Crafting Herbal Salves and Balms with Proof Food Grade Alcohol

Herbal salves and balms are staples in the world of herbalism and naturopathy, offering numerous benefits through their potent, concentrated plant extracts. CulinarySolvent.com's 200 proof food grade alcohol can be an excellent ingredient in the creation of these remedies. In this blog post, we will discuss how food grade alcohol can be used in crafting herbal salves and balms and provide recipes for both types of products.

Salves vs. Balms: What's the Difference?

While both salves and balms are made with a base of oils and waxes, there is a subtle distinction between the two:

1. Salves: These typically have a softer, more spreadable consistency and contain a higher proportion of oil in their formulation. They may also be referred to as ointments or unguents.
2. Balms: Balms have a firmer texture due to a higher wax content, which gives them a more solid consistency at room temperature.

Herbal Salve Recipe with 200 Proof Food Grade Alcohol

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of dried herbs of your choice
• 1 ½ cups of CulinarySolvent.com's 200 proof food grade alcohol
• 1 cup of carrier oil (such as olive, coconut, or almond oil)
• ¼ cup of beeswax

Instructions:

1. Combine the dried herbs and food grade alcohol in a jar, ensuring that the herbs are completely submerged. Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks, shaking it daily.
2. After the infusion period, strain the herb-infused alcohol through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer, squeezing out as much liquid as possible.
3. In a double boiler, combine the carrier oil and the herb-infused alcohol. Gently heat the mixture to evaporate the alcohol, leaving behind the herbal extract.
4. Once the alcohol has evaporated, add the beeswax to the mixture and heat until it is fully melted.
5. Pour the mixture into tins or jars and allow it to cool and solidify before capping and labeling.

Herbal Balm Recipe with 200 Proof Food Grade Alcohol

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of dried herbs of your choice
• 1 ½ cups of CulinarySolvent.com's 200 proof food grade alcohol
• 1 cup of carrier oil (such as olive, coconut, or almond oil)
• ½ cup of beeswax

Instructions:

1. Follow steps 1-3 from the Herbal Salve Recipe to create an herb-infused oil.
2. In a double boiler, combine the herb-infused oil and beeswax. Heat the mixture until the beeswax is fully melted.
3. Pour the mixture into tins or jars and allow it to cool and solidify before capping and labeling.

Ready to create your own herbal salves and balms? Order Culinary Solvent's 200 proof food grade alcohol for a versatile and high-quality ingredient in your next herbal project. Visit CulinarySolvent.com to purchase and explore the possibilities of crafting effective, natural remedies with our food grade alcohol.