How to Make Beeswax Hand Salve

Beeswax is soothing and nourishing for skin.

Beeswax is a versatile, highly beneficial substance created by bees to build honeycomb. Worker bees secrete wax from special glands on their undersides. When harvested by humans, the nutrient-rich wax is used for a multitude of applications. According to author Phyllis Balch in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," beeswax has tremendous healing, softening, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a useful additive for cosmetics and skincare products. As a salve, beeswax is extremely effective and can be combined with a variety of essential oils to nourish and heal the skin.

Things You'll Need

• 2 oz. beeswax
• 3 oz. sweet almond oil
• 1 oz. jojoba oil
• 1/2 oz. canola oil
• 40 drops total essential oil of your preference
• Saucepan
• Storage containers (metal tins, jars or recycled cosmetic containers)

Instructions

1. Heat the sweet almond, canola and jojoba oils in the saucepan over low heat. Almond oil is rich in vitamins E and D and is a great emollient and moisturizer. Canola and jojoba are quickly absorbed into the skin and act as excellent carriers for the beeswax.

2. Add the beeswax to the warmed oils. Keep the heat low to prevent the oils from burning. Stir the wax slowly until it has melted completely into the oil.

3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool. It will thicken as it cools. When it has reached room temperature, test the texture by dipping a finger in. If the product is too thick for your liking, return the pan to the heat and add more almond oil. If it is too thin, add more wax.

4. Cool the wax mixture to room temperature. While still warm, add the essential oils of your choice.

5. Pour the warm liquid into your storage jars and allow the salve to cool completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Research herbs for their aromatic and healing effects. Try tea tree oil for its antiseptic properties, peppermint for an uplifting kick or rosemary for soothing sore muscles.

References

• "Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations": Beekeeping Beeswax
• "Botanical.com": Beeswax Profile
• "Holistic Online": Dry Skin
• "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2006