la mer cream vs soft cream

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!

        30 PROFESSIONAL NAIL IDEAS FOR THE WORKPLACE

        Navigating the world of professional attire often extends beyond your wardrobe to your fingertips. While expressing your personal style is important, maintaining a polished look in the workplace is equally crucial. Here, we’ve curated a collection of 30 sophisticated nail designs that strike the perfect balance between elegance and individuality, ensuring your nails make a professional statement without overshadowing your accomplishments. Let’s dive into the world of work-appropriate nail art!

        WHAT DEFINES A PROFESSIONAL NAIL LOOK?

        A professional nail look is characterized by several key factors. Cleanliness is paramount, with well-maintained nails and hands being essential. Length is another crucial aspect, with short to medium nails generally considered most appropriate for professional settings. While exceptions exist in creative industries, longer nails and extensions are often viewed as less professional.

        Nail shape also contributes to a polished appearance. Classic shapes like round, square, squoval, and oval mimic the natural nail and are widely considered professional. Finally, balance is key. While expressing personal style is encouraged, it’s important to avoid overpowering elements. A bold color or design can be complemented by neutral tones or simpler styles to maintain a professional look.

        By understanding these foundational elements, you can create nail designs that enhance your professional image.

        31 PROFESSIONAL NAIL IDEAS TO INSPIRE YOUR NEXT MANICURE

        ARTSY NEUTRALS

        Artsy Neutrals Nail designs blend classic elegance with modern creativity. These manicures utilize a palette of subtle shades like beige, taupe, and grey as a base for intricate patterns, minimalist lines, or delicate accents. Whether you prefer a sophisticated or edgy look, artsy neutral nails offer a versatile and stylish option for any occasion.

        SOLO SPARKLES

        Solo sparkles can add a subtle touch of glamor to your professional attire without being overly flashy. A single accent nail adorned with glitter or shimmer can elevate your manicure while still maintaining a polished and appropriate look for the workplace. This understated yet stylish approach allows you to express your personality without compromising professionalism.

        NEON CURVES

        Neon curves might be too bold and attention-grabbing for most workplace environments. While they can be fun and trendy, they might clash with professional dress codes or create a distracting visual element. It’s essential to consider your workplace culture and dress code before opting for such a vibrant nail design.

        BLUE DIVIDE 

        A Blue Divide manicure can be a sophisticated and professional choice for many workplaces. The contrast between two shades of blue creates a visually interesting yet understated design. This nail art style often strikes a balance between creativity and professionalism, making it a suitable option for various office environments.

        SUBTLE SPARKLE 

        Subtle sparkle nails can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your professional look. A hint of shimmer or glitter, whether incorporated into the entire nail or as an accent, can elevate your manicure without being overly distracting. This understated approach allows you to maintain a polished and professional appearance while still expressing your personal style.

        LAYERED DENIM

        Layered denim nails might not be the most suitable choice for most workplaces. The texture and color scheme of denim, while trendy, can appear too casual for professional settings. A more polished and sophisticated nail design would likely be more appropriate for office environments. However, if your workplace has a very relaxed dress code, you might be able to experiment with denim-inspired nail art in a subtle way.

        SNOW WHITE 

        Snow white nails can be a classic and elegant choice for the workplace. This timeless color exudes sophistication and professionalism. It’s a versatile option that complements various outfit choices and office environments, making it a safe and stylish choice for many professionals.

        WINTER GREIGE

        Winter greige nails offer a sophisticated and neutral look perfect for the workplace. This blend of grey and beige creates a timeless and understated aesthetic that complements various professional attire. Its muted tone ensures it won’t be too distracting, making it a versatile choice for office environments.

        BURNT ORANGE 

        Burnt orange nails can be a bold choice for the workplace. While it’s a stylish and confident color, it might be too vibrant for some office environments. To make it more suitable, consider pairing it with a neutral or classic outfit. Ultimately, the appropriateness of burnt orange nails depends on your specific workplace culture and dress code.

        GEORGIA PEACH

        Georgia Peach nails can bring a warm and inviting touch to your workplace look. This cheerful shade of orange can be a bold statement, so it’s important to consider your office environment’s dress code. If your workplace has a more relaxed atmosphere, a Georgia Peach manicure can add a fun and energetic vibe to your overall appearance.

        FOREST GREEN 

        Forest green nails can bring a touch of nature and sophistication to the workplace. This rich and earthy tone can create a polished and professional look. However, depending on the specific shade and your office environment, it might be better suited for more creative or relaxed workplaces.

        SOFT YELLOW

        Soft yellow nails can bring a touch of sunshine to your workday without being overly distracting. This cheerful color can uplift your mood and create a positive impression. However, it’s important to choose a muted or pastel shade of yellow to maintain a professional look. A soft yellow manicure can add a subtle pop of color to your overall office attire.

        HAPPY CORAL 

        Happy coral nails can add a cheerful and energetic vibe to your workplace look. This vibrant shade can boost your mood and create a positive impression. However, to maintain professionalism, consider pairing it with neutral outfits or opting for a more muted coral tone. Ultimately, the suitability of happy coral nails depends on your specific workplace culture and dress code.

        MILKY CHOCOLATE 

        Milky chocolate nails offer a sophisticated and versatile look for the workplace. This neutral shade complements a variety of outfits and office environments, creating a polished and professional appearance. It’s a safe choice that strikes a balance between style and professionalism, making it suitable for most office settings.

        OMBRE CREAM

        Ombre cream nails offer a sophisticated and trendy look for the workplace. The gradual transition of light to dark cream shades creates a visually appealing and modern manicure. This design is versatile and can be adapted to fit various office environments, making it a suitable choice for many professionals.

        BOLD RED

        Bold red nails can make a strong statement in the workplace. This classic color exudes confidence and power, but it’s important to consider your office environment. A more conservative workplace might prefer a deeper, classic red, while a creative industry could embrace a brighter, bolder shade. Ultimately, well-maintained red nails can be a sophisticated choice when paired with appropriate attire.

        SLATE BLUE

        Slate blue nails offer a sophisticated and professional look for the workplace. This muted shade of blue is versatile and complements various outfit choices, creating a polished and put-together appearance. While it adds a subtle touch of color, slate blue remains understated and appropriate for most office environments.

        DEEP PLUM

        Deep plum nails can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to your workplace look. This rich, dark color exudes confidence and professionalism. However, it’s important to consider your office environment’s dress code, as some workplaces might prefer more neutral tones. If your workplace allows for a bolder color choice, a deep plum manicure can be a striking and memorable accessory.

        CHARCOAL  

        Charcoal nails offer a sophisticated and modern look for the workplace. This dark, neutral shade exudes professionalism and confidence. While it might be considered bold by some, charcoal can be surprisingly versatile and complements a variety of outfit choices.

        EARTHY WHITE 

        Earthy white nails offer a clean and sophisticated look for the workplace. This muted shade of white brings a subtle warmth and elegance to your manicure, creating a professional and polished appearance. It’s a versatile color that complements various outfit choices and office environments, making it a safe and stylish option.

        SLEEK GRAY

        Sleek gray nails offer a sophisticated and modern look for the workplace. This neutral color exudes professionalism and versatility, complementing a wide range of outfits and office environments. Whether you prefer a light or dark shade of gray, this timeless choice will create a polished and put-together impression.

        MUTED MAUVE 

        Muted mauve nails offer a sophisticated and understated look for the workplace. This soft, powdery shade of purple exudes elegance and professionalism. It’s a versatile color that complements various skin tones and outfit choices, making it a suitable option for most office environments.

        PEARLY PINK

        Pearly pink nails can add a touch of femininity and sophistication to your workplace look. This delicate shade offers a balance of softness and elegance, creating a polished and professional appearance. While it’s important to choose a muted pearl pink to maintain a professional look, this color can brighten up your overall office attire.

        OH SO NUDE

        Oh So Nude nails offer a classic and timeless look for the workplace. This neutral shade is universally flattering and complements a variety of skin tones and outfit styles. Its understated elegance creates a polished and professional appearance, making it a safe and stylish choice for any office environment.

        MUTED PINK

        Muted pink nails offer a soft and feminine touch to the workplace. This delicate shade exudes professionalism and sophistication while adding a subtle pop of color. It’s a versatile choice that complements various skin tones and outfit styles, making it a suitable option for most office environments.

        GOLD BASE

        A gold base nail can be a bold choice for the workplace. While it exudes luxury and confidence, it might be too attention-grabbing for some office environments. To make it more suitable, consider pairing it with a matte top coat or opting for a subtle gold shimmer instead of a full-on metallic finish. Ultimately, the appropriateness of a gold base nail depends on your specific workplace culture and dress code.

        MELTED FRENCH

        A melted French nail design can offer a modern and sophisticated look for the workplace. This variation of the classic French manicure features a softer, more diffused line between the nail bed and the tip, creating a subtle and elegant effect. Its versatility allows it to complement various office environments and outfit choices, making it a suitable option for many professionals.

        CRIMSON TIPS

        Crimson tips can be a bold choice for the workplace. This classic combination of a neutral base with a crimson-colored tip offers a sophisticated and confident look. However, the intensity of the crimson should be considered based on your office environment’s dress code. A deeper, more muted crimson might be more appropriate for conservative workplaces, while a brighter shade could be suitable for more creative industries.

        ROUND FRENCH

        A round French nail design offers a modern and softened take on the classic French manicure. The rounded tip creates a feminine and gentle look, perfect for those who prefer a more understated style. While it maintains the professional elegance of the traditional French, the round shape adds a touch of contemporary flair, making it a suitable option for most workplace environments.

        SQUOVAL FRENCH 

        A squoval French manicure offers a modern and sophisticated look for the workplace. This nail shape, a blend of square and oval, provides a clean and polished appearance. The classic French tip design maintains a professional aesthetic, while the squoval shape adds a contemporary touch. This combination makes it a versatile choice for various office environments.

        CONCLUSION

        From classic neutrals to subtle pops of color, the options for professional nail designs are vast and versatile. By carefully considering your workplace environment and personal style, you can effortlessly elevate your look with a manicure that exudes both sophistication and confidence. Remember, well-maintained nails reflect attention to detail and professionalism, making them an essential component of your overall work attire.

        Whether you prefer a minimalist approach or a touch of creativity, these 30 nail ideas provide a solid foundation for crafting the perfect manicure to complement your professional image.