Helpful Recipes

Behind the Blend

Traditional preparations, apothecary foundations, and thoughtful herbal knowledge.

This is our educational apothecary journal — a place to share traditional herbal knowledge thoughtfully, responsibly, and with respect for both craft and caution.

While many of our finished products draw inspiration from traditional apothecary methods, this space focuses purely on education and historical craft.

Why This Exists

Knowledge worth preserving.

Behind the Blend shares the kinds of preparations people have made at home for generations, long before modern packaging, marketing claims, and commercial distribution existed.

Some traditional remedies are deeply personal. Some do not store well. Some require fresh plants, individualized use, or professional guidance. Others simply do not belong on a shelf with a price tag.

This space exists to preserve knowledge, explain traditional methods, and honor the thoughtful restraint behind what responsible brands choose not to sell.

Educational Use Only

Please read before using any recipe.

All information shared here is provided for educational and historical purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.

Nothing on this page constitutes medical, veterinary, or professional advice. Always research individual herb safety, review contraindications, and consult a qualified healthcare professional before use — especially if pregnant, nursing, taking medication, managing a condition, or preparing remedies for children.

Preparation and use of any herbal product is done at your own discretion and risk.

Core Apothecary Foundations

These are the traditional base methods that many classic herbal preparations are built from.

Herbal oil infusion
Foundation

Herbal Oil Infusion

Herbal oils form the foundation of many traditional topical preparations. They are created by infusing dried plant material into oil, allowing oil-soluble constituents to slowly transfer over time.

These infused oils are commonly used as bases for salves, balms, and massage preparations.

Traditional method
  • Fill a clean glass jar halfway with dried herbs.
  • Cover completely with a carrier oil such as olive or jojoba.
  • Store in a warm, dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking gently every few days.
  • Strain thoroughly and store in a labeled container away from heat and light.
Salves and balms
Foundation

Salves & Balms

Salves and balms are semi-solid topical preparations traditionally made by combining herbal oil with beeswax.

Historically, they were used to protect skin, retain moisture, and deliver herbal oils in a more stable form.

Traditional ratio
  • 1 part beeswax
  • 4 parts herbal oil
  • Gently melt together using a double boiler.
  • Stir until fully combined, then pour into containers and allow to set.
Tinctures
Foundation

Tinctures

Tinctures are concentrated liquid herbal extracts traditionally made using alcohol or glycerin.

Alcohol tinctures extract a wide range of plant constituents and are shelf-stable, which is why they appear frequently in historical apothecaries.

Traditional preparation
  • Fill a jar halfway with dried herbs.
  • Cover completely with alcohol, typically 40–60%.
  • Seal and store in a dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking regularly.
  • Strain and store in labeled dropper bottles.
Traditional herbal tea preparation
Foundation

Herbal Tea Preparations (Infusions & Decoctions)

Herbal teas are water-based preparations historically used for comfort, ritual, and general wellness traditions.

Leaves and flowers are typically infused, while roots and bark are gently simmered.

Traditional preparation
  • Infusion: 1 tsp dried herbs to 1 cup hot water, steep 10–15 minutes.
  • Decoction: 1 tsp dried root or bark to 1 cup water, simmer 20–30 minutes.
  • Strain before use.
  • Not all herbs are safe for ingestion — always confirm safety first.

Traditional Herbal Recipes & Preparations

Educational examples only — not medical guidance.

Cuts and scrapes salve
Recipe

Cuts & Scrapes Salve

Traditionally prepared to protect minor skin abrasions and support moisture retention.

Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup calendula infused oil
  • 1 tbsp beeswax
  • Optional: a few drops lavender essential oil
Method
  • Melt beeswax into infused oil using a double boiler.
  • Stir until fully combined.
  • Pour into small tins and allow to cool completely.
Kitchen burn comfort salve
Recipe

Kitchen Burn Comfort Salve

Traditionally prepared for soothing topical application after skin has cooled and remains intact.

Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup aloe infused oil or olive oil
  • 1 tbsp beeswax
  • Optional: chamomile infusion
Method
  • Melt beeswax into the oil over low heat.
  • Stir until fully combined.
  • Pour into containers and allow to set.
Cold season comfort tea
Recipe

Cold Season Comfort Tea

Traditionally enjoyed for warmth and hydration during colder months.

Ingredients
  • 1 tsp dried elderflower
  • 1 tsp dried peppermint
  • 1 tsp dried ginger root
  • 1 cup hot water
Method
  • Pour hot water over herbs.
  • Cover and steep 10–15 minutes.
  • Strain before drinking.
  • Honey and lemon are often added for flavor.
Elderberry syrup
Recipe

Elderberry Syrup

Traditionally prepared as a seasonal syrup enjoyed during colder months.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup dried elderberries
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp dried ginger
  • 1/2 cup honey
Method
  • Simmer elderberries, water, cinnamon, and ginger for 30–40 minutes.
  • Strain and cool slightly.
  • Stir in honey.
  • Store refrigerated.
Herbal bath soak
Recipe

Herbal Bath Soak

Herbal bath soaks combine mineral salts with aromatic botanicals.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup Epsom salt
  • 1/2 cup Dead Sea salt
  • 2 tbsp dried lavender
  • 2 tbsp dried chamomile
Method
  • Mix ingredients thoroughly.
  • Store in an airtight jar.
  • Add 1/2–1 cup to warm bath water.
Calendula skin oil
Recipe

Calendula Skin Oil

Calendula oil is a traditional herbal preparation often used in gentle skin applications.

Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup dried calendula flowers
  • 1 cup olive or sweet almond oil
Method
  • Combine herbs and oil in a jar.
  • Allow to infuse for 4–6 weeks.
  • Strain and store in a clean glass bottle.

Inspired by the finished products?

While Behind the Blend is purely educational, many of our candles, soaps, and skincare products are inspired by the same values of intentional ingredients, cozy rituals, and thoughtful craft.

Explore the finished collection designed for real homes, everyday comfort, and simple routines that feel good to come back to.

Explore the Collection See Our Standards

Why we share this — and why we don’t sell it.

Many traditional preparations are difficult to standardize, short-lived, legally complex, or dependent on individual constitution and professional oversight.

Others require fresh ingredients or careful preparation that does not translate responsibly to commercial shelves.

Behind the Blend is educational content only and does not represent products for sale. We believe knowledge should be shared freely, while finished products deserve thoughtful formulation, testing, and responsibility.

This space exists to honor traditional craft, preserve historical knowledge, and explain why thoughtful brands choose not only what they make — but what they do not.