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5 metal pots of lavender salve on a table with a white tablecloth surrounded by fresh lavender.

Lavender Salve with Beeswax for Stress Relief

Julia
This DIY lavender salve is made by slowly infusing dried lavender into olive oil, then blending it with beeswax for a smooth, calming balm you can reach for whenever stress or overwhelm sets in. Massage a small amount into the pressure points on your wrists or behind your ears, smooth it onto dry skin, or tuck it into a little one's bedtime routine for a quiet moment of relief.
Cook Time 1 hour
Curing Time 1 day
Servings 20

Equipment

  • Double boiler or heat-safe bowl over a pot
  • Measuring cups
  • Cheesecloth or fine strainer
  • Small metal tins or glass jars for storage
  • Stirring utensil: metal spoon or large Popsicle stick

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups of dried lavender
  • 1 cup olive oil infused
  • 2 oz cosmetic-grade beeswax adjust for desired firmness
  • 10 drops Optional: A few drops of essential oil lavender or clary sage for relaxation

Instructions
 

  • Begin by placing your dried lavender into a heat-proof glass jar. Pour the olive oil over the lavender, making sure the herbs are fully submerged. Set the jar in the center of a medium saucepan filled halfway with water, creating a makeshift double boiler. Heat on low-medium and allow the lavender to infuse into the oil for 3-5 hours. The slow, gentle heat draws out all of the beneficial properties of the lavender without compromising them.
  • Once the oil has finished infusing, remove the jar from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Place your cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer over a clean bowl and carefully pour the oil through to separate the lavender from the infused oil. Strain 2-3 times to ensure all plant material has been removed, leaving you with a clean, fragrant lavender oil.
  • Place your strained lavender-infused oil and beeswax together in a double boiler or heat-safe bowl set over a pot of gently simmering water. Heat on low, stirring regularly, until the beeswax has fully melted and combined with the oil into a smooth, even mixture.
  • Once the mixture has melted and is fully combined, remove it from the heat. If you are using lavender essential oil, add a few drops now and stir gently to incorporate. This is the moment to work quickly, as the mixture will begin to set as it cools.
  • Carefully pour the warm salve mixture into your tins or glass jars. Work slowly and steadily to avoid spills. Once poured, leave the containers undisturbed at room temperature to cool and solidify. While the salve may appear solid within an hour, allow it to cure for a full 24 hours to ensure it has completely set before sealing and storing.
  • Once fully set, seal your tins or jars and store them in a cool, dry place. Your lavender salve is now ready to use whenever you need a moment of calm. Massage a small amount into the pressure points on your wrists and behind your ears for stress relief, or smooth it onto dry skin as a soothing, nourishing balm.

Notes

  • Swap the Carrier Oil: Olive oil is a wonderful base for this salve, but it is not your only option. Coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil all make excellent carrier oils, and each brings its own unique skin-nourishing benefits. Coconut oil adds a light, tropical scent, while sweet almond oil is particularly gentle and well-suited for sensitive skin.
  • Try a Different Herb: While lavender is the star of this recipe, other dried herbs infuse beautifully into a salve as well. Calendula is a popular choice for its skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, while chamomile brings a gentle calming quality similar to lavender. Feel free to experiment with a blend of herbs to create something uniquely your own.
  • Add CBD Oil: For an extra layer of calm and relief, consider adding a few drops of CBD oil to your salve at the same stage you would add the essential oil. CBD is widely used for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a natural complement to the stress-relieving benefits of lavender. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
  • Use a Different Essential Oil: If you would like to experiment with the scent or therapeutic benefits of your salve, try swapping or blending the lavender essential oil with eucalyptus for a cooling effect, peppermint for an invigorating lift, or frankincense for a grounding, meditative quality.
  • Substitute the Beeswax: For a vegan-friendly version of this salve, candelilla wax or carnauba wax are both excellent plant-based alternatives to beeswax. Keep in mind that these waxes are slightly firmer than beeswax, so you may need to adjust the ratio to achieve your preferred texture.
Keyword clean beauty, lavender, salve