How to Make St. John's Wort Salve

Variations of St. John's wort salve recipes have been handed down from generation to generation. A mixture of soothing herbs, St. John's wort salve is a healing and soothing solution for many skin irritations, including itching, wounds, insect bites and fungal infections. Follow these simple steps to make your own.

Things You'll Need

• 1 part St. John's Wort
• 1 part calendula blossoms
• 1part comfrey leaves
• 1 part plantain
• Beeswax
• Vitamin E oil
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• Muslin or cheesecloth
• Clean containers

Instructions

1. Harvest the fresh herbs, and shake them well to remove any dirt. Lay them out to air dry for several hours.

2. Measure the herbs into a slow cooker or double boiler.

3. Add enough extra-virgin olive oil to cover the herbs, plus about an inch, and stir in the eucalyptus oil.

4. Cook the mixture on low heat for about three hours. Allow the mixture to cool.

5. Lay a piece of muslin or cheesecloth in a strainer and strain the herbs from the salve mixture. Once most of the oil has strained through, gather the cloth and squeeze out as much salve as possible.

6. Return the salve to the heat and add the beeswax. Test the salve for proper consistency by putting a small amount on a spoon and letting it cool for a few minutes. If the salve isn't thick enough, add more beeswax.

7. Blend in the Vitamin E oil at this time, and pour the salve into labeled containers.

Tips & Warnings

• Although the recipe calls for freshly harvested herbs, dried herbs are acceptable substitutes.