You will need the following equipment:
- stainless steel stock pot minimum of 10 litres, 2 off
- stainless steel stirring spoon
- stainless steel steel fine sieve
- stainless steel ladle
- digital scales
- cutting board
- brown glass or good plastic jars with lids
You will also need the following materials:
- virgin olive oil
- beeswax, organic if possible
Now, its time to start
- collect your plant material, essential oils etc
- strip all leaves from stems
- place leaves/essential oils in one of the stainless steel stock pots
- cover with olive oil, pressing down and stirring with the spoon
- gently warm on the stove or fire, do not boil
- let cool and sit for 24 hours
- zero the scales with the second pot
- strain the oil into the second pot on the scales and let drain for 12-24 hours or until no more oil running off
- note the weight
- place the oil back on gentle heat source, making it just hot enough to melt the bees wax
- shave bees wax to ratio of 1:5 for stiff balm, 1:8 for soft, quick melting balm
- allow the oil to cool, and ladle into the containers