Lemon Balm Salve: How To Make and Best Uses
Imagine you're out hiking, and you stumble upon a nasty scrape. Your first instinct is to clean it up and put a bandaid on it, but what if the cut is too deep? What if the wound becomes infected?
This is where lemon balm salve comes in. Lemon balm salve is a natural remedy that can be made at home with just a few ingredients. It's easy to make and has many benefits. In this article, we will show you how to make lemon balm salve and provide some helpful tips on how to use it.
What Is Lemon Balm Salve?
Lemon balm salve is a topical ointment made from lemon balm leaves (Melissa officinalis) and other ingredients like beeswax and carrier oils. It's often used to soothe skin irritations, insect bites, and minor cuts and scrapes. Lemon balm salve can also be used as a lip balm or cuticle cream.
Lemon balm salve is believed to have originated in Europe, where it was used to treat various ailments, including colds, headaches, and anxiety. The lemon balm plant is a member of the mint family and has a long history of medicinal use. It's still used today for its calming and soothing effects.
Some people describe the smell of lemon balm salve as lemony, while others say it has a minty or woodsy aroma. The scent is due to the presence of essential oils in the lemon balm leaves.
Lemon balm is a treasure in the garden, kitchen, and apothecary. There are so many recipes to be made with its leaves, all of them calming and grounding while also uplifting the spirit.
Lemon balm is a great beginner herb for someone just starting their herb garden, or for folks beginning their studies into herbalism. It tastes great and is so gentle and tasty it can be used with children. However, if you have known thyroid issues, this probably is not the herb for you.
Lemon balm salve is one of the most accessible first recipes for your DIY herbal first aid kit because you can see it through from garden to skincare products. Try making it on its own first, and then once you get the process and its intended use mastered, you can add other herbs into your infused oil, as well as essential oils at the end of the salve-making to further specify its intended use. An example: add pine and lime essential oils to your lemon balm salve to make a natural bug repellent.
How To Make Lemon Balm Salve Step-By-Step
Lemon balm salve can be made at home using just a few simple ingredients. Here are how to make it and some of the best ways to use it.
To make lemon balm salve, you'll need:
1 cup of lemon balm leaves, fresh or dried
1/4 cup of beeswax pellets
1/4 cup of carrier oil (such as olive oil, grapeseed oil or sweet almond oil)
The Process:
1. If using fresh lemon balm leaves, wash them and dry them thoroughly. If using dried leaves, skip to the next step.
2. Place the lemon balm leaves and carrier oil in a food processor or blender and pulse until they're finely chopped.
3. Put the carrier oil and lemon balm mixture into a double boiler over a small saucepan on low heat.
4. Infuse for 2 hours on low heat, then strain through a mesh strainer.
5. Empty the pot you were using for a double boiler and add the strained lemon balm oil to it along with the beeswax pellets and stir until the beeswax has melted completely.
If you don't want to use beeswax pellets, you can also use:
Coconut oil - will give a harder salve but has great anti-microbial properties
Shea butter - will give a softer salve but may not have as long of a shelf life
The mixture will start to solidify once it's cool, so you'll want to pour it in while it's still melted.
5. Pour the mixture into a small jar or tin container and let cool completely before sealing with a lid.
6. Store in a cool, dark place and use within 6 months. However, the self-life may vary depending on the ingredients you use.
What Are Common Lemon Balm Salve Uses?
Before you try anything new, it's important to consider the risks and rewards. Lemon balm salve is no exception. This natural remedy has various potential benefits, but it also comes with some potential risks. So, before you decide to use lemon balm salve, it's important to weigh the pros and cons.
Soothes Bug Bites
If you're looking for a natural way to soothe bug bites, Lemon Balm Salve is the answer. Not only does it help to stop the itching and swelling, but it can also help to speed up the healing process.
To soothe bug bites, apply a thin layer of lemon balm salve to the affected area. Repeat as needed.
Reduces Inflammation
Lemon balm is a natural anti-inflammatory agent, which makes it ideal for reducing inflammation. When applied topically, it can help to reduce the appearance of swelling and redness.
Heals Skin Irritations Such As Eczema and Psoriasis
Lemon balm has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, which make it effective in healing skin irritations such as eczema and psoriasis. When applied topically, it can help to soothe the skin and speed up the healing process.
Acts As a Natural Sunburn Relief
Lemon balm can help to soothe and heal sunburned skin.
Some people may be concerned that using lemon balm salve will worsen their sunburn. However, lemon balm is a natural sunburn relief agent that can help to soothe and heal sunburned skin.
When it comes to using lemon balm on sunburns, you have a few different options. You can apply it topically, using a thin layer on the affected area. If you're looking for extra relief, you can add lemon balm to a cold compress and apply it to the sunburn.
Kills bacteria and fungus
Lemon balm has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which make it effective in killing bacteria and fungi. When applied topically, it can help to treat skin conditions such as acne, athlete's foot, and nail fungus.
There is no definitive answer on how long this might take to be effective as it will vary depending on the specific bacteria or fungus in question. However, lemon balm has been shown to be effective in killing bacteria and fungus, so a topical application of lemon balm salve would likely be able to achieve the same results.
Eases anxiety and stress
Lemon balm has calming and sedative effects, which make it effective in easing anxiety and stress. When taken orally, it can help to promote relaxation and reduce the symptoms of anxiety.
When applied topically, lemon balm can have a calming effect on the skin. This makes it an ideal choice for people who are looking for a natural way to soothe and ease their anxiety.
There are a few different ways that you can use lemon balm to ease your anxiety. You can take it orally in the form of a tincture or capsule. You can also apply it topically, using a thin layer on the affected area.
There are a variety of other potential uses for lemon balm salve, but these are some of the most common. If you're considering using lemon balm salve for something other than what is listed here, be sure to speak with a healthcare professional first to ensure that it is safe for you to use.
What Are Some Popular Lemon Balm Salve Recipes?
If you're interested in trying lemon balm salve, there are a few different recipes that you can try.
One popular recipe is to mix together equal parts of lemon balm and lavender. You can then add this mixture to a carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond oil.
One of the reasons this recipe is popular is that it is simple to make and combines two ingredients that are known for their soothing properties. Lemon balm and lavender are both known for their ability to calm and relax the mind and body, making this a great choice for people who are looking for a natural remedy for this purpose.
Another popular recipe is to mix together lemon balm, calendula, and chamomile.
The mix of lemon balm, calendula, and chamomile is popular because of its various benefits. Lemon balm is a natural anti-inflammatory, calendula is a natural antiseptic and healer, and chamomile is a natural relaxant.
No matter which recipe you choose, be sure to test the salve on a small area of skin first to ensure that you're not allergic to any of the ingredients.
What Are Some Potential Side Effects of Lemon Balm Salve?
Lemon balm is generally safe for most people to use. However, there are a few potential side effects that you should be aware of.
First, lemon balm can cause photosensitivity, which means that your skin may be more susceptible to sun damage. If you're going to be spending time in the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen and limit your exposure.
Second, lemon balm can also cause skin irritation in some people. If you notice any redness, itching, or swelling after applying lemon balm salve, be sure to wash the area with soap and water. If the irritation persists, consult a healthcare professional.
Finally, lemon balm may also interact with certain medications. If you're taking any medication, be sure to speak with a healthcare professional before using lemon balm.
Conclusion
Lemon balm salve is a popular choice for people who are looking for a natural remedy for various conditions. Lemon balm is known for its ability to kill bacteria and fungi, ease anxiety and stress, and soothe the skin. If you're interested in trying lemon balm salve, there are a few different recipes that you can try, as we shared in this article. Be sure to speak with a healthcare professional before using lemon balm, as it may interact with certain medications.
If you're interested in trying lemon balm salve, be sure to check out the Khela Herbs shop. All of the ingredients in the Khela Herbs shop are organic and natural, so you can trust that you're getting the best possible product.
Lemon Balm Salve Related Questions
Is lemon balm salve good for your skin?
Yes, lemon balm salve is good for your skin! Lemon balm has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for treating a variety of skin conditions.
Can lemon balm salve be used on lips?
Yes, lemon balm salve can be used on lips! The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of lemon balm make it ideal for treating chapped lips and preventing cold sores.
Is lemon balm salve good for wrinkles?
Lemon balm salve is good for wrinkles because it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Is lemon balm salve a muscle relaxer?
Lemon balm salve is a muscle relaxer. The anti-inflammatory properties of lemon balm help to reduce tension and inflammation in the muscles, which can lead to relief from discomfort and pain. Additionally, the calming effects of lemon balm can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels, both of which can also contribute to muscle tension and discomfort.