COUNTRYSIDE: I am looking for the formula for a product called"Balsam Salve." I understand that it i...

1. Homemade salve recipe. - Free Online Library
COUNTRYSIDE: I am looking for the formula for a product called
"Balsam Salve." I understand that it is made from Balsam
apples or pears. Can you help?
While we don't have the specific recipe you're looking
for, here's a salve recipe Ernestina Parziale, Certified Herbalist,
sent us, although it's made with poplar buds, not Balsam apples or
pears.
1 to 2 oz. poplar buds (available at
herb stores or on-line)
4 to 6 oz. olive oil (enough to cover
buds)
3/4 oz. beeswax (more if needed to
set)
(Lard may be substituted for the oil,
making the beeswax unnecessary.)
Equipment:
Top of a stainless steel double

2. boiler
Electric skillet
Cooking thermometer
Largemouth jar or suitable container
for the salve
Place buds in the top of a double
boiler covered with oil. Set the pan in
the center of the electric skillet with the
thermometer clipped to the inside and
resting in the oil. Place about 1/2 inch of
water in the skillet to protect the finish
(replenish if needed). The oil should
maintain an even temperature of 95[degrees]F
for 12 to 14 hours, or until the herbs are
"used up."
Strain out buds and return oil to
double boiler and place back in skillet.
Add beeswax and increase heat to 150[degrees]F.
As soon as the wax is melted, test a drop
or two of the liquid salve in the bottom
of your jar. It will set up in moments.

3. Test for consistency. If suitable, pour
the liquid into the jar and allow to set
up. If it's too thin, add more beeswax;
if too thick, add a drop or two of oil as
needed.
Storage: All homemade herbal products should be stored in a cool,
dry place out of direct heat. Because poplar buds have some preservative qualities, this salve will
have a long shelf life, although the actual
length depends on storage conditions.
If you have a recipe to help Lawrence, please share it by sending
it to Countryside Editorial, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 or
csymag@tds.net.
For more information on homemade salves, take a look at The Natural
Herb Book, by John Lust or The Encyclopedia of Herbs, by Deni Brown.
Parziale also recommends the video/book combo Herbal Preparations and
Their Natural Recipes, by Debra Nuzzi.
COPYRIGHT 2007 Countryside Publications Ltd.
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the
copyright holder.
Copyright 2007 Gale, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Homemade+salve+recipe.-a0167305388