Skin Salve Recipe For Rashes, Eczema, Small Cuts, Skin Ailments
When my partner’s eczema began to flare up on his hands and fingers, I knew there had to be something more effective than corticosteroid creams and ointments. They just weren’t working well enough.
So, like any self-respecting herbalist (or anyone with a I-can-do-it attitude), I decided to make something myself. Enter this skin-healing salve, crafted from calendula, comfrey, and marshmallow root, with an olive and sunflower oil base and beeswax to bring it all together.
My partner does not come from a holistic health oriented family, so he was understandably skeptical of my oils, and herbs, and DIY skin salve. Supportive, but skeptical.
If you’re anything like me, skepticism is a launching pad, from which I throw myself into a project with the full and complete intention of turning them into a believer.
As a result, my partner keeps a tin at work always, and we have two on hand at home set aside for him for when they run out. I would say that makes him a believer. I chose a salve instead of a cream because a salve is more shelf stable, and he can leave one at work.
This soothing salve recipe is simple (as most good ones are), healing, and works wonders on dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It’s my love letter in salve form, and it’s been a game-changer for their eczema, especially as we moved into the winter months. You can wear it overnight as well for maximum benefit.
who is this good for?
This salve is good for anyone with a dry skin condition.
Eczema is one example, but psoriasis, rashes, burns, and shallow cuts or wounds also benefit greatly from this salve.
I have a slightly tweaked one I keep for first aid purposes, but this one will do the job just as well.
why these ingredients?
Calendula: The ultimate skin healer, the golden guardian. A powerful soother, Calendula is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and just plain magical at calming irritation and promoting healing. She also stimulated the immune system, producing collagen, which is why you’ll see it in a lot of anti-aging blends.
Calendula
The ultimate skin healer, the golden guardian.
A powerful soother, Calendula is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and just plain magical at calming irritation and promoting healing.
She also stimulated the immune system, producing collagen, which is why you’ll see it in a lot of anti-aging blends.
Calendula is considered a staple herb in my cabinet, you can read more about it here.
Comfrey
Known as the “knit bone” herb, comfrey helps repair damaged skin and tissues. It’s a superstar for wounds, rashes, and anything that needs deep nourishment, and accelerates the healing of skin or wounds.
It also inhibits the growth of bacteria, helping to prevent infections and inhibit scarring. It contains the valuable compound Allantoin, which boosts cell growth and repair. I could actually go on an on about this one, and have, in my Comfrey post.
Real quick: Comfrey should not be used on large or deep wounds and punctures, as it heals too quickly and can trap bacteria.
Marshmallow Root
Not just for marshmallows, though historically they were made with this root!
Marshmallow is loaded with mucilage, which creates a soothing, protective layer on the skin to ease irritation and lock in moisture. That is why I included it in this recipe – so that no moisture is lost, giving the other two herbs a little boost.
Marshmallow root has lots of other uses as well, one of which is extracting and healing of parts imbedded below the skin, like splinters.
Additional Note for Marshmallow Root: Marshmallow root does extract with oil, but mucilant’s generally extract better with water. If you want to deliver the full effects of this herb, pour hot water over it into a heat-safe container and let it cool, infusing. Use this water as a cold compress periodically in conjunction with the salve we are making.
Olive & Sunflower Oils: These oils are moisturizing, gentle, and perfect for infusing with herbs. I didn’t want something heavy, so I went for a good mix that is 2 parts olive, one part sunflower. Olive oil nourishes deeply, while sunflower oil is light and quick-absorbing.
Beeswax: The salve MVP, what makes it a salve. Beeswax thickens the oil into a spreadable balm and creates a protective barrier on the skin without clogging pores. Make sure you source ethically and sustainably, and obtain high quality beeswax – that is so important. I recommend this one,
The Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup sunflower oil
- 1/2 cup dried calendula flowers
- 1/4 cup dried comfrey leaves
- 1/4 cup dried marshmallow root
- 3 tbsp beeswax (grated or pellets)
Optional: A few drops of lavender or chamomile essential oil for extra soothing vibes. Lavender is also antibacterial, so it helps in that regard as well.
For sourcing, I always recommend Mountain Rose Herbs, but if you’d like something a little faster if you’re out of state, click on any of the herbs and they will link you to Frontier, a co-op you can get them from as well.
Instructions
Infuse the Oils
There are two ways you can do this – quickly, or low and slow. I prefer low and slow, but I will outline them both here.
Low and Slow
- Fill a jar with your calendula, comfrey, and marshmallow root. If you’d like, you can do these separately, so as to use them in future recipes, but since I use this one all the time I do one larger jar.
- Cover them with the oils. Make sure they are covered, if not, add more of each until the herbs are appropriately saturated. If you add enough, make sure to add equal parts of beeswax to your mixture later.
- Let them sit for 4-6 weeks, ideally somewhere sunny if you can. I am in Oregon, so that’s a little bit of a shot in the dark during this time of year. Shake daily, or anytime you walk by.
- Once your mixture has been sitting for the appropriate amount of time, strain out the herbs using a fine mesh strainer and a cheesecloth. Make sure to really press on those herbs, to get every last bit of infused, medicinal goodness out of them.
Same Day
- In a double boiler or heatproof jar set in a pot of water, combine the olive oil, sunflower oil, calendula, comfrey, and marshmallow root.
- Gently heat the mixture on low for 2-3 hours, keeping an eye on it to make sure the oil doesn’t overheat (it should feel warm, not hot). The heat will speed up the infusion, making it a few hours instead of weeks.
- Again, we want to strain firmly. Don’t leave any moisture behind, if you can help it.
Make the Salve
- Set up a double boiler by placing a heatproof jar into a put of simmering water, or a heatproof bowl over top.
- In the bowl (or jar) pour in your oils and heat gently. We don’t want a boil – just a simmer on the water below. Stir regularly. Add your beeswax and stir until completely melted and homogenous.
- Add your lavender essential oil here if you’re going to, about 10 drops.
Once combined, pour into clean containers, jars or tins, and let them cool at room temperature. This usually takes a couple hours. If you don’t want to splurge on heavy, amber-glass jars, some of these tins work just as well, are cheaper, and you can buy them in bulk.
Label & Store
Label your salve (because trust me, you won’t remember what’s in it six months from now). Store it in a cool, dark place, and it should last for up to a year.
how to use your salve
Apply this salve to dry, itchy, or irritated skin as needed. It’s especially great after a shower when the skin is still damp, locking in moisture and soothing irritation. My partner applies his liberally throughout the day on bad days, and once in the morning on good days.
For wounds, a small amount regularly will do, keeping the area moisturized but not slick.
a little bonus
While you’re making this salve, take a moment to infuse it with intention. Calendula for healing, comfrey for repair, marshmallow for comfort. Stir clockwise to manifest calm and nourishment, and whisper a blessing (or a chant – t’s your salve).
This recipe is my way of showing love and care to my partner, and now, I’m passing it on to you. Whether it’s for yourself, your family, or someone you adore, this salve is proof that nature’s magic is the best kind of magic. Give it a try, you won’t regret it.
