Camper's Salve

Part of my first aid kit for Summer is a batch of my handcrafted Camper's Salve.  This salve contains organic extra virgin olive oil that has been infused with Burdock Root, Calendula Flowers, Chamomile, Chickweed, Goldenseal, Nettle, Oregon Grape Root, Plantain, Thyme and Yarrow.  I then thicken it with a bit of beeswax and add in Lavender, Tea Tree and Myrrh essential oils.  My family and I love to camp in the Olympic Peninsula and we usually get some type of bump, bite or boo-boo. A little bit of this soothing salve helps immediately!!  I don't leave home without this salve! I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do.

I buy all my herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs. You can learn more HERE.

Here are the ten herbs we will use to infuse the olive oil. Some of the qualities of these herbs are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-microbial, anti-toxic and general skin relieving and soothing properties.  You will need 1 teaspoon of each.

Grind the herbs in a spice grinder to form a powder.

Pour them into a small glass measuring cup.

Cover with 60 grams of Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Stir well to saturate the herbs.

I like to place the cup of oil and herbs on a Mr. Coffee mug warmer and heat the oil to just about 110 degrees for at least 4 to 5 hours.  I sometimes break it into two days of 3 hours each.  Make sure you stir the mixture several times per hour.

Between 100 and 110 degrees is perfect for infusing the medicinal qualities from the herbs into the oil.

After the oil is completely infused, strain the oil from the herb.  You need to put some muscle into this task and get as much oil as possible.

As you can see, I ALMOST squeezed out all 60 grams of oil, but just a little remained in the herb and cloth.  Oh well, you can always top off with a little bit of olive oil.

Heat the herbal oil along with 25 grams of beeswax in a double boil until completely melted. Add in 10 drops of Lavender essential oil, 10 drops of Tea Tree essential oil and 10 drops of Myrrh essential oil, stir well.  Carefully pour the hot mixture into your chosen container (either tin or amber colored glass is best).  Cap and allow to cool.

 Here is a label you can print out and attach to your jar. 

Are you ready to start making salve? Head over to Mountain Rose Herbs for the dried herbs and the rest of the ingredients. 

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