Herbal Salves & Balms Beeswax Recipes
If you love simple natural ways to care for your skin, herbal salves and balms made with beeswax or honey are a wonderful place to start. Homemade remedies combine the natural healing properties of herbs with natural ingredients from the beehive. In this guide, I’ll share my favorite recipes for beeswax based salve and balm recipes that are easy to make and effective.
As a beekeeper, I think beeswax is even more amazing than honey. Think of the thousands of uses for beeswax in our daily lives. Everyone needs to keep a small block of beeswax on hand – you never know when you will need it.
What are Herbal Salves and Balms?
Before we begin, lets discuss the difference between a salve and a balm. Salves tend to be softer and easier to spread on the skin. They may include a larger portion of infused oils.
Balms are firmer and often include more beeswax or butters that are solid at room temperature. People do use the two terms interchangeably – both soothe and protect your skin.
Why Use Beeswax or Honey in Natural Skincare?
Of course, you can make these recipes without products from the hive – but why would you? Beeswax forms a natural barrier that locks in moisture. Honey is antibacterial and soothing for irritated skin.
Beekeepers have used both in herbal medicine recipes for thousands of years. They have stood the test of time.
Supplies You’ll Need
One of the best things about making your own herbal salves and balms is the cost savings. Most materials have a long shelf life and can be used to make a variety of recipes.
With some basic tools and ingredients, you can make products for your whole family – even the family “fur child” dog.
- beeswax
- herbal oils – butters
- small tins or jars
- double boiler – melting setup & mixing tools
Beeswax for Crafting
Beeswax is available to purchase in pellets, pastilles, small bars and large bricks. The color of beeswax varies. When making salves and balms with beeswax – color doesn’t matter that much.
If you use want to use raw wax from your hives (or that of a local beekeeper), be sure to clean your beeswax before using for crafting.
Herbal Oils and Butters
Depending on the specific product you are making, you will find yourself using a variety of oils, infused oils and various butters. Check your recipe – favorites include: coconut oil, olive oil, palm oil, shea butter etc.
Containers – Tins and Small Jars
Container choice depends on how you intend to use the salve or balm and what you already have on hand.
Small containers such as tins or cute jars do well. But, you need to have a top opening wide enough to access the product.
Equipment for Melting
No special equipment is necessary when making herbal salves and balms. Most of the ingredients can be melted in the microwave – though that is not my preferred method for beeswax.
Always take safety precautions when melting your ingredients. For beeswax, melting with a double boiler setup is the safest and easiest method.
Healing Herbal Salve Recipes
Calendula Salve with Beeswax
Dandelion Salve Recipe
Herbal Plantain Salve
Balms and Salves with Special Purposes
Many of these recipes can be used for some of the same purposes. But in some instances, you want a particular combination of ingredients to soothe and heal.
Healing Honey Burn Salve with Aloe
Beeswax Balm for Feet, Elbows and More
Homemade Petroleum Vaseline Jelly Recipe
Herbal Balms for the Whole Family
When you use natural ingredients you can create products for the whole family. Of course, always be conscious of possible allergies and consult medical professionals where needed. Some people can actually be allergic to honey – imagine!
DIY Dog Paw Balm
Beeswax Body Butter
Face Moisturizer with Beeswax
Homemade Black Walnut Salve
Wrapping Up
Don’t be afraid to try making your own herbal salves or balms with beeswax or honey. It is a rewarding way to support natural wellness for you, your family, and even your pets. As a beekeeper, I’ve seen firsthand how beeswax and honey enhance these homemade creations. I hope you’ll give a few of these recipes a try—and don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite herbs or essential oils.