How to Make Elderflower Salve

A Soothing Skin Ointment

As the final installment in our elderflower herbal information series, we’re exploring more ways to use elderflowers topically. Turns out, the sweet, scented petals of the Sambucus Nigra have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that are great for the skin.

We were inspired to learn that these creamy pale-yellow flowers are an excellent option for treating the inflammation and pain of strains, sprains, and sunburns. And our lady customers will be happy to know that elderflowers are also beneficial for aging skin.

That’s because elderflowers contain flavonoids that are considered effective antioxidants with immunological properties. Antioxidants protect our cells from free radical damage and are important for calming inflammation and increasing blood circulation.

Antioxidants also encourage the growth of new cells and make the skin appear younger. Elderflowers are mildly astringent, tightening the skin and giving it a fresh, rejuvenated appearance. And these beneficial properties may be further enhanced by infusing the flowers in skin loving oils and adding essential oils, or other healing herbs such as comfrey, St. John’s wort, or calendula.

How to Make Elderflower Salve (Folk Method):

First, you will need to make an oil infusion of elderflowers. Do this by combining ¼ cup whole dried elderflowers with 1 cup of the oil of your choice, almond, coconut, grapeseed, sunflower, or light olive oil, in a pint or quart jar. One or two inches of oil should remain above the level of the herbs after they have absorbed the oil. Cap the jar tightly and shake vigorously.

Then set the jar in a warm, sunny window and shake it two to three times per day for about two weeks. When the oil is ready, strain and press it through a fine mesh cheesecloth. Store in a cool place in a tightly capped, labeled jar.

To make the salve, in a double boiler, combine ½ cup of the elderflower infused oil with about 2 tablespoons of beeswax. You can also add 10-15 drops of essential oil for added fragrance or medicinal benefits. Lavender or frankincense are good choices. When the beeswax has fully dissolved in the liquid, pour the oil into jars, cap tightly, and label. Salve will harden as it cools.

We hope you have enjoyed this elderflower herbal information series. The more we learn about this amazing plant, the more we want to share it with you!

References:

A Modern Herbal, Mrs. M. Grieve (find this book online at https://www.botanical.com)