How to Make Chamomile Salve

This nourishing chamomile salve can help soothe inflamed skin conditions such as eczema. For those without skin issues, this salve will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

Chamomile Salve

The chamomile herb has been used for centuries due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Chamomile Salve is a wonderful way to soothe and nourish skin. It also helps with protecting your skin from the such as the wind and the cold weather, making it the perfect salve to have on hand for when your skin needs a little TLC.

Note: For those that are allergic to ragweed there is a small chance that you may have an allergic reaction to chamomile as well.  Make sure to spot test any products containing chamomile and avoid if any itching or allergic reaction occurs. 

Using Chamomile Salve

This salve can help with soothing and calming irritated skin. Gently massage a small amount of salve on 

• Dry skin
• Minor burns
• Rashes
• Skin irritations
• Bruises
• Eczema and Psoriasis
• Fine line and Wrinkles

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
• Sweet Almond Oil
• Argan Oil
• Rosehip Oil
• Hemp Oil
• Safflower Oil

You can learn more about carrier oils here.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are potent, and need to be diluted. As this salve is being used on your skin, you will need to use essential oils that are gentle enough to be applied to your skin – and used in the correct quantities. 

Just be careful using some essential oils such as tea tree and peppermint, around children and pregnant women, making sure to do your research before using.

Before Using this Salve

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

• 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

• Make Healing Calendula Salve
• DIY Sore Muscle Rub
• DIY Rose Salve
• Herbal Muscle Salve
• Charcoal Drawing Salve
• Rosemary Salve
• Comfrey Salve
• Violet Leaf Salve
• Plantain Salve

Chamomile Infused Oil

To make this salve, first you need to make Chamomile Infused Oil.

To make the infused oil, you will need: 

• ½ cup Dried Chamomile Flowers
• 1 cup Avocado Oil or another carrier oil of your choice

First you will need to infuse the chamomile flowers in the avocado oil. To do this, let your fresh flowers dry for at least a day or two before infusing. 

Place the dry flowers in a glass jar and cover it completely with avocado oil. 

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

Strain the leaves with a strainer, cheesecloth or 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.

For more information on making infused oils, check this out.

Making Chamomile Salve

To make 6 ounces of this salve, you will need:

• 1 ½ to 2 TBSP Beeswax
• 1 cup Chamomile infused oil
• 7 drops Chamomile Essential Oil – optional
• containers

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.

This process could also be done in a double boiler.

Add the essential oil if using and mix through.

Pour the mixture into small glass jars or tins.

Let the salve cool and set.

The salve is now ready to label, date and store.

Storing This 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 up to six 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 or chaffed skin, massage a small amount onto the affected area
• For minor bumps and bruises, apply a thin layer of the salve to soothe the area
• To help heal bumps and bruises
• Massage a small amount on any Fine line and Wrinkles

Notes

• If you are picking fresh flowers to use in this salve, make sure to harvest them from a pesticide free area.
• Harvest only when you are 100% positive you have the correct plant as there are many lookalikes which are inedible or poisonous.
• 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.
• Try adding essential oils or other infused oils for a more powerful salve
• 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.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.