Wax and Bubbles

This salve is an excellent treatment when applied to bruises, superficial skin irritations, and even minor inflammation. Do not apply this salve to open wounds or skin areas that have become infected.

You need:

• 4 small sterilized jars. Placing the jars and the lids, with the rubber seal removed into boiling water for 5 minutes will sterilize the jars and lids completely.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil-any brand will do, but try to look for 100%, or organically grown olive oil.

• Ground Ivy-this can be found at a specialty herb shop or a health food store in the spice aisle. Look for organic and 100%. Do not buy ground ivy that has been added to something else. You won’t get the same effect.

• Elderflowers-Same as above, can be found at a health food stores or specialty herb shop. Even online.

• Plantain Leaves-Learn more about plantain leaves and their great benefits to the body here.

• Chickweed Stems, leaves and flowers-Buy chickweed steam, leaves and flowers here or at any specialty herb shop or health food store nationwide.

• Beeswax

Fill each of the jars with one of the herbs above halfway to the top of the jar. Completely cover the herb with virgin olive oil, leaving about a 1/2 to 1-inch at the top. Cover with a piece of wax paper and cap the jar tightly. Let each herb sit for about 4 to 6 weeks while they ferment. (Your final product will be more effective if you have a separate herbal oil for each herb, rather than one infusion with all four combined together in the same jar.)

When the olive oils are fully infused, pour them into a double boiled over low heat and let it heat thoroughly, do not boil this liquid or it will scorch. Slowly mix in the beeswax, use 2 tbs. of the beeswax for each cup of oil used. Mix until thoroughly combines. To test your salve for the desired thickness, spoon out a small amount, let it cool down slightly, and rub it with your fingers. If you are wanting a thicker salve, add more of the beeswax, if your salve is too thick, simply add more olive oil.

Pour your salve into the small, sterilized container and let them cool completely. If you add the lids to them while they are hot, the heat will seal the jar lids so you can give them as gifts. If it is for your personal first aid kit, let the salve cool completely before placing the jar lids on. Store ins a cool spot out of the direct sunlight, for it will melt the beeswax within the salve.