How to Prepare Yellow Salve

Salves are simple to make at home.

Salves are often used in traditional medicine to ease itching and relieve pain. According to the American Cancer Society, some people believe that certain yellow and black salves can cure cancer. In truth, these cancer salves can cause burning and scarring; plus, there is no evidence that they actually cure cancer.



Salves are simple to make at home. The ingredients may be found in your own backyard, at your local natural food store or online.

Things You'll Need

• Crockpot
• 2-3 cups Calendula petals
• 1/2 cup Comfrey powder
• 1/2 cup Meadowsweet powder
• 12 oz. coconut or olive oil
• 12 oz. goldenrod oil
• 8 oz. arnica oil
• 1-3 cups beeswax pellets
• 30-40 drops essential oil of choice
• Empty glass or plastic storage jars

Instructions

Yellow Salve for Muscle Aches and Pains

1. Wash the Calendula petals thoroughly. Air dry until they are completely free of water. Water will encourage mold growth.

2. Pour the oils into a crockpot. Set on low heat.

3. Add the calendula petals, comfrey and meadowsweet powder to the oil. Cook 4-6 hours, stirring occassionally.

4. Strain the oil mixture with a cheesecloth.

5. Melt the beeswax pellets in a double boiler over very low heat.

6. Pour the oil mixture and melted beeswax into a bowl and mix well.

7. Add the essential oil, blending thoroughly.

8. Put a small bit of salve mixture into the refrigerator to test for consistency. If it is not thick enough, add more melted beeswax. If it is too thick, add a very small amount of one of the oils.

9. Pour the salve into a large zip-top bag. Cut a bit off of one corner of the bag. Squeeze the salve into small plastic or glass jars. Cool completely, then put the lids on the jars.

Tips & Warnings

• Some yellow "cancer" salves have been known to burn the skin and leave scars. There is no peer-reviewed research that prove this salve cures cancer; all of the success stories are anecdotal.

• Plant parts, such as rose hips, should not be used in salves because they contain too much water and are likely to grow mold.

References

• American Cancer Society: Cancer Salves
• Henriettes Herbals: PD Herbal Salves 2
• Passionate Homemaking: Homemade Calendula Salve
• The Herb Corner: Arnica Salve

Resources

• Specialty Bottle Empty Salve Jars