For almost six months, I have been trying to formulate a topical version of CBD that can be used to mitigate the toughest forms of pain and inflammation. With my understanding of how the endocannabinoid system works, I was convinced that a topical CBD salve would provide relief from both chronic and incidental muscle and joint pain.
It seemed simple enough since all I thought I needed to do is add some CBD oil to a base carrier, similar to what I do when making an essential oil salve. As it turned out, it was not so simple.
Most of my attempts became expensive and messy failures as batch after batch was either too greasy, too firm, or simply too messy to use. I finally resorted to purchasing a pre-made CBD salve and it was perfect in all ways except for cost.
I did not give up, however. About six weeks ago I went back to the drawing board, this time using a CBD concentrate in powdered form. Within days, my resident tester (husband Shelly) told me that not only was this DIY version better than the purchased salve, but when layered with essential oils, it was “unbelievable”. His words, not mine.
So here you go. I am thrilled to share with you a homemade CBD salve that is perfect for back pain, sore knees, wrenched shoulders, sprains, pinched nerves and more.
Why a Salve?
Skin is the largest organ in the human body and as such, is a powerful gateway to the underlying molecular structures in our bodies. While skin does provide somewhat of a protective barrier, it is also permeable, meaning that many substances are absorbed, some good and some bad. We all know, for example, that with toxins, absorption by the skin may cause everything from a rash (think poison ivy) to cancer (think glyphosate or RoundUp).
On the other hand, with CBD as well as with most essential oils, absorption into the skin can provide soothing and healing relief as these plant-based products target the surrounding area specifically. This is where a salve comes into play.
Using a well-formulated salve, you can precisely target where you want this absorption to occur by affecting the endocannabinoids that are present in the skin. There is no waste and no mess.
Another benefit of using a salve is that unlike a CBD tincture or capsule, the CBD does not first go through the digestive tract and get metabolized by the body. That means that in most cases, you will feel the benefits right away.
How to Make CBD Salve
You will need:
- 1 gram CBD Distillate or CBD Isolate
- 2 oz. Base Carrier Salve ((instructions here and below)
- 2 oz. Jar (or 2 x 1 oz. jars)
Note: the Base Carrier Salve is made with olive oil, coconut oil, and beeswax. It is good to keep on hand as an all-purpose ointment and carrier for your essential oils.
Directions:
Scoop some premade base salve into a smaller jar and liquefy the contents by setting it into a pan filled with an inch of water. Set on top of the stove and heat gently until the base salve is melted.
While the base salve is melting, measure out 1 gram of CBD distillate.
Hint: if you do not have a scale, consider purchasing your isolate in a 1 gram jar. That way no measuring is required. (This is the scale that I use.)
Once the base salve is fully melted, add the premeasured CBD distillate. Stir gently until it is fully dissolved and well combined.
Remove the jar of salve from its water bath and allow it to cool. I like to cap the jar and shake it up a bit to ensure everything is well mixed but that is totally optional.
This is what a CBD Distillate or CBD Isolate looks like. It is very powdery.
To use CBD salve, take a good size dab (about the size of a nickel) and rub it into your skin. You will find that it absorbs very quickly, providing almost immediate relief. Repeat as needed.
Want even more relief? Layer with Miracle Healing Salve (made with Lavender, Lemon, and Peppermint essential oils) and experience even greater benefits.
How Much Will This Recipe Make?
This recipe will make a 2-ounce jar of salve with a total potency of 1000 mg of CBD. Why is this important? If you decide to evaluate whether it is worth making it yourself, you will want to compare costs. Let me give you an example.
According to my calculation, the cost of this recipe is $31.57 to $36.57, depending on whether you choose a CBD distillate or isolate. The recipe makes 2 ounces which bring the cost to $15.79 to $18.29 per ounce. The cost of the salve I purchased from Joy Organics was $99.95 for 2 ounces or $49.98 per ounce.
See why I love DIY?
What Exactly is CBD in Powdered Form
I would like to take a few moments to discuss powdered CBD. Powdered CBD can go by many names and for the longest time, I called is “isolate”. But that is not quite true because isolate is just one form of powdered CDB. Let me break it down.
CBD concentrates in powdered form are considered a distillate if they contain CBD, CBG, CBC, and natural Terpenes. By law, a distillate contains less than 0.3% THC and can be shipped to all 50 states.
An isolate, however, is more highly refined and is guaranteed to be 100% THC-free. It is often marketed as “zero-high” although no CBD product available over the counter will make you high.
Recommended Reading: What You Need to Know About CBD Oil
A Word About CBD Oil
It took a lot of time for me to jump on the CBD bandwagon and I only did so after doing a lot of research and after checking with my personal healthcare providers. Although I have outlined this in my previous articles on CBD oil, it bears repeating. We are going through a period not unlike the wild, unchartered West when it comes to CBD oil. Whereas you can find a ton of information online, some of it is questionable and it is difficult to discern fact from fiction.
My advice? Do your own research and use good judgment. If something seems off relative to the claims being made, move on. Also, if the price is too good to be true, run. CBD is not inexpensive.
Perhaps most important, talk to your healthcare providers, especially if you take medication for serious health issues. Every single one I talked was more than happy to share their thoughts and was appreciative of my keeping them in the loop.
Finally, as with essential oils, there are good providers and bad providers. Some will rip you off by providing a less than pure product with inferior carrier oils. On the other hand, many providers will offer a wealth of educational material and will make themselves available to answer your questions by chat or by phone. A good provider will stand by their product with a 30 or 60-day money-back guarantee as well as free shipping.
I get my CBD from Organica Naturals and could not be more pleased with their products and service. And yes, although I am an affiliate and earn a small commission on sales, I would purchase CBD oil from them regardless. If you decide to check them out, feel free to use coupon code "gayelevy" at checkout to get a 20% discount.
~~~~~
Want to give CBD Oil a try? Get a 20% discount using code "gayelevy" at checkout. Free shipping on orders over $100 and a 60 day return policy.
~~~
How to Make Base Salve
If you do not have any Base Salve ready to go, you can quickly make up a small batch or purchase some pre-made.
Ingredients
1/2 cup Virgin Coconut Oil
1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 1/2 Tablespoons Beeswax Pellets
Directions
Measure the coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, and beeswax into a heatproof glass jar or measuring cup. Set in a pan of water on a low simmer until completely melted. You can help things along by giving it a quick stir from time to time with a knife. This may take some time, up to 30 minutes.
When everything is completely melted, remove from heat.
Carefully pour the warm oil into ointment jars or small mason jars, leaving some headroom at the top. Set aside to firm up. Depending on the temperature of your home, this can take up to 12 hours.
Yield
1 cup
The complete recipe for DIY base carrier salve can be found here: Base Carrier Salve for Essential Oils
Summing It All Up
Digging into my personal experience with CBD (both the oil and the salve), I can say with certainty that it has been a lifesaver for my husband. It was only two years ago that he progressed through multiple, time-consuming, and invasive back treatments with a pain specialist. The final treatment only lasted 18 months and before he was back to starting the process all over again.
That is when I started looking into CBD oil to both educate myself and learn about its risks and benefits. Call it what you may, but I am now evangelistic when it comes to CBD and its place in a wellness plan.
As far as I am concerned, creating this salve has been an important step in ensuring both Shelly and I have a pain-free and comfortable life as we age and become less limber over time. And let’s face it, we all get old eventually so we might as well make the best of it.
Next up? I have purchased some pet CBD for my dog, hoping it will reduce his anxiety at toenail cutting time. Fingers crossed.
Yours for a Joyful Life,
Gaye
Strategic Haul
As with my other CBD posts, I prefer to make them no-pitch and low key in nature. I am only going to recommend one thing: a book that you should read if you have any interest at all in CBD oil. That said, I am also going to include links to the two companies that I have purchased from. Both have an excellent product, great customer service, and fair pricing with free shipping.
CBD: A Patient’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis–Healing without the High: If you only get one book on CBD, consider this one. Most of the low-cost or free eBooks on Amazon are useless. This book, by Leonard Leinow, Juliana Birnbaum, and Michael H. Moskowitz is not cheap and not free. I am still working through it and recommend that you make this book a part of your self-care library. From the description on Amazon:
This practical, accessible guide to using CBD-dominant cannabis contains a wealth of information for both first-time explorers and experienced patients who want to know more about safely treating a number of health conditions with remarkable results and low to no psychoactivity or negative side effects. CBD (cannabidiol) is a component of cannabis that can provide relief for conditions such as seizures, pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, arthritis, and a number of other issues.
This book offers guidance on various forms of the medicine such as oil infusions, alcohol-based tinctures, capsules, and CO2 concentrated extracts. The information is organized by health condition and also by recommended CBD-rich strains, which do not produce the “highs” associated with THC.
With dosage suggestions, potential side effects and contraindications, and the pharmacology of the plant, this is an essential guide for both doctors and patients looking for a nontoxic alternative to opiate-based pain medications and other pharmaceuticals.a number of health conditions with remarkable results and low to no psychoactivity or negative side effects.
OrganicaNaturals: This company specializes in tinctures for both humans and pets, including a zero-THC option. Their cannabis plants are from Colorado and California, where they grow outdoors under natural sunlight using organic and sustainable farming practices. The plants are non-GMO and pesticide-free. All products are third-party tested and shipping is always free. Note: They offer a 15% discount using code “gayelevy” at checkout although, for a short time, they are offering a 20% discount.
BOGO HIGH POTENCY FORMULAS
20% Off Everything Else Using Code GAYELEVY
Additional Reading
What You Need to Know About CBD Oil
What I Learned Using CBD Oil
CBD Dosing: How Much CBD Should I Take?
Homemade CBD Salve that Really Works
Create a CBD Rollerball for Joint & Arthritis Pain Relief
~~~~
Like this? Be sure to visit Strategic Living on Facebook and Pinterest! To learn more about Gaye, visit her ABOUT page.
Want to give CBD Oil a try? Get a 20% discount using code "gayelevy" at checkout. Free shipping on orders over $100 and a 60 day return policy.
As a long time reader I just want to say thank you for all the work you put into the salve and article. I trust all your research and product development. So happy to hear the salve has mitigated your husband’s back pain.
Personally I have been unable to wrap my brain around anything that comes from this plant. And so I have not properly researched it. I just checked out the book on your Link in the article. I got the Kindle sample sent to me and read it. I still cannot budge.
Trying to figure out why I have such an extreme pre-judgement based on virtually no information.
I have many health issues. I’m in constant pain with NO pain killers. I should be trying. But two of my issues are lung and stomach problems. It’s as if I have PTSD from all the coughing and choking when I tried it long ago. I get really nausea and stomach pain. Various causes have been ruled out. I still have memories of the smell from long ago. The memories alone make me gag. I have to say I actually hate this plant.
I’m not writing this just to whine. This is me trying to work through my issues. So that maybe can get un-stuck.
The salve sounds much more appealing than other forms. My stomach does respond topically because right now I have a heating pad on it. Some of my body pain responds topically because lidocaine helps. I’m sure this salve is safer than lidocaine.
Anyway thanks again for presenting a very good option.
Ah Karen, so good to hear from you. Did I ever send you a response to your prepping email? I do hope so since your minimalist approach echos my current strategy to a great extent.
I was completely honest when I said that CBD has really improved daily life for my husband, Shelly. In addition to his back woes, he had a growing knot in his shoulder right around his rotator cuff and was concerned that surgery was next. We upped his dose of CBD to 25mg a day, taken in capsule form at night, then added CBD salve to his daily routine. The first salves I made were a mess but he stuck with them until I ran out and purchased the salve from Joy Organics. The rest I wrote about in today’s article.
Anyway, you might want to try CBD capsules instead of the oil. You don’t have to deal with taste or a bunch of oil held under the tongue for a minute before swallowing. In addition, some (but not me) consider the taste of the tincture to be repulsive. It is described as an “old sweat sock” taste but as I said, I don’t perceive it that way.
Something you may want to do is order a free sample of two, 25mg CBD capsules from Organica Naturals. There are no strings attached and no credit card required (which seems to be the norm with so many offers these days). Just a thought. Here is a link and as of a few minutes ago, it is still working: https://www.organicanaturals.com/store/free-cbd-sample-pack/?ref=122&campaign=FreeCBDPack.
As always, thank you for the kind words. Feel free to email me at any time.
another longtime reader here, who thanks you for the thoroughness of your research and the honesty and clarity of your reporting! i’ve been wanting to try cbd to relieve chronic pain, anxiety and other c-ptsd symptoms, but haven’t, mostly for financial reasons. but with the information you’ve been providing, i’m getting closer to being informed enough to jump into the shallow end. i hope you and your little family stay well and happy as autumn takes hold.
Good to hear from you. I do have to admit that when I first started looking into CBD for Shelly, I was taken aback by the cost, especially when compared to essential oils. But then, after my glaucoma doctor spent some time discussing CBD with me, I realized that spending $50 was far better than paying a copay of $300 for an invasive back procedure with only marginal results. My doctor also said that in his opinion, CBD was far less toxic than Tylenol. I have not researched that personally but still, it was something to consider.
Anyway, I digress. Something you may want to do is order a free sample of two, 25mg CBD capsules from Organica Naturals. There are no strings attached and no credit card required (which seems to be the norm with so many offers these days). Just a thought. Here is a link and as of a few minutes ago, it is still working: https://www.organicanaturals.com/store/free-cbd-sample-pack/?ref=122&campaign=FreeCBDPack.
Life in Arizona is improving as I find my way during this new, retired chapter in my life. I discovered a lake that reminds me of the PNW and that discover has made a huge difference in my attitude. All good.
My best to you.
my samples are already in the mail, thank you; i ordered them after reading your previous post. two capsules won’t tell me if cbd will work for me, but at least it should tell me if the stuff is going to make me sick or something, lol. i shall consult my pcp about interactions, since she’s well-versed in “alternative” medicine. but i have no trouble believing that it’s less toxic than tylenol!
i’m wondering how you plan to administer cbd to tucker when you give him a manicure….just nosy.
i suspect finding any (natural) lake of respectable size in arizona would be a joyful thing. i’m glad you have a taste of home to soothe your maritime soul.
nt
Hi Gaye! Thanks for all the info on CBD salve. I have a few questions, though… 2 1/2 Tablespoons beeswax pellets… Are they level or heaped? I want to add 1/2 teaspoon of honey to the mixture after it has cooled a bit. Do you think I should add a 1/2 Tablespoon more of beeswax pellets or a whole Tablespoon? And again… level or heaped? Thanks for all of your wonderful help learning to make healing miracle salves.
The beeswax pellets are level measures.
As far as adding honey, I would make up a base salve first and add the beeswax/honey mixture to that before experimenting with adding CBD. Once you are satisfied, gently remelt the salve and add your CBD. Or, if you are already adding honey to Miracle Salve, go ahead and use the same amount of honey and extra beeswax to your CBD salve. I don’t have any experience in this area but logic tells me that the honey will be viscous enough to not require much extra beeswax, if any.
I am not sure if I am answering your question but hopefully this helps.
I just finished making this CBD salve. Followed directions exactly except used almond oil/olive oil 50/50 mix instead of all olive oil. I also added peppermint and lavender essential oil. I found the salve recipe filled 5 of my 2oz jars instead of 4 but maybe I didn’t fill it to the brim. I have very bad tennis/golfer’s elbow as something popped in my last tennis match. I have been stretching and rolling and icing the elbow daily. After 6 days, it is still sore. I’m hoping this salve helps the healing process along. I think the smell and consistency are really nice. Fingers crossed!
Be sure to check back in and let us know how it goes.
Hi, it’s been 6 weeks since I popped something in my elbow. After 3 weeks and getting no relief, I finally stabilized the whole arm in a removeable cast for 2 weeks. I found this to do the trick. I still have a very small amount of residual pain but with 4+ more weeks of “stay at home,” I think I can rest up and be ready for the tennis season when it resumes. I don’t think any amount of ice, salve, etc. would have helped. Perhaps I had a small tear. I will restart the salve now for the slight residual pain and on some pressure points as it does have calming qualities during these stressful times. In the future, I might use 2000mg of CBD instead of 1000mg for more potency.
Gaye, I am currently considering starting to make some healing /drawing salves. I’m wondering about adding CBD powder to the Cayenne Salve I found on the Back Door Survival page. Do you think the addition of CBD would be beneficial. I am so new to all of this. Thanks for your consideration. Steve
I would encourage you to make a straight-up CBD salve instead of mixing the CBD concentrate/powder into an existing salve. If you feel you need more of a boost, try layering. For example, my husband applies CBD salve then layers Miracle Healing Salve on top of that.
https://strategiclivingblog.com/homemade-cbd-salve/
After reading your Blog I melted 3 ounces of devilsclub salve and added 2 grams of CBD isolate powder …. for good measure I added 3 drops each of lavender, peppermint and frankincense oil… Since most recipes call for 1000mg I wonder if the 2000mg will make it more potent and better or am I wrong in my assumption?
I have made it two ways (1000mg for 2 ounces of base and 1000mg for 4 ounces of base). I use the lighter version for leg and toe cramps but my husband uses the stronger version for his back and shoulder pain. According to him, they both work but the stronger version “lasts longer” (his words) meaning he can use it less often.
Good for you adding the essential oils. I keep meaning to do so but for now have been layering my EO Miracle Salve over the top of the CBD salve.
I still intend to make a stick form of CBD balm so that it is more portable. Still waiting for roll up tubes to arrive.
I have a friend who runs a dispensary. I was told that heating your CBD distillate above 200 degrees fahrenheit will cause any medical properties to burn off, rendering it ineffective. Just a side note. I haven’t made any but nice to pass on tips.
Good info. I have seen this premise disputed but remain wary of adding essential oils or CBD to anything hotter than 160 degrees. Both are expensive and to me, it is not worth taking a chance that they will be wasted/burned off. Thanks for sharing.
Hi, I was trying to make this from memory and realized that I forgot to re melt the base salve. I added the CBD powder to the correct amount of unmelted salve and mixed well. Will it still be as effective?
If it were me, I would gently heat the salve up in a water bath on the stove. You can do that by setting a pot of water to simmer, adding your jar of salve, and leaving it there until liquid enough to stir. I use a skewer stick when I re-melt salves. I do this from time to time when my salve is either too thick (needing more oil) or too gooey (needing more beeswax).
Gaye
I have Dandelion infused Sunflower Oil and Plantain infused Sunflower Oil. Is it useable in your recipes instead of the Coconut oil & Olive oil you use? Or do I have to use ‘your’ exact recipe?
Also, Can Essential Oils be added or not? I use Plant Therapy Essential Oils. This brand is as pure as I can get and they offer all their testing paperwork to read.
Thank you for your time and expert advice,
Kathy
You are definitely good to go with the dandelion-infused sunflower oil. The coconut oil, however, is semi-solid (or even solid in cool weather) and adds to the texture of the salve. In my many trials, one of the challenges was to create a firm salve. My first attempts using CBD oil instead of the powdered isolate were a gooey mess.
You could probably add some additional beeswax and go with 100% sunflower oil but I would experiment first. Once you create a satisfactory base salve without coconut oil, you can remelt it and add your isolate.
Does this make sense? Be sure to let me know how it goes!
Sorry, I forgot to let you know that yes, you can definitely use essential oils. I like to use eucalyptus and peppermint, or birch and lemongrass. These are the EOs I use in the rollerball CBD formula. Of course you may prefer others.
I totally agree that Plant Therapy EOs are some of the best. I know a number of people that have switched from higher-priced oils (such as Young Living) to PT and never looked back. These days I use Plant Therapy, Florihana, and NOW Foods. The latter is extremely budget-friendly and allows folks who are price-sensitive to get started using EOs, especially in diffusers and cleaning products.
Thank you for this info. Now I just to get busy!
Did you use Cbd cannibals isolate or The hemp isolate?
Thanks
I used the cannabis-based CBD isolate.
when i did the math with the salve 1 tsp = 83 mg of CBD this seems really high compared to the roller ball recipe with 20 mg of CBD in 10 ml bottle. Am i missing something?
If I understand your question correctly, you are comparing powdered CBD isolate to CBD in oil form. So apples to oranges. Also, the salve recipe makes 2 ounces verses 10ml for the roll on.
If I have misunderstood your question, let me know.
So the salve recipe uses 1000mg for 2 oz ( approx 60 ml) of salve.
The rollon oil uses 20mg of cbd oil for 10 ml of total volume.
Are you saying the cbd oil is much stronger than the powder isolate?
Sorry
If you look at commercial OTC products, you will see that the various CBD products (oils, salves, lotions, and roll-ons) come in different strengths. I based my formula strengths on some popular commercial products then fine-tuned them to get desired results for my situation. I do the same with my essential oil concoctions where I try to list the EO dilution rates. The roller formula is more targeted (for example to use on arthritic fingers and hands) and thus stronger.
CBD oil may or may not be stronger than the powdered isolate. It depends on what you choose the buy with the more concentrated versions costing more.
Can you put this salve into a container like a lipbalm, or a deodorant tube?
The simple answer is yes. You would, however, need to adjust the amount of beeswax in the salve so that you get the desired consistency.
Have you ever added arnica oil to this receipe?
No, I have not although I often do add essential oils most recently including Frankincense. I am considering adding some menthol since that appears to be a popular additive for its numbing effect. I
This is a great salve for pain relief. I did add Helichrysum essential oil, which has been a game changer for me and my husband for pain. Thanks again for the recipe!!
I am happy to hear this worked out well for you. As a heads-up, I am formulating a CBD lotion and will share the results soon. I intend to come up with something a bit lighter and suitable for large areas (such as arms or legs post-workout). I also have good results using CBD on my face and would prefer a lotion for that purpose.
Gaye
I do not have the powder but have the oil 1000 mg. Can you suggest how much CBD oil to use without salve being too gooey. Thank you.
I have done a number of experiments using the liquid form of CBD is a salve and none have been satisfactory. I have had better luck adding it to a lotion. Try 500mg in one ounce of lotion and see if that works for you.