Tuesday Tidbits And Stuff

 

To make lemon balm salve, you'll need:

• 1 cup of lemon balm leaves, fresh or dried

• 1/4 cup of beeswax pellets

• 1/4 cup of carrier oil (such as olive oil, grapeseed oil or sweet almond oil)

  
  

The Process:

1. If using fresh lemon balm leaves, wash them and dry them thoroughly. If using dried leaves, skip to the next step.

2. Place the lemon balm leaves and carrier oil in a food processor or blender and pulse until they're finely chopped.

3. Put the carrier oil and lemon balm mixture into a double boiler over a small saucepan on low heat. 

4. Infuse for 2 hours on low heat, then strain through a mesh strainer.

5. Empty the pot you were using for a double boiler and add the strained lemon balm oil to it along with the beeswax pellets and stir until the beeswax has melted completely.

If you don't want to use beeswax pellets, you can also use:

• Coconut oil - will give a harder salve but has great anti-microbial properties

• Shea butter - will give a softer salve but may not have as long of a shelf life

  
  

The mixture will start to solidify once it's cool, so you'll want to pour it in while it's still melted.

5. Pour the mixture into a small jar or tin container and let cool completely before sealing with a lid.

6. Store in a cool, dark place and use within 6 months.  However, the self-life may vary depending on the ingredients you use.

I use the sunshine method to make my herbal infused oils. I put the crushed dried leaves into a jar and cover with oil. Seal and put on my front window sill for 4 weeks.

This can be used for insect bites, soothing skin irritations, minor cuts and scrapes. It can also be used as a lip balm or cuticle cream.

If you have thyroid problems it is recommended that you do not use this salve.

I am now busy drying the lemon balm (which is growing like crazy) for tea this winter. Kurt says it is really nice and soothing/calming.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.