Shepherd's Purse Salve
SALVES
I know Shepherd's purse is a persistent and stubborn weed, but it is a very useful plant in traditional herbalism. Far from just a garden nuisance, this resilient plant is an excellent herb for the skin, used for its soothing, astringent properties.
This rich, traditional salve transforms the humble pest into a remedy which is perfect for nourishing dry or irritated skin and supporting minor everyday scrapes.
Next time you are weeding, take this herb into your kitchen and make a salve for your herbal apothecary.
INGREDIENTS
60 g beeswax - grated or granules
500ml olive oil
120 g of dried, or 300g of fresh herb
INSTRUCTIONS
Place the oil and herb in a double boiler, or a glass bowl over a pot of water.
Bring the water to the boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for 2 hours,
Remember to check the water level occasionally
Remove and strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth.
Discard the herb
Return the oil to the double boiler and add the beeswax
Heat until the wax has dissolved, stirring occasionally
Remove from the heat and pour into a clean glass jar. It will thicken as it cools
Label
ABOUT THE HERB
Want to know more about the plants in this recipe? Explore individual herb articles to discover the history, garden secrets, and healing properties of the herbs featured here.
Shepherd's Purse
(gold are available. Grey coming soon!)
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