Metta Salve
Metta Salve
Both the herb-infused oils and the completed salve are nourishing products which can moisturize and soothe skin.
plaintain leaf
comfrey leaf
red clover flower
self-heal flower
calendula flower
organic olive oil
beeswax
drops organic tea tree essential oil (optional)
jars or tins, double-boiler, organic cheesecloth
A salve consists of an herb-infused oil, beeswax, and essential oil. The quantities and proportions of these herbs is up to you.
There are 2 ways to make an herb-infused oil: the sun-infused method and the double-boiler method. For both preparations, ensure the jars and lids are thoroughly dry. Any water content can cause an oil to mold.
The Sun-Infused Method requires 6 weeks before the oil is complete. Collect the herbs in the morning after the dew has evaporated. Pick leaves and flowers off of their stems, and chop the larger leaves and flowers into smaller pieces. Press each type of herb firmly into its own jar, but leave some space at the top.
Cover the herbs with olive oil. Take a chopstick and stir the herbs around to moisten them evenly. Make sure all plant material stays below the level of the olive oil. Sometimes putting a stone on top to hold the herbs down works well.
Cap the jar with a dry lid, label with name of the plant and thedate, and put it in a sunny spot.
With the Double-Boiler Method, you can complete the whole salve-making process in 1 day. Collect herbs of choice and separate leaves and flowers from their stems. Chop larger leaves and flowers. Fill a pot halfway with water. Fill a slightly smaller pot with herbs covered in oil. Place the pot with herbs inside the pot with water, and set over low-medium heat.
Keep the water simmering but not boiling, so no splashes get into the oil. Let the herbs infuse the oil for a minimum of 30
minutes; allow the oil to infuse longer for a stronger medicinal quality. Take the pot out of the watery and set aside.
To make the Salve, take the pot with herb-infused oil from the double-boiler method or the jar of herb-infused oil from
the sun-infused method, and pour the concoction through cheesecloth to strain out the herbal matter. This can be composted.
If the oil is not warm, warm it. Add 1 cup grated beeswax per 3 cups herb-infused oil, and let this melt. Stir with a spoon.
To test the consistency of the salve, place a spoonful of the mixture into the freezer for 2 minutes. Remove spoon from freezer. This is what your salve will be like when cool. If need be, adjust accordingly: add more olive oil for a thinner salve,
or add more beeswax to reduce oiliness. Finally, add drops of essential oil for fragrance and to help preserve the salve.
Take the pot off of the heat. Fill jars and/or tins with the hot liquid right to the brim. When cool, put lids on, label, and date.
Good for about a year.
…And It’s Herbal Benefits…
By Jules MacAdam
Plantain leaf (Plantago major)
Useful for burns, wound-healing, and itchy irritations.
Comfrey leaf (Symphytum officinalis)
The botanical name translates to “grow together.” Comfrey knits flesh that has been broken and torn. It can prevent bruising and promote cellular growth.
Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris)
A perennial plant within the mint family commonly known as “carpenter’s herb.” Good for small cuts or worn-out hands.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
More often known for its benefit to the memory and circulatory system, rosemary is none the less used externally for skin conditions such as eczema. Juliette of herbs speaks to rosemarys’ ability to heal sores and flesh wounds.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula is sought after for many external skin problems such as abrasions, lacerations, and burns. It helps to heal wounds and acts as an anti-septic that prevents infection.
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
The Latin name means “three leaves and meadow.” Red Clover is supportive to numerous body systems and conditions. Specific to the skin Red Clover is of benefit to cancerous growths.
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Tea tree is commonly used to mitigate infections. Tea tree is also used as an anti-inflammatory.