A Guide to Our Herbal Salves
For generations, salves have held a special place in family medicine chests — humble yet powerful remedies made from herbs gathered in gardens, meadows, and prairies. At Meadowlark Made, our handcrafted salves carry that same lineage, made in small batches on our family farm in Iowa. They're crafted slowly and intentionally to support skin’s natural healing.
What Is a Salve?
A salve is a semi-solid ointment made with oils and herbs, designed to protect, soothe, and restore the skin. Unlike lotions, salves contain no water. Instead, they're shelf-stable and highly concentrated, made from nourishing oils and protective waxes that carry healing plant infusions.
All of our salves begin with pasture-raised pork tallow and beeswax, infused with organic almond oil and thoughtfully chosen herbs and botanicals. This trio creates a powerful base that nurtures skin at a deeper level.
Why We Start With Tallow, Beeswax & Almond Oil:
Pork Tallow (from our ethically raised hogs) is an old-world skincare treasure:
Extremely high in Vitamin D—twice as much as salmon or cod liver oil.
Packed with Vitamins A, E, K, Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids, and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), which is known for anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Deeply nourishing, pork tallow closely mirrors our skin’s natural oils for easy absorption.
Beeswax is our protector:
Forms a breathable barrier against harsh weather and irritants.
A natural humectant — locks in moisture to keep skin soft and supple.
Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant-rich.
Gentle and non-irritating — great for sensitive skin.
Almond Oil adds even more skin-loving benefits:
Vitamin A (retinol) promotes cell turnover and smooths fine lines.
Vitamin E protects from UV damage and oxidative stress.
Omega-3s help guard against premature aging.
Zinc supports scar healing and skin repair.
Tattoo Balm, Eucalyptus Salve, Ditch-the-Itch herbal salve sticks, new labels coming winter 2025
Why Use a Salve?
Our salves are multi-purpose, long-lasting, and easy to use. Reach for one when you need to:
✔️ Soothe irritation from cuts, scrapes, or insect bites
✔️ Calm sore muscles or inflamed joints
✔️ Deeply moisturize cracked hands, heels, or lips
✔️ Protect against wind, sun, and seasonal changes
✔️ Support skin healing with natural herbal power
A Shortcut Guide to Our Salves
Core Collection, available year-round:
Homestead Salve
Yarrow, calendula, plantain — a true all-purpose healer for cuts, scrapes, burns, and everyday bumps.
Bare Balm
Gentle herbs with no added essential oils — safe for sensitive skin, babies, and anyone who prefers simple, fragrance-free care.
Tattoo Balm
Calendula, comfrey, and yarrow — helps new tattoos heal cleanly while keeping colors vibrant.
Prairie Blend
Arnica, prairie pepperweed, comfrey, cayenne — a warming, circulation-boosting salve for sore muscles, stiff joints, tension, and bruises.
Seasonal Offerings, available by season or while supplies last:
Harvest Hands (NEW Fall 2026 Seasonal)
Calendula, burdock root, comfrey root — an intensive salve for cracked hands, and weather-worn, dry skin for support through changing seasons.
Eucalyptus Salve (Winter Seasonal)
Eucalyptus, camphor, menthol crystals — opens the chest, supports clear breathing, and works as a natural ‘vapor rub’, recommended for adults and kids ages 10 and up.
Guardian Balm (NEW Winter 2025 Seasonal)
Mullein, fleabane, echinacea, and thyme — gentle congestion relief and seasonal wellness support, no essential oils added, safe for all ages.
Selah Salve (NEW Winter 2025 Seasonal)
Lemon balm, rose, St. John’s wort, holy basil — faith-based salve, herbs thoughtfully chosen for emotional support and grounding through dark, winter months.
Ditch the Itch (Spring + Summer Seasonal)
Chickweed, plantain, calendula — fast relief for bug bites, poison ivy, and itchy, irritated skin.
New seasonal salves coming for Spring & Summer 2026.
How to Use a Salve
With a salve jar, scoop a small amount, warm it between your fingers, and apply directly where needed. With our convenient and portable salve sticks, simply apply the product where it’s needed. Think of it as a modern-day apothecary in your pocket, ready whenever life leaves its little marks.
Closing
From prairie folk remedies to your family’s hands, salves carry on a tradition of simple, effective care. Whether it’s a child’s scraped knee, winter-chapped skin, or a sore shoulder, a jar or stick of salve offers comfort in the everyday.
Explore Meadowlark Made salves — crafted with faith, heritage, and the healing plants of the prairie.
Eucalyptus, Prairie Blend, & Homestead Salve jars