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Thursday, July 16, 2009

Herbal Healing Salve


Mazzy had a few scrapes on her from who knows what so I decided to make my own salve. I started this a couple months ago by solar infusing Calendula flowers in olive oil. I filled a large glass jar with the flowers and then covered them with oil leaving them in a sunny window. I used olive oil because it holds it's integrity longer than commonly used seed oils and is wonderful for the skin. This method allows oil soluble vitamins and minerals to be released into the oil and offer their healing qualities.
Calendula oil is said to be the "healing skin oil". It is anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, helps healing wounds, useful for bed sores, broken veins, bruises, inflamed gums, varicose veins. Effective on rashes, dry, chapped or cracked skin.


After a couple of months, the oil was infused with all of the medicinal qualities of the plant and I removed the oil from its sunny resting place. I then strained it through cheesecloth. Over very low heat I melted together pure beeswax (A natural emulsifier that helps seal and protect skin. It is also an anti-oxidant and has some free radical abilities (i.e. - fights harmful pollutants). Soothing, softening and helps the skin retain moisture.)
Shea Butter (Absorbs easily into the skin, providing wonderful healing and moisturizing properties. Leaves skin smooth, supple and soft. Natural in Vitamin A, Shea butter provides natural sun protection, heals scars, prevents/reduces stretch marks and is used to treat burns, eczema, acute dry skin, and rashes)
Lanolin ( Acts as a fantastic barrier to protect the skin from harsh environmental conditions)
Calendula infused oil.
After all of these ingredients were melted and fully mixed and removed from the heat and let cool for a bit. I then added:
Vitamin E oil ( has the ability to preserve fats and aid in the healing of wounds)
Lavender Essential
l Oil (Useful in treating burns, eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Is rejuvenating to the skin and tissue.)
Tea Tree Oil ( Effective fungicide, antibacterial and antiseptic. Used for cuts, boils, cold sores, burns, stings, ticks, etc.)
Grapefruit Seed Extract (It has a superior cleaning and healing effects. It can also be applied to countless types of external skin infections and conditions caused from fleas, mites, parasites, fungus, bacteria and viruses)
I poured the mixture into cobalt blue jars and then made labels.



It smells delightful! I have been using it daily on Mazzy's scrapes, insect bits, dry skin, rubs, and anywhere else the skin looks irritated. She lays down quite a bit so her hocks are always a bit rough looking, this salve is really helping! All of her blemishes are clearing up so well that I am running out of places to use it.

I had fun choosing the ingredients, and feel good about using something that is all natural.

All natural ingredients: Calendula infused oil, Pure Beeswax, Unrefined Shea Butter, Lanolin, Lavender Essential Oil, Tea Tree Essential Oil, Vitamin E, Grapefruit Seed Extract.

6 comments:

Desert Rose said...

That absoulutly amazes me that you did this!!! If I can't use my credit card...I ain't goona do it!!!

Unknown said...

Wow that stuff sounds great. Sounds like something I might want to put on myself! I bet it smells wonderful.

Jessica said...

Wonderful idea! Sounds like something I would like to use myself! But I bet it would be great for Caspian, too. Have you thought about making it to sell? Or would that be way to much work? Sounds like a bit of a process!

Paint Girl said...

Wow! Check you out! I think you should sell it! That is so cool that you came up with a natural product you can make yourself, and it works!
Love it!

storybeader said...

what a great idea! I'm sure she appreciates it! {:-D

Twisted Fencepost said...

Wonder how that stuff works on sunburn itch? My son is soaking right now in an oatmeal bath. The itching is driving him nuts.
Darn sunscreen did NOT do it's job. It's now in the trash!

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