How much beeswax to infused oil, for a solid salve?

What ratio of an infused oil to beeswax is recommended to create a… ummm… medicine stick? For example, I have purchased an all-purpose salve that was thick enough to be used in a deoderant stick type of container. This is a very convenient package to use out and about.

When I cool a spoon of my salve in the freezer, I tend to be fooled as to its' soidness so my salves end up being much softer, and are subject to melting when carried in a pocket on a hike or working in the sun all day. Mine also tends to be oily on the surface of the skin, lending it to be rubbed into any clothing that rests on a treated area, while the “medicine stick” remains on the skin, absorbing more of the goodness into the skin as time goes by.

Hello Joylynn,

I use a plate in the freezer and pull it out, let it warm up for a minute and drop a small glop of it on the plate - about 1/4-1/2 teaspoon and let it sit until solidified. It won't take too long and gives a better idea than putting it in the freezer to cool. I have not measured out the exact amount for lip balm sticks, but here are the amounts for a regular salve. I usually start with this and then simply add wax until it gets thick enough for a tube stick. I suggest you make it a bit thicker to put in the tube stick than you think you will need it to be. If I do that, I am always pleased with the results I get.

This recipe will make about seventeen, one-ounce salves.
• Herbal oil: 16 ounces. (by volume)
• Beeswax: 2.2 ounces. (by weight)

You can start with this and add more wax until it gets thick enough to please you in a tube stick. If I plan to add essential oil to my salve as I often do, I add more wax to make up for the thinning from the essential oil.  

Regarding your medicine stick melting in the sun or pocket, it will help to add more wax, but in reality if it gets warm enough it will still melt. It is the nature of the container it is in. The containers are not sealed off. What I do with them is to sit them with the lid facing up in my car or pocket to make sure no matter how hot it gets, it won't end up melting all over. The other solution is to put it into a salve container that has a tight lid and it won't get outside of the container.

Thank you so much!

What would be the main use for this salve?
I have quite a bit of wax from my bees and have been looking for a product to make with it.

We use this salve topically on any wounds we have. Cuts, scrapes, punctures, bruises, burns... the occasional healing surgery scar. We use it on anything you might use Neosporin cream for.

Yellow Dock Leaves: anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, can help with excema, which is an occasional problem.
Wide Leaf Plantain Leaves: soothes bee stings, burns, rashes and relieves itching from bug bites
Mullein Leaves: Antiseptic, antiviral, and antibacterial, can reduce pain and swelling

The above herbs are extracted into olive oil, then enough melted beeswax is added to the desired consistancy.

The above plants match what we need. There are many other plants that can have the same effects. I chose these ingredients because they grow wild in my region, therefore they are not dependant on my attention to survive, and will always be available in the growing season.

Thanks Joylynn. I'll have to do some research on what's available in my area. I know there's some plantain here. Do you put all three into one salve or are they separate ointments?
Mark

I use all three, in equal parts together in one salve. This way I can yell to whomever is in earshot to get the salve, and I get what I want. One container is better for my life.

How to make an infused oil.

How to turn that infused oil into a salve.

Happy foraging, and good luck!

Thanks again
I'll check these out

My favourite salve is made with dehydrated comfrey leaves and roots. I also make one with calendula petals and lavender. My preference is to stuff the herbs into a clean cut off section of pantyhose which makes it easier to strain after steeping in extra virgin olive oil. One part wax to four parts oil by weight gives the consistency that I prefer. I scrape a bit of the salve out of the jar with the back of a finger nail - a local cafe keeps 30g jam jars for me.