DIY Cold Sore Salve with Homegrown Lemon Balm
A soothing, all-natural remedy made with lemon balm–infused olive oil, castor oil, beeswax, shea butter, and essential oils.
When you live close to the land, it’s natural to turn to what you have on hand for healing and comfort. This homemade cold sore salve is one of those simple but powerful remedies that has earned a permanent place in my herbal cabinet.
Made with lemon balm–infused olive oil, castor oil, beeswax, shea butter, and a touch of tea tree and peppermint essential oils, this balm soothes irritation, supports healing, and helps calm the discomfort that comes with cold sores.
Why Lemon Balm?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is one of the best herbs for cold sore relief. It’s naturally antiviral and anti-inflammatory, helping to speed healing while reducing redness and discomfort. When infused into olive oil, it becomes the perfect base for a healing salve that’s gentle yet effective.
If you grow lemon balm in your garden, this is a beautiful way to use it year-round — turning a humble herb into a powerful homemade remedy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
5 tablespoons lemon balm–infused olive oil
1 tablespoon castor oil (adds smoothness and shine)
2 tablespoon shea butter
2 tablespoon beeswax pastilles (for firmness)
5 drops tea tree essential oil
10-15 drops peppermint essential oil
How to Make Lemon Balm–Infused Oil
If you don’t already have infused oil on hand, here’s how to make it:
Fill a small jar halfway with dried lemon balm leaves.
Cover completely with olive oil, ensuring the herbs are submerged.
Cap the jar and place it in a warm, sunny window for 2-4 weeks, shaking daily.
Strain through cheesecloth and store in a clean jar — ready for your next batch of herbal creations.
Directions for Making the Salve
In a small heat-safe bowl, combine lemon balm oil, castor oil, shea butter, and beeswax.
Place over a double boiler or in a saucepan of gently simmering water.
Heat until completely melted, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes before adding the tea tree and peppermint essential oils.
Stir well and pour into small tins or lip balm tubes.
Let cool completely before capping.
This recipe makes about 9 ounces of salve and will keep for up to 6 months stored in a cool, dry place.
How to Use
At the first sign of tingling or discomfort, apply a small amount of salve directly to the affected area. Reapply several times a day as needed.
This balm also works beautifully as a lip protector in cold or dry weather — keeping lips soft and moisturized while offering a bit of extra herbal protection.
Why This Salve Works
Each ingredient plays an important role:
Lemon balm: antiviral and healing
Castor oil: smooth texture and added moisture
Beeswax: helps seal in hydration and protect skin
Shea butter: softens and supports skin repair
Tea tree oil: natural disinfectant
Peppermint oil: cooling and soothing relief
Natural Healing from the Homestead
There’s a quiet kind of empowerment that comes from making your own remedies — knowing that with a few simple ingredients, you can care for yourself and your family naturally.
This cold sore salve is just one more reminder that true wellness often starts with what’s already growing in our gardens.
If you’d like to see the full process step-by-step, be sure to watch my latest video:
🎥 DIY Cold Sore Salve | Lemon Balm & Essential Oils Recipe