Cut the pine needles into 1-inch pieces and put them in a half-pint jar. Cover them completely with olive oil, then add the castor oil if using.
Cover the jar with a lid and place in a cool place out of direct sunlight for at least a week and up to 6 weeks.
Once the oil is fully infused and you are ready to make the salve, strain out the pine needles, reserving the infused oil.
Pine Salve
Create a makeshift double boiler by putting a smaller pan, bowl, or glass measuring cup in a larger pan with an inch or two of water in it and bring the water to a simmer.
Measure out 1 cup (240ml) of the pine-infused oil (save any excess oil you may have to use topically or use to make pine lotion bars).
Put the oil into the double boiler. Add the beeswax to the oil and continue to heat until it completely melts. A wooden skewer works well as a stirrer. Then, remove the mixture from the heat.
Quickly stir in the essential oil drops if using.
Quickly and carefully pour the salve mixture into tins or jars.
Let the salve sit undisturbed until it is completely cooled and set up before use. This will take several hours.
Notes
This pine salve recipe is easily adapted to smaller or larger batches. Simply double it for a larger batch or cut it in half for a smaller batch.For this recipe, it’s okay to use pine or most other conifer needles like fir, spruce, hemlock (the tree, not the poisonous plant), or Douglas-fir. The main exception is yew, which is toxic.The pine needles give this infused oil some pine scent, but if you prefer a stronger smell, add some essential oils when making the salve.Olive oil is a great choice as a carrier oil and is easy to find, but any carrier oil can be used. Each oil has its own benefits, and it’s really up to you which one you’d like to use.Castor oil is optional, but I recommend using it because it is very hydrating and is great for dry skin.You can alternatively use the quick method for making infused oils by heating the oil and pine needles in a pot on low heat for up to 12 hours, but the infused oil may not be as potent.This salve will last for a year or more if kept in a dry place out of intense heat and sunlight.