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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!

        JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT WEIGHT GAIN: “THE ENERGY LEVEL AND THE WAY I FEEL NOW IS GREAT”

        Jennifer Love Hewitt’s career has literally spanned decades, with her talent shining in iconic roles like in “Party of Five” and “Ghost Whisperer.” During her time in the spotlight, discussions about her appearance, including her weight, became common. Recently, her weight gain issue has made headlines, sparking various discussions about potential health factors, phrases such as “Jennifer Love Hewitt fat” or “Jennifer Love Hewitt body” have appeared. show up more on search engines. Let’s find out in this article!

        WHO IS JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT?

        Jennifer Love Hewitt is an American actress, producer, and singer who’s been active for many years. She started out young, appearing in national commercials and on the Disney Channel series Kids Incorporated in the late 80s and early 90s.

        Hewitt’s career boomed in the late 90s with her leading roles in the teen drama series “Party of Five” and the slasher film “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” Since then, she’s continued to act in both television and film, including starring in the supernatural drama “Ghost Whisperer.” 

        HOW JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT CONFRONTS BEAUTY STANDARDS

        Jennifer Love Hewitt, once voted one of the world’s sexiest women, has undergone a significant transformation after years of struggling with fluctuating weight. News outlets often focused on Jennifer Love Hewitt gaining weight, but she has spoken out against unrealistic beauty standards, expressing a preference for embracing her natural self. Hewitt revealed that being constantly judged on her appearance damaged her self-esteem, a challenge faced by many women. These unrealistic standards often lead to eating disorders, low self-esteem, and mental health issues.

        “I’m an actress, I live in LA, I work in Hollywood,” she explained.

        “But I’ve learned that if you’re too skinny, they’ll say something about it. If you’re not skinny enough, they’ll say something about it.

        “I just try to feel good in my own skin as much as I can.

        “I do find that as a curvy girl, as I guess I’ve sort of been deemed, I don’t think you want to run your curves off, because then you’re just not yourself.”

        But she noted she enjoyed regular running because it “definitely helps your butt, that’s for sure”.

        She made her feelings very clear after she was criticised for her “curvy” physique when unflattering paparazzi photographs emerged in December 2007 showing the bikini-clad actress swimming in the ocean.

        “This is the last time I will address this subject,” she wrote on her blog.

        “I’ve sat by in silence for a long time now about the way women’s bodies are constantly scrutinised.

        “To set the record straight, I’m not upset for me, but for all of the girls out there that are struggling with their body image.

        “A size 2 is not fat! Nor will it ever be. And being a size 0 doesn’t make you beautiful.”

        “I know what I look like, and so do my friends and family. And like all women out there should, I love my body.

        “To all girls with butts, boobs, hips and a waist, put on a bikini – put it on and stay strong.”

        In addition to these pressures, Hewitt also discussed the difficulties of balancing her career and motherhood. After long workdays, she often cares for her children at home, leaving little time for exercise or dieting. This experience resonates with many women, as the pressure to be a perfect mother while managing a career creates significant stress, anxiety, and depression.

        JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY

        In 2008, Hewitt dramatically lost over 8 kg in just 10 weeks.

        “I am in a pretty good workout regimen that I like, so it inspired me to keep it up. The energy level and the way I feel now is great,” she told a US magazine.

        Her personal trainer, Stevie Santangelo, revealed the motivation behind Hewitt’s weight loss.

        “With Jennifer, it’s not, ‘I want to look good in that dress’. She wanted to start moving around because she thought it would make her feel better,” Santangelo said.

        “She told me, ‘They said some rude, mean things, but that’s not why I wanted to change’.”

        Although she appeared on magazine covers in bikinis and lingerie, Hewitt once shared that she faced the same insecurities as any other woman.

        “I’m a girl, after all,” the then-30-year-old told Shape in September 2009.

        “For the most part, yeah, I’m happy with my body, but there are days when I’m like, ‘Ugh! Really? Why is it so hard to fit into my jeans?’

        “That’s when I say to myself, ‘I look this way because I’m supposed to. If we all looked the same, we’d be boring’.”

        To keep herself fit, healthy and happy, Hewitt said her strategy was to do her grocery shop every two days.

        “Instead of piling up food in my fridge that says ‘Come eat me’ I keep enough for only a couple of days,” she explained.

        “And I rarely have treats around that might tempt me late at night, which is when I usually crave something really fattening.

        “What am I going to do? Drive out at 11 at night just to satisfy a craving? No, that’s crazy.”

        During that period, her healthy diet included a salad with every meal, plenty of fish, fruits, and vegetables. According to Jacked Gorilla, Hewitt also focused on consuming organic foods every Saturday and Sunday.

        While dating her Ghost Whisperer co-star Jamie Kennedy, they went for a 40-minute run together through the streets of Monte Carlo during their trip to Monaco.

        “It was an amazing way to see the city. When we travel, we try to explore the places by running,” she said.

        In 2013, Hewitt spilled details on how she stayed in shape with regular Pilates, yoga and “plain old walking”.

        “I try to switch it up a bit,” she told Okay! magazine.

        “I’ve found that if every week I do something different it tricks my muscles into not getting used to doing any one thing.

        “I wear 10 pound (4.5kg) weights on my ankles while I’m working just so that as I’m moving during the day I’m constantly building muscle.

        “It’s not great for your back but I’m doing it anyway.

        “And I do Zumba. I have DVDs and I dance around like a crazy person in my house.”

        JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT EARLY LIFE 

        Hewitt was born in Waco, Texas, to Patricia Mae (née Shipp), a speech-language pathologist, and Herbert Daniel Hewitt, a medical technician. She spent her childhood in Nolanville, Central Texas, and has strong family connections in parts of Arkansas. Following her parents’ divorce, Hewitt and her older brother Todd were raised by their mother.

        From a young age, Hewitt showed a passion for music, which led to her early involvement in the entertainment industry. At the age of three, she impressed audiences by singing “The Greatest Love of All” at a livestock show. A year later, she captivated a crowd with her rendition of “Help Me Make It Through the Night” at a restaurant-dance hall. By five, she had already added tap dancing and ballet to her repertoire. At nine, she joined the Texas Show Team, a troupe associated with L.A. Gear, which even toured the Soviet Union.

        JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT ACTING CAREER

        Jennifer Love Hewitt’s acting career spans over three decades, showcasing her versatility and talent across various genres. She rose to prominence in the 1990s with roles in popular TV shows like “Party of Five,” where she portrayed the sensitive and compassionate Sarah Reeves Merrin. 

        Hewitt’s breakout role came in the horror film “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” solidifying her status as a leading actress in Hollywood.

        Throughout the 2000s, she continued to captivate audiences with memorable performances in romantic comedies like “Heartbreakers” and “The Tuxedo.” 

        Hewitt also demonstrated her dramatic prowess in the supernatural drama series “Ghost Whisperer,” earning critical acclaim for her portrayal of Melinda Gordon, a woman who communicates with the dead. 

        In recent years, she has appeared in TV series such as “9-1-1” and “9-1-1: Lone Star,” showcasing her enduring appeal and acting range. Hewitt’s career is marked by her ability to seamlessly transition between television and film, leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

        JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT OTHER ENDEAVORS

        In addition to her successful acting career, Jennifer Love Hewitt has ventured into various other endeavors, showcasing her multifaceted talents. Hewitt is also an accomplished singer, having released several albums throughout her career. 

        Her debut album, “Love Songs,” was released in 1992 when she was just 13 years old. She continued to pursue music, releasing additional albums such as “Let’s Go Bang” and “Jennifer Love Hewitt.” 

        Beyond entertainment, Hewitt has also been involved in philanthropy, supporting causes such as cancer research and children’s welfare. She has served as an ambassador for organizations like the Lollipop Theater Network, which brings movie screenings to hospitalized children. 

        Additionally, Hewitt has explored entrepreneurship, launching her own maternity line called “L by Jennifer Love Hewitt.” Through her diverse endeavors, Hewitt has demonstrated her passion for creativity, philanthropy, and business acumen.

        JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT PERSONAL LIFE

        Jennifer Love Hewitt’s love life has been a big topic for people to talk about. In the ’90s and 2000s, she dated some famous people like Joey Lawrence, Will Friedle, Carson Daly, and others. Then in 2005, she started dating a Scottish actor named Ross McCall who she met while working on “Ghost Whisperer.” They got engaged in 2007 but broke up in 2008.

        Later on, in 2012, she started dating Brian Hallisay, who was her co-star in “The Client List” show. They fell in love quickly, and in 2013, they got engaged and Jennifer announced she was going to have a baby. They got married in November 2013 and had a daughter a few days later. In 2015, they had a son, and in 2021, they had their third child.

        Besides her love life, Jennifer also faced some tough times. In 2002, a person named Diana Napolis tried to hurt her at a big music event. Diana pretended to be Jennifer’s friend to get close to her and threatened her and another famous person, Steven Spielberg. Diana got arrested and had to stay away from Jennifer and Steven. This showed how fame can bring some scary situations, and it’s important for famous people like Jennifer to stay safe.

        FAQ

        1. Has Jennifer Love Hewitt won any awards for her acting?

        While not winning any major awards, Hewitt has received several nominations throughout her career.

        2. Is Jennifer Love Hewitt known for anything else besides her career?

        Yes, she is known for her love of yoga and animals.

        3. How much is Jennifer Love Hewitt net worth?

        $22 million.

        4. How many babies has Jennifer Love Hewitt had?

        3.

        CONCLUSION

        The conclusion we can draw from this topic is that Jennifer Love Hewitt prioritized feeling good over achieving a certain weight. She focused on getting healthy and strong through exercise, which in turn resulted in weight loss and increased energy. This highlights a shift in perspective on health, moving away from purely aesthetics and towards overall well-being.