Herbal Burn Salve

This herbal burn salve is an essential first-aid kit item for speeding wound healing, minimizing pain, and reducing scarring from minor burns and sunburn.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 1

Cook Time 15

Additional Time 15

Total Time 1 30

Course Herbal Remedy

Cuisine American

Servings Tins of Salve (2oz Each)

Equipment

Ingredients

2 Tbsp dried comfrey leaf
2 Tbsp dried calendula flowers
2 Tbsp dried plantain leaf
2 Tbsp dried St. John’s wort flowers dried tops will work as well
1 cup olive oil or other neutral oil
1 ounce beeswax
30 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions

Combine the dried comfrey, calendula, plantain, and St. John's wort in a clean quart mason jar (or split between two pint jars). Roughly chop or crumble any larger pieces.
Cover the herbs with olive oil, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top of the jar.
Cold infusion: cap the jar tightly and set it somewhere out of direct sunlight for 3 to 6 weeks. Shake every few days.
Warm infusion: hold the jar at 110 to 120°F using a dehydrator set to 115°F, an Instant Pot on yogurt mode, or a warm water bath that you refresh every few hours. Allow 24 to 48 hours.
Set a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth over a clean heat-proof container. Pour the oil through, then twist the cheesecloth to extract the last of the oil from the spent herbs. Compost the herbs.
Pour the strained oil into a small saucepan or double boiler. Add the beeswax (1 oz per cup of oil).
Warm gently over low heat, stirring constantly, until the beeswax has melted completely and the mixture is smooth.
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Stir in 15 to 20 drops of lavender essential oil per cup of salve.
Pour the warm salve into 2 oz tins or small glass jars.
Let cool undisturbed for at least 30 minutes before putting lids on or using.

Notes

Beeswax ratio ~ 1 oz beeswax per cup of infused oil produces a medium-firm salve that softens against warm skin. Use 3/4 oz for a softer balm, 1 1/4 oz for a harder, travel-friendly version.

Substituting oils ~ Olive oil is my default. Coconut, sweet almond, jojoba, and grapeseed all work. Coconut sets up firmer at room temperature, so reduce the beeswax slightly if you use it.

Shelf life ~ Stored in a cool, dark, dry place, this salve keeps for about a year. A few drops of vitamin E oil stirred in with the beeswax can extend shelf life further.

When not to use ~ For minor burns only! Cool the burn under running water for 10 to 20 minutes first. Don't apply to open weeping burns, large burns, or burns on the face, hands, joints, or sensitive areas. Get medical help for anything more serious.

Vegan version ~ Substitute candelilla wax for beeswax. Candelilla sets harder, so use about half the amount (1/2 oz per cup of oil).

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