Teach Soap

I am ready to infuse my calendula petals and make a salve! Looking up recipes, I see that many use lavender eo as a preservative and for anti-bacterial skin properties. Is this necessary since I will use only olive oil infused with dried calendula petals and beeswax? I don't have lavender but I have tea tree oil, would this make a good substitute? Is tea tree oil gentle on skin?
Thanks for your help!
Sherri

Hi Sherry. First, lavender EO is NOT a preservative. You really don't need a preservative in the salve unless you know it will get water in it. You can use both EOs to scent your salve, but you can't make any claims as to how it helps or heals your skin. You'll need to check with your EO supplier for correct useage rates. If you Google Tea Tree essential oil, you'll find tons of sites listing its properties.

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Thank you both! You reinforced my thought on the preservative in salve question! No water, no need! I just want to make something really nice for itchy skin, rashes, etc. Sounds like the calendula is what I want and I'm excited to try it! I may add a bit of tea tree oil also.
Blessings,
Sherri

Make sure that you don't make any medical claims ie: heals rash if you decide to sell the salve.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Thanks! I'm just making for myself or giving as gifts, I'm not really interested in selling!!
I have so much to learn!! It's fun to do as a hobby for family and friends, though!! Did you start out as a hobby? I know you have a great deal of education - your webpage looks great and your products are beautiful!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and helping so many of us who are hooked on this as a hobby!
Sherri

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Genius is 1 % inspiration and 99 % perspiration