Healing Salve

Disclaimer: This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for modern medical care. Do not self-treat any medical complaint without the guidance of a licensed health care provider.

      Small injuries to the skin are very common for most of us. However, once a small mishap occurs, the right wound treatment can promote the healing process and promptly prevent any infection or complication. One proven healing agent for wounds is a salve containing infused comfrey oil.

      Comfrey, a medicinal plant with a centuries old history contains minerals and allantoin, which inhibit inflammation and promote new cell and tissue growth. Unfortunately it is getting some bad press these days, due to a death attributed to the consumption of comfrey leaves. Evidently a vegetarian man was eating essentially nothing but comfrey leaves for a couple of weeks. The comfrey leaves are much more toxic than its root.

      A salve with comfrey oil helps heal simple injuries, such as cuts, burns and abrasions. It is also helpful in treating eczema and bruises. A poultice made from the rootstock of comfrey, when applied externally, can bring relief to inflamed arthritic joints, sprains and cystic acne. Infused comfrey oil should be used in a healing salve. Although it is not available ready-made, it is easily prepared at home.

Infused Comfrey-Oil Salve
      In the top of a double boiler, cover 2 oz. of dried comfrey leaves with 2 cups of extra-virgin olive oil. Cook, covered over simmering water for 60-90 minutes. Strain the comfrey oil through a paper towel, pressing down on the leaves.

      Make an extra batch and store it in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed, labeled jar. With some in reserve, you'll be able to make more healing salve whenever you need it. This infused oil will keep in the refrigerator for up to one year without going rancid.
      Pure, unrefined beeswax has a golden color and the sweet smell of honey. It is used to thicken natural lotions, salves, lip balms and creams. It also acts as an emulsifier to help bind oils and water together.

      Tea tree essential oil is an antiseptic that fights bacterial, viral and fungal infections, and can be applied directly to cuts, abrasions, nail fungus, athlete's foot, bleeding gums and acne.

      Goldenseal is an astringent and a powerful antibiotic. It goes straight to the bloosdstream and eliminates infection in the body. Used in conjunction with other herbs, it boosts the effectiveness of the accompanying herbs.

Healing Salve for Wounds
 Makes 1¼ cups of cream
  1. Shave or cut the beeswax into small chunks. In a small saucepan, warm the infused comfrey oil and the beeswax.
  2. Mix goldenseal powder with olive oil
  3. Heat the ingredients over low heat until the beeswax is just melted. Don't allow the ingredients to boil.
  4. Remove from heat, and add the tea-tree essential oil, add the olive oil-goldenseal mixture. Then pour the salve into a sterilized containers, and store in a cool, dark, dry place for up to 1 year.

Quick and Easy Healing Salve
      In a small bowl, whip ingredients together, using a small whisk or spatula, until thoroughly blended. The salve should have the look and feel of fluffy, orange butter-cream frosting. Store in a labeled plastic or glass container in a cool place for up to 3 months, or refrigerate for up to 1 year.


CAUTION!

There are a number of circumstances in which a healing salve shouldn't be used:
* When a cut is deeper than ¼ inch - see a Dr. for stitches.
* When the injury is bleeding profusely.
* When the wound was caused by a foreign object that can't be removed with a tweezer.
* When the injury is the result of an animal bite.
* When the skin still feels warm from a burn.
* When there is any chance of blood poisoning

Confidentiality Statement: (for anyone who does not respect copyright and/or is confused regarding this issue) The information, data and schematics embodied in the document are confidential and proprietary, being exclusively owned by Ellen J. Lord (aka Purpleflame or Firefly). This document is being supplied on understanding that it and its contents shall not be used, reproduced, or disclosed to others except as specifically permitted with the prior written consent of Ellen J. Lord. The recipient of this document, by its retention and use, agrees to protect the same from loss, theft, or unauthorized use.

Sources:
      All information provided in this article is the result of research using (but not limited to) the following books and guides: Herbs for Health and Healing, Rodale; Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers; Earthway, Mary Summer Rain; Teach Yourself Herbs, Susie White; Natural Beauty from the Garden, Janice Cox; Nature's Prescriptions, Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, and The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies, Joe Graedon and Theresa Graedon, Ph.D