Calendula Salve
It can be applied to soothe dry skin, minor cuts, burns, and insect bites. Store the salve in a cool, dry place, and it should last for several months to a year, depending on the freshness of the ingredients and storage conditions.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a calendula salve:
Ingredients you'll need:
Dried calendula flowers (about 1 cup)
Carrier oil (such as olive oil, almond oil, or coconut oil) - approximately 1 cup
Beeswax (grated or in pellet form) - about 1/4 cup
Equipment:
Double boiler or a heatproof glass jar and a saucepan
Strainer or cheesecloth
Airtight containers or salve tins for storage
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Step 1: Infuse the Oil
Place the dried calendula flowers in a clean, dry glass jar.
Pour the carrier oil (olive oil, almond oil, or coconut oil) over the calendula flowers until they are fully covered.
Stir the mixture to remove any air bubbles.
Seal the jar tightly and place it in a warm, sunny spot to infuse for 2 to 4 weeks. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler to heat the oil and flowers gently for 1 to 2 hours. Keep the heat very low to avoid overheating the oil.
Step 2: Strain the Oil
After the infusion period, strain the oil through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bowl or measuring cup.
Squeeze or press the calendula flowers to extract as much oil as possible.
Step 3: Make the Salve
Measure the infused calendula oil and add it to a clean double boiler or heatproof glass jar.
Add the grated or pelletized beeswax to the oil.
Gently heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until the beeswax melts completely and blends with the oil.
To test the consistency of the salve, you can place a small amount on a spoon and let it cool for a minute or two. If it's too soft, add more beeswax. If it's too hard, add more oil.
Step 4: Pour into Containers
Once the salve has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat.
Quickly pour the mixture into clean, dry, and airtight containers or salve tins.
Let the salve cool and solidify completely before sealing the containers.
*Optional lavender essential oil drops
Yarrow Tincture
Creating a yarrow tincture is a simple process that involves extracting the beneficial compounds from yarrow herb using alcohol.
Ingredients and Materials:
Dried yarrow herb (flowers and leaves)
High-proof alcohol (such as vodka, brandy, or grain alcohol) with at least 40% alcohol content
Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
Amber glass dropper bottles for storage​
Step 1: Gather Dried Yarrow Herb Harvest or purchase dried yarrow herb. It's essential to use dried yarrow for tincture-making as fresh herbs contain moisture that can lead to spoilage.
Step 2: Prepare the Jar Choose a clean, dry, and sterilized glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. The size of the jar will depend on how much tincture you want to make, but a pint-sized (16-ounce) jar is a common choice.
Step 3: Fill the Jar with Yarrow Herb Fill the glass jar about one-third to half full with dried yarrow herb. You can chop the herb into smaller pieces to increase the surface area for extraction.
Step 4: Add Alcohol Pour the high-proof alcohol into the jar, covering the yarrow herb completely. Ensure that all the herb is submerged in alcohol to avoid mold or spoilage.
Step 5: Seal the Jar Tightly seal the jar with the lid.
Step 6: Infuse the Tincture Store the jar in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Allow the yarrow to infuse in the alcohol for at least 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, shake the jar gently every day or every few days to aid in the extraction process.
Step 7: Strain the Tincture After the infusion period is over, strain the liquid from the herb using a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer. Squeeze the herb to extract as much liquid as possible.
Step 8: Bottle the Tincture Transfer the strained yarrow tincture into amber glass dropper bottles for storage. Amber bottles help protect the tincture from light, preserving its potency.
Step 9: Label and Store Label each bottle with the name of the tincture, the date it was made, and the alcohol percentage used. Store the bottles in a cool, dark place, and they should remain potent for several years.
Note: The alcohol in the tincture acts as a preservative, allowing it to stay fresh for an extended period. Yarrow tincture is typically used in small doses, diluted in water or juice. Consult with a herbalist or healthcare professional for proper dosage and usage instructions based on your specific needs and health conditions.