Purple Dead Nettle Salve
Purple dead nettle makes a soothing salve that is easy to make and gentle on the skin. This early spring plant has some great uses for the skin and is perfect for a beginning herbalist to make.
Servings 10 ounces
Cost $12
Equipment
Ingredients
Infused Oil
- 1 cup purple dead nettle dried
- 1½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Salve
- 1 cup purple dead nettle infused oil
- 1 ounce beeswax pastilles
- 24 drops essential oil optional
Instructions
Make Purple Dead Nettle Infused Oil
- Put the purple dead nettle plants into a pint jar. Cover the purple dead nettle completely with olive oil.
- Cover the jar with a lid and place it 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 purple dead nettle, reserving the infused oil.
- Alternatively, if your plants are not completely dry, use the quick heat method to infuse the oil.
Purple Dead Nettle 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 purple dead nettle infused oil (save any excess oil you may have to use topically).
- 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 recipe makes about 10 ounces of salve total, or five 2-ounce tins.
- It's best to use dried purple dead nettle to make this salve. Spread out the fresh foraged plants on a drying screen or tea towel and let them sit for several days or until dry.