Beeswax has mild antibacterial and antimicrobial actions, and it’s also thought to be effective in healing when used in a salve. 

Words: Jane Wriggleswworth

HOW TO MAKE BEESWAX INFUSED OIL 

Ingredients:
100ml calendula-infused oil (or 50ml calendula-infused oil and 50ml meadowsweet-infused oil, made using dried meadowsweet flowers and leaves)
15g grated beeswax
15 drops lavender essential oil

How to make:

Fill a large glass jar with fresh or dried calendula petals. If using fresh petals, allow them to dry for 12 hours after picking to remove most of the moisture.

Too much moisture will cause the oil to go rancid. For this reason, dried petals are a safer option.

Cover the calendula petals with olive oil (about 3cm above the petals), screw the lid on tightly, then place the jar in a warm spot, out of direct sunlight, for 4-6 weeks. Shake once a day to aid extraction.

After 4-6 weeks, strain through a fine muslin cloth. Pour the infused oil into a glass bottle, label with the name and date, and store in a cool, dark cupboard.

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BASIC SALVE 

This takes a little longer to make because your first step is to make an infused oil. One of the best herbs to start with when making salves is calendula because it’s an all-purpose herb, and especially good for skin problems, including scratches, rashes, small wounds, minor burns and chapped lips.

You can also add lavender to your salve, which is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, or meadowsweet can be combined with calendula to sooth aches and pains.

Ingredients:
100ml calendula-infused oil (or 50ml calendula-infused oil and 50ml meadowsweet-infused oil, made using dried meadowsweet flowers and leaves)
15g grated beeswax
15 drops lavender essential oil

How to make:
Melt the calendula oil and beeswax in a double boiler. Remove from the heat and add the lavender essential oil. Pour into small, clean, dry jars or tins. Allow to cool completely before placing the caps on the jars.

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