Organic Violet - Rose Hip - Manuka Honey Salve

This salve can be helpful for inflamed, chafed, wind-burned skin.

Violet or sweet violet, Viola odorata, is a beautiful flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. It has been introduced in the North Americas and has spread widely. It is a perennial I have encouraged on my unspoiled land. Violet is moist, mucilaginous, and demulcent, meaning it feels slippery and wet and retains moisture and nutrients. It is therefore useful for dry skin conditions. The flowers contain essential oil, terpenes, sugar, and melatonin. The leaves contain essential oil, quercetin, salicylic acid, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins. The plant has peptides that have been demonstrated to have bactericidal activity against gram-negative bacteria. The salicylic acid speaks to its use in combating inflammation.

Rose Hips (Rosa canina) are an excellent source of vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids, and fatty acids. The fatty acids in R. canina have been investigated, and three major bioactive fatty acid compounds have been isolated that display anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoids help prevent oxidative stress in skin, lessening the effect of aging.

Manuka honey, is active against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Helicobacter pylori, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), disrupts Biofilms. It has long been used to dress wounds; it also helps balance the natural flora on your skin. 

Olive oil is non-comedogenic and rich in fatty acids, which hydrate and moisturize. It contains antioxidants, such as vitamin E and polyphenols, which help to protect the skin from free radical damage, reducing signs of aging and wrinkles. It is anti-inflammatory and can soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing redness and swelling. Olive oil promotes wound healing by stimulating collagen production and reducing inflammation. It is antibacterial and antifungal.

Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It has photoprotective qualities that are very beneficial for skin that is exposed to the elements. 

Beeswax is an excellent moisturizer and protectant that helps balance the natural flora of the skin.