Granny Posted January 25, 2014 Share Posted January 25, 2014 Anyone have knowledge, experience or ideas how to make a salve from bear fat? When I told person shipping it to me (bear fat oil) they said would render this weekend but put in sterile jar and seal instead of plastic. Said that's what the natives ask him for when making salve. I'm thinking to add herbs etc. Years ago someone gave me small container bear fat blended with olive oil for use on burns. HELP I'm excited to try making own medicinal salve but don't know where to start, Quote Link to comment
Suncat Posted January 25, 2014 Share Posted January 25, 2014 hmmm I'm not sure.. but when I make garlic oil for ear aches, I heat the oil with the garlic in it.. then strain and cool (I use it warm but cool down so it won't burn) Quote Link to comment
Mt_Rider Posted January 26, 2014 Share Posted January 26, 2014 Dunno....but I'll be watching to find out. Bear fat, huh? MtRider Quote Link to comment
Annarchy Posted January 26, 2014 Share Posted January 26, 2014 Here's a couple things I found searching: http://catehillorchard.com/products/bear-fat-salve http://livingfolkways.blogspot.com/2013/07/making-plant-infused-animal-fats-for.html Quote Link to comment
kappydell Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 Use it like lard. Melt in at low temp (crock pot is wonderful for making salve), add as much of the herb(s) as the fat will take and let cook on low for 4-5 hours. Turn off heat, strain fat, let it cool. Repeat with fresh herbs daily for about a week for a good strong salve. Two weeks if you like, the strength is up to you. After you strain out the last of the plant stuff (milk strainer works well) you may add powdered benzoin to the warm mixture (about 1 oz powder to each 5 lb lard) to keep the lard from going rancid in 6 months. If you will use it right away, you don't need to add it. You can also substitute Vitamin E (few drops/oz larddon't overdo it) or the herb, Balm of Gilead (5 buds/gal of lard). If you want a stiffer ointment, add in some bees wax (maybe 8 oz wax per 5 lb lard)Drop it into the hot fat and stir to melt it in. Let things cool to check the consistency - you might want to add more. When it is like you want, re-melt and package. I usually don't use either benzoin or wax; I make small batches of salve and use it right away, refrigerating it. But the additions might make it not only last longer, but appeal to others who might use it, because the texture would be more like 'normal' (store bought) salve. Quote Link to comment
Granny Posted February 4, 2014 Author Share Posted February 4, 2014 Thanks for the links and info! Bottle has arrived... now off to find benzoin powder. Oil alone supposed to help arthritis, according to BIL who said he'd like a bit to try on his knuckles. Quite interesting reading up on all the possible uses. Weather predicting? ( : http://mountainmonthly.com/beargrease.html Quote Link to comment
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