How To Make Your Own First Aid Medicinal Salve

What is salve? Salve is a medical ointment used on the surface of the skin to soothe some type of ailment. The most common type of salve that’s available on the market is Neosporin. 

I’ve been making homemade salve for years and don’t use anything else on myself or my children. It’s safe and effective.

Neosporin works, but it’s not all natural and you wouldn’t be able to make it yourself at home. Antibiotic ointment reduces the amount of time it takes for cuts and scrapes to heal. 

The great thing about being self-reliant is learning how to use medicinal herbs and oils so we’re not so heavily reliant on pharmaceuticals. 

Salve is easy to make and just as effective as Neosporin, but a much better, safer, all natural alternative. I use this exclusively on myself and my children for cuts, scrapes and superficial burns. Use it the same way you would use Neosporin. 

The type of oils that I chose to use in my salve was based on a lot of research. I encourage you to do your own research to find out what each essential oil does and how it’ll act as a topical treatment. Feel free to switch out any of the oils to fit your needs. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of each oil used:

• Coconut oil – The medium-chain fatty acids have antimicrobial properties that can help protect against harmful microorganisms
• Olive oil – antibacterial benefits and moisturizing with vitamins A, D, E, K
• Comfrey – contains allantoin, a substance that helps new skin cells grow, along with other substances that reduce inflammation and keep skin healthy
• Lavender – treats inflammation 
• Peppermint – relieves discomforts 
• Lemon – has antiseptic properties
• Tea tree – has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties

Here’s how to make your own salve:

Supplies:

• Double boiler; pan with water in it, then a quart mason jar that sits in the water
• 1-6 Containers; old baby food jars, altoids tins, etc. 
• 5 tbsp Beeswax
• 1 cup Coconut oil
• 1 cup Olive oil 
• 5-10 drops Comfrey essential oil
• 5-10 drops Lavender essential oil
• 5-10 drops Peppermint essential oil
• 5-10 drops Lemon essential oil
• 5-10 drops Tea tree essential oil

Instructions:

1. Combine the coconut oil, beeswax and olive oil in the mason jar that sits in the water within the pot. A double boiler method should always be used for safety when melting waxes and oils. 
2. Let it all melt on medium heat, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for a slow melt and try to prevent the water from boiling. 
3. Once the mixture has melted, carefully remove from the water and add all of the essential oils into the mixture and stir. 
4. Carefully pour it into each container. 
5. Keep any lids off and let them harden overnight. 

The salve is ready to use once it’s hardened. Not only is it effective, but it also smells amazing. Use it whenever you’d like swift healing on a cut, scrape, bruise or superficial burn. Each container should last quite a while as only a tiny bit needs to be used for each application. 

Enjoy!