Infuse the Oil:

1. Grind the Lavender: Use a mortar and pestle or a food processor to grind the dried lavender buds. This helps release more of its natural goodness.
2. Combine with Oil: Place the ground lavender into an oven-safe dish and pour your chosen carrier oil over it.
3. Infuse the Oil:
   • Set your oven to a low temperature, ideally below 140°F. If your oven doesn’t go that low, the bread proof setting works great.
   • Let the mixture infuse for about 6 hours, making sure the lavender is fully submerged in the oil. (Alternatively, for a cold infusion, place the mixture in a jar and leave it in a sunny window for about a week.)

Strain the Infused Oil:

1. Prepare to Strain: Set up a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth over a clean container.
2. Strain the Oil: Carefully pour the infused oil through the strainer, making sure to squeeze the cheesecloth gently to extract as much oil as possible.
3. Save the Leftovers: Don’t toss the lavender solids! You can use them for potpourri or other DIY projects.

Combine with Beeswax:

1. Melt the Beeswax: Measure out 2 ounces of beeswax pellets and melt them gently over low heat using a double boiler or stovetop. Be careful not to overheat.
2. Mix in the Infused Oil: Slowly stir the lavender-infused oil into the melted beeswax, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
3. Optional Add-ins: Add a few drops of vitamin E oil for extra skin benefits, or lavender essential oil for a stronger scent.

Store Your Salve:

1. Fill Containers: Quickly pour the warm salve mixture into small, tightly sealed containers or tins.
2. Cool and Set: Let the salve cool completely at room temperature before sealing to ensure a smooth texture.
3. Store Properly: Keep your lavender salve in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to preserve its freshness. It will last for months when stored correctly!