How to Make Herbal Salves and Balms for Skin Healing

In our previous blog post, Build Your Home Apothecary: 10 Essential Herbs to Get Started, we explored some of the most useful herbs to keep on hand for natural healing. One of the most practical ways to use these herbs is by turning them into homemade salves and balms—gentle, skin-loving remedies you can apply directly to cuts, scrapes, dry skin, or sore muscles.

How to Make Herbal Salves and Balms for Skin Healing

In this guide 'How to make your own herbal salves and balms' we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step. You’ll learn how to create infused oils, blend them into balms using beeswax, and which herbs are best for soothing the skin. This is a simple yet powerful addition to your home apothecary, from calendula salves to comfrey balms.

What Is a Herbal Salve or Balm?

A herbal salve is a semi-solid preparation made from oil and beeswax, infused with healing herbs. It’s applied topically to help with:

• Dry or cracked skin

• Minor cuts and scrapes

• Insect bites

• Rashes or inflammation

• Aching joints or muscles

The main difference between a salve and a balm is often just consistency—balms tend to contain more wax and feel firmer.

Best Herbs for Skin-Healing Salves

Here are a few popular herbs to start with:

• Calendula – Soothes inflammation, encourages skin repair, great for sensitive skin

• Comfrey – Known for aiding cell regeneration and healing bruises (avoid using on deep wounds)

• Plantain – Draws out toxins, helps with insect bites and stings

• Lavender – Calming and antimicrobial, great for burns and stress-related skin irritation

• St John’s Wort – Excellent for nerve pain, minor burns, and skin trauma

• Chickweed – Cooling and moisturising, ideal for eczema or itchy skin

How to Make a Herbal Salve: Step-by-Step

1. Make an Infused Herbal Oil

You’ll need:

• Dried herbs (e.g. calendula petals)

• Carrier oil (olive oil, sweet almond oil, or sunflower oil work well)

• A clean glass jar

• Muslin cloth or fine strainer

Method:

1. Fill a clean jar about halfway with your dried herbs.

2. Pour oil over the herbs until completely covered, leaving a little space at the top.

3. Stir gently to remove air bubbles and seal the jar.

4. Leave in a warm, sunny windowsill for 2–4 weeks, shaking daily.

5. Strain through muslin and store in a clean bottle.

Quick method: Gently warm the herbs and oil in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water (double boiler method) for 1–2 hours.

2. Blend into a Salve or Balm

You’ll need:

• 100ml infused herbal oil

• 10–15g beeswax pellets (adjust for softer or firmer consistency)

• Optional: 5–10 drops essential oil (e.g. lavender, tea tree)

• A small metal tin or glass jar for storage

Method:

1. Place the infused oil and beeswax in a heatproof bowl or jug.

2. Gently warm over a pan of simmering water, stirring until the wax melts completely.

3. Remove from heat and add essential oils if using.

4. Carefully pour into your container and let it set fully before putting the lid on.

5. Label with the name and date.

Calendula Salve Recipe (Gentle & Soothing)

• 25g dried calendula petals

• 150ml olive oil

• 15g beeswax

• Optional: 5 drops of lavender essential oil

Use: For dry hands, cracked heels, nappy rash, or sun-exposed skin.

Comfrey & Lavender Balm (Muscle Support)

• 20g dried comfrey leaf

• 100ml sweet almond oil

• 10g beeswax

• 5 drops of lavender essential oil

Use: For bruises, tired muscles, or minor sprains.

Storage Tips & Safety Notes

• Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight

• Most balms will keep for up to 6–12 months

• Always patch test before use

• Avoid comfrey on open wounds or during pregnancy unless advised by a professional

• Label your remedies clearly

Final Thoughts: How to Make Your Herbal Salves and Balms

Making herbal salves is a wonderfully hands-on way to connect with natural healing.. These gentle balms are a lovely way to bring your home apothecary to life and make beautiful gifts.

Whether you're preparing calendula healing balm for the bathroom cabinet or a comfrey muscle rub for post-garden aches, each jar reminds us of the power of plants to support us in everyday life.

A Note on Slow Living and Foraging

Of course, you can buy salves and creams in any shop, but there’s something deeply grounding about making your own. Whether you’re growing calendula in a windowsill pot or gathering plantain on a quiet walk, herbal salves invite us to slow down and pay attention to the seasons.

Foraging can be a beautiful part of this process, too—just remember to take only what you need, avoid overharvesting, and always leave plenty for the birds, bees, and future blooms. It’s not just about the remedy—it’s about reconnecting with nature, rhythm, and intention.

When and Where to Forage or Grow Healing Herbs in the UK

Herb	Where to Find	Best Time to Harvest
Calendula	Easy to grow in gardens and pots	Pick flowers mid-morning, June–Sept
Comfrey	Damp meadows, stream banks, wild patches	Young leaves in spring; root in autumn
Plantain	Paths, fields, grassy verges	Leaves from late spring to early autumn
Lavender	Garden borders, pots, and herb gardens	Flowers just before full bloom, Jun–Aug
St John’s Wort	Meadows, roadsides, sunny open spaces	Flowering tops late June–July
Chickweed	Garden beds, shady, moist areas	Shoots all year; best in spring/autumn
Thyme	Garden plants or pots	Before flowering, late spring–summer
Yarrow	Meadows, grassy commons, roadside verges	Flowering tops, June–Sept
Elderflower	Hedgerows, woodland edges	Blossoms late May–June (dry days)
Lemon Balm	Herb gardens, pots	Leaves before flowering, spring–summer

Foraging Tips:

• Always positively identify plants before picking

• Avoid polluted or treated areas

• Harvest on dry, sunny mornings

• Only take a little and leave enough for wildlife

• Respect protected sites and local regulations

Looking for beautifully crafted tools and storage for your herbal creations? Browse www.botanicalblueprint.com for handmade concrete bowls, jars, and accessories designed for a calm and natural home.

FAQ: Making & Storing Herbal Salves at Home

1. How do I properly clean jars before storing my herbal salves? Thorough cleaning is essential to prevent contamination and extend shelf life. Wash jars in hot, soapy water, then rinse well. To sterilise, place jars (not lids with rubber seals) in a warm oven at 140°C for about 15 minutes or boil them in water for 10 minutes. Let them air dry thoroughly before use.

2. Should I use brown (amber) or clear glass for storing my salves? Amber glass is ideal—it protects your salves from light, which can degrade herbal oils over time. If you're using clear glass (especially for gifting or aesthetic reasons), store it in a cool, dark place to preserve potency.

3. How long do homemade herbal salves last? If stored properly, most homemade salves will keep for 6–12 months. Use clean hands or a spatula to prevent introducing bacteria, and watch for any changes in smell, texture, or colour over time.

4. Can I reuse old jars or tins for my products? Yes, reusing jars is a great sustainable option. Just make sure they’re cleaned and sterilised thoroughly, including the lids. Avoid reusing containers that previously held petroleum-based products or anything with lingering scents.

5. Can I make salves without beeswax? You can! Alternatives include candelilla wax (plant-based), shea butter, or cocoa butter, though textures will vary. These are great for vegan recipes, but test consistency and shelf life as they may differ from beeswax-based salves.