Hello, herb friends!

Today, I want to share a guide on creating your own herbal pain relief salve. As someone who deeply cares about what goes into the products we use on our bodies, I believe there’s something incredibly empowering about crafting your own remedies. I began making my own 4 years ago and I have not bought an OTC option since. Let’s explore the wonderful world of herbal salves together.

Why Make Your Own Herbal Pain Relief Salve?

Creating your own herbal salve ensures you know exactly what’s in it. No hidden chemicals, no preservatives – just pure, natural ingredients that you can trust. Plus, the process itself is a lovely way to connect with nature and its healing properties.

The Power of Herbs: Nature’s Pain Relievers

Here are some of the most effective herbs you can use in your pain relief salve, along with their benefits:

• Arnica: Ideal for reducing swelling, bruises, and muscle soreness.

• St. John’s Wort: Perfect for soothing nerve pain and promoting relaxation.

• Calendula: Excellent for reducing inflammation and healing skin irritations.

• Cayenne Pepper: Contains capsaicin, which provides a warming sensation that helps with deep tissue and joint pain.

• Comfrey: Known for its ability to heal bone fractures and soothe injuries.

• Hemp: Contain terpenes and anti inflammatory properties that assist with circulation and pain. If you need a quality source for hemp, we are a Florida State licensed hemp farm growing some of the finest, premium sun grown hemp. Tested and certified.

How to Make Your Own Herbal Pain Relief Salve

Creating a salve involves infusing your chosen herbs in oil and then combining that oil with beeswax to create a balm. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• Dried herbs of your choice (such as arnica, St. John’s Wort, calendula, cayenne pepper, comfrey)

• Carrier oil (olive oil, coconut oil, or sweet almond oil)

• Beeswax

• Butters, such as Mango, Cocoa & Shea

• Essential oils (optional, for fragrance and added benefits)

Tools:

• A double boiler or a heat-safe bowl over a pot of boiling water

• Cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer

• Small jars or tins for storing the salve

Instructions:

1. Infuse the Oil:

   • Place your dried herbs in a clean, dry jar.

   • Pour the carrier oil over the herbs, making sure they’re fully submerged.

   • Seal the jar and place it in a sunny spot, shaking it gently every day. Let it infuse for at least 4 weeks. I usually go 8 weeks. For a quicker method, you can gently heat the jar in a double boiler, on very low heat, for 2-3 hours. (My least favorite method but if you are in need of it sooner rather than later.)

2. Strain the Oil:

   • After the infusion period, strain the oil through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl, squeezing out as much oil as possible from the herbs.

3. Create the Salve:

   • Measure your infused oil. For every 1 cup of infused oil, use about 2 ounce of beeswax and 1 ounce of a butter.

   • In a double boiler set on low, gently heat the oil, beeswax and butter together until the beeswax is fully melted.

   • Optional: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils for extra benefits and fragrance at the very end after you’ve removed it from the heat.

   • Pour the mixture into your jars or tins and let it cool and solidify.

Using Your Herbal Pain Relief Salve

To use your homemade salve, simply scoop a small amount and massage it into the affected area. The warmth of your hands will help the salve melt into your skin, delivering the soothing properties of the herbs directly where they’re needed. You can also cover the area and place a heating pad for extra warmth.

The Joy of Homemade

Making your own herbal pain relief salve is more than just a practical activity – it’s a way to nurture yourself and your loved ones with the gifts of nature. Knowing exactly what’s in your salve gives you peace of mind and ensures you’re using only the best, most natural ingredients.

My Pain Salve Recipe

I use equal parts comfrey root, decarbed(activated) hemp flower, calendula, lavender, rose hips in extra virgin olive oil. When making my pain salve I add in a butter or two, depending on what I have on hand. The butters tend to make the salve a bit more creamy. Have fun with it. There are no set rules. Experiment!

Join the Herbal Journey

I hope this guide inspires you to try making your own herbal salve. If you have any questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re in this together, and I’m here to help you every step of the way.

Happy crafting, and here’s to your health and well-being!

Have fun, Deidra of the High Moon