Purple Dead Nettle Salve
Our Purple Dead Nettle Salve is derived from the purple dead nettle stems (Lamium purpureum), known for their medicinal properties. After careful harvesting and drying, these flowers are infused into cold-pressed olive oil, creating a potent solution enriched with centuries of herbal knowledge. Combined with locally-sourced beeswax, the salve achieves an optimal texture for easy application and effective skin relief.
Ingredients
- Dried purple dead nettle flowers enough to fill half a quart mason jar when pressed down
- Cold-pressed olive oil
- 7 grams beeswax
- Essential oil of your choice optional, e.g., 3 drops of lavender
Instructions
- Step 1: Pick the Flowers
Time: Early morning when the dew is still on the plants.
Method: Gather flowers in a basket, preferably younger stems.
Cleaning: If dirty, swish in cold water and dry on a towel.
Step 2: Dry the Flowers
Method: Spread flowers on a screen or tray in a warm, dry place.
Duration: Dry for several days until brittle and papery.
Step 3: Make the Infused Oil
Method 1 (Slow Infusion):
Place dried flowers in a glass jar.
Cover with olive oil and close the lid.
Store in a warm, dark place for 2-4 weeks, shaking occasionally.
Method 2 (Quick Infusion):
Place dried flowers in a glass jar.
Cover with olive oil.
Set jar in a saucepan with water, creating a double boiler.
Simmer on medium-low for 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
Let cool and store in a cool, dry place.
Step 4: Make the Salve
Ingredients: 47 grams of strained, infused oil, 7 grams of grated beeswax.
Method:
Create a double boiler by placing the mason jar with oil and beeswax in a saucepan of water.
Heat on medium until beeswax melts.
Remove from heat and stir.
Add essential oils if using.
Pour into a jar or tin and allow to cool and solidify.
Notes
How to Use
Application: Apply a small amount to the affected area.
Frequency: Massage into skin 2-3 times daily or as needed.
Benefits
Uses: Soothes bug bites, cuts, scrapes, sunburns, minor burns, and inflammation.
Customizable: Enhance with additional herbs like yarrow, calendula, and plantain.
Application: Apply a small amount to the affected area.
Frequency: Massage into skin 2-3 times daily or as needed.
Benefits
Uses: Soothes bug bites, cuts, scrapes, sunburns, minor burns, and inflammation.
Customizable: Enhance with additional herbs like yarrow, calendula, and plantain.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 3kcal
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