How to Make Goldenseal Salve
Goldenseal salve is an ointment used to heal minor skin problems. It will also act as an antiseptic, and will help to prevent scarring. Mix up a batch your kitchen from all-natural ingredients, and keep in on hand for the next minor emergency.
Things You'll Need
- Comfrey root
- Goldenseal root
- Echinacea
- Calendula blossoms
- Myrhh essential oil
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Vitamin E capsule
- Beeswax
- Small tins or container with tight lid
Instructions
-
-
1
Clean any freshly harvested herbs thoroughly. Shake them to remove any loose dirt from the leaves and lay them in the sun to dry. If the salve is made with damp herbs, it can quickly mold.
-
2
Place the herbs in a slow cooker or a stainless steel pot and add enough olive oil to cover them, plus approximately an extra inch.
-
-
3
Heat the mixture slowly over medium-low heat for 5 to 5½ hours. If you don't use roots in the goldenseal salve, subtract two hours from the cooking time. Allow the salve to cool.
-
4
Line a colander with a thick layer of folded cheesecloth or muslin and pour the warm mixture through it to strain. Squeeze the cloth after most of the oil has strained though, in order to extract as much salve as possible.
-
5
Stir in the beeswax and re-heat the mixture slowly over low heat until the beeswax melts. Add the essential oils and the vitamin E.
-
6
Put a small amount of goldenseal salve on a teaspoon and let it cool to check for consistency. If the salve needs to be thicker, add more beeswax.
-
7
Pour the goldenseal salve into containers and store them in a cool, dark place, or in the refrigerator.
-
1
