Another option for using your crystals is to make a healing salve. The healing salves I’ll be referring to are chemical free, use a natural oil-based product (such as olive oil) and are infused with herbs and/or essential oils. Salves can have many different uses, depending on what herbs/essential oils are added. For example, they can be used for pain relief, skin conditions, or even respiratory relief. Crushing up crystals that are also known to assist with these conditions and then adding them to the salve will give the healing salve an extra boost.

To make your own healing salve, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Olive oil (organic is recommended)

• Dried herbs (organic is recommended)

• 1 ounce beeswax (shaved)

• Cheesecloth

• Glass or tin jars to store the salve

• Crushed crystals

• Essential oils (optional)

1. You’ll need to infuse the herbs/essential oils in the olive oil. You can use two methods to do this. The first method is to combine the herbs/essential oil with the olive oil in a jar with an air-tight lid and leave in the sun for 4-6 weeks (making sure to shake daily). The other method is to place the herbs/essential oils in a double boiler (or put a Pyrex container or small pot inside of a larger pot filled ¼ full with water). Bring water to a boil, then immediately turn down to simmer (low heat) and let the herbs/essential oils infuse for two hours. Make sure the water does not splash from the larger pot into the oil infusion. Once your oil is infused, remove from heat and set aside.

2. Place 3 layers of cheesecloth over a funnel or bowl. Pour the infused oils over the cheesecloth to separate the oil from the herbs. Once drained, gather the cheesecloth and use your hands to squeeze out the excess oil. Discard the herbs/cheesecloth (Note: since this is natural, it can be composted).

3. Place the beeswax in a pan over low heat and add the infused oil, until everything is melted. Remove from heat.

4. Once the salve has cooled slightly, add the crushed crystals and mix. Pour the salve into jars/tins and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes. Note: using less beeswax will give you a more creamy salve and more will create a harder salve.

5. Simply rub your fingers over the top of the salve and apply where desired. Make sure to avoid the eyes.

As with anything, research is the key. Make sure you research the herbs, essential oils and crystals first. *Use the muscle testing method to determine which herbs, essential oils and crystals would be best for you. Also make sure you are using high-quality, organic products.

Here are a couple of healing salve recipes to get you started:

Aches and Pains Salve

2 tbsp dried meadowsweet

2 tbsp dried calendula flowers

1 cup olive oil

1 ounce beeswax

15-20 drops roman chamomile essential oil (to relax)

*1 tsp crushed crystals (blue calcite, chrysocolla, fluorite, lapis lazuli, obsidian, smokey quartz, green serpentine, black tourmaline, or clear quartz if you just want to amplify the healing properties of the salve).

Skin Repair Salve (cuts, scrapes, bruises, bug bites, etc.)

2 cups olive oil

¼ cup beeswax pastilles (pellets)

1 tsp echinacea root (optional)

2 tbsp dried comfrey leaves

2 tbsp dried plantain leaves (herb, not banana)

1 tbsp dried calendula flowers (optional)

1 tsp dried yarrow flowers (optional)

1 tsp rosemary leaves (optional)

*1 tsp crushed crystals (agate, amethyst, aventurine, calcite, chrysoprase, fluorite, peridot, rhodochrosite, rhyolite, or clear quartz if you just want to amplify the healing properties of the salve).

Most importantly, have fun making the salves.