9 Herbal Salves To Make for Natural Skin Care

Herbal salves are useful for a variety of skin issues, including cuts, scrapes, bruises, irritated skin, dry skin, acne scars, arthritis, and so much more. They’re also easy to make, which makes this is the perfect project for beginner herbalists. So give it a try - make these herbal salves for natural skin care. You can combine several infused oils to make an all-purpose salve, which you can keep in your First Aid Kit.

Herbal Salves for Natural Skin Care

Where to Get Your Herbs

If you're a gardener, then you're all set; you can grow some of these herbs. If you don't wish to start from seed, purchase seedlings from your local greenhouse or from The Grower's Exchange. If you’re adventurous, try foraging for wild herbs while hiking or camping. You could also purchase good quality dried herbs from a reputable company, such as Mountain Rose Herbs. Here’s a list of 9 common herbs used in salve-making and their benefits. Be sure to tailor your salves for your specific needs.

9 Herbal Salves to Make

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula is an anti-inflammatory herb that is also a strong antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, wound healer, and skin tonic. So, use this salve for dry, cracked, irritated skin, wounds, scrapes, and bug bites. When applying it to open wounds, be sure to clean the wound first, because Calendula promotes rapid healing and may seal the infection and dirt into the wound.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

Comfrey has been used for centuries to reduce pain and promote healing of injuries.  Recent research has shown that the topical application of Comfrey is a very effective pain killer. Comfrey is commonly called “knit bone” and was traditionally used to help heal bone fractures. Additionally, it’s used for burns, wounds, and skin ulcers. It also protects the skin and promotes new skin cell growth. It contains “allantonin”, particularly the plant’s roots, which is a compound that promotes cell proliferation, so it makes wound healing much quicker. Comfrey also contains “rosmarinic acid”, which makes it a strong anti-inflammatory. It will reduce swelling and help with faster recovery from bruises. Comfrey can also help relieve dryness and skin irritation. Avoid applying comfrey salve to open wounds or deep cuts. Since comfrey promotes rapid cell regeneration, it can seal the surface of a deep wound before the inside heals, potentially trapping bacteria. So, it's best used for closed injuries like bruises, sprains, and shallow, clean scrapes and cuts.

Lavender (Lavandula)

Lavender is a wound-healer and a strong anti-fungal herb, which makes it useful for all wounds and fungal infections of the skin. It’s a muscle relaxant and antispasmodic, so rub some of this salve into aching muscles. Lavender also helps with dry skin, as well as inflamed or reddened skin. It can also help with acne and acne scars. As a wound healer, The essential oil of Lavender aids in minor healing by promoting cell turnover and collagen production for cuts, scrapes, and burns, so I always add Lavender essential oil to my Lavender salve. Lavender is also a nervine and sedative, so it can help relax you and promote a good night’s sleep. Massage a little bit into your temples. I like to place a dab under my nose, so that I can inhale its scent. 

Bundle of lavender on a wooden plank

Mullein Leaf (Verbascum thapsus)

Mullein leaf is a wound healer and anti-inflammatory. But it's also a bronchodilator, and it breaks apart mucus. If you add the essential oil of Eucalyptus to this salve, you’ll have a nice chest rub. When making this salve for chest rubs, I use less beeswax than usual, so that I can apply it easily to the chest and massage in. 

Nettles a.k.a. Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica)

Nettles is a wound-healer and anti-inflammatory, as well as an old fold remedy for treating muscle and joint pain, including arthritis and gout. It's also a bone tonic; consider blending Nettles with Comfrey.

Plantain Leaf (Plantago major)

Plantain is a cooling anti-inflammatory herb that’s also antimicrobial, antibacterial, and a good skin tonic. It’s a strong wound healer as well, so use Plantain to treat burns, wounds, insect bites, blisters and topical irritations, such as dermatitis. 

Plantain salve on plantain leaves

Rose (Rosa, L.)

Rose is the “Queen of Flowers” and is a cooling anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiseptic herb, which makes it great for wounds and skin inflammation. This sweet herb will also relax you and make you feel grounded. It’s an antidepressant as well. Massage a little bit of the salve into your temples and place a dab under your nose so that the aroma relaxes you.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

St. John's Wort is a nerve growth tonic and a strong neuroprotective, so it repairs damaged nerves and protects nerve health. It's also antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and a wound healer. Use this salve for any wounds, but especially for wounds where nerves have been damaged. (With this herb, you'll need to infuse the fresh flowers in the carrier oil. Or you can purchase the infused oil from Mountain Rose Herbs.)

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is a pain-relieving herb, so massage the salve into achy muscles and joints. It’s also a strong antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory herb, which makes it beneficial for a variety of skin issues, such as cuts, scrapes, and bruises. 

Making an Infused Oil

To make your salve, you'll need to make an infused oil first. I like making solar-infused oils; see these instructions. But another method that is much quicker is the stove-top method.

The Stove-Top Method

Place dried herbs in a mason jar (about 1/2 way); and pour enough oil to cover the herbs by an inch. (Oils to include are Grapeseed Oil or Jojoba for oily skin; and Apricot, Almond or Olive Oil for dry-to-normal skin). Screw the lid on the jar, but not tight. Place the jar in a medium-sized pot that's filled 1/2 way with water. Next, heat on low for 4-6 hours (periodically check the water level to make sure that it doesn't evaporate). Remove the jar from the pan and allow it to cool. Then strain the mixture by pouring it through a cheesecloth-lined colander or strainer over a clean pot. Discard the herbs or add them to your compost. Store oil in a clean mason jar and label with the name of the oil, ingredients and date.

Dir(ections for Salve-Making

To make your salves, gather the equipment listed below and follow the directions.

Equipment:

• 1/2 cup herbal infused oil

• 1/2 ounce grated Beeswax

• 1/2 teaspoon Vitamin E

• Double boiler or a small pot inside a pot of water

• 6, 1-ounce tins or glass jars

• Optional - essential oils of your choice; see this article for a few ideas

Chamomile flowers infused in oil

Directions:

• Follow my instructions on making a solar-infused herbal oil, or use the stove-top method mentioned above for creating your infused herbal oil.

• Pour 1/2 cup of your infused herbal oil into the top of a double boiler. Add in the beeswax, and over low heat, allow the beeswax to melt.

Saucepan with infused oil and beeswax

• When fully melted, take a teaspoon of the hot liquid and place in the freezer for two minutes. (Placing a bit of the liquid in the freezer for two minutes will give you an idea of the salve’s consistency when it solidifies.)

• While the teaspoon is in the freezer, get your tins or jars ready by placing them on a hand towel on a flat surface. If using essential oils, add 5-10 drops of the essential oils to each tin or jar.

• After two minutes, take the spoon out of the freezer and touch the salve. If you like the consistency, then you’re ready to move to the next step. However, if it’s too loose, then add a little more beeswax to the pot, melt it, and try again.

Spoon with semi-hard infused oil and beeswax

• Pour the liquid into a warm measuring cup, and stir in the vitamin E. (I place a glass measuring cup into a pan of hot water to warm it up while the spoon is in the freezer. This way, the oil won't harden too quickly.)

• Quickly pour the liquid into your jars or tins before the liquid hardens.

• When cool, place the caps on the jars or tins.

• Create labels with the name of your salve, the list of ingredients, and the date. Place the labels on the jars or tins; store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Tin of Calendula Salve surrounded by dried calendula flowers

To use your salve, simply apply a small amount to the affected skin and gently massage in.