DIY Oregano Salve Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

If you’re looking for a natural way to support your skin and keep a small healing remedy on hand, this oregano salve might become a favorite. It’s simple to make, deeply nourishing, and made from ingredients that work together to comfort the skin.

Oregano is best known for its role in the kitchen, but it also holds powerful properties that support skin recovery. When infused into oil and turned into a smooth salve, it becomes a convenient, ready-to-use balm that fits easily into your daily care routine.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not  information is not medical advice and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. If you have a medical condition, please consult your doctor before using essential oils.

I use affiliate links in this article. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission which goes towards the cost of running this website.

Let’s explore what makes this herbal salve useful and how you can make your own.

What Makes This Oregano Salve So Useful

This oregano salve is a simple, practical blend made for everyday skin care. It combines the natural strength of herbs with the softness of oils and beeswax to create a balm that supports healing and adds a layer of comfort to the skin.

Calms and Protects the Skin

Oregano is known for its natural cleansing and soothing qualities. When infused into oil, it becomes a gentle way to support the skin, especially on areas that feel irritated, inflamed, or cracked. The salve adds a soft layer that helps your skin feel cared for, not exposed.

Locks in Moisture

The beeswax in this blend acts like a seal. It holds the infused oil against the skin so it can work longer, while also preventing dryness. This makes the salve helpful for rough patches, knuckles, or other places that tend to lose moisture quickly.

Melts In Without Feeling Greasy

Thanks to the carrier oil—jojoba oil in this version—the salve feels light and smooth. It glides easily over the skin and sinks in slowly, leaving a soft finish without a heavy, greasy feeling.

Customizable Scent and Feel

Essential oils can be added to match your preferences. Whether you want something relaxing, energizing, or purely herbal, just a few drops will give the salve a light, clean scent. Or leave it unscented if you prefer something simpler.

Handy and Long-Lasting

This recipe makes enough to fill a few small tins or jars. You can keep one by your bed, toss one in your bag, or gift one to someone who appreciates handmade care. Stored properly, each jar stays good for several months.

Benefits of Oregano

Oregano is a powerhouse herb and essential oil.

Here is a list of the potential benefits of oregano:

I like to use this salve any time my body is feeling run down or I feel like I’m starting to come down with something. It’s a wonderful support for our natural immune system.

What You’ll Need to Make This Salve

This recipe yields about 6 ounces of salve. There are only a few carefully chosen ingredients to create a balm that is smooth, nourishing, and easy to apply.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Dried Oregano (I used some that I grew in my garden!)
• Carrier oil
• ¼ cup beeswax
• 20 drops essential oils (optional)
• 2-ounce containers or small jars

Let’s look at how each of these comes together in the final product:

Dried Oregano

Fresh or dried, oregano is the heart of this salve. When infused into oil, it releases compounds that help support the skin’s natural healing process, boost the immune system and more. Its presence gives the salve a slightly herbal scent and a purpose that goes beyond simple moisture.

Carrier Oil

This is the base for your infusion and the body of your salve. Jojoba oil, used in this recipe, is closest to our skin’s natural oil. It absorbs quickly and helps carry the benefits of the oregano deep into dry or sensitive areas. You can use another oil you trust—like almond, avocado, or grapeseed—depending on what your skin responds to best.

This is my favorite jojoba oil:

Beeswax

Beeswax thickens the infused oil and gives the salve its firm, scoopable texture. It also helps the balm stay in place after it’s applied, creating a light protective layer that holds in moisture without clogging the skin.

I like these beeswax pellets and use them in all my DIY’s that call for beeswax like my tallow balm stick, diy beeswax candles, and copycat vaseline recipe:

Essential Oils (Optional)

The essential oils can add a delicious fragrance to the salve and a little something extra to give your salve even more powerful benefits.

Of course Oregano Oil is a great choice. Frankincense would also be fabulous combined with the Oregano. Lavender, rosemary, or eucalyptus are all good choices. Keep it simple with about 20 drops total.

Or leave them out entirely for a more neutral, herbal scent.

Storage Containers

Two-ounce jars or tins work well for this recipe. They’re easy to label, share, or carry with you. Use clean, dry containers with tight-fitting lids to keep the salve fresh for longer.

These are the tins I used. You can use the tins for other salves, lip balm, diy perfume, copycat vasline and so much more.

Step-By-Step Guide to Make Your Oregano Salve

The process is easy. With just a few tools and a little time, you’ll have a smooth, herbal salve ready to use whenever your body needs extra care.

Step 1: Prepare the Infused Oil

1. Place dried oregano into a clean glass jar, filling it about halfway. You’ll need 8 oz of finished oil, so use a jar slightly larger than that.
2. Pour your carrier oil over the dried oregano until it’s fully covered.
3. Close the lid tightly and let the jar sit in a warm spot for two to three weeks. Give it a gentle shake every few days.
4. Once ready, strain out the oregano using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Set the infused oil aside.

Note: I added a layer of unbleached parchment under the lid to prevent the oil from making contact with the lid and potentially absorbing the chemicals on the bottom of the lid. This is optional. You can see it in the photo above.

Step 2: Melt the Oil and Beeswax

In a microwave-safe glass container, combine one cup of your infused oil with a quarter cup of beeswax. Warm the mixture in the microwave using short intervals, about 30 seconds at a time. Stir after each round to help everything melt evenly. Continue until the beeswax is completely dissolved.

Step 3: Add Essential Oils (Optional)

Allow the melted mixture to cool slightly so it’s warm but not hot. Then, add your essential oils if using. Stir well to make sure the scent is evenly mixed in.

Step 4: Pour and Set

Carefully pour the mixture into your clean containers.

Let them sit uncovered at room temperature for several hours, or overnight, to cool and harden fully.

Once firm, place the lids on and store in a dry, cool area.

Your salve is now ready for daily use or to share with someone who needs a little extra care.

How to Use Your Oregano Salve

This salve is simple to apply and easy to keep on hand for daily skin needs. Here’s how to use it:

• Scoop out a small amount using clean fingers or a spatula.
• Gently rub it into the area you want to treat. This could be dry skin, cracked knuckles, small scrapes, or anywhere that feels irritated or uncomfortable.
• Massage it in until it absorbs, allowing the herbs and oils to soak in naturally.

You can use this salve as often as needed. It’s especially helpful during colder months, after gardening, or for skin that reacts easily to wind or dryness.

For best results, store your salve in a cool, dry place and use clean hands when applying to keep it fresh.

---

Before You Go, See What’s New