#HandSalve recipe using #soapmaking oils was a success! Test batch was good, so made a couple more batches for those who would not like tallow as an ingredient. This recipe does involve beeswax, though -- so it isn't vegan.

Soapmaker's Hand Salve
by Raven's Dream Maine

2 Tablespoons palm oil
1 Tablespoon coconut oil
1 Tablespoon shea butter
1/4 oz beeswax
1 Tablespoon olive oil
A few drops vitamin E
7 drops EO - (I used 3 drops of Sandalwood, 2 drops of Myrrh and 2 drops of Frankincense)

Heat solid oils in a double boiler (including beeswax) at low temperature. When the beeswax has melted, then remove from heat, add olive oil and other ingredients, stir, and pour into a jar.

#DIYGifts #SolarPunkSunday

Hmmmm. I just came across a recipe for #HandSalve made with #Tallow that doesn't involve essential oils -- only herbs!

How to Make Herb Infused #TallowSalve
November 13, 2018 by Marisa Tolsma

"Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups grass fed tallow balm
1/4 cup dried comfrey leaf
1/4 cup dried plantain leaf
1/4 cup dried calendula flowers
1/4 cup dried chickweed leaf
2 tbsp beeswax

Directions:

- Melt tallow balm over a gentle heat until it is liquid.
- Pour needed amount of tallow balm into a quart mason jar.
- Add dried herbs to liquid tallow balm and stir to incorporate well.
- Create a double boiler by placing the mason jar on a cloth inside a saucepan with water.
- Heat the water until it comes to a low simmer.
- Let the mason jar full of tallow balm and herbs sit in the simmering water for at least 3-4 hours, but much longer is better. I often let mine go 12 hours. Just keep an eye on it and replace water in the pan as it evaporates.
- Strain herbs out of tallow balm using a metal strainer lined with cheesecloth.
- Put the jar of herb infused tallow balm back into the double boiler, and return it to the gentle simmer.
- Add the beeswax to the herb infused tallow balm.
- Once beeswax is melted, stir to combine well.
- Pour hot mixture into tins or jars to store.
- Allow tins to sit until salve is solid.
- Put lids on containers and store in a cool, dark place."

Full article:
https://bumblebeeapothecary.com/how-to-make-herb-infused-tallow-salve/

#TallowSalve #AnimalProducts

Since I have no plans on selling this stuff (just local barter or gifts), I figure I'd share the recipe with everyone. I've gotten RAVE reviews from everyone who has tried this hand salve. I'm not sure what one could use instead of beeswax -- maybe cocoa butter? Pretty much, you need two "solid" fats, and two "liquid" fats.

1 ounce #Beeswax
1 ounce #SheaButter
1 ounce Olive Oil
1 ounce Almond Oil

a few drops of Vitamin E oil (optional)
5-10 drops of essential oil (optional)

Carefully melt down the beeswax in a double-boiler, add to a Ball jar. Then melt down the shea butter and add to the Ball jar, keeping it warm enough to re-melt the beeswax. Add the other oils and mix well. Add the essential oil and Vitamin E right before pouring (or use the same Ball jar). Mix well. Allow to cool. Ready to use when cooled.

#DIY #Handsalve #DrySkin #DIYHandSalve #SolarPunkSunday #AnimalProducts