Step by step procedure for Silver Roots Salve

 

Wash Root

1.  PREPARE THE ROOT: 
1. Hose dirt off with strong stream of water.  
2. Dry root and then cut root into ½-1  inch segments and get desired weight using scale. 
3. Freeze what you don’t use in a freezer bag. Label with weight and date.
2. PREP FOR FIRST STEP
1. 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.
2. Organic jojoba oil.   It’s a matter of preference.  Other oil options are tamanu,  coconut, olive, avocado, peanut or sesame oil.
3. Timer
3. FIRST STEP:  Making the essential oil

   

   Essential Oil

   
   
1. 1 hour on high to heat the oil,  then 2 hours on low.
2. Place Pyrex bowl in slow cooker to keep roots submerged.
3. Check periodically to tip bowl to release gathered bubbles.
4. PREP FOR SECOND STEP 
1. 4 cup measuring cup
2. Measuring cups/spoons
3. Cheesecloth

4. 

   Gather equipment

   Strainer
5. Terpene(s) and/or Essential Oil(s)
6. beeswax
7. Sterilized containers with padding taken out of lid
8. Labels especially if experimenting with ratios, terpenes or essential oils--date and list ingredients.  Place labels on jars.
9. Hot pads, if necessary
5. SECOND STEP:  Making the salve



Terpenes

1. Line the measuring cup with strainer lined with cheesecloth.
2. Pour essential oil into measuring cup and strain roots from oil--caution:  HOT.
3. Wipe out slow cooker, don’t wash.
4. Pour mixture back in slow cooker, put on high
5. Add beeswax, shaved or cut up for faster melting, about 5 minutes 
6. While waiting, when wax is nearly melted, add terpene(s) and EO (if desired) to the measuring cup.
   
1. The root has little scent.  
2. 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.
7. When all beeswax is melted, pour carrier oil in the measuring cup, using spatula to get it all.  Stir and pour into jars.  
8. Wait for the mixture to cool before placing lids.  Water is the enemy!
9. Store in fridge unless using regularly.

Final Product