The seasons are changing here in the Pacific Northwest. Spring has said its final farewell with a massive heat wave. Summer is upon us and I am so ready for it!
Our body changes just as the weather does as we transition between the seasons. As we get older this only becomes more evident and we notice aches and pains in our joints. Those with arthritis or other inflammatory diseases feel this especially. Others, like my partner Jesus, feel these changes in areas of trauma. He has a metal rod in his leg from a bad break years back and everytime we change seasons it pains him. Fear not, plants have the solution!
Today I want to provide a little pain relief in the form of a muscle and bone salve. This recipe is designed with inflammation in mind as this is commonly the root of pain. For that I added cedarwood essential oil. This fragrant oil creates an icy-hot sensation on contact immediately providing relief. For this reason it is one of my go-tos for muscle rubs. Other herbs with similar effects are camphor, clove, and peppermint. We all know the cooling sensation that mint brings, why not use it for more than just its amazing taste!
In addition to cedarwood I included an oil infusion of the hemp plant in olive oil. Hemp has been used for centuries by medicine men and women all over the world. And for good reason too. Hemp contains numerous anti-inflammatory and pain relieving compounds. Not only can you ingest it to feel these effects, but using it topically is equally amazing. (I’ve spent 5 years working with hemp extractions, so let me know if you want to learn more about this amazing plant!)
I supplement the hemp infusion with a comfrey oil as well, this one in apricot kernel oil. Comfrey is hands down my favorite herb for bone healing and it is widely known for it too. Not only does it help relieve muscle and bone pain, but it is amazing for wound healing!
Before we get into the recipe let’s talk a little more about herbal salves…
What is an herbal salve?
Herbal salves are made of oil infused with medicinal herbs and wax. That’s it! You can use beeswax or if you want to make a vegan salve substitute for carnauba or candelilla wax. The wax is used to thicken the oil enough to make a paste. By using different oils you may change the consistency of your final formula. For instance, adding coconut oil makes the salve very creamy. Using strictly liquid oils makes it a bit greasier, but very spreadable. To combat the greasiness consider using beeswax or adding a bit of xanthan gum!
Herbal Balms versus Herbal Salves
Herbals salves are quite similar to herbals balms. Some herbalists use the words synonymously, but a slight distinction can be made. I personally like to think of salves as strictly oil and wax based, while balms may also have a butter. Balms also tend to be waxier and slower to absorb than salves. Due to this, herbal salves typically have a softer consistency than balms, although that may not always be the case. Balms that have a high butter content may be much softer than salves.
In fact I just posted a Balm Recipe for Sensitive Areas that is very soft in consistency. If you want to learn more about balms and make one for yourself, check out that post!
Now let's get into the recipe!
Herbal Salve for Muscle and Bone Pain
This recipe fills two 4oz jars (8oz total), so if you want more or less adjust your recipe. Before formulating, obtain your herbal oil infusion, I use hemp and comfrey. This herbal combo is great for pain management, but feel free to use whatever herbal oil you like! If you need to make one just keep reading!
To create herbal oil infusions…
For a complete guide see my page on oil and butter infusions, but real quick here is a rundown on how to make an oil infusion…
Obtain dried plant material of your choosing.
Place the plant material in an airtight container and pour your menstruum of choice over the herbs.
Seal the container and thoroughly mix the contents.
Everyday for 2-6 weeks shake the container to assist the extraction.
Once complete, strain the oil and tada! You have an herbal oil infusion!
Now for the formulation!
You will need the following tools...
Stove or cooktop
Heat safe container big enough to hold all of your formulation, preferably a double boiler
Spatula to stir
Ingredients…
90 grams (½ cup) hemp oil infusion
90 grams comfrey oil infusion(½ cup)
24 grams coconut oil (~2 tablespoons)
34 grams beeswax, or substitute with carnauba or candelilla wax if you want a vegan salve. (4 tabelspoons)
20 to 30 drops cedarwood essential oil (0.18 grams)
Procedure…
Combine the oils and wax in a heat safe container.
Place the container in a water bath or double boiler.
Bring the bath to a low simmer, never a boil and slowly melt the mixture. Stir gently.
The more you stir the faster it will melt, but be patient! Making medicine takes time.
Once completely melted remove from the heat and let cool slightly before adding the essential oils.
The mixture needs to be below 65C/150F when you add the essential oils so they do not evaporate.
Mix together thoroughly and pour into your container.
Let them completely cool and set before moving and there you have it, your very own herbal salve!
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you try the salve out for yourself, and if you do let me know how it goes!
