Easiest Homemade Lemon Balm Salve Recipe

An overhead shot of dried lemon balm sprinkled over a lemon balm salve.

Nico

This lemon balm salve recipe is straightforward to make and uses only natural ingredients. It helps soothe insect bites, calm skin irritations, and heal cold sores.

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Prep Time 20

Infusion Time 56

Total Time 56 20

Servings: 8 oz

Course: Holistic Skin Care

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 cup dried lemon balm leaves
1 cup carrier oil of your choice such as olive oil, sweet almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, or jojoba oil
1 ounce beeswax or carnauba wax here's an organic source for beeswax and for carnauba wax
Optional:
1 tablespoon shea butter or cocoa butter here's a source for raw shea butter and for bulk cocoa butter
5-10 drops of essential oils like tea tree oil for antimicrobial benefits or lavender oil to make it smell nice!
5-10 drops of vitamin E oil

Equipment

Double boiler - If you don’t have one just use a small saucepan with a glass bowl on top.
Glass mason jar with lid - I like these
Amber glass salve container (or whatever shallow glass container you have on hand) - I like these amber glass salve tins
Cheesecloth or a mesh strainer - I like this unbleached cheesecloth
Small whisk

Method

Step 1: make lemon balm-infused oil

Add 1 cup of dried lemon balm leaves to a clean glass jar.
Pour 1 cup of your chosen carrier oil over the herbs until they are completely submerged. You can always add more to make sure everything is covered.
Seal the jar and add a date and label so you remember what it is and when you made it. Place it in a dark place at room temperature for 4-6 weeks, shaking every few days.
After 6 weeks, use cheesecloth or a mesh strainer to strain off the liquid.
Shortcut method: Use the heat method by placing the jar in a double boiler on low heat for 2-3 hours.

Step 2: make the salve

In a double boiler, melt 1 ounce of beeswax over low heat.
Stir in 1 cup of lemon balm-infused oil and whisk until everything is combined.
Remove from heat and add essential oils or vitamin E, if you choose to use those.
Pour the mixture into glass jars and let it cool completely. That’s it!

Notes

How long will lemon balm salve last?

Store your salve in a cool place away from direct sunlight. If properly stored, it should last 6-12 months. Adding vitamin E can extend its shelf life.

How to use lemon balm salve?

For cold sores - You can apply it directly to the affected area several times a day.

For insect bites and stings - Dab a small amount to help to reduce itching and swelling.

For dry or irritated skin - Simply massage into the dry skin to help hydrate!

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!