Amish women make salves for every occasion. The base recipe is one; herbs change based on need.
Herbal Oil Infusion
Fill a jar 2/3 with dried herbs. Cover with olive oil. Infuse 4–6 weeks on a sunny windowsill, shaking daily. Strain.
The Salve
200ml herbal oil + 30g beeswax. Melt wax in a double boiler, add oil, stir. Pour into jars. Sets at room temperature. Keeps up to a year.
Herbs by Purpose
Calendula — cuts, scrapes, inflammation. Most versatile. Plantain — insect bites, splinters, burns. Comfrey — bruises, sprains (not on open wounds). Lavender — burns, skin calming. Chamomile — irritation, baby skin.
Why Wax
Wax gives salve structure — it stays on skin. Creates a protective layer, locks in moisture. More wax = harder salve. Less = softer. 30g per 200ml is the sweet spot.