organic beeswax 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!

        DIY LIP BALM RECIPE 

        Tired of dry, chapped lips? Looking for a natural and affordable solution? Look no further than DIY lip balm! With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can whip up your very own nourishing lip balm that will leave your lips feeling soft, smooth, and kissable. In this post, we’ll guide you through a simple DIY lip balm recipe that you can customize to your liking. So, let’s get started!

        WHY IS IT THE ONLY LIP BALM RECIPE YOU’LL NEED?

        The initial version I tried many years ago only combined beeswax and olive oil, but over time, I’ve refined and adjusted it to achieve the perfect texture.

        I can’t recall the original source—probably a DIY beauty website. At first, the consistency felt somewhat watery, so I experimented with the ratios and added varying amounts of cocoa butter. No matter how many lip balms I try, whether homemade or store-bought, this recipe remains my absolute favorite!

        It feels just right on the lips: moisturizing without being watery, protective yet not overly waxy. I can’t stand the sensation of a dry, heavy layer on my lips or the need to reapply every few minutes.

        Over the years, I’ve shared this recipe with friends, and everyone has loved the results. One friend even mentioned that her herpes sores healed much faster while using it.

        Personally, I enjoy the warmth and increased circulation I feel on my lips when I wear it. While I typically don’t add essential oils, the mixture still seems to create a warming effect. I’m not sure if it’s the vitamin E naturally found in the olive oil that enhances circulation, or if the fatty barrier helps retain my body’s natural warmth. It could be a combination of both.

        Whatever the reason, it works wonders for me! My lips feel plump and smooth.

        A FEW NOTES ON THE INGREDIENTS

        This lip balm recipe features just three essential ingredients: olive oil, beeswax, and cocoa butter.

        Whenever possible, opt for organic, unrefined, cold-pressed, and pure ingredients. I prioritize this choice for all my DIY recipes because I want to benefit from the full medicinal and beauty properties each ingredient offers. However, I understand that sometimes budget constraints or availability may necessitate compromises.

        In DIY beauty products like this, using high-quality ingredients is especially crucial. While other products might only penetrate the skin to varying degrees, lip balm is applied directly to your lips, which means you’ll be licking or “eating” it throughout the day. If you’re like me and wear lip balm 24/7, it’s essential to choose the best ingredients!

        Moreover, since you’ll be making this recipe in small batches that last a long time, it’s worth it to invest in quality. I use it all day and night, and a small one-ounce jar typically lasts me over a month!

        All the ingredients in this lip balm are naturally long-lasting and resistant to rancidity. Beeswax, for example, does not go rancid at all, unlike other waxes. In my lifetime of consuming extra virgin olive oil, I’ve never encountered it going bad—it can happen, but it’s rare.

        What Makes These Ingredients Great?

        • Beeswax: Acts as an occlusive agent that locks in moisture and provides a protective barrier. It’s also an emollient (skin softener) rich in vitamin A, with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
        • Olive Oil: Packed with antioxidants, vitamins K and E, this stable oil serves as an emollient, softening and protecting the skin.
        • Cocoa Butter: High in antioxidants and stearic acid, cocoa butter is an emollient that offers a robust protective barrier for the skin.

        You can typically find all the ingredients for this lip balm recipe at a good health food store or easily purchase them online.

        OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS FOR YOUR LIP BALM RECIPE

        Essential Oils: You can enhance your lip balm with essential oils if you wish. However, keep in mind that these oils are quite potent and may be too strong for the sensitive skin on your lips. Additionally, some essential oils, particularly citrus-based ones, can trigger photosensitivity, leading to rashes when exposed to sunlight.

        Before applying any essential oil to your lips, it’s a good idea to perform a patch test on another sensitive area, such as the inside of your elbow. Be sure to limit yourself to just a couple of drops per ounce to avoid overwhelming your lips.

        Peppermint and cinnamon are popular choices for lip balms, as they provide a plumping effect by boosting circulation. Peppermint is cooling and very high in menthol, which might be a bit intense during colder weather—I’ve found it can be too much for me. Cinnamon, on the other hand, is warming and spicy. Both oils have antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

        Lavender is another commonly used essential oil for lip balms. It has similar beneficial properties and is generally milder and safer for sensitive skin.

        Honey: I’ve experimented with adding a bit of honey to this recipe a few times. However, honey can be tricky to incorporate because it doesn’t blend well in an oil base. Sometimes it mixes perfectly, while other times it simply sinks to the bottom of the jar.

        To increase your chances of achieving a well-mixed batch, stir frequently as the mixture cools down, and avoid adding too much honey. Raw honey is antimicrobial, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, making it a great addition when used correctly.

        THE LIP BALM RECIPE!

        Ingredients (1 oz / 30 ml):

        • 1 teaspoon cocoa butter (grated or in pellets)
        • 2 teaspoons beeswax (grated or in pellets)
        • 3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
        • (Optional) ¼ teaspoon honey
        • (Optional) A couple of drops of essential oil (peppermint, cinnamon, or lavender)

        Preparation:

        • Melt Ingredients: In a water bath, melt the beeswax, cocoa butter, and olive oil together. Ensure the water bath stays just below the boiling point.
        • Mix Well: Once everything is melted, stir the mixture thoroughly.
        • Pour and Cool: Pour the mixture into your chosen container and let it cool with the lid off until it hardens completely.
          • If you’re using a small jar as your container, you can melt all the ingredients directly in that jar to simplify the process and minimize waste.
        • Add Honey (if using): If you choose to include honey, stir the mixture frequently as it cools to help incorporate it evenly.
        • Add Essential Oils (if using): Allow the mixture to cool until it’s slightly warmer than room temperature, so it remains fluid but not too hot to touch. Once it reaches this stage, add a couple of drops of your selected essential oil(s) and mix well.
        • Let it Set: Allow the lip balm to cool and harden completely before sealing the container. Enjoy your homemade lip balm!

        CONCLUSION

        And there you have it! A simple and effective DIY lip balm recipe that you can easily make at home. By customizing the ingredients and essential oils, you can create a lip balm that not only moisturizes your lips but also smells amazing. Remember, the key to a great lip balm is using high-quality ingredients. So, choose natural waxes, oils, and butters that are gentle on your skin. Now, get creative and experiment with different flavors and scents. Happy crafting!