How to Make Comfrey Salve: A Step-by-Step Farm Recipe
- Nov 16, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 4
Comfrey is a vigorous perennial grown in many permaculture gardens. This post documents Andrea's farm method for infusing comfrey leaves in oil and combining the strained oil with beeswax. It is shared as a record of a farm craft process, not as medical advice or as evidence that the finished preparation treats any condition.
Safety note: Comfrey can contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids. The ingredients, concentration, intended use and claims can affect how a topical preparation is regulated. Do not ingest this preparation. Before making or using a comfrey product, check current Australian requirements and seek advice from a qualified health professional, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, managing a health condition or considering use on broken or irritated skin.
Ready to dive into making your own? Here's how:
Materials Needed:
- Fresh or dried comfrey leaves
- Olive oil or another carrier oil
- Beeswax
- A small pot
- A strainer or cheesecloth
- Clean jars for storage
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Harvesting Comfrey Leaves:
Begin by harvesting fresh comfrey leaves from your garden. If you're using dried leaves, ensure they're completely dry to prevent mold.
2. Infusing Oil:
Chop the leaves and place them in a jar. Cover them with olive oil and let them infuse in a sunny spot for about 4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally. As life gets busy I usually go well over the 6 week mark and end up more towards the 6 month mark.
3. Straining the Oil:
Once infused, strain the oil through cheesecloth into a clean pot to remove all leaf particles.
4. Melting Beeswax:
Add beeswax to the infused oil. About 28g (1 oz) per cup of oil and gently heat until melted.
5. Pouring into Jars:
Pour your warm mixture into jars and let it cool completely before sealing.
You can watch the process here:
The first time I made comfrey salve on the farm, I enjoyed seeing the harvested leaves become a finished oil-and-beeswax preparation. It remains one of my favourite DIY projects because the process is simple and closely connected to plants grown on the property.
For best results, use high-quality beeswax and test your salve's consistency by cooling a small amount on a spoon before pouring it all out—this ensures it's just right!
I encourage you to try making your own comfrey salve at home; it's an enriching experience that brings you closer to nature’s bounty while enhancing self-reliance skills.
Share your experience with the craft process in the comments below, and explore more garden projects on our blog.
Wishing you a creative day on the farm! – Andrea
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