulterants. They also prioritize transparency, working with certified organic farms and highlighting sustainable harvesting practices. This commitment to ethical sourcing resonates with eco-conscious consumers. PURA D’OR’s extensive range caters to various needs, from popular picks like lavender and peppermint to more unique botanicals. They complement their selection with pre-made blends designed for specific purposes like relaxation or sleep. Finally, PURA D’OR’s reputation for quality, sustainability, and fair trade practices aligns with the values of many consumers seeking responsible brands. This combination of high-quality products, ethical sourcing, and a diverse range makes PURA D’OR a popular choice in the essential oil market.

        AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES

        Aromatherapy Associates is renowned for its expertise in harnessing the natural healing powers of essential oils to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Founded on the principles of aromatherapy, the brand offers a wide range of luxurious products designed to address various concerns, from relaxation and stress relief to revitalization and skin rejuvenation. Each product is carefully formulated with blends of pure essential oils, selected for their therapeutic properties and aromatic qualities. Aromatherapy Associates is dedicated to promoting holistic health and beauty through the transformative effects of aromatherapy, providing effective solutions that nurture both body and mind.

        MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS

        Mountain Rose Herbs stands out for its commitment to organic, ethically sourced, and meticulously handled botanical products. Founded in 1987, they’ve grown into a trusted supplier for those seeking high-quality herbs, spices, teas, and essential oils. Mountain Rose Herbs prioritizes organic certification and sustainable sourcing practices. They ensure their essential oils are free from harmful chemicals, pesticides, and residues, appealing to health-conscious consumers. They offer a vast selection of essential oils, encompassing popular choices like lavender and tea tree alongside more unique botanicals. This caters to a diverse range of needs and preferences, allowing users to explore the world of aromatherapy.

        GARDEN OF LIFE

        Garden of Life is a company known for its focus on organic and plant-based nutrition products. They offer a wide range of supplements that are designed to support various aspects of health, such as vitamins, probiotics, protein powders, and more. Their products are made from natural, non-GMO ingredients, which are carefully sourced and rigorously tested for purity and potency. Garden of Life emphasizes transparency in their manufacturing process, ensuring that consumers can trust the quality and integrity of what they’re putting into their bodies. Overall, Garden of Life strives to promote health and wellness through their commitment to organic nutrition and sustainable practices.

        YOUNG LIVING

        Young Living is a company known for its focus on essential oils and wellness products. They offer a wide range of essential oils made from natural botanicals, each carefully distilled to preserve its therapeutic properties. Young Living promotes the use of essential oils for various purposes, including relaxation, skincare, and home cleaning. In addition to oils, they provide personal care products, nutritional supplements, and household cleaners, all crafted with natural ingredients. The company emphasizes purity and quality, using rigorous testing methods to ensure their products meet high standards. Young Living aims to empower individuals to live healthier lives through the benefits of essential oils and natural wellness solutions.

        NEOM

        NEOM Organics is a well-known brand specializing in natural products that promote well-being and relaxation. They offer a range of luxurious home fragrances, skincare, and bath products, all crafted with a focus on natural ingredients and essential oils. NEOM’s products are designed to enhance mood and reduce stress through aromatherapy, blending therapeutic scents like lavender, citrus, and chamomile. The brand prides itself on using ethically sourced ingredients and sustainable practices in their manufacturing process. NEOM Organics aims to create a holistic experience that helps customers feel calmer, happier, and more balanced in their everyday lives.

        NEW DIRECTIONS AROMATICS

        New Directions Aromatics is a company specializing in essential oils, natural ingredients, and raw materials for various industries. They provide a wide array of products including essential oils, carrier oils, butters, waxes, and cosmetic bases. New Directions Aromatics sources their ingredients from around the world, focusing on quality and purity to meet the needs of their diverse customer base. They cater to aromatherapists, cosmetic formulators, and artisans who create skincare, haircare, and personal care products. The company emphasizes transparency and sustainability in their sourcing and manufacturing processes, aiming to deliver reliable and ethically sourced ingredients to their customers. Overall, New Directions Aromatics is committed to supporting the creation of natural and effective products for health, beauty, and well-being.

        NATURE IN BOTTLE

        Nature in Bottle is a company that specializes in natural ingredients and essential oils for various applications. They offer a wide range of products including organic oils, herbal extracts, floral waters, and cosmetic bases. Nature in Bottle focuses on providing high-quality ingredients sourced from sustainable and ethical suppliers around the globe. Their products cater to industries such as skincare, aromatherapy, and natural cosmetics, aiming to promote wellness and beauty through natural solutions. The company prioritizes transparency and integrity in their sourcing and manufacturing processes, ensuring that customers receive pure and effective ingredients for their formulations. Nature in Bottle is committed to supporting sustainable practices and empowering businesses to create products that are both effective and environmentally responsible.

        WHOLESALE BOTANICS

        Wholesale Botanics is a company specializing in providing bulk botanical ingredients and raw materials to various industries. They offer a diverse range of products including herbs, spices, teas, and botanical extracts sourced from around the world. Wholesale Botanics caters primarily to businesses such as herbalists, apothecaries, tea companies, and manufacturers of natural products. They focus on ensuring the quality and purity of their ingredients through rigorous testing and sourcing from reputable suppliers. The company emphasizes affordability and customer service, aiming to support businesses in creating high-quality products while maintaining competitive pricing. Wholesale Botanics strives to foster partnerships with their clients by offering reliable and sustainable botanical solutions for diverse applications.

        PLANT THERAPY

        Plant Therapy is a company that specializes in providing high-quality essential oils and natural products for aromatherapy and wellness. They offer a wide selection of essential oils, including single oils and blends, each crafted to promote specific therapeutic benefits such as relaxation, immune support, and mood enhancement. In addition to oils, Plant Therapy offers a range of natural body care products, carrier oils, and diffusers.

        The company prides itself on transparency and purity, ensuring that their oils are free from additives and synthetic ingredients. Plant Therapy is dedicated to providing education about essential oils and safe usage practices, empowering customers to incorporate natural solutions into their daily lives. They emphasize customer satisfaction through responsive service and detailed product information, making them a trusted choice for individuals and families seeking natural wellness alternatives. Overall, Plant Therapy aims to promote health and well-being through the power of plants and essential oils.

        ROCKY MOUNTAINS OIL

        Rocky Mountain Oils is a company known for its focus on providing high-quality essential oils and natural products. They offer a wide range of essential oils sourced from around the world, ensuring purity and potency through rigorous testing and ethical sourcing practices. Rocky Mountain Oils emphasizes transparency in their manufacturing process, providing detailed information about the origin and quality of each oil they sell.

        In addition to essential oils, the company offers natural personal care products, diffusers, and blends designed to support various aspects of health and well-being. They cater to individuals seeking natural alternatives for relaxation, skincare, and overall wellness. Rocky Mountain Oils is committed to promoting education about essential oils and safe usage practices, empowering their customers to make informed choices about their health and lifestyle. Overall, Rocky Mountain Oils aims to enhance the lives of their customers through the therapeutic benefits of natural oils and products.

        CONCLUSION

        The world of essential oils offers a vast array of options, and selecting the right brand can be overwhelming. This list of the top 15 essential oil brands in 2024 provides a starting point for your exploration. Remember, the “best” brand depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors like sourcing, organic certification, variety of oils, and price point when making your decision.

        No matter which brand you choose, prioritize quality and purity to ensure a safe and effective aromatherapy experience. Happy smelling!