Lavender Salve Recipe
How to make a multi-purpose homemade salve using: lavender flowers, oil, beeswax, and lavender essential oil!
Lavender salve is a handy remedy to keep around for:
- dabbing on bug bites,
- calming small itchy or irritated spots,
- applying to minor scratches and scrapes,
- soothing tension headaches (rub on your temples, sinus area, behind ears & neck; keep out of eyes),
- and as a relaxing balm for bedtime.
This salve is made in two parts. First you make a lavender infused oil, then you melt it with some beeswax to make the salve. Add a little essential oil, and that’s it!
Love lavender?
I have more lavender projects and ideas for you!
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Lavender Infused Oil
To make lavender infused oil, fill a half-pint jar about 1/3 to 1/2 way with dried lavender buds.
Optional: Add a small splash (about 1/4 teaspoon) of high proof vodka to help release a few extra beneficial compounds into your oil. Stir to slightly dampen the dried herbs with the alcohol, then continue to the next step.
Pour oil into the jar until it’s almost filled. Stir to mix. Oil choices include olive and sunflower (classics, but a little heavier on the skin), sweet almond or rice bran oil (lighter, but still nourishing), or any combination of whatever your favorite oils are.
From here, you have two infusing options:
- Fast Infusion Method: Keep the jar uncovered and place it down into a small saucepan containing several inches of water, forming a makeshift double boiler. Heat over a medium-low burner for several hours. This way works well if you’re in a hurry for your oil, or if you added the optional splash of high proof alcohol.
- Slow Infusion Method: Cover the jar with a lid, label, tuck away in a cabinet for 4 to 6 weeks, shaking occasionally as you remember to.
Whichever method you choose, strain the oil when it’s finished and store it in a labeled jar in a cool area away from heat and direct sunlight. Shelf life of infused oils is around 1 year.
Handmade Lavender Salve Recipe
- 4 ounces (114 grams) lavender infused oil
- 0.65 ounces (18 grams) beeswax (or 1/2 as much candelilla wax for vegan variation)
- 14 to 27 drops lavender essential oil (use the lower amount for a light scent and 0.5% dilution rate, or up to the higher amount for a stronger scent and 1% dilution rate)
Combine the oil and wax in a heat proof container. Set it into a pot of water over a medium-low burner. Let heat until the wax is melted. Remove from heat and stir in the lavender essential oil. Pour into tins or small canning jars. Let harden until solid, place a lid on top, and label. Enjoy for yourself or give as a lovely gift.
Shelf life of homemade salves are around 1 year, or as long as it smells good. (Old salves will smell like rancid oil.)
Lavender has been used since the times of the Greeks and Romans and is generally considered safe for almost everyone. However, if you’re allergic to lavender or show signs of sensitivity, don’t use.
I would like to know if these measurements are liquid or weight measurements , Please !
Hi Diana, these are all measurements by weight. :)
This is wonderful and so easy for anyone who is just getting starting on DIY projects. By the way, this is unrelated but your lip balm how to is the best one out there in the beauty DIY internet world:)
Hi Toni, thanks for the kind words! :)
Thank you so much for your quick reply . I make soaps , so yes I do have a digital scale . I can get right to this , now ! Thank you , again.
You’re quite welcome! :)
Hello! What is a Salve?
Hi Leah, salve is just another name for a balm or ointment. They’re usually meant to soothe or heal your skin in some way. The consistency is somewhat like Vicks Vapor Rub, if you’ve used that before.
Oh ok, thanks for always answering my questions ;)!
No problem! :)
Can you use coconut oil instead of olive oil?
Hi! I haven’t tried just coconut oil by itself, but in theory, you should be able to substitute almost any oil. Sunflower oil, meadowfoam seed oil, hemp seed oil, sweet almond oil and peach kernel oil are a few other options.
Hi, have just made this salve, I substituted half of the olive oil for coconut oil and added 40 drops of lavender oil. It is just perfect, a lovely smooth, silky salve with a long lasting smell. Thank you for sharing and inspiring.
That’s great! :) I’m so happy to hear how well it turned out!
This looks wonderful.. and I have some beeswax that I have been really wanting to use and a full bottle of lavender oil for soap making… hmmmm procrastination has its rewards, this looks like a perfect Mother’s Day gift making opportunity.. thank you for the wonderful idea!!!!
Sounds like you have everything you need! :) I plan to make some up for Mother’s Day as well!
This sounds like a quick little project. I have one question though…how long will this last without preservatives in it before going rancid or bad? And have you ever used preservatives in any of your salves?
Hi Kathy!
For natural preservatives, I like to use rosemary antioxidants (you can buy those from Mountain Rose Herbs.) You only need a bit in each project. You can also add Vitamin E oil to the mix plus Meadowfoam Seed Oil is supposed to help extend the life of oils as well.
Made as is, this salve should stay fresh for many months. I would estimate 6 to 9 months, at least. You can tell when it’s off by doing a sniff test. The lavender essential oil scent will eventually fade out and you’ll be able to detect any rancidity. Usually though, the salve is used up rather quickly & that’s not an issue. That’s why I like to make several small batches, spread out over time, rather than one big giant batch.
I made this last night and because i have foot and toenail fungus that i got from a pedicure place, i added rosemary along with the lavender. I just love it.
I will be using this to make different salves and i am waiting for a shippmemt of supplies to make your lotions and creams.
Hi Shana, I’m happy that you like it!