This recipe is the perfect mix of essential oils and botanicals that grow locally and wildly in the Edmonton area. It uses several aspects of natural health to support pain relief from things like arthritis, fibromyalgia and general aches, pains and strains!

It's central ingredient is an ancient remedy that dates back to biblical times, the Balm of Gilead! Did you know that Gilead was a village in biblical times, that was known for their healing and their production of natural medicinals? 

Today, we have clinical evidence to back up its use as well as thousands of years of history! Below you will find a recipe for an incredible pain relieving salve! With spring on the way, get out in nature and respectfully collect some poplar buds just before they are ready to burst! You want the juicy resinous ones that are super sticky to the touch! Soak these buds in olive oil at a 1:5 ratio for 4-6 weeks and then strain the buds out! Voila, Balm of Gilead oil! Incredibly healing in its own right!

Balm of Gilead Salve

2.8g of pure beeswax pastilles, melted

11.2ml of infused Balm of Gilead oil (Poplar Bud Resin infused in Olive Oil)

3.92ml of Comfrey Leaf oil (Comfrey Leaf infused in Olive Oil)

3.92ml of St. John's Wort oil 

4.76ml of Sunflower oil

5 drops of Vitamin E oil (Antioxidant)

0.28ml / 6 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil

0.28ml / 6 drops of Birch Essential Oil

0.28ml / 6 drops of Black Pepper Essential Oil

0.28ml / 6 drops of Plai Essential Oil 

Directions:

1. Melt wax in water bath (Pyrex measuring cup in heated but not boiling, pot of water).
2. Add the Balm of Gilead, Comfrey, St. John's Wort and Sunflower oils and heat until the mixture is fully liquified. Don’t allow it to simmer though. Keep it just warm enough to make everything liquid.
3. Remove from heat, dry bottom of measuring cup and add essential oils. Stir to blend evenly. 
4. Pour into one 1 oz. metal tin.
5. Cap tightly while still warm and place in fridge to cool.
6. Label and seal.

When to use Balm of Gilead Salve

Balm of Gilead Ointment is:

• Analgesic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-bacterial
• Astringent
• Helps detoxify
• Helps heal coughs

Balm of Gilead ointment has done some miraculous feats over at the Schuur homestead! It relieves pain, especially the pain from sore muscles, arthritis, and broken bones. It reduces swelling and inflammation. Balm of Gilead oil relieves pain at the nerve level and combined with St. Johns Wort infused oil, it can do amazing things where there are shooting pains or injuries in the joints or even broken bones. Combine Balm of Gilead with St. Johns Wort for nerve pain, and comfrey for bone healing as well as a selection of essential oils with pain relieving properties.