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DIY Herbal Salves: Easy Homemade Recipes, Herbal Oils, and Natural Texture Tips
There is something wonderfully old-fashioned about making your own herbal salves.
A few simple ingredients can become a soothing balm for dry hands, rough elbows, gardening hands, chapped areas, and everyday skin care. You can make a small batch for your own bathroom cabinet, fill little tins for your herbal pantry, or create different blends using herbs you grow and dry yourself.
And the best part?
You can customize the texture.
If you have ever made a homemade salve and thought, "Well, this is lovely, but I feel like I just buttered myself," you are definitely not alone. 😂
The good news is that you can adjust the wax, oils, butters, and even add a small amount of arrowroot powder to create a smoother, less greasy finish.
Let's make some salves.
What Is an Herbal Salve?
An herbal salve is a semi-solid preparation made from oil, wax, and sometimes herbs, botanical extracts, or other skin-friendly ingredients.
Unlike a lotion, a traditional salve contains little or no water. That means you don't need an emulsifier or broad-spectrum preservative simply to make the basic formula.
A simple salve usually contains:
- Herbal-infused oil
- Beeswax or another plant-based wax
- Optional butter such as shea or cocoa butter
- Optional vitamin E
- Optional essential oils
- Optional arrowroot powder for a softer, less oily feel
The basic formula is surprisingly flexible.
The Basic Herbal Salve Formula
Start with this dependable ratio:
Basic Salve
- 1 cup herbal-infused oil
- 1/4 cup beeswax pellets
- 1 tablespoon shea butter, optional
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil, optional
- Essential oil, optional
This creates a fairly firm salve.
For a softer balm, reduce the beeswax slightly.
For a firmer salve that will hold up better in a pocket or warm room, increase the beeswax or cocoa butter slightly.
Easy Texture Guide
Softer salve:
1 cup oil + 3 tablespoons beeswax
Medium salve:
1 cup oil + 1/4 cup beeswax
Firm salve:
1 cup oil + 1/3 cup beeswax
Wax varies by brand and type, so think of these as starting ratios rather than absolute rules.
Want a Less Greasy Salve?
This is where arrowroot powder can be useful.
Arrowroot powder can give an oil-based balm a softer, more powdery skin feel and can help reduce the slick sensation left by some carrier oils.
Try adding:
1 to 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder per 1 cup of finished oil-and-wax mixture.
Start with less.
You can always add more in your next batch.
How to Add Arrowroot Without Clumps
Don't dump dry arrowroot directly into a hot pot and hope for the best.
Instead:
- Melt your oil and beeswax together.
- Remove the mixture from the heat.
- Let it cool slightly while it remains liquid.
- Mix a small amount of the warm oil into the arrowroot powder in a separate bowl to make a smooth slurry.
- Stir that mixture back into the salve.
- Add any essential oils.
- Pour into containers.
A small whisk or mini silicone spatula can help keep the powder evenly dispersed.
Important: Arrowroot is optional. It changes the texture, but it does not make the salve more medicinal.
Choosing Your Herbal Oil
Your finished salve is only as good as the infused oil you start with.
For homemade herbal oils, dried herbs are generally the easiest choice because excess moisture from fresh plant material can increase the risk of spoilage.
Popular herbs for topical preparations include:
- Calendula
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Plantain
- Comfrey
- St. John's wort
- Arnica
Each herb has its own traditional uses and safety considerations, so choose herbs based on the type of skin preparation you want to make.
How to Make Herbal-Infused Oil
Slow Infusion Method
This is an easy traditional method for dried herbs.
Ingredients
- Dried herbs
- Olive oil, sunflower oil, sweet almond oil, or another suitable carrier oil
- Clean, completely dry glass jar
Directions
- Fill a clean, dry jar about 1/3 to 1/2 full with dried herbs.
- Cover the herbs completely with your carrier oil.
- Make sure all of the plant material remains submerged.
- Seal the jar.
- Place it in a cool, dark location for several weeks.
- Gently shake the jar periodically.
- Strain the finished oil through a fine strainer or several layers of cheesecloth.
- Press the herbs gently to recover the oil.
- Store the strained oil in a clean, dry, labeled container.
A slow infusion can take several weeks.
You don't need to put the jar in direct sunlight. A warm location away from intense heat and direct sun is a better choice for protecting the oil.
Faster Warm Infusion
When you don't want to wait several weeks, you can use gentle heat.
Place the dried herbs and carrier oil in a heat-safe container and warm them using a double boiler or another controlled low-heat method.
Keep the temperature gentle and avoid frying or overheating the herbs.
After several hours, allow the oil to cool and strain it thoroughly.
Never leave an unattended heating appliance running.
1. Simple Calendula Salve
Calendula is a classic choice for homemade botanical skin preparations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup calendula-infused oil
- 1/4 cup beeswax
- 1 tablespoon shea butter, optional
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil, optional
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder, optional
Directions
- Combine the calendula oil and beeswax in a double boiler.
- Heat gently until the beeswax has completely melted.
- Remove from the heat.
- Stir in the shea butter if using.
- Mix the arrowroot with a small amount of the warm oil mixture before stirring it into the salve.
- Add vitamin E if using.
- Stir thoroughly.
- Pour into clean, dry tins or jars.
- Allow to cool completely before placing the lids on the containers.
Use as a simple moisturizing balm for dry or rough skin.
2. Lavender Garden Salve
Lavender makes a lovely botanical salve with a soft, herbal aroma.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lavender-infused oil
- 1/4 cup beeswax
- 1 tablespoon shea butter
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder, optional
- 10 to 15 drops lavender essential oil, optional
Directions
- Melt the lavender-infused oil and beeswax together using a double boiler.
- Remove from the heat.
- Stir in the shea butter.
- Add the arrowroot using the slurry method if desired.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Stir in the essential oil.
- Pour into clean containers.
- Allow the salve to fully set.
This makes a lovely hand and body balm, especially after gardening or working outdoors.
3. Chamomile Comfort Salve
Chamomile is another traditional botanical used in gentle skin preparations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chamomile-infused oil
- 1/4 cup beeswax
- 1 tablespoon shea butter
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder, optional
Directions
Follow the basic salve method.
Melt the infused oil and beeswax together, add the shea butter, incorporate arrowroot if desired, then pour into clean containers and allow to cool.
This makes a gentle-feeling balm for dry areas of skin.
4. Garden Hand Salve
If you garden, you know exactly what your hands go through.
Soil, sun, water, pruning, harvesting, digging, and washing your hands repeatedly can leave them feeling dry and rough.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup calendula-infused oil
- 1/2 cup plantain-infused oil
- 1/4 cup beeswax
- 1 tablespoon shea butter
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder, optional
Directions
- Combine the infused oils and beeswax.
- Melt gently using a double boiler.
- Remove from the heat.
- Add shea butter.
- Stir in arrowroot if using.
- Pour into small tins.
- Allow to cool completely.
Keep a small tin near your gardening supplies so you can apply it to clean, dry hands after washing up.
5. Vanilla Orange Hand Balm
Not every homemade balm needs to be a serious herbal project.
Sometimes you just want something that smells delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup calendula or chamomile-infused oil
- 1/4 cup beeswax
- 1 tablespoon shea butter
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
- Skin-safe vanilla-infused oil or cosmetic vanilla extract intended for topical use, according to its directions
Directions
Prepare using the basic salve method.
For citrus essential oils, be especially careful about skin exposure to sunlight because some citrus oils can cause photosensitivity. Use only oils appropriate for leave-on skin products and follow the supplier's recommended dilution.
6. Cooling Muscle Balm
A traditional balm containing arnica can be used as a topical preparation for sore muscles.
Ingredients
- 1 cup arnica-infused oil
- 1/4 cup beeswax
- 1 tablespoon shea butter
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil, optional
Directions
- Melt the arnica oil and beeswax together.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in the shea butter.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Add peppermint essential oil if using.
- Pour into containers.
- Allow to cool completely.
Arnica preparations should be used only on intact skin. Do not apply arnica to open wounds, broken skin, or damaged skin.
7. Simple Unscented Herbal Salve
Sometimes the best recipe is the simplest one.
Ingredients
- 1 cup calendula-infused olive oil
- 1/4 cup beeswax
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder, optional
Directions
Melt the oil and beeswax together, remove from the heat, incorporate the arrowroot if desired, and pour into clean tins.
No essential oils.
No complicated ingredients.
Just a simple botanical balm.
This can be a good starting point if you're new to making salves or want something without added fragrance.
Herbal Combinations to Try
Once you understand the basic formula, you can create your own blends.
Garden Blend
Calendula + plantain + lavender
Gentle Floral Blend
Calendula + chamomile + lavender
Woodland Blend
Calendula + plantain + a small amount of pine-infused oil
Evening Balm
Lavender + chamomile
Herbal Pantry Blend
Calendula + plantain + chamomile
You can also make separate infused oils and blend them together when creating your salve.
That gives you much more control than trying to infuse every herb into the same jar.
Beeswax vs. Candelilla Wax
If you want a vegan salve, candelilla wax can replace beeswax.
However, candelilla wax is harder than beeswax, so you generally need less of it.
Start with a smaller amount and adjust the next batch based on the final texture.
A test batch is your friend.
Adding Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter
Butters can make a salve feel richer and creamier.
Try adding:
1 tablespoon of shea butter or cocoa butter per 1 cup of infused oil.
For an even creamier balm, increase the butter slightly while reducing the oil.
Keep in mind that cocoa butter has a firmer texture and a noticeable chocolate-like aroma, while shea butter is softer and more neutral.
Troubleshooting Homemade Salves
My Salve Is Too Hard
Melt it gently and add a little more infused oil.
Pour it into a new container and allow it to cool again.
My Salve Is Too Soft
Melt it gently and add a little more beeswax.
Test a small amount before changing the entire batch.
My Salve Feels Too Greasy
Try adding a small amount of arrowroot powder to your next batch.
You can also experiment with lighter carrier oils.
My Arrowroot Is Clumping
Make sure you create a smooth slurry with a little of the warm oil mixture before incorporating it into the rest of the salve.
My Salve Feels Gritty
Some natural butters can develop a grainy texture if they cool slowly or experience temperature fluctuations.
Try melting the entire mixture completely and cooling it more quickly and evenly.
My Salve Has Separated
This can happen when ingredients are not thoroughly mixed or when the mixture cools unevenly.
Melt the batch again, stir well, and pour it while maintaining an even temperature.
How to Store Homemade Salves
Because traditional salves contain little or no water, they generally have a much longer storage life than homemade lotions.
Still, long shelf life doesn't mean they last forever.
Use clean, dry containers.
Keep water and wet fingers out of the jar.
Store salves away from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and moisture.
Label every container with:
- Name of the salve
- Ingredients
- Date made
- Herbs used
- Any essential oils added
A small spatula or cosmetic scoop can also help keep fingers and moisture out of larger jars.
Vitamin E can help slow oxidation of oils, but it is not a preservative and does not prevent microbial growth.
Discard a salve if it develops an unusual odor, visible mold, unexpected discoloration, or other signs of spoilage.
A Few Herbal Safety Rules
Natural does not automatically mean harmless.
Before using an herb topically, learn about its known safety considerations and possible interactions.
Arnica
Use topical arnica preparations only on intact skin. Avoid open wounds and broken skin.
Comfrey
Comfrey contains compounds that can be harmful if absorbed in significant amounts. For homemade preparations, use caution, avoid broken skin, and consider choosing a different herb for general-purpose salves.
St. John's Wort
Topical preparations can increase sensitivity to sunlight in some circumstances. Take appropriate precautions and learn about the specific preparation you are using.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are extremely concentrated.
More is not better.
Use appropriate dilution for leave-on skin products, avoid the eyes and mucous membranes, and research individual oils before using them around children, pets, during pregnancy, or on sensitive skin.
If you have allergies, sensitive skin, take medications, or have a medical condition, check with an appropriate healthcare professional before using herbal preparations.
These homemade salves are intended as general skin-care preparations and traditional herbal products, not as substitutes for medical treatment. Do not use a salve to treat serious wounds, infections, burns, or other conditions that require professional care.
Make a Tiny Test Batch First
One of the best things about homemade salves is that you don't need to make a giant batch.
Start with a small amount.
Experiment with:
- Different carrier oils
- Beeswax levels
- Shea butter
- Arrowroot
- Herbal combinations
- Essential oil scents
Write down what you use.
That way, when you make the perfect salve, you actually know how to make it again.
Because there is nothing quite like making a gorgeous little herbal balm and then realizing you have absolutely no idea what you put in it. 😂
Build Your Own Herbal Salve Pantry
Once you get comfortable with the basics, you can keep a small collection of ingredients ready for future batches:
- Dried calendula
- Dried lavender
- Dried chamomile
- Dried plantain
- Arnica
- Olive oil
- Sunflower oil
- Sweet almond oil
- Beeswax
- Candelilla wax
- Shea butter
- Cocoa butter
- Mango butter
- Arrowroot powder
- Vitamin E
- Small tins
- Glass jars
- Labels
- Cheesecloth or fine strainers
You don't need everything at once.
Start with one herb, one carrier oil, beeswax, and a couple of small tins.
Then experiment from there.
Making herbal salves is one of those wonderfully simple homesteading skills that can grow with you. You can begin with a tiny batch made in your kitchen and eventually create an entire little herbal pantry filled with infused oils, dried herbs, balms, body butters, and other homemade preparations.
Start simple. Learn what works for you, keep good notes, and let your herbal cabinet grow one little jar at a time. 🍃🌿
Practical Herbal Note
Herbs, carrier oils, waxes, and essential oils can behave differently depending on the ingredients and conditions used. Always make a small test batch when changing a formula, and adjust wax or oil gradually to achieve the texture you prefer. Use completely dry herbs and equipment when making oil infusions, and follow current herbal safety guidance for the specific plants you choose.
