Learn how to make Pine Tar salve to support skin issues like eczema, splinters, minor skin irritations, bug bites, dry skin patches and more.
Pine Tar salve has historically been a wonderful skin salve to support issues that many of us deal with on a regular basis. Things like eczema, splinters, minor skin irritations, bug bites, dry skin patches and more, can all be aided by the soothing qualities of pine tar .
While you can find it in some markets and health food stores, you can make it fairly easily at home with just a few simple ingredients.
(The ingredient list below is noted in weight of oz and grams. I would highly recommend using a digital scale to capture the exact weight of the ingredients noted. If you don’t have a digital scale, pick one up on Amazon for just around $10. It’s so handy when making health/beauty items or even cold process soaps.)
Pine Tar Salve
Ingredients required:
- 1/8 tsp activated charcoal
- 2 tsp beeswax (approx. .5 oz) – or slightly more for a harder salve
- .25 oz (7 gr) castor oil
- .60 oz (17 gr) pine tar
- 2.75 oz (78 gr) olive oil infused with calendula, comfrey, plantain or chamomile
Notes:
Pine Tar has a very strong scent that might be too much for some folks to handle. If you don’t like the scent of pine tar you can make this regular salve (found here).
Pine Tar is known for supporting a variety of skin conditions – not only is it a wonderful addition to cold process soaps, it can also be used for dandruff, psoriasis, eczema, minor bites and irritations and even dry skin.
You can buy pine tar via Amazon. While there are several varieties, this specific variety has been approved for cosmetic use in body care items.
Looking to make Pine Tar Soap? Catch our recipe here.
Directions:
Add the olive oil (infused), castor oil, beeswax, and pine tar to a heat proof glass measuring cup or canning jar. Heat in the microwave for 10-15 second bursts until beeswax is melted. (If you don’t have a microwave, combine the ingredients in a heat proof glass jar and place in a double broiler.)
Carefully remove from the microwave and set down on a surface lined with wax paper or newspaper. Stir in the charcoal to mix evenly. Pour into a glass jar or small tin and allow to sit until hardened.
When properly stored in a cool, dry area, this pine tar salve should keep for up to 12 months.
Apply to skin when extra attention is needed – splinters, bites, dry skin patches, etc. Ensure that the pine tar stays covered when not in use.
When traditional natives made this healing balm. We made it with Pork fat, that was the drawing agent.
Think of it when you’re Brining ???
I use pork fat for making soap, and body wash. I usually have a pig or cow butchered and ask the farm for the fat, they readily give me the fat from all of their customers animals and I render it down to use. I love using pork fat for my skin but I am quickly finding out that not many other people feel that way. When I make salves, lip balm and soap for my family I always use tallow or lard.