Because I wasn’t sure what day the guys were going to add the electric plug to the kitchen and I didn’t want to be in the middle of a canning mess when they were trying to work, I planned an easy project for today.
I’ve had elderberry leaves out drying. This morning I packed them in the jar (will pack the others in now that the photo is taken), added grapeseed oil. This evening when I have time, I’ll heat the oil up for a while, then let it cool. In the morning I’ll remove the leaves, let the oil set out for a few days so any moisture will hopefully evaporate, then I’ll add beeswax to make a salve. I’ll post pictures once it’s all finished.
Jane says
Wait! You can use the leaves for salve?! I thought only the flowers and berries were useful. Now I’m off down another rabbit hole!
RebeccaL says
.I find it hard to picture how the moisture could evaporate, as the oil will float. Stir it up?
judy.blog@gmail.com says
I should have said “separate” instead of evaporate. The water will stay on the bottom and I can pour off the oil. If there’s a lot of water, I’ll stick the jar in the freezer for a couple of hours, the water will freeze and I will pour off the oil.
Angie says
What do you use the salve for? Never heard of salve, so my enquiring mind is curious
judy.blog@gmail.com says
I have to be careful about giving “medical advice” but if you google “elder leaf salve benefits”, you’ll find info. I personally use it for muscle aches and bruises. This site has some info.
I almost always use it on my hands at night after a lot of stitching.
Sheryl says
I should harvest some leaves from the hundreds of wild elderberry bushes growing around here to make salve.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
I’d rather deal with the flowers and leaves than the berries but I cut more berries today.