Calendula Salve Recipe

Calendula is a vibrant and versatile herb known for its soothing and healing properties. Making your own calendula salve is a simple and rewarding way to benefit from the wonderful vulnerary properties Calendula has to offer. I’ve been making this salve for about 3 years now and use it for daily moisturizing,  massage, and to soothe sunburns, skin rashes, and dryness. You can play with the consistency and add more beeswax if you prefer a firmer texture (great for those in hot climates) or if you wanted to turn this into more of a balm. I have found it’s very important to work with well-dried calendula flowers after several encounters with molding oils. Check oils regularly for odor or film and discard if you find any moisture build-up or stink.

Recipe for this skin-healing Calendula salve:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried calendula flowers
• 1 cup carrier oil (such as olive oil, grapeseed oil, or sweet almond oil)
• 1 tablespoon shea butter – Fair trade
• 1/4 cup beeswax pellets
• 10 drops lavender essential oil (optional, for fragrance)

Instructions:

1. Infusing the oil:
   • Place the dried calendula flowers in a clean, dry glass jar.
   • Pour the carrier oil over the flowers, ensuring they are fully submerged.
   • Add wax paper between the jar and lid to ensure no rusting occurs.
   • Seal the jar tightly and place it in a warm spot away from direct sunlight.
   • Allow the mixture to infuse for about 4 to 6 weeks, shaking the jar gently every few days.
   • If you want to speed this up use a low-heat infusion method such as the crock pot method or using a yogurt maker, shown recently in one of my videos.
2. Straining the oil:
   • After the infusion period, strain the oil using a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into a small clean glass or metal container.
   • Squeeze the flowers to extract as much infused oil as possible.
3. Creating the salve:
   • Fill a saucepan with water and place it on the stove over low heat.
   • Place a heat-resistant bowl or double boiler on top of the saucepan, ensuring that it fits snugly.
   • Add the infused oil and beeswax pellets to the interior container and allow the bottom of the double boiler to come to a low boil, stirring gently until the beeswax melts completely.
   • Allow it to go a bit longer than you think – I typically find I think it’s all melted but when they dry you still get bits of wax clumping.
4. Testing the consistency:
   • To test the consistency of the salve, place a spoonful on a plate and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
   • If the salve is too soft, add more beeswax pellets. If it’s too firm, add more infused oil.
   • Adjust the consistency by gradually adding small amounts of beeswax or oil until you achieve the desired texture.
5. Pouring and storing:
   • Once you’re satisfied with the consistency, carefully pour the mixture into clean, sterilized glass jars or tins.
   • Add optional essential oils before the salve cools
   • Allow the salve to cool completely before sealing the containers.

Usage:

• Apply the calendula salve to minor cuts, scrapes, dry skin, insect bites, or other skin irritations as needed.
• Store the salve in a cool, dark place to maintain its quality. It should last for several months.

Note: This salve is for external use only. Discontinue use if any skin irritation occurs.

Homemade calendula salve is a wonderful addition to your herbal medicine cabinet. By following this recipe, you can create a soothing and versatile salve that promotes skin healing and nourishment. Remember to label your creations properly and share this recipe with your friends and family, allowing them to experience the benefits of this herbal remedy as well. Enjoy the process of making your own herbal products, and happy healing!

Cassidy Moss

Clinical Herbalist