Super Salve Healing Balm (2024)

June 30, 2016

This super salve is perfect for any area on your body; face, lips, elbows, bums, ears, feet… If you’re currently using Vaseline type products, you might like to try this as a replacement. It contains nourishing ingredients like coconut oil and Shea butter, with no petroleum jelly in sight. Thisby-product of the oil refining process, and a limited resource, is something I can’t understand why people are using when there are perfectly beautiful and nourishing plant-based, natural ingredients available.

There are many products on the market that doctors have been known to recommend for sensitive, eczema-affected skin. Sadly, many of them contain petrolatum – which the EU lists as a probable human carcinogen, (although it is important to note that companiesshould obtaincertification from the producer of petroleum jelly stating that it is free of carcinogens).

Anyway, back to the Super Salve – I like lemon, lavender and tea tree essential oils, but you have permission toexercise your creative muscle and add whatever essential oils you please, depending on the purpose you wish it to serve (try adding eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, and lemon for“Vapour Rub” replacement).

At the end of the day, the simpler you can make your skin care routine, the healthier you will be. And while yourchildren may notappreciate the enormous efforts you’re going to for their health, they’ll thank you someday.

Makes: 200 g Prep time: < 10 min.

Ingredients

90 g carrier oil (fractionated coconut oil and sweet almond oil are popular choices)
45 g coconut oil (the type that solidifies)
30 g shea butter
15 g beeswax
20 g evening primrose oil
60 drops of essential oils

My Choice of Essential Oils

My favourite essential oils in this recipe aretea tree, lemon and lavender, but don’tbe limited by my suggestions. Use oils that fityour budget, or those that you already have in your collection. Read here for more information on essential oils.

Method

1.Add carrier oil, coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax to a glass bowl and heat until completely melted, using either a microwave or the double boiler method. (Double boiler method– place bowl on a pot of gently simmering water and stir frequently;Microwave method– heat in short bursts on low, stopping and stirring frequently). Remove from heat.
2. Add remaining ingredients and mix until combined.
3. Transfer into container of choice.
4. Place into the fridge or freezer to set (this will reduce the chance of graininess developing over time).

To Use

Scoop a small amount of super salve and apply sparingly to areas as required.

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Krissy Ballinger

author and passionate advocate for natural living and wellness

Krissy Ballinger is an accomplished author and passionate advocate for natural living and wellness. Her mission is to gently guide individuals towards holistic wellbeing by providing a wealth of resources and services, ranging from natural living guidance and DIY recipes, to healing therapies that nurture the mind, body, spirit and space. She envisions a world where conscious choices are made that honour the self, humanity and the environment.

With her roots in education and health promotion, Krissy continually expands her expertise. Recently, she obtained certifications in Zone Healing Technique and NeurOptimal Neurofeedback (brain training), qualified as a Reiki Healer, and completed an Undergraduate Certificate in Lifestyle Coaching from Endeavour College of Natural Health.

Krissy dedicates her time to managing her wellness room, offering services in Zone and Reiki Healing, Neurofeedback brain training, and Chemical Awareness Consulting. Additionally, she educates individuals about common and avoidable toxins through her various social platforms. Krissy’s books have collectively sold over 100,000 copies, including the award-winning Naturally Inspired – Simple DIY Recipes for Body Care and Cleaning, as well as Make & Play – Natural DIY Recipes for Kids, and The Lifestyle Edit.

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34 Comments

Hi Krissy,
I love your content!
I just have a quick question regarding this recipe, I came across one of your recipes that you were making in the Thermomix (but I cannot recall which one). Would you happen to have this recipe formatted to making in the Thermomix?
Thank you in advance for your time.
Reply
- Hi Bonnie, thank you! See if this info helps > https://krissyballinger.com.au/blog/converting-recipes-thermal-appliances-microwave/ Happy making!
  Reply
Hello. I’m gathering the ingredients to make this recipe—it looks like a winner!! I’m going to try your combo of essential oils (Tea Tree, Lemon, Lavender). Do you recommend 20 drops of each? I know I can experiment, but I’d rather (with such precious ingredients) trust the expert’s advise 🙂
I am going to use unrefined Shea Butter, if that is something to consider.
Reply
- Hi Joey! Start with 10 of each, rub a little on your arm and see what stands out to you. If you feel it needs more lavender, add 10 drops of that and try again, and so on. Otherwise, 20 of each is fine. I love unrefined shea butter, the aroma is so earthy. Have fun!
  Reply
  - Thank you, kindly, for your response!
    Reply
Hi Krissy,
I love your book! I was wondering how you would recommend adding calendula to this recipe? I plan on buying a calendula infused oil.
Thank you!
Reply
- Hi Alyce, thank you! I am so glad you’re enjoying my book. Assume you have Naturally Inspired? I think adding calendula infused oil would be just fine. Just sub out for the carrier oil. Enjoy!
  Reply
  - Yes! Naturally Inspired!
    That’s great, thanks so much!
    Reply
Hi! Is it possible to substitute beeswax for candelilla wax? If so, should I use the same amount as above? Thanks!
Reply
- Yep, just use half the amount x
  Reply
Hey! Wondering what the shelf life on this and similar products would be?
Reply
- Hey 🙂 At the bottom of every recipe I have recommended reading for
  info like this. Here’s the link for you > https://krissyballinger.com.au/recipes/recommended-reading-for-diy-recipes/ It depends on so many factors!
  Reply
Hi Krissy,
Would this be suitable to use as a nappy or nipple balm for new mum and baby?
Reply
- I know lots of people who use it for those purposes. I would still wipe/wash it off before feeding though. You might want to look into the Booty Balm for a nappy cream recipe > https://krissyballinger.com.au/recipes/baby-booty-balm/
  Reply
Hi krissy.
I am Isabella٫ a young girl and trying to be like you. We are trying to make a business . I dont know where to start . PLEASE HELP!!!!
-Isabella?
Reply
- Hello Isabella. This info may help you > https://krissyballinger.com.au/blog/inspired-to-sell-your-diy-goodies/
  Good luck!
  Krissy
  Reply
Hi Krissy,
This may be a silly question but is it ok to make these and the cleaning recipes in my Thermomix that I use for our food?
Thanks
Reply
- Hi Holly, I do – ALL. THE TIME!
  Just clean it properly (more info here > https://krissyballinger.com.au/blog/cleaning-up-after-diy/ )
  Reply
- Can I substitute FCO with castor oil? Not sure if they’ll have the same consistency, have heard castor oil is good for eczema.
  Reply
  - Yes you can. Castor is thicker so the consistency will change a little but it won’t be a problem.
    Reply
    - Is your recipe good for stretch marks too?
      Reply
      - I think it will help to hydrate your skin yes, but I believe stretch marks appear if you’re genetically predisposed to getting them, and only really fade with time.
Just wondering why you use evening primrose oil in the recipe??
Reply
- I love its properties – rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, and aids in the healing process. You can sub it out for another carrier oil of choice.
  Reply
Krissy, wondering if there is a substitute for the evening primrose oil? i have all the other ingredients, and would love to make this to help my daughters hands. The become very dry, even to the point of cracking and bleeding, in winter, and if she eats too much wheat. Trying to reduce her wheat consumption, but it’s proving difficult during the current atmosphere (everyone home and a bit overwrought due to COVID-19)
Reply
- Hi Erika, you can sub any of the liquid oils for another liquid oil of choice. Good luck x
  Reply
Hi Krissy
Would this balm be suitable for eczema? Our son suffers from a bad eczema and we’d like to avoid giving him steroid cream. Our GP recommended the steroid cream and QV Intensive Cream. Although they do help heal and moisturise his skin, I really hate the ingredients in the QV cream and would like to find a better non-toxic alternative (no luck so far). I’d like to give this a go but am not familiar with essential oils. Are they safe for eczema sufferer and which ones should I go for?
Thanks so much!
Reply
- Hi Susanna, I’m sorry to hear your son suffers so much 🙁 When it comes to eczema, I can only suggest that you seek advice from a practitioner that looks at the body holistically. Also, have you removed irritants from his life, like certain mainstream washing powders, softeners, fragranced products – they’re all notorious for aggravating eczema? Have you looked into gut health? So many things to consider. I listened to a podcast recently by the ATP Project (episode is on Stitcher, April 6, titled: Eczema – A detailed look from the inside and out!) and they suggest olive oil and honey to be incredibly healing for eczema. As for essential oils, they can be quite irritating so I’d be careful. Perhaps join my discussion group and see if you get some more guidance there (with over 20,000 people, I am sure you will – the topic has been discussed plenty of times, as has this recipe). Good luck. https://facebook.com/groups/theinspiredlittlepot
  Reply
  - Hi Krissy,
    Can I use jojoba oil instead of evening primrose only because I have this at home.
    Kind regards
    Thank you
    Reply
    - You sure can 🙂
      Reply
      - Thank you so much
      - After going through several different creams and ointments to help my son’s eczema I decided to try homemade and that’s when I came across Krissy’s Recipe and all I can say is, I’m so glad I did, it was a lifesaver, his eczema finally started to clear up ans another bonus was it cleared up my dermatitis ony hands.
        Don’t think about it just do it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it earlier.
Hi Krissy,
I have your book but just wondering which one of your recipes is good for a grazed elbow with a scab to prevent scarring? My daughter had a fall and large scab. I would like it to heal well. Any advice is appreciated.
Reply
- Oh no, hope she’s ok. If it were me or my daughter, I’d apply the Super Salve or the Sunscreen (zinc is very healing).
  Reply

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FAQs

What is salve balm used for? ›

In sum, salves are an ointment primarily used to promote healing of the skin or as protection. Unlike lotions, creams, and body soufflés, a genuine salve contains no water. A salve feeds healing nutrients to damaged skin through oil as the medium.

Know More ›

What is the difference between a balm and a salve? ›

Salves tend to be more oily and thinner in consistency, while balms are more thick and waxy. Salves can be better for moisturizing dry skin or treating specific conditions, while balms are better at sealing in moisture and creating a barrier against environmental irritants for general skincare.

What's the difference between an ointment and a salve? ›

While the terms may be used interchangeably, a salve is a subset of the ointment category. Salves are typically softer than balms yet harder than traditional ointments. They absorb deeply into the skin and are frequently infused with herbs or essential oils to treat wounds and sores.

What is the difference between a salve and a lotion? ›

But what is the difference between a lotion and a salve? Well one of the basic differences is that a lotion will have water in the mix and a salve won't. But even this has changed over the last couple of years where cream has become to mean anything from balm to lotion. Some lotions are an oil-in-water formulation.

What is healing salve good for? ›

Designed to heal any skin irritation without softening the skin!

Keep Reading ›

Does salve absorb into skin? ›

Salves and Balms are both activated by body heat and will essentially “melt” into the skin. If you're looking to soothe sore muscles, a thicker salve or balm is a good choice because it requires you to massage the mixture deeper into your skin.

Get More Info ›

Is balm good for pain? ›

Pain balm is something that is comforting and soothing. It is one which relieves the pain. Thus the word relief is inbuilt in the word Pain Balm. A Balm in the physical sense is defined as a semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation.

Read On ›

Can vaseline be used as a salve? ›

Vaseline will only produce a salve or ointment consistency but can also work very well as a lip balm, especially in the winter.

Do salves penetrate the skin? ›

Salve. Oil-based salves are not formulated with water, which makes them more occlusive than creams and lotions. “A salve is an ointment-based moisturizer that stays on the top of the skin but also penetrates more deeply into the skin,” Dr. Doyle says.

Show Me More ›

Is salve good for wounds? ›

Honey-based salves that have been utilized as a wound dressing for centuries have more recently been found to have demonstrable antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic properties.

Find Out More ›

How long is a salve good for? ›

Then pour the mixture into individually-sized, dry, sterilized glass jars or tins and allow them to cool. Finally, place the lids on the containers, label, and store in a cool, dry place. Like the herb-infused oil, salves have a shelf life of 6 months – 3 years depending on the oil used.

Read The Full Story ›

How to apply salve to skin? ›

Wash your hands. And if your doctor told you to, wear disposable medical gloves. Squeeze a small amount of the cream or ointment onto your finger, and gently apply it to the area. You can spread it a little bit beyond the edge of the area.