Did you use dry herbs or fresh? Fresh herbs have a higher moisture content and the salve can grow mold with them.

I put this recipe together three weeks ago with coconut oil but now it appears that there are little growths on the inside of the jar, almost like a white mold or something. Is this normal?

I’ve made quite a few batches of this ‘booboo’ balm and have to say it’s brilliant. My son and grandson have both used it on every tattoo they get….tattoos heal in half the time with no scabbing or peeling. Have a new batch on the go now as my daughter age 52 puts it on her face every night and has the most beautiful skin and no wrinkles as yet. Thank you for this wonderful balm.

They should all be dried. If you use fresh they should be at least dry wilted first to prevent mold from growing in the finished product.

Yes, it certainly is! Sometimes having a natural remedy on hand can be lifesaving in an emergency though. Especially if you’re out in nature when an incident happens, it could take a while to get to the nearest hospital for treatment and using something in the meantime can help.

The recipe gives instructions for how to make the salve in a slow cooker.

This is not the best option for acne since the olive oil and beeswax are comedogenic. If you want to try something similar for acne you could do a cool infusion with the herbs in sweet almond oil and just use the infused oil without turning it into a salve. You could apply this every day or however often you feel the need.

Interested in learning more about your healing salve? Can it treat acne? How often should someone apply it to the affected skin?

Are your hands completely 100% dry before using the salve? Damp hands (even though they’re washed) can introduce moisture. Storing it in the fridge could also cause some condensation that could cause it to grow microbes. Stored at room temperature it should last 6-24 months.

The amount is listed in the recipe.

I made this salve in December of 2022. I’ve mostly stored it in the fridge, and I’m careful to wash my hands before getting into it. It has little white bumps on it. I’m not sure if this could be mold or bacteria growing on it. Have you ever experienced this? Do you have any advice?

I am curious about how you are making your salve using a slow cooker. I have not yet made a salve, but have been reading and collecting recipes, so far all use double boiler. Can you share some hints, tips, recipes using a slow cooker? Also, do you use the same slow cooker for your essential oils and salves that you use for cooking?

You may want to ask a naturopathic doctor or clinical herbalist in your area for clarification on this. Many of them will also do online, distance appointments. Unfortunately, this isn’t something we’re able to answer here. Best wishes!