Pure Aromatherapy for Body, Mind & Spirit
DIY Clove and Juniper Berry Itch Relief Salve
DIY Clove and Juniper Berry Itch Relief Salve
DIY Itch Relief Salve with Clove & Juniper Berry Essential Oils
Make a simple DIY itch relief salve with carrier oil, beeswax, Juniper Berry and Clove Bud essential oils to condition dry skin and provide a comforting aromatic skin-care experience.
Occasionally itchy-feeling skin can be uncomfortable, especially when dryness leaves the skin feeling tight or irritated. This DIY itch relief salve combines a moisturizing carrier oil and protective beeswax with Juniper Berry and Clove Bud essential oils.
The oil-and-beeswax base helps soften, condition and protect dry-feeling skin, while the essential oils add a warm, fresh botanical aroma.
This is a cosmetic skin-care recipe for occasional dry, itchy-feeling skin. It is not intended to treat persistent itching, allergic reactions, poison ivy, eczema, dermatitis, infections or other medical conditions.
What Can Cause Itchy Skin?
Skin can feel itchy for many reasons.
Sometimes the explanation is relatively simple, such as dry skin, environmental conditions or irritation from a cosmetic or personal-care product.
Persistent or severe itching can have many other causes, however, including allergies, skin conditions, medication reactions and certain underlying medical conditions.
For that reason, don’t assume that unexplained or persistent itching is simply dry skin.
If itching is severe, widespread, persistent, accompanied by a significant rash or swelling, or you don’t know what’s causing it, consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional rather than relying on a DIY salve.
Why Make an Oil-Based DIY Salve?
One advantage of this recipe is its simplicity.
Unlike a lotion or cream containing water, this salve is anhydrous, meaning it doesn’t contain a water phase.
Carrier oil provides emollience while beeswax gives the preparation its semi-solid consistency and leaves a light protective layer on the skin.
This makes a basic salve a useful beginner project for people learning to make natural body-care products.
Ingredients in This DIY Itch Relief Salve
Juniper Berry Essential Oil
Juniper Berry essential oil has a fresh, crisp, woody aroma with characteristic evergreen notes.
Juniper has a long history of traditional aromatic and botanical use and is incorporated into many natural body-care preparations.
In this salve, Juniper Berry contributes its distinctive fresh botanical aroma and complements the warmer scent of Clove Bud.
Clove Bud Essential Oil
Clove Bud essential oil has an intensely warm, spicy aroma due in large part to its naturally occurring eugenol content.
It is a potent essential oil and should be used conservatively in topical products.
The original BioSource Naturals recipe described Clove Bud as “numbing” the skin and eliminating pain. We no longer characterize it that way. This recipe uses Clove Bud as a highly diluted aromatic ingredient rather than as a topical anesthetic or pain treatment.
People with sensitive skin may prefer to omit Clove Bud entirely.
Carrier Oil
Carrier oil makes up most of this salve.
Olive oil can be used, or you can experiment with another skin-conditioning carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond.
Carrier oils act as emollients, helping soften the skin and reduce the dry, rough feeling that can accompany moisture loss.
Different carrier oils create somewhat different textures, so choose one according to your skin and personal preferences.
Beeswax
Beeswax transforms the liquid carrier oil into a convenient semi-solid salve.
It also creates an occlusive layer on the skin that can help reduce moisture loss and leave dry skin feeling protected and conditioned.
DIY Clove & Juniper Berry Itch Relief Salve Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons olive oil or another carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond
- 1 tablespoon beeswax
- 5 drops Juniper Berry essential oil
- 5 drops Clove Bud essential oil
- Clean, dry salve tins or jars
Sensitive-skin option: Because Clove Bud is a potent essential oil, consider omitting it if your skin is particularly sensitive or reactive.
Directions
- Place the carrier oil and beeswax in the top of a double boiler.
- Heat gently until the beeswax has completely melted into the oil.
- Remove from the heat.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly while remaining liquid.
- Add the Juniper Berry and Clove Bud essential oils and stir thoroughly.
- Pour into clean, dry tins or jars.
- Allow the salve to cool completely before use.
- Label the container with the ingredients and date.
How to Use DIY Itch Relief Salve
Apply a small amount of salve to an area of intact, dry, itchy-feeling body skin and gently massage it in.
Start with a small test area before applying more widely.
Do not apply the salve to broken skin, open wounds, the eyes, mucous membranes or other sensitive areas.
Wash your hands after applying the salve, particularly because the formula contains Clove Bud essential oil.
Discontinue use if burning, redness or increased irritation occurs.
Important Safety Information About Clove Bud Essential Oil
Clove Bud isn’t an essential oil where “more is better.” Its naturally high eugenol content means dermal concentration matters. Do not increase the amount of Clove Bud essential oil in this recipe in an attempt to make the salve stronger. This recipe is intended for occasional application to small areas of intact body skin.
For children, pregnancy, highly sensitive skin or frequent/widespread use, seek individualized guidance from an appropriately qualified professional before using Clove Bud essential oil topically.
Related Articles:
Essential Oils for Sensitive Skin | Gentle Use Guide
When an Itch Needs More Than a DIY Salve
A homemade salve isn’t appropriate for every type of itching.
Seek medical advice for itching that is:
- Severe or persistent
- Widespread without an obvious explanation
- Accompanied by significant swelling, hives or difficulty breathing
- Associated with an extensive or worsening rash
- Associated with signs of infection
- Causing significant skin damage from scratching
- Possibly related to a medication or medical condition
A DIY skin-care product shouldn’t be used to delay appropriate evaluation of unexplained symptoms.
Explore More DIY Natural Body Care Recipes
This article is part of our complete DIY Natural Body Care Recipes with Essential Oils guide, featuring natural skin-care, hair-care, bath, beauty and personal-care recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Itch Relief Salve
What Is a DIY Itch Relief Salve?
A DIY itch relief salve is an oil-and-wax topical preparation intended to moisturize and condition dry, itchy-feeling skin.
This recipe uses carrier oil and beeswax as its base with small amounts of Juniper Berry and Clove Bud essential oils for aroma.
It should be considered a cosmetic body-care preparation rather than a treatment for an underlying skin condition.
Does This DIY Salve Stop Itching?
This salve can moisturize, soften and protect dry-feeling skin, which may make skin feel more comfortable when dryness contributes to occasional itchiness.
It is not intended to treat or cure the underlying causes of persistent itching.
Why Is Beeswax Used in an Itch Relief Salve?
Beeswax gives the salve its semi-solid texture and forms a light occlusive layer over the skin, helping reduce moisture loss and leaving dry skin feeling protected and conditioned.
What Does Juniper Berry Essential Oil Add to the Salve?
Juniper Berry essential oil contributes a crisp, fresh, woody-evergreen aroma to the formula.
Why Is Clove Bud Essential Oil Used So Carefully?
Clove Bud essential oil is rich in eugenol and can be irritating to skin at inappropriate concentrations.
It should always be appropriately diluted for topical use and should not be increased simply to make a formulation feel stronger.
Can I Leave the Clove Bud Essential Oil Out?
Yes. If you have sensitive skin or prefer a simpler formulation, you can omit Clove Bud. The carrier oil and beeswax will still create an emollient salve that helps soften and condition dry skin.
Can I Substitute Another Carrier Oil?
Yes. Olive oil works well, but you can also explore other carrier oils such as jojoba or sweet almond oil.
Different carrier oils will slightly change the texture and skin feel of the finished salve.
Can I Use This Salve for Eczema, Dermatitis or Poison Ivy?
This recipe isn’t intended to diagnose or treat eczema, dermatitis, poison ivy, allergic reactions or other medical skin conditions.
If you have persistent itching or a diagnosed skin condition, follow the advice of your healthcare professional regarding appropriate treatment and skin care.
How Should I Store Homemade Salve?
Store the salve tightly closed in a cool, dry location away from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
Avoid introducing water into the container. Use clean, dry hands or a clean applicator when removing the salve.
Discard it if you notice an unexpected change in aroma, color, texture or appearance.
A Simple Salve for Dry, Itchy-Feeling Skin
Sometimes a simple formulation is all you need.
Carrier oil conditions the skin. Beeswax helps reduce moisture loss. Juniper Berry contributes a fresh evergreen aroma, while a very small amount of Clove Bud adds warmth and spice.
The result is an easy DIY itch relief salve for occasional dry, itchy-feeling body skin.
Prefer a ready-made product? Explore our Dry Skin Essential Oil Blend for another BioSource Naturals approach to aromatic dry-skin body care.
Original Recipe Source
Goodall, Claire. Everyday Roots.
The information provided on this page is for educational and cosmetic skin-care purposes only. Statements regarding essential oils and natural products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This recipe and the products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Persistent or unexplained itching, allergic reactions, rashes or other concerning skin symptoms should be evaluated by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
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