Bruise/Joint/Bone Salve
This salve is for helping non-open wound injuries heal faster. Apply over bruises, joints that are injured or in pain. Also helps bones that have been broken or fractured. Massage it gently over the problem area. Do not apply to open wounds! It's suggested to not use the salve for more than six weeks straight, but if used every other day and not in large areas of the body then it should be fine.
Ingredients
Herbs
- 1-2 cup Comfrey Root dried
- 1 cup Plantain Leaves dried
Essential Oils
- 10-12 drops Peppermint
- 10-12 drops Lavender
- 10-12 drops Clove
- 10-12 drops Ginger
- 10-12 drops Rosemary
- 10-12 drops Tea Tree
Other
- Bees Wax pellets or shavings
- Carrier Oil of choice
Optional
- Mint dried
- Lavender dried
- Ginger dried or powdered
Instructions
- Crush/grind the comfrey root, but not to a powder. Mix all dried herbs together in the pot. Pour enough carrier oil to cover herbs. Bring to simmer and simmer med-low for an hour.
- Strain the oil with cheesecloth after it has cooled enough to handle. If you want to make a stronger infusion, you can strain the oil and add more herbs to it and simmer for another hour. Left over strained herbs can be kept as a poultice for the same purpose, but can only be stored for a shorter time. (ex.- 1-2 weeks)
- Pour the oil back into the pot (make sure to remove residual herbs) and bring it up on low heat. Once hot enough, gradually add in some beeswax (preferable in pellet form or shredded ahead of time to make for a quicker melt). After adding the wax, take a toothpick and dip it in the liquid. Wait for it to cool to see how the consistency will be. If it's not firm enough add more wax, if it's too firm, add more carrier oil.
- Once at the right consistency, take the pot off the heat and prep the oils into the jar/container that you'll pour it into. Then pour the infusion into the container while gently stirring. Adding in the oils first will help it mix better into the infusion when it's pour over it and it also keeps the medicinal properties in better than simmering it with the herbs.
- Now simply let it stand until thoroughly cooled before you close the lid on it and store it in a cool shaded/dark place.
Notes
I generally eyeball the ingredients, just note that comfrey root should be the main dried ingredient and plantain next. Adjust amount of the ingredients, as needed. Just note that the end resulting liquid infusion is about how much you'll have. If in doubt, you can measure out the amount of carrier oil first and add everything else to it afterwards. This salve is great for bruise and joint injuries/issues. It is to help speed the healing process.
Carrier oil may effect the shelf life of the salve. For example, jojoba oil can allow for the ointment to last for a good few years, but almond oil may be good for 4-6 month after making, but can be used up to almost a year.
Throw away if smell becomes rancid or weird. Disclaimer: The usual whatnots about the effectiveness etc. this is a home remedy and does not replace going to the doctor for emergencies, etc. No FDA approval, yadda yadda. Keep in mind if you have allergies to any ingredients. When in doubt, ask or just don't use it :P
Carrier oil may effect the shelf life of the salve. For example, jojoba oil can allow for the ointment to last for a good few years, but almond oil may be good for 4-6 month after making, but can be used up to almost a year.
Throw away if smell becomes rancid or weird. Disclaimer: The usual whatnots about the effectiveness etc. this is a home remedy and does not replace going to the doctor for emergencies, etc. No FDA approval, yadda yadda. Keep in mind if you have allergies to any ingredients. When in doubt, ask or just don't use it :P