Turmeric & Menthol Pain Salve

This salve recipe combines anti-inflammatory turmeric with pain relieving menthol to create an effective salve that can be rubbed into sore or achy joints, backs, feet, or wherever you have pain that’s relieved by a deep cooling sensation.

Today I’m delighted to share a recipe that my daughter created!

For many months, we’ve been working on writing an ebook together about things to make for aches and pains and this is one of our favorite recipes from it.

UPDATE: That ebook, Things to Make for Aches & Pains, is finished!

I really love this salve and use it for the occasional migraine (rubbing on temples, jawline, and neck) and if I sit too long at the computer for a deadline and get leg aches (rubbing it on legs/knees).

She actually first created it for a relative who had plantar fasciitis and it works really well for that purpose too!

Please note that turmeric salves tend to leave a yellow tint on your skin, even with the fairly low amount in this recipe. After you apply it, let it soak in for a while, keeping it away from fabrics and such so it won’t rub off and stain pillowcases, shirts, etc.

With that note, and without further ado, I’ll turn the typing over to my daughter!

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Before you can make salve, you’re going to need to infuse an oil!

Plan ahead of time- for a nice, strong oil, you’re going to want to let this one sit for about 2 weeks after heating.

Step 1 – Make Infused Oil

You will need:

• 1 1/2 tbsp dried mullein flowers (or leaf)
• 2 tbsp dried arnica flowers
• 1 tbsp ginger powder
• 1/8 tsp turmeric powder
• 6 oz (170 g) sunflower oil
• 6 oz (170 g) sweet almond oil
• Heat-safe container with a lid (Mason jars are ideal)
• Small saucepan
• Digital scale

Instructions:

Measure out all dried plant matter and powders into a heat-safe container such as a mason jar. Weigh our your oils, and pour them over top of the plant matter.

Place uncovered container into a small saucepan of water over a burner set to low, and leave for an hour or two to kick-start infusing. Stir occasionally, making sure to get all the way to the bottom of the container, as powders will settle.

Remove from heat, and let cool. Once cooled completely, secure the lid on the container, label it with the date and contents, and place in a sunny windowsill for at least 2 weeks to finish infusing.

Shake vigorously at least once daily, makin sure to agitate the settled herb powders at the bottom of the container.

When ready to use, strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer, discarding the spent plant matter. Store the finished, strained oil in a cool, dark location.

Step 2 – Make Salve

Now that you have your oil, it’s time to make the salve!

You will need:

• 0.50 (14 g) oz beeswax
• 3.50 (99 g) oz infused oil
• 3/4 tsp menthol crystals
• 3 drops white camphor essential oil
• Digital scale
• Heat-safe container
• Small saucepan
• Salve tins or containers

Instructions

Weigh out your beeswax and infused oil into your heat-safe container, and place your container in a small saucepan of water over a burner set to medium-low heat to melt together.

Stir occasionally to speed up the melting process, scraping any clinging bits of beewax from the sides of the container. Once completely melted, remove container from saucepan and turn off the heat.

Add the menthol crystals, and drop in the essential oil. Mix until menthol crystals are completely dissolved. Lean your face away for this one! The menthol is strong, and it doesn’t feel good on your eyes!

Once everything’s mixed in, pour your (very, very minty!) salve into salve tins, and leave to set. Once salves are firm and completely cooled, put on their lids, and store somewhere dark and cool- or at least not in direct sunlight!

Ideally try to use up salve within 6 months to a year for best results.