Known for its soothing and antibacterial properties, aloe vera is a wonderful addition to your homemade first aid kit. Aloe vera gel direct from the plant can be used topically for a variety of skin irritations and more. As the aloe vera plant contains lots of water, a preservative would be needed to keep it for extended periods of time. However, aloe vera powder can be infused in oil to create a beneficial homemade aloe vera salve which is easy for anyone to create.

Aloe Vera Salve

Aloe vera is an easy to grow succulent that contains many health benefits. It has a cooling effect, is antibacterial and is great at treating inflammation. As it aids in the regeneration of cells, it is a great plant to use in helping to heal wounds and reduce scarring.

Learning how to grow and care for aloe vera is easy. When tended to properly, they can grow and thrive and grow quite large.

Carrier Oils

When making a salve, choosing the correct carrier oil can improve the impact of the salve as each carrier oil has its own set of distinct properties. Blending a couple of carrier oils can also help maximise their benefits.

With this salve recipe, there are multiple carrier oils that could be used including:

Avocado Oil
Argan Oil
Rosehip Oil
Hemp Oil
Safflower Oil

You can learn more about carrier oils here.

Before Using this Rub

Before using this rub, you will need to understand a few things.

Essential oils are potent, and need to be diluted. As this rub is being used on your body, you will need to use essential oils that are gentle enough to be applied to your skin – and use in the correct quantities. Be careful to avoid sensitive areas like your eyes.
Be mindful of who will be using the salve when adding essential oils as some people can’t use some oils and some oils can’t be used on young children or pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Some essential oils should not be used on children under 10. Do your research before adding and using any essential oils!
Don’t use on skin with open wounds or cuts.
Test on small area of skin before using. If there’s any irritation, dilute with more carrier oils.
Wash hands well after using.

More Salve Recipes

Making Infused Oil

To make the infused oil, you will need:

½ cup Aloe Vera Powder
1 ¼ cups Avocado Oil

First you will need to infuse the aloe vera powder in the avocado oil. To do this, place the aloe vera powder in a glass jar and cover it completely with avocado oil. It may take some time for the powder to completely soak up the oil.

Put the lid on the jar and store in a dark cupboard for a few weeks, shaking every couple of days to keep everything submerged.

Strain the aloe vera powder with an unbleached coffee filter. The infused oil is now ready to make into a salve.

If you want to speed up the infusion process, slowly heat the oil in a slow cooker on low heat for 24 – 48 hours.

Making Aloe Vera Salve

To make 6 – 8 ounces of this aloe vera salve, you will need:

the aloe vera infused oil
2 ½ TBSP Beeswax Pellets
Essential oils – optional up to 50 drops. Lavender or Frankincense essential oils would be great options for this salve.

Combine the beeswax and the infused oil in a microwaveable container and heat for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave until the beeswax is completely melted. Stir in between each heat burst.

Add essential oils, if using.

Pour the liquid into your tins.

Allow them to sit, uncovered for a couple of hours until fully set.

Storing Aloe Vera Salve

Place the salve in dark glass jars or metal tins to protect it from exposure to light and air. I have also used tubes for easier application.

Store in a cool, dark place.

When properly stored, this salve should last a couple of months.

To Use this Salve

Using clean hands, rub a small amount of the salve onto your fingers, then rub it in the intended site.

For dry skin, massage a small amount onto the affected area
For minor burns, and sunburns, apply a thin layer of the salve to soothe the area
Try rubbing a small amount of this salve onto dry feet before bed
Aloe vera salve would make a lovely, moisturising lip balm
Try applying a small amount to your hands, especially your cuticles

Notes

Vitamin E is optional, and is often added to salves as an antioxidant to prevent rancidity, as well as for its amazing skin-healing properties. Add 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil to help preserve your salve even longer!
You can use any type of carrier oil for the infused oil. This recipe uses avocado oil.
If you want this to be a vegan recipe, swap out beeswax pellets for candelilla wax.
I live in a hot climate, so this is made with 3 tablespoons of beeswax to stop it from melting during hot summers, thus making this a harder salve. Use less beeswax if you want a softer balm. To test the consistency of the salve, place a small amount on the back of your hand and see what it does. If it’s too soft, add more beeswax; if it is too hard, add more oil.