When my first baby was born, I quickly learned that certain things just needed to live in my bag at all times, extra burp cloths, snacks, and my DIY lavender salve.

Over the years, it has found a permanent home in my diaper bag, purse, church tote, bathroom cabinet, and even beside my bedside. It’s that essential for me.

Lavender has been treasured for centuries for its skin-loving, calming, and healing qualities. A simple salve made with lavender can be a comforting first-aid companion, a beauty balm, and a little jar of peace all in one.

Below, you’ll find some of my favorite benefits of lavender salve, along with an easy homemade lavender recipe you can make at home.

Benefits of Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is well known for its gentle yet effective properties. It offers:

Anti-inflammatory effects that help ease swelling, redness, and discomfort [source]
Antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities that protect against infection
Calming aroma to support relaxation and better sleep [source]
Skin-regenerating benefits for faster healing of minor cuts, burns, and rashes [source]
Gentleness that makes it suitable for use with children

If you’re new to working with lavender, my Lavender Herbal Guide is a wonderful companion for learning more about its history, uses, and safe application.

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Easy Homemade Lavender Salve Recipe

Here is my simple lavender salve recipe to follow. This will make about 6 ounces.

Ingredients

1/2 cup lavender infused oil
2 ½ tablespoons beeswax pellets
15 drops of lavender essential oil
3 2oz tins

Instructions

Pour the beeswax pellets into the lavender-infused oil. Microwave for 30 seconds and then stir for 30 seconds. I found it very effective in not overheating the beeswax by actually stirring for 30 seconds.

Repeat until all the pellets have melted. (You can also use a double boiler too).

lavender infused oil and beeswax combined

Once it is all melted, add in your 15 drops of lavender essential oil and stir until it is mixed thoroughly.

Pour the mixture into a tin or glass container.

Let it sit with the lid off for 4-5 hours or until it is completely hard. I usually let it sit overnight.

Put on the lid and keep it in a dark place without much humidity, and it can last up to a year. Putting it in the fridge can also make it last longer.

top view of the lavender salve in the tin

Tips for Making a DIY Lavender Salve

The infused lavender oil can be made with any type of carrier oil. This recipe used avocado oil. You can use coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, etc. I love avocado oil for the incredible benefits for skin!
You do not have to use essential oils, but the lavender essential oil is a powerful ingredient and will give you a nice smell and lots more benefits!
If you want this to be a vegan recipe, swap out beeswax pellets for candelilla wax.
You can use the double boiler method to heat up the beeswax and infused lavender oil if you prefer that over using a microwave.
Use more beeswax pellets if you want a harder salve and less if you want a softer ointment.

long view of the lavender salve on the counter with lavender flowers nearby

10 Ways Lavender Salve Can Support You

Here are 10 simple ways I most often use my lavender salve:

Eases Pain and Inflammation: Lavender’s natural anti-inflammatory compounds make it a gentle choice for sore muscles, joint discomfort, or tender spots after activity [source].
Encourages Restful Sleep: Applying a bit of salve to wrists, temples, or feet before bed can help quiet the mind and body, making it a wonderful nighttime ritual for both adults and children.
Moisturizes Dry, Itchy Skin: Lavender salve can soften rough hands, soothe irritation, and provide relief for conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Promotes Wound and Bite Healing: Its antiseptic nature helps prevent infection while soothing the skin after cuts, scrapes, or insect bites.
Supports Skin Conditions like Eczema and Psoriasis: By calming inflammation and reducing redness, lavender salve can bring comfort to those with eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis, while supporting the skin’s natural healing [source].
Encourages Hair Growth: Massaging a small amount into the scalp can help stimulate circulation and nourish hair follicles, making it a gentle option for postpartum hair loss or thinning hair [source].
Soothes Sunburn: The cooling and anti-inflammatory properties of lavender can calm redness and support healing after too much sun.
Helps with Acne: Lavender’s antimicrobial action helps reduce bacteria on the skin, while its gentleness makes it safe for sensitive complexions [source].
Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Even just the scent of lavender can signal the body to relax, making it a lovely choice for moments of overwhelm [source].
Slows Fungal Growth: Lavender’s antifungal qualities can be helpful for minor skin or nail issues [source].

Lavender Salve

Yield: 6 ounces

Ingredients

1/2 cup lavender infused oil
2 ½ tablespoons beeswax pellets
15 drops of lavender essential oil
3 2oz tins

Instructions

Pour the beeswax pellets into the lavender-infused oil. Microwave for 30 seconds and then stir for 30 seconds. I found it very effective in not overheating the beeswax by actually stirring for 30 seconds. Repeat until all the pellets have melted.
Once it is all melted, add in your 15 drops of lavender essential oil and stir until it is mixed thoroughly.
Pour the mixture into a tin or glass container. Let it sit with the lid off for 4-5 hours or until it is completely hard. I usually let it sit overnight.
Put on the lid and keep it in a dark place without much humidity

Notes

The infused lavender oil can be made with any type of carrier oil. This recipe used avocado oil. You can use coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, etc. I love avocado oil for the incredible benefits for skin!
You do not have to use essential oils, but the lavender essential oil is a powerful ingredient and will give you a nice smell and lots more benefits!
If you want this to be a vegan recipe, swap out beeswax pellets for candelilla wax.
You can use the double boiler method to heat up the beeswax and infused lavender oil if you prefer that over using a microwave.
Use more beeswax pellets if you want a harder salve and less if you want a softer ointment.

Final Thoughts

Lavender salve has been a constant in my home for years because it’s so versatile, effective, and gentle. Whether you’re caring for a restless toddler, calming your own anxious moments, or just wanting softer skin, this little jar can become a daily comfort.

Natural living is a journey, and it’s one where the simplest remedies often become the most treasured. I hope you find as much joy in making and using lavender salve as I have.

It is one of the best lavender gift ideas to give!