How-To: Make a Salve (Part 1)

Hey, it's 2010! For the first post of the year, I thought I would share what I learned about how to make a salve. Not really food-related, is it... but there's something that feels good about turning your back to mass-produced, over-branded and faceless store-bought products.

A salve is an oil-based therapeutic ointment. Using a herb-infused oil can offer additional therapeutic benefits.... so this Part 1 is about How To Make a Herb-Infused Oil. Since my good friend just popped out a wee babe, making a calendula oil seemed to make sense, since calendula ointments are used to soothe sensitive baby skin. But you can substitute the calendula for any other herb.

Calendula Infused Oil
For: wound healing, diaper rash, sun burns, etc.

Ingredients and Tools:

1/2 cup loosely packed dried calendula flowers --- choose vibrant, colourful flowers
1 cup vegetable oil --- I like to use olive or sunflower
Glass jar
Cheesecloth and elastic (to cover jar)

Instructions:

Heat the oil very slowly in a small saucepan, on the lowest heat possible. Place the flowers into the glass jar. Once the oil is very warm, pour into the glass jar. There should be enough old to cover the herbs, and then some. Cover the opening of the jar with the cheesecloth, and secure with an elastic. Place jar in a sunny spot in your home, and leave the oil for 2 weeks to infuse. Once the oil is ready, it should be a rich, golden yellow colour. Strain into a clean container.

To be continued....