Post by ravynskye on Feb 2, 2012 19:21:13 GMT -5
A few weeks ago, I was at my local metaphysical shop. On the counter was a jar of White Willow Bark Salve, along with some small sticks, to try a sample. Well, I tried it and it was LOVELY! I could smell lovely lavender, and it soothed my dry, chapped hands too. I asked the lady at the counter about it and she said it was their massage therapist's recipe and I could buy some, if I liked. It was $11 for a 6-8 oz jar. Well, I thought to myself, "I can make this, how hard can it be?" Of course, they have to list the ingredients on the label, but not the amounts or how to make it. I jotted down the ingredients and on the next new moon, I made my version. It turned out fantastic!! It is a salve, so it is a bit greasey feeling , at first, but once it is absorbed into the skin, it is fine! I'm posting my recipe for everyone, as this salve is sooo nice! Please keep in mind, if you are sensitive to aspirin, you should not use it as white willow bark contains salicin, which is similar to aspirin, from what I've read. Anyway, enjoy!
White Willow Bark Salve
White willow bark was traditionally used for pain, to help relieve sore muscles, joint & arthritic pain amongst many other discomforts. White Willow Bark is infused in a carrier oil with Lavender and Calendula using a beeswax base to create an all natural salve. A major component in White Willow Bark is salicin, which is closely related to aspirin and produces a similar effect as a painkiller. Also great for rough, dry, chapped skin. For external use only.
1 qt. Mason or Ball (canning) jar
Cheesecloth or muslin bag
Beeswax pellets or shavings
Dried herbs:
White Willow Bark, cut
Lavender Flowers
Calendulah
Jojoba, Sweet Almond, or other carrier oil.
Fill jar with herbs, alternating
Pour carrier oil over herbs. Fill to top of jar. Place lid on and close tightly.
Place in crock pot ( I use a trukey roaster).
Fill with water up to, but not over the lid of the jar. Put lid on crock pot.
Using low setting, leave the jar in 2-4 hours. The longer you leave it, the more infused the oils will be.
Remove jar onto workspace.
Strain oil into a clean jar.
You can either make salve at this point, or let sit overnight and strain again in the morning.
To make salve:
Pour oil into a shallow container, with a wide mouth.
Oil should be warm enough to melt the beeswax, but should never boil. You can use the microwave to heat the oil, but watch it VERY carefully. Remember, it should never boil.
Slowly add beeswax, a little at a time, stirring to melt thoroughly.
Test a few drops, to see if it's the proper consistency.
Allow to cool. cover.
White Willow Bark Salve
White willow bark was traditionally used for pain, to help relieve sore muscles, joint & arthritic pain amongst many other discomforts. White Willow Bark is infused in a carrier oil with Lavender and Calendula using a beeswax base to create an all natural salve. A major component in White Willow Bark is salicin, which is closely related to aspirin and produces a similar effect as a painkiller. Also great for rough, dry, chapped skin. For external use only.
1 qt. Mason or Ball (canning) jar
Cheesecloth or muslin bag
Beeswax pellets or shavings
Dried herbs:
White Willow Bark, cut
Lavender Flowers
Calendulah
Jojoba, Sweet Almond, or other carrier oil.
Fill jar with herbs, alternating
Pour carrier oil over herbs. Fill to top of jar. Place lid on and close tightly.
Place in crock pot ( I use a trukey roaster).
Fill with water up to, but not over the lid of the jar. Put lid on crock pot.
Using low setting, leave the jar in 2-4 hours. The longer you leave it, the more infused the oils will be.
Remove jar onto workspace.
Strain oil into a clean jar.
You can either make salve at this point, or let sit overnight and strain again in the morning.
To make salve:
Pour oil into a shallow container, with a wide mouth.
Oil should be warm enough to melt the beeswax, but should never boil. You can use the microwave to heat the oil, but watch it VERY carefully. Remember, it should never boil.
Slowly add beeswax, a little at a time, stirring to melt thoroughly.
Test a few drops, to see if it's the proper consistency.
Allow to cool. cover.