Herbal Balms & Salves
Balms and salves are probably my favorite herbal preparations to make—second only to tinctures. They take time and intention, especially if you infuse your oils the slow way, but the finished product is absolutely worth it.
You don’t have to use infused oils if you’re planning to add essential oils, but infused oils make for a stronger, more well-rounded preparation in my opinion. Essential oils can also become expensive and lose potency if added while the mixture is still too hot, so always let your melted oils cool slightly before incorporating them.
Balms vs. Salves: What’s the Difference?
People often use the words balm, salve, and ointment interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same.
Balms
-Contain more wax
-Firmer and slower to absorb
-Create a protective barrier on the skin
-Best for dryness, cracked skin, and sealing in moisture
Salves
-Contain less wax
-Softer and faster absorbing
-Better for sore muscles, inflamed skin, or “hot” conditions
-Don’t sit on top of the skin as heavily as balms
General Ratios
| Type | Oil | Wax | Texture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balm | 1 cup oil | 1/2 cup wax | Firm / protective |
| Salve | 1 cup oil | 1/4 cup wax | Soft / absorbent |
Climate affects consistency, so always test before pouring:
Consistency Test:
Drop a tablespoon of the melted mixture onto a plate and pop it in the freezer for 1–2 minutes.
• Too hard? Add more oil.
• Too soft? Add more wax.
This trick saves a lot of frustration—and keeps you from having to remelt everything later.
A Note on Ointments & Creams
Ointments and creams are different from balms and salves.
Ointments are semi-solid topical preparations made from oil and wax, designed to stay on the surface of the skin longer than a balm or salve. It typically contains no water (or very little), which gives it a thick, greasy texture and makes it excellent for creating a protective barrier.
Creams are made by emulsifying a water-based preparation (like an infusion or decoction) with oils. They require more technique and often need refrigeration or natural preservatives to stay fresh. They absorb beautifully and can be excellent for muscle tension and pain.
Everything has its place!
Adding Butters & Fats
Balms and salves don’t have to be just oil and wax—rich fats can elevate them:
-Shea butter
-Cocoa butter
-Mango or kokum butter
-Tallow (fantastic for old-fashioned, nutrient-rich remedies)
These add creaminess, moisture, and skin-loving benefits. You may need to adjust wax amounts depending on the consistency of the fat you use.
Sample Recipes
Swap shea for cocoa, mango, or kokum butter if desired. Tallow can be omitted by doubling the shea amount.
Balm Recipe
-2 cups infused oil
-1 ¾ cup beeswax
-1/8 cup tallow
-1/8 cup shea butter
Salve Recipe
-2 cups infused oil
-1 cup beeswax
-1/8 cup tallow
-1/8 cup shea butter
Essential Oils
Essential oils vary in strength, but in general:
-½–1 tsp total (about 45–90 drops) for the above recipe batch
NOTE: Always let your mixture cool slightly before adding essential oils to preserve their benefits. When a wax ring starts to form is typically a good time to add before it solidifies too much.
To Conclude
Keep notes of all the recipes you try. I like to date mine as well. Then, in the future, I can look back and see what worked and what didn't to adjust accordingly. Don't be afraid to experiment.