Wash Root |
- PREPARE THE ROOT:
- Hose dirt off with strong stream of water.
- Dry root and then cut root into ½-1 inch segments and get desired weight using scale.
- Freeze what you don’t use in a freezer bag. Label with weight and date.
- PREP FOR FIRST STEP
- Slow cooker-I used an old one at first then bought a new one for cooking, saved my old one for salve. Probably okay to use for both, but I felt more comfortable with a dedicated one.
- Organic jojoba oil. It’s a matter of preference. Other oil options are tamanu, coconut, olive, avocado, peanut or sesame oil.
- Timer
- FIRST STEP: Making the essential oil
Essential Oil - 1 hour on high to heat the oil, then 2 hours on low.
- Place Pyrex bowl in slow cooker to keep roots submerged.
- Check periodically to tip bowl to release gathered bubbles.
- PREP FOR SECOND STEP
- 4 cup measuring cup
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Cheesecloth
StrainerGather equipment - Terpene(s) and/or Essential Oil(s)
- beeswax
- Sterilized containers with padding taken out of lid
- Labels especially if experimenting with ratios, terpenes or essential oils--date and list ingredients. Place labels on jars.
- Hot pads, if necessary
- SECOND STEP: Making the salve
- Line the measuring cup with strainer lined with cheesecloth.
- Pour essential oil into measuring cup and strain roots from oil--caution: HOT.
- Wipe out slow cooker, don’t wash.
- Pour mixture back in slow cooker, put on high
- Add beeswax, shaved or cut up for faster melting, about 5 minutes
- While waiting, when wax is nearly melted, add terpene(s) and EO (if desired) to the measuring cup.
- The root has little scent.
- The salve’s scent will depend on the oil, terpenes and EOs that are added. I use no essential oils now, though I have in the past.
- When all beeswax is melted, pour carrier oil in the measuring cup, using spatula to get it all. Stir and pour into jars.
- Wait for the mixture to cool before placing lids. Water is the enemy!
- Store in fridge unless using regularly.
Terpenes |