This green herbal salve is an absolute standby in our family. I have made a batch of this healing remedy every year since my first baby was born (more than 15 years ago!?!). We use it for ev.er.y.thing. Hence the name!
Green salves have a long history in the herbal community. Often referred to as “herbal neosporin”, it can be used on nearly all conditions on the skin. Here are a few of the ways we have found consistent success with our green salve:
- Cuts and scrapes
- Rashes and other skin irritation
- Bumps and bruises
- Bug bites
- Stings
- “Road rash” from bike and rollerblade accidents
- Diaper rash
- Cradle cap
- Cracked nipples from breastfeeding
- Dry winter skin
- Chapped lips that have spread to the skin surrounding the mouth
- Irritated skin around the nose from a lot of nose-blowing
- Cuts and scrapes on our pets
- Dry, scratchy pads on dog paws
- Mite bites on cat ears
- The list goes on!!
Since all of the herbs and oils used are edible and therefore safe for internal use, this salve can be used on broken or unbroken skin. It can also be used around the mouth and on pets or young children where it may end up being ingested in small amounts. (Please note that many of the green salves sold in stores contain the herb comfrey which is not recommended for internal use, including use on broken skin.)
Everything salve
- 1/4 cup echinacea leaves
- 1/4 cup calendula flowers
- 1/4 cup plantain herb
- 1/4 cup yarrow leaf/flower
- 1/8 cup rosemary
- olive oil
- coconut oil, warmed to liquid
- Lavender essential oil – 10-20 drops per cup of strained oil
- Vitamin E (liquid or cut open capsules) – 200-400 IU per oz. of strained oil
- Beeswax pellets (1:4 with oil; so if you end up with 2 cups of strained oil, you’d need 1/2 cup beeswax)
- Wide mouth containers of various sizes for home and travel. (Note: metal containers tend to oxidize the oils in the salve more quickly than glass or plastic containers.)
Combine herbs in a glass bowl or jar. Add enough oil (half olive, half coconut) to cover the herbs, plus an inch or 2. Heat oven to 300*, then turn off the heat. Place the bowl/jar in the oven for 3 hours. Remove and let it cool enough that you can touch it safely.
Strain through a fine colander into a bowl to remove most of the herbs; use cheesecloth or coffee filters to remove small bits of herbs, if desired. Press or squeeze to get as much oil out of the herbs as possible. Add lavender essential oil and vitamin E to the strained oil. Stir in beeswax until melted (may need to microwave or heat in double boiler just enough to melt the beeswax). Quickly pour into containers and cool. Label with contents and date.
**Whole, dried herbs and beeswax pellets can often be purchased at local health foods stores such as Whole Foods or through a food co-op. If you’ve clicked on any of the links above, you’ll notice that my favorite online source is Mountain Rose Herbs. They have high quality, organic products that are sustainably sourced and at a reasonable price.
**Extra note for herbal nerds: due to the inclusion of essential oil, many would categorize this product as a balm instead of a salve. Although, other herbalists choose to determine the category by the consistency rather than the ingredients. Since it is made 1:4 with beeswax, the softer result is more consistent with a salve. Either way, I think the word “balm” sounds weird. ;D So, I’m going with salve. But you’re welcome to call it whatever you want! #herbalterminology #themoreyouknow
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