Soothing Elixir: Crafting Your Digestive Salve Recipe (With Herbal Oil Instructions)
Let’s make a gentle, soothing digestive salve!
Here’s the entire salve making process, except for the maceration process. That one’s up to you based on your skill level.
The digestive salve is a traditional herbal remedy that has been used for centuries in various cultures. It consists of a combination of herbs known for their digestive properties. It’s a gentle and natural remedy that many find helpful for maintaining a healthy digestive system, especially kids!
It supports digestive health, eases symptoms of indigestion or bloating, and promotes calm + well-being!
The salve is applied *externally* to the abdomen, where it can be massaged into the skin to aid relaxation and soothe digestive discomfort.
The herbs, fragrance, preparation process, massage benefits, and care imbued in every step contribute to the effectiveness of this potent remedy!
Pair it with a hot infusion containing the same herbs for enhanced effectiveness!
If you’re interested in more natural personal care product recipes, check out my ebook: A Guide to Natural Bath & Body Care. Inside, you'll find a comprehensive guide that will walk you through the process of making potent herbal oils and 20 essential everyday bath and body care recipes right in your own home!
Here are the directions for creating the herbal oil and making the digestive salve:
You Will Need
Blender or coffee grinder
Dried herbs, ground coarsely: chamomile, plantain, violet, lavender, and peppermint
Whole grain alcohol, 95% ABV
Carrier Oil(s)
2 glass jars with lids
Double boiler (I prefer glass)
1 ounce pure beeswax
Chopstick
4 ounces of herbal oil
Chamomile essential oil
Salve containers of choice
Prepare Herbal Oils:
Combine 1 ounce of each dried herb (chamomile, plantain, violet, lavender, and peppermint) in a blender or food processor and grind them coarsely. (Or, create them individually using this same recipe.)
In a glass container with a tight lid, mix the ground herbs with 1/2 ounce of whole grain alcohol, 95% ABV. The mixture should have the consistency of slightly damp soil.
Cover the container and let it sit for about one day to macerate the herbs.
Add 7 to 8 ounces of carrier oil of choice.
Use the maceration method of choice to extract the herbal properties into the carrier oil. (There are many methods for making an herbal oil. Choose the one you feel most comfortable with. If you need a recommendation, let me know!)
Strain through cheesecloth or a cloth to desired clarity into a second jar. Seal and label. This is your final herbal oil!
Craft the Salve:
At the start, place 4 ounces of herbal oil in warm water to make blending easier and faster later on.
Begin melting 1 ounce of beeswax in a double boiler on medium heat. I find glass works best. Use a chopstick to stir and encourage melting.
When beeswax is almost melted, turn down the heat. Keep it warm enough to keep the beeswax melted. If you begin to see it solidify around the edges, increase the temperature.
Wipe down the jar containing the warmed oil to ensure no water remains on the outside, preventing water from dripping into the salve.
Slowly pour the warmed herbal oil into the melted beeswax while stirring to blend and dissolve the remaining wax thoroughly. Be careful not to overheat the oil, as some herbs may lose their potency at temperatures above 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer for this purpose.
Remove the mixture from the heat and add 40 drops of chamomile essential oil for additional therapeutic benefits. Stir slowly to combine evenly.
Carefully pour the salve mixture into containers of your choice, such as tins or jars, leaving some space at the top for easy access.
Set the containers aside to allow the salve to cool and solidify completely.
Once cooled, store the salve in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use as needed for soothing and aiding digestion.
For instruction on how to make an herbal oil, find the instructions here.
For recommendations on which carrier oil to choose, find my favs here.
