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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!

        16 BEST VITAMIN C BODY LOTIONS FOR SKIN PROTECTION

        You’re probably aware that vitamin C is a crucial component of your skincare routine, but I’d like to let you in on a secret: you should also apply vitamin C to your body. It is an all-around excellent skincare ingredient and probably the most well-studied of all antioxidants in skincare, which is significant because we know it penetrates the skin well and promotes collagen production, lightens hyperpigmentation, and neutralizes free radicals, thereby protecting against DNA damage caused by reactive oxygen species.

        When selecting a vitamin C-enriched body lotion, look for one that includes nutritious elements such as shea butter and ceramides. We’ve compiled a list of the best body moisturizers with vitamin C. 

        BEAUTY PIE Vitamin C Bio-Vitamin Brightening Body Lotion

        With a combination of vitamin C, brown algae extract, and omega fatty acids, the Superdose Vitamin C Bio-Vitamin Brightening Body Lotion fights off damaged cells and gives our skin’s microbiome a healthy boost. The name says it all: this Beauty Pie moisturizer is a supercharged skin treatment that is not recommended for persons with sensitive skin or psoriasis. The manufacturer recommends using it daily for brightening, firming, and rejuvenating effects, or twice to three times each week to help prevent symptoms of aging. 

        NIVEA Nourishing Skin Firming Body Lotion

        NIVEA’s soothing skin-firming body lotion, which contains two antioxidants, Q10, and Vitamin C, ranks first. Suitable for dry to very dry skin, this vitamin C-infused body lotion will leave you with smoother, firmer skin in only two weeks. This lightweight body lotion increases skin suppleness, allowing it to retain moisture while also revitalizing it. The creamy composition deeply hydrates and nourishes your skin for up to 48 hours. The lotion is absorbed into your body and fights free radicals, minimizing the appearance of aging. However, it is not fragrance-free, which may cause discomfort to some people.

        Gold Bond Ultimate Restoring Lotion

        The Gold Bond Ultimate Restoring Lotion is specifically designed to revitalize dry, thin, inelastic, aging, dull, and damaged skin. It noticeably enhances the skin by making it moisturized, smooth, supple, radiant, and clear, according to the reviewers. This lotion contains natural components such as green tea, shea butter, jojoba esters, orange and lemon extracts, and skin-nourishing elements. Ceramides fortify the skin, while CoQ10 increases skin firmness. This lotion also contains an improved lipid blend, which improves skin clarity and radiance. It hydrates the skin for 24 hours and promotes beautiful skin. 

        However, if you have sensitive skin, you should reconsider this because it contains parabens, silicone, and scents.

        AloeMoist Organics Full Body Cream

        The AloeMoist Organics Full Body Cream has 30 organic ingredients, including vitamins C, minerals, amino acids, natural oils, active botanicals, and antioxidants. These nutrients nourish the skin by promoting cellular renewal, collagen formation, and overall skin health. Antioxidants defend the skin against premature aging and environmental damage. The creamy, silky texture penetrates deep into the layers of skin, rejuvenating it from the inside. It heals dry, scaly, and irritated skin, removes stretch marks, and soothes sunburn. The lightweight composition treats acne evens out skin tone and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

        Gold Bond Men’s Essentials Daily Body & Hand Lotion

        Gold Bond’s Essential Daily lotion is designed specifically to moisturize men’s rough, dry skin and contains 7 moisturizers and 3 vitamins. Moisture and oil are essential for maintaining healthy skin; without them, the skin becomes dry and tight. A regular skincare routine that includes washing and moisturizing hydrates and replenishes men’s dry skin. Vitamin C helps the skin protect itself against external environmental damage. Use this daily moisturizing lotion to achieve dramatically smoother and softer skin. This body lotion has been dermatologically tested so it is completely of high quality. 

        St Ives Fresh Hydration Lotion

        St.Ives Fresh Hydration Lotion hydrates and refreshes the skin. It contains 100% natural moisturizers such as glycerin and shea butter. The reviewers observed that this lightweight, fast-absorbing lotion strengthens and invigorates the skin. It contains grapefruit extract and vitamin C, which help to cleanse and nourish the skin. Grapefruit extract detoxifies the skin, whereas vitamin C brightens and evens the skin tone. Shea butter contains vitamins A, E, and F, as well as fatty acids that deeply nourish, leaving you with a luxurious feel and better skin. Glycerin increases skin quality, making it soft and supple.

        Vaseline Radiant X Even Tone Nourishing Body Lotion

        Vaseline’s recently launched Radiant X range was developed in collaboration with dermatologists and is made with niacinamide, coconut oil, vitamin C, peptides, and lipids to benefit darker skin tones. It has been clinically proven to significantly eliminate dark spots and even skin tone in just 14 days while also providing 72 hours of moisture. Customers are all impressed by the evident improvement in skin texture and tone after only a few weeks of use, thanks to niacinamide. 

        Medix 5.5 Cream Face Lotion & Body Lotion

        Applying the Medix face and body lotion allows you to reap the benefits of turmeric, ferulic acid, and vitamin C. This body moisturizer addresses aging, dark spots, sun damage, and uneven skin tone. Turmeric improves skin tone, while ferulic acid protects against sun damage. This lightweight lotion filled with shea butter, aloe vera, vitamin E, glycerin, and ginger promotes luminous, even-toned skin. Shea butter moisturizer prevents moisture loss, while aloe vera soothes and hydrates. Vitamin E protects against free radicals and UV damage.

        Beauty Without Cruelty Hand And Body Lotion

        The Beauty without Cruelty Hand and Body Lotion contains vitamin C and CoQ10 to help protect and nourish the skin. The skin moisturizer also includes essential oils, natural emollients, and humectants. The essential oils nourish, balance, and tone your skin. Emollients and humectants help to hydrate, protect, and soothe the skin. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the skin from aging, sun exposure, and environmental stresses. CoQ10 makes the skin firmer and smoother. According to the reviews, this lotion is especially beneficial to drier skin types because it moisturizes, heals, and protects the skin, leaving it youthful, radiant, and smooth.

        IMAGE Skincare VITAL C Hydrating Hand and Body Lotion

        This ultra-hydrating body lotion is part of IMAGE’s best-selling VITAL C range. It contains various forms of vitamin C to make skin brighter and more luminous, as well as shea butter, macadamia oil, and grapeseed oil for smoother, more glowing skin. The aroma is a light, invigorating citrus that’s perfect for starting the morning. It also absorbs well, leaving your skin well-hydrated. It effectively repairs dry, damaged skin and contains all of the same anti-aging benefits as the rest of the line.

        Mario Badescu Hydro Moisturizer with Vitamin C

        Mario Badescu Hydro Moisturizer packed with Vitamin C promotes vibrant, balanced skin. This lightweight face cream is designed specifically for mixed and sensitive skin, providing a refreshing blast of hydration. It is infused with Vitamin C, which revitalizes your complexion, leaving it radiant and smooth. This non-greasy product easily absorbs, producing a smooth, even skin tone without discomfort. Experience the confluence of science and nature, giving your skin the attention it requires. Elevate your skincare routine with this soft yet efficient moisturizer that will reveal your natural radiance.

        Made From Earth Creme Therapy

        The Made From Earth Creme Therapy is an organic face and body moisturizer formulated with organic aloe vera, coconut, cocoa, avocado, and jojoba oils. These natural and gentle substances relieve itching, eczema, and dermatitis while also repairing dry skin. This moisturizer includes anti-aging compounds like vitamins A, B, C, and E. This skin healing lotion spreads quickly and enters the skin, moisturizing it. It is a 100% natural, 92% organic moisturizer that promotes skin health. It has been dermatologically tested and chemical-free, which is ideal for those who have sensitive skin. 

        AmLactin Daily Vitamin C Exfoliating & Hydrating Lotion

        AmLactin is the most popular dermatologist-recommended moisturizer containing lactic acid. It has created a name for itself by outperforming bumps such as keratosis pilaris. This solution contains lactic acid to exfoliate dead skin and improve cell turnover, as well as vitamin C to promote radiance, evenness, and brightness. This lotion feels like a piece of silk and leaves your skin gleaming. When you apply this to your skin, it instantly moisturizes and gives it a healthy, non-greasy sheen.

        Natura Bissé C+C Vitamin Summer Lotion

        Natura Bisse C+C Vitamin Summer Lotion refreshes and revitalizes the skin. If you enjoy outdoor activities, you cannot live without this refreshing lotion. This composition was designed to help heal skin after sun exposure, but it works well all year. It can be applied to both the body and the face, allowing you to cover yourself from head to toe. The combination of vitamins C and E, bitter orange extract, aloe vera, and a pro-melanin complex repairs, protects, soothes, and hydrates skin while also helping to keep it tan.

        Dr Teal’s Glow & Radiance Body Lotion

        Dr. Teal’s Glow and Radiance body lotion contains pure Epsom salt, aloe vera, shea butter, cocoa butter, and vitamin E, which work together with Vitamin C to give your skin a radiant glow, a brighter and more even skin tone—the effects of Vitamin C result in a smooth, silky soft skin with a youthful appearance. Epsom salt softens rough, dry skin by gently exfoliating and removing dead skin cells. Enriched with important vitamins, the combination of aloe vera, shea butter, cocoa butter, and vitamin E completely soothes, hydrates, and moisturizes the skin, forming a protective barrier to retain moisture and prevent skin damage.

        The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow-Protect Lotion SPF 30

        This product provides two benefits in one: it contains vitamin C and protects the skin with SPF30. It is the only body lotion with SPF30 on this list. The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow-Protect Lotion enhances your skin’s natural brilliance while protecting it from the sun with an SPF30 moisturizer. It is perfect for daily usage as it hydrates and protects the skin, leaving it radiant. The lotion is heavy, but it does not leave the skin feeling greasy.

        Conclusion

        Vitamin C body creams have proven to be a game changer for many people. Their potent mixture significantly removed dark spots, improved skin tone, and gave you a beautiful and young appearance. As word spread about their astounding outcomes, demand for the lotion increased quickly, making it a highly sought-after product on the market. Their success transformed the skincare industry, giving customers a consistent solution for healthier, more vibrant skin.