How To Make a Kratom Salve

We already know that kratom has amazing benefits when ingested, but did you know that it can be used externally as well? In fact, one of the more popular uses of kratom in Thai culture is as a kratom salve for some skin conditions including shingles*.

It doesn’t stop there, though. Kratom has been shown to be a potential antimicrobial agent, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pain reliever, all of which make for an interesting case for kratom to be used topically.

Across the internet, you can read stories involving kratom soap, bath bombs, balms, and salves. We can’t go into user experiences as these could be interpreted as health claims, but a quick search on Reddit and similar sites reveals all kinds of positive user experiences.

The following is a guide on how to create your own kratom salve. You may have to pick some items up for this as some are not common household items, but according to those who’ve tried it, it’s worth it. Note that you may spend a bit extra if you prefer to keep everything totally organic.

Kratom Salve Ingredients

• Coconut or olive oil – 1 cup
• Beeswax – 1 oz.
• Mason jar(s)
• Cheesecloth
• Kratom – 2.5 oz.
• Essential oils as desired for fragrance

Steps

Kratom Infusion

The first step is to infuse your kratom into your oil base. We chose coconut oil as the base in the ingredients list, but there are other oils with various benefits. For instance, almond, argan, and wheat germ oils are high in vitamin E which moisturizes and serves as a powerful antioxidant.

If you can afford to spend a bit more on your kratom salve, St. John’s Wort-infused oil would be the best oil to use as it has notable pain relieving properties that could work well with your salve. You want to avoid mineral oil as it can create a barrier on the skin and prevent absorption of kratom’s compounds.

1. Fill up a saucepan with about ¼ cup of water and put it on the stove
2. Pour your oil and kratom into a smaller container that can take the heat of the stove – Pyrex makes very durable ones – and mix until entirely uniform
3. Set this container inside the saucepan with water from step one
4. Bring your water to a boil
5. Reduce heat to a simmer and let everything infuse for an hour

As an alternative for those not in a rush, you can use the power of the sun for your infusion by simply mixing your oils and kratom in a mason jar and leaving it sitting out in the sun for 4-6 weeks. Once your infusion is ready, there are three quick steps to take before creating the salve.

Infusion Prep

1. Cover a funnel or a bowl with cheesecloth. Three layers would be a good starting point for most mixtures. Firmly secure the cheesecloth before going onto the next step. Kratom is not fun to clean up.
2. Strain your infused mixture by pouring it over the cheesecloth
3. Once all has been poured, use your hands to squeeze out the last of the oil inside the cheesecloth

Creating A Kratom Salve

1. Put your beeswax into a pan over low heat
2. Pour over the beeswax your infused oil and let it melt the beeswax
3. (Optional) Add in whatever essential oils you chose, if any
4. Mix thoroughly to encourage your ingredients to disperse as much as possible – you want a consistent experience
5. Pour your mixture into jars or other container(s) as needed for storage

You’re finished! Store your extra kratom salve in a cool place away from direct sunlight to prevent any oxidation that may otherwise occur.

Notes

• Don’t feel limited in your choice of oils
• It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to secure your cheesecloth during the above steps. Kratom can be tough to clean up.
• For a thicker salve, use more beeswax
• Regarding essential oils, here are some examples and what they are associated with*:

Oregano	Antimicrobial and antiviral properties
Peppermint	May help with tension headaches
Tea tree	Antibacterial and antifungal properties
Lavender	Relaxation and improved sleep
Eucalyptus	Relief from coughs and nasal congestion