DIY Natural Antibacterial Salve
Use this DIY antibacterial salve recipe infused with lavender and calendula on those scrapes or cuts that are sure to walk in the door this summer.
Yield: 10 oz
Cost: $8
Equipment
- Heat-proof glass or wax pitcher
- Small saucepan (you can also use a double boiler)
- Two 5-ounce containers with lids
Materials
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ⅓ cup dried lavender
- ⅓ cup dried calendula
- 4 tablespoons beeswax pellets
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 50 drops tea tree oil
- 50 drops lavender oil
Instructions
- Combine the olive and coconut oils in a heat-proof glass dish or wax pitcher.
- Place the pitcher inside a slightly larger saucepan, and fill the saucepan with 1–2 inches of water. Heat over low heat until the oils have melted, stirring constantly.
- Add in the dried lavender and calendula. Simmer on low for at least 30 minutes.
- After simmering for 30 minutes, strain out the herbs.
- With the oils once again over the double boiler, add in the beeswax and honey. Stir until melted. Turn off the heat and add your essential oils.
- Pour the contents into a jar with a lid and allow to set.
- The contents should be solid within 15–20 minutes, depending on the depth of the jar you choose.
Notes
If you run into issues with the honey separating from the oils, I’ve found that it helps if you let the oils cool to almost room temperature before adding the honey. This will help prevent the honey from softening and sinking to the bottom.
Use this all-natural antibacterial cream instead of reaching for Neosporin on those scrapes or cuts that are sure to walk in the door this summer. It’s also great on chapped, dry hands and feet that need something more powerful and soothing than a basic lotion.
Your DIY salve will keep for up to 12 months stored in a cool, dark spot. But this stuff is so good that I wouldn’t count on having it around that long!