To make bee balm salve, you'll first need to infuse a carrier oil with bee balm, then strain it, and finally add beeswax to create the salve consistency. Here’s a detailed guide:
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bee Balm Salve
Here’s how to create your own soothing bee balm salve at home:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Infuse Oil | Combine equal weights of dried bee balm petals and your chosen carrier oil (e.g., olive oil or almond oil). |
| 2. Time to Infuse | Let the mixture sit in a warm place for one week to a month to allow the oil to absorb the bee balm properties. |
| 3. Strain the Oil | After the infusion period, strain the oil using cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer to remove the petals. |
| 4. Melt the Ingredients | Gently heat the infused oil and then melt 1 oz of beeswax into it. |
| 5. Cool & Store | Pour the mixture into a clean container and let it cool completely to create a salve. Store in a cool, dark place. |
Detailed Breakdown:
- Choosing Your Oil: Carrier oils like olive or almond oil are excellent for infusing the beneficial properties of bee balm. Other options include jojoba or grapeseed oil.
- Ratio of Bee Balm to Oil: Use equal weights of dried bee balm petals and your chosen oil for the best results.
- Infusion Time: Allowing the mixture to sit for at least a week ensures the oil is well infused with the properties of the bee balm, but you can let it infuse for up to a month for more potent results.
- Straining: Ensure that all plant matter is removed from the oil using a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer for a smooth salve.
- Adding Beeswax: The beeswax is what provides the salve with its solid consistency. Melt it into your infused oil before it cools.
Key Considerations:
- Dried Petals: Make sure to use dried bee balm petals, as fresh petals can introduce moisture and cause spoilage.
- Storage: Store your finished salve in a clean, airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain its potency.
By following these steps, you'll have your very own homemade bee balm salve that you can use for various skin soothing purposes. Remember that this method uses 1 oz of beeswax as a guide, but you might need to adjust to your liking.
