From Plant to Balm: Crafting Infused Oils and Salves the Folk Way

There is a unique kind of magic in capturing the essence of a plant in oil. Whether it’s the sunny warmth of Calendula or the soothing touch of Plantain, creating your own topical remedies is one of the most rewarding skills in the home apothecary.
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At Herbs Love + Yoga in Sandy Hook, CT, I love teaching the Folk Method for oils and salves. It’s slow, intentional, and lets the sun do the heavy lifting. This process turns simple ingredients into potent "skin food" that can support your body’s natural healing.

​Step 1: The Solar InfusionThe foundation of any good salve is a high-quality infused oil.

1. Prepare your Jar: I prefer to work in small batches, so I use a 4 oz glass jar.
2. Add the Herbs: Fill your jar about 1/3 of the way with dried herbs. (Using dried herbs is important here to ensure no water is introduced, which can cause the oil to go rancid).
3. The Oil: Cover the herbs with your carrier oil of choice (Organic Olive oil or Jojoba work beautifully) until the jar is full.
4. Harness the Sun: Seal the jar and place it in a sunny window. This gentle, consistent warmth helps the oil draw out the plant's medicinal properties.
5. Tend the Oil: Let it sit for 4 weeks, shaking it vigorously every time you pass by to keep the herbs circulating.

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​Step 2: Transforming Oil into SalveOnce your four weeks are up, strain your oil through a nut milk bag or fine cloth. Now, it's time to turn that liquid gold into a portable, easy-to-use salve.

1. The Water Bath: Create a simple double boiler by placing a pot on the stove with a few inches of water.
2. The Melt: Place your jar of infused oil directly into the water bath.
3. Add the Beeswax: Add 2 tablespoons of beeswax pellets to the oil.
4. The Stir: Use a glass stirring rod or a wooden chopstick to stir the mixture. I personally prefer to avoid letting my medicinal oils touch metal tools during this stage to keep the energy and constituents as pure as possible.
5. Completion: Once the beeswax is completely melted and incorporated into the oil, carefully remove the jar from the heat.
6. The Set: Pour the warm liquid into your final storage tins or glass jars. Let them sit undisturbed until they have cooled and solidified into a beautiful, firm balm.

Why Use Salves?
Anything we put on our skin is absorbed into our bloodstream, making salves a powerful way to deliver herbal support exactly where it’s needed. Whether you're crafting a "boo-boo balm" for the kids or a soothing chest rub, the beeswax creates a protective barrier that allows the herbal oil to penetrate deep into the tissues.
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Do you have a specific skin concern you're looking to support, or are you just starting your collection with an all-purpose "everyday" salve? Let me know in the comments!

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Ready to start your first solar infusion? I have a variety of organic dried herbs—like Comfrey, Calendula, and St. John's Wort—available at the apothecary, along with the beeswax you'll need to finish your project.
Stop by the shop to grab your supplies and let's talk about which plant allies are calling to you this season!

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​🌿 Herbs Love + Yoga is an herbal medicine shop and herbal school based in Sandy Hook, a historic village in Newtown, Connecticut. We specialize in nourishing plant remedies, hands-on education, and community healing rooted in the Wise Woman Tradition.
We offer:

• Herbalist Certification Courses (Levels 1–3)
• Seasonal Herbal Workshops & Plant Walks
• Private Herbal Consultations
• Handcrafted Herbal Products including teas, tinctures, salves, vinegars & more
• Private Reiki Sessions
• Reiki Certifications
• Online Classes
  
  
  

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