Understanding Herbal Preparations: Salve

Posted by TriLight Health on Jun 26th 2026

Warmer days and more time outside have arrived. This is a welcome change for most of us. It also means bug bites, sunburn, stings, cuts, etc. As we work together to understand various herbal preparations, an herbal salve is perfect for this time of year.

This unique herbal preparation is only found in one of our products- Soothing Salve. Salves are more closely related to a poultice than any other preparation we’ve studied so far. Both are topical and first aid treatments. Herbalists often have different types on hand to use after a poultice.

A green herbal salve with the words "understanding herbal preparations: salve"

What is a Salve?

The word "salve" could also be replaced with "ointment" or "cream". These may include oils, wax, and herbs. They are used on the skin and occasionally inside the mouth.

They can be used at home in place of other ointments for wounds and creams for sore muscles/joints. One of the key features of this type of herbal preparation is its thickness. Salves won’t be drippy like lotions, but are designed to apply quickly and soak into the skin for ultimate healing benefits.

How to make an herbal salve-

An herb-infused oil or glycerite is first created. This will be made with herbs selected for the specific skin condition or with multi-purpose herbs to make a more all-purpose salve.

After straining the herbs, the oil or glycerine is then mixed with other ingredients. This might include other types of oils, essential oils, hydrosols, or a thickening agent. Typically, salves are thickened with beeswax as well (Soothing Salve is a vegan formula; beeswax is not used).

an herbalist putting a calendula salve into tins

What is an herbal salve made of?

These are the most commonly used herbs:

Arnica
Calendula
Charcoal (not an herb but worth a mention)
Comfrey
Jewelweed
Lavender
Meadowsweet
Plaintain
Pine
St. John's Wort
Yarrow

How is a Salve Used?

Salves are applied directly to the skin. Often, a Q-tip or a small scoop is used to prevent direct contact with the affected area. The area can then be covered with a bandage or gauze if desired.

Traditional uses include:

Acne
Bites
Burns
Cuts
Eczema
Rash
Sunburns
Scrapes
Stings
And more!

What is the difference between a poultice and a salve?

A poultice is made of fresh herbs that are kept moist on the skin for a short period of time- usually 15-20 minutes. It is most often used for immediate relief and/or a drawing action. A salve is used as a protective or healing barrier that will remain on the skin for hours until fully absorbed.

	Poultice	Salve
Form	Wet plant material is applied directly or wrapped in cloth, typically after crushing, grinding, or boiling down the herbs	Thick, herb-infused oil or glycerine- often set with beeswax or another thickening agent
Best for	Acute, localized concerns such as: splinters, insect stings, inflammation, deeper wounds	Ongoing skin support such as: cuts, rashes, eczema, bites dry or chapped skin, minor burns
Speed of action	Fast; fresh plant material draws out and acts quickly	Steady; creates a protective barrier that absorbs gradually
Application	Applied wet, held in place with cloth or gauze; changed frequently	Applied with a fingertip or Q-tip; stays in place, can be covered with a bandage
Portability	Low; typically prepared fresh at home	High; shelf-stable, travel-friendly, no prep needed
When herbalists use it	First response for deeper or acute skin concerns; often used before a salve	Follow-up care and everyday first aid; used after a poultice or on its own

Why are salves only used topically?

Herbalists use salves on nearly all topical ailments. They are used only topically because they are designed to treat a topical ailment. You wouldn't swallow a gauze if you had a cut; you'd place the gauze over the cut. The same logic applies to a salve. It's only going to be effective topically. Remember, your skin is a barrier to protect your muscles, blood vessels, and vital organs. Anything you apply to your skin can penetrate that barrier and help with a number of conditions.

Additionally, some of the herbs used in salves- such as comfrey- are not typically consumed internally. Herbalists may suggest complementary herbal teas, tinctures, or other internal preparations alongside a salve.

A salve is an easy starting point for a holistic 1st aid kit and medicine chest. They're used in a similar way to any other topical chemical-based ointment or cream you're used to using.

How does TriLight Health use salves?

We offer Soothing Salve. It contains essential oils and herbs to help deeply nourish, support, and soothe a wide range of topical concerns. Plus, it's safe for the family (ages 3+) and only a few drops are needed at a time. This is an especially popular herbal salve for bug bites and 1st aid concerns. Several TriLight families tell us it's the only topical product in their medicine chests because it's so versatile!