Master Recipe for Making Medicinal Herbal Oils and Herbal Salves Using Any Herb

Mary's Nest27 minutes read

Mary's Nest provides a detailed guide on making medicinal herbal oils and salves using various methods and herbs, with a recommendation for Rosemary Gladstar's book for more information. The process involves infusing herbs in extra-virgin olive oil and using a double boiler setup for creating the salve, with tips on storing and checking for freshness provided.

Insights

  • Herbal oils and salves can be made at home using various methods and ingredients, with an emphasis on quality, caution for specific individuals, and the benefits of herbs like calendula for skin health.
  • Attention to detail in temperature control, infusion duration, and storage conditions is crucial when creating medicinal herbal oils and salves, ensuring freshness, efficacy, and longevity of the final products.

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Recent questions

  • How can I make medicinal herbal oils at home?

    You can make medicinal herbal oils at home by steeping dried herbs in extra-virgin olive oil for two weeks or using a double boiler setup to infuse the oil with heat. It is essential to strain the oil after steeping and store it in dark bottles in a cool pantry for up to 12 months.

  • What herbs are recommended for medicinal herbal oils?

    Various herbs can be used for medicinal herbal oils, with calendula being highlighted for its skin benefits. You can also mix herbs based on complementary properties for desired effects in the medicinal herbal oils.

  • How can I create a medicinal herbal salve?

    To create a medicinal herbal salve, melt beeswax and olive oil together, test the consistency by freezing a teaspoon on a plate, and adjust by adding more beeswax for a thicker consistency or olive oil for a softer one. Pour the final salve into a dark glass jar or stainless steel tin, add essential oils for fragrance, and store it in a medicinal herb cabinet.

  • What is the recommended book for detailed herb and oil information?

    Rosemary Gladstar's book is recommended for detailed herb and oil information, providing valuable insights into creating medicinal herbal oils and salves at home.

  • How should I store medicinal herbal oils to maintain freshness?

    To maintain the freshness of medicinal herbal oils, store them in dark bottles in a cool pantry for up to 12 months. Check for freshness by ensuring the oil smells pleasant, and discard if rancid to prevent spoilage.

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Summary

00:00

Master Recipe for Medicinal Herbal Oils and Salves

  • Mary shares a master recipe for making medicinal herbal oils and herbal salves on her channel, Mary's Nest.
  • Pronunciation differences for 'salve' are discussed between British and American English.
  • Caution is advised for pregnant, nursing, or medicated individuals considering herbal remedies.
  • Three methods for making medicinal herbal oils are detailed, with a preference for extra-virgin olive oil due to its quality.
  • Various herbs can be used for medicinal herbal oils, with calendula highlighted for skin benefits.
  • Rosemary Gladstar's book is recommended for detailed herb and oil information.
  • Method one for making herbal oil involves steeping dried herbs in olive oil for two weeks.
  • Straining the oil after steeping is crucial, with a gentle approach to avoid debris in the oil.
  • Method two and three involve using heat to expedite the oil-making process, requiring a double boiler setup.
  • Even heat and low temperatures are emphasized when using heat for herbal oil preparation.

14:13

Herbal Oil Infusion: Stovetop Method Instructions

  • To create a makeshift double boiler, set your cooktop to the lowest setting.
  • For stovetop infusion, aim for herb and oil steeping temperatures between 95-110 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Place herbs in the top part of a double boiler, covering them with olive oil.
  • Infuse the oil for about 60 minutes, ensuring the aroma of the herbs is released.
  • Fresh herbs should be chopped before infusing to enhance oil extraction.
  • The stovetop method requires maintaining warmth without boiling to preserve essential oils.
  • Prevent moisture-related spoilage by using cheesecloth or coffee filters between the jar and lid.
  • Store the herbal oil in dark bottles in a cool pantry for up to 12 months.
  • Check for freshness by ensuring the oil smells pleasant; discard if rancid.
  • Mix herbs for combined medicinal herbal oils based on complementary properties for desired effects.

28:59

Homemade Herbal Salve: Recipe and Storage

  • Beeswax and olive oil are melted together to create a medicinal herbal salve. The mixture is tested for consistency by placing a teaspoon on a plate and freezing it for a minute. Adjustments can be made by adding more beeswax for a thicker consistency or olive oil for a softer one.
  • The final salve is poured into a dark glass jar or stainless steel tin to protect it from light and heat. Essential oils can be added for fragrance, with a recommended starting amount of 10 drops for half a cup of oil, adjusting based on personal preference.
  • The salve is poured into the storage container, allowed to cool and firm up, and then stored in a medicinal herb cabinet. Additional herbal remedy recipes can be found in a video playlist for further guidance.
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