Calendula Salve Recipe: How To Make
You’re out in the garden, admiring your hard work as you water the plants. You bend down to pick a flower and notice a small cut on your finger. It’s not bleeding anymore, but it looks like it might need some attention. What do you do?
If you’re like most people, you reach for a tube of antibiotic ointment from the medicine cabinet. But what if there was another option – an all-natural option – that could work just as well (or better)? What if there was a way to make your own homemade calendula salve?
What Is Calendula Salve?
Calendula salve is a topical ointment made from calendula flowers (also known as pot marigolds). Calendula has been used for centuries for its healing properties. It’s commonly used to treat cuts, scrapes, and burns – both on adults and children.
Calendula is thought to work by accelerating the healing process and reducing inflammation. It’s also been shown to be effective in treating diaper rash, eczema, and other skin irritations.
To learn more about salves and their benefits check out our post that goes into detail about salves and what it is best used for.
How To Make Calendula Salve
Ingredients needed to make calendula salve:
1/2 cup dried calendula flowers
1/2 cup carrier oil ( grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil)
2 tablespoons beeswax pastilles
1 vitamin E capsule
Supplies needed to make calendula salve:
Double boiler
Cheesecloth or strainer
Clean, dry glass jar with a lid or salve tins
Instructions:
Add the carrier oil and calendula flowers to the top of a double boiler. Heat over low heat until the oil is warm. Do not boil.
Strain the calendula flowers out of the oil with a coffee filter or mesh bag.
Add the beeswax pastilles to the top of the boiler. Heat over low heat until the beeswax is melted.
Stir the beeswax and oil until they are thoroughly mixed.
Carefully pour the melted beeswax and oil mixture into a clean, dry glass jar.
Add the vitamin E capsule and stir well to combine.
Seal the lid on the jar and store it in a cool, dark place.
Cover with a tight-fitting lid and store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
It takes about 10 minutes to prepare the supplies and ingredients to make this calendula salve. The cook time length for this recipe is around 30 minutes and yields approximately 1 cup of calendula salve.
Pro Tips On How To Make Calendula Salve
Spritz your calendula flowers with a tiny bit of alcohol before infusing them. This will help break down the cell walls of the petals and allow the resin in them to extract easily into the oil.
Invest in a few pieces of kitchen equipment to help the process of salve making:
Flour sifter for helping to hold the coffee filter or mesh bag while you strain the calendula flowers out of the oil.
A set of stainless steel funnels for accuracy in pouring your infused oil.
A four-cup pyrex measuring cup for straining your oil into and then pouring your salve into your tins.
Use a spoon to test the consistency of your salve before jarring it by taking a bit out of the double boiler and putting it in the freezer for 10 minutes. If it’s still soft, consider adding more beeswax. If it’s too hard, add more oil.
Add essential oils to your salve once it has mostly cooled. Essential oils are volatile and will dissipate if your salve is too hot when you add them.
How To Use Calendula Salve
Calendula salve can be applied topically to the skin. It is especially beneficial for healing wounds and soothing irritated skin. It can also be used to treat diaper rash, eczema, and soothe dry hands and other skin conditions.
To use, simply apply a small amount of calendula salve to the affected area. Gently massage it into the skin until it is fully absorbed. Repeat as needed.
For best results, use calendula salve within 6 months of making it.
If you store calendula salve for longer than 6 months, it may start to lose its effectiveness. To ensure that you're getting the most out of this natural remedy, be sure to use it within 6 months of making it.
Can I use calendula salves daily?
There is no harm in using calendula salves daily. In fact, it may help improve the condition of your skin. However, using too much can cause the salve to be less effective. Start by using a small amount and gradually increase the amount as needed.
What Is The Shelf Life of Calendula Salve?
When stored properly, calendula salves can last for up to 1 year. However, if you notice the salve starting to change color or texture, it may be going rancid. Rancid oil will smell foul. If the calendula salve starts to smell off, throw it away.
One way to extend the shelf life of calendula salve is to add a few drops of vitamin E oil, as instructed to do so in the recipe above. This will help to preserve the ingredients and keep the salve from spoiling.
What Are Popular Calendula Salve Recipes?
There are many different recipes for calendula salve. Here are four of the most popular ones!
Calendula Healing Salve Recipe
The calendula healing salve recipe is perfect for treating cuts, scrapes, and other wounds.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup calendula flowers
1/2 cup olive oil or sweet almond oil
.25 ounces beeswax
10 drops of lavender essential oil
Instructions:
1. Fill a small saucepan with water and place a glass jar inside.
2. Add the calendula flowers and oil to the jar.
3. Place the saucepan on the stove over low heat and melt the beeswax, stirring occasionally.
4. Once the beeswax has melted, remove the jar from the heat and add the essential oil.
5. Stir well and pour into a clean glass jar. Allow cooling completely before using.
Calendula Rose Herbal Salve Recipe
If you love the idea of making your own herbal remedies at home, this calendula rose salve recipe is a great place to start! Calendula is a gentle yet powerful herb that has been used for centuries to heal wounds and soothe skin irritations. When combined with the nourishing properties of rose oil, it makes for a truly luxurious salve that your skin will thank you for!
To make this calendula rose salve, you will need:
1/2 cup calendula-infused olive oil (or other carrier oil)
.25 ounces beeswax
10 drops of lavender essential oil
10 drops of geranium essential oil
5 drops rose absolute (optional)
Start by infusing your olive oil with calendula flowers. You can do this by placing the flowers in a clean glass jar and covering them with oil. Then, set the jar in a sunny spot and let it infuse for 4-6 weeks. Be sure to give it a shake every few days.
Once your oil is ready, strain out the calendula flowers and discard them. Then, add the beeswax to the infused oil and place the mixture in a double boiler. Heat it over low heat, stirring frequently, until the beeswax has melted completely.
Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the essential oils. Pour it into a clean glass jar and let it cool completely before sealing it with a lid.
To use, simply apply a small amount of salve to clean, dry skin as needed. This calendula rose salve can be stored at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Calendula Baby Bottom Balm Recipe
This calendula baby bottom balm salve recipe is perfect for soothing and healing your baby's skin. Calendula is a natural antiseptic and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for treating diaper rash, eczema, and other skin irritations.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup calendula flowers
1/4 cup olive oil or sweet almond oil
.25 ounces beeswax pastilles (available at most health food stores)
10 drops of lavender essential oil
10 drops of chamomile essential oil
Directions:
1. Place the calendula flowers in a small bowl. Pour the olive oil or sweet almond oil over the top and stir to combine. Cover the bowl with a plate or lid and set aside for 24 hours.
2. After 24 hours, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl.
3. In a double boiler, melt the beeswax pastilles. Once melted, add the calendula-infused oil and stir to combine.
4. Remove from heat and add the lavender and chamomile essential oils. Stir to combine.
5. Pour the mixture into a small jar or tin and allow it to cool completely before using. Apply to the baby's skin as needed.
There you have it! A simple recipe for calendula baby bottom balm that you can make at home. This salve is safe for use on babies and children of all ages and can be applied as often as needed to soothe and heal the skin.
Lavender Calendula Coconut Salve Recipe
This calendula salve recipe is perfect for those with sensitive skin. It's light and non-greasy and loaded with anti-inflammatory properties to soothe dry, irritated skin.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup coconut oil
.125 ounces beeswax pastilles
1 tablespoon calendula flowers
10 drops of lavender essential oil
Instructions:
1. Add the coconut oil and beeswax to a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until melted. Remove from heat.
2. Add the calendula flowers and lavender essential oil, and stir well. Pour into a small jar or container and allow to cool completely before using.
To use:
Apply a small amount to dry, irritated skin as needed
Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months
Calendula CBD Salve Recipe
This calendula CBD salve is perfect for dry, chapped skin or any skin irritations. The calendula and CBD oil are both known for their healing properties, while the lavender and chamomile oils help to soothe and calm the skin. This salve can be used on the face or body and is safe for all skin types.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup calendula oil
1/4 cup CBD oil
.75 ounces cup beeswax
20 drops of lavender oil
10 drops of chamomile oil
Instructions:
1. Combine the calendula oil, CBD oil, and beeswax in a glass jar or double boiler.
2. Heat over low heat until the wax is melted.
3. Remove from heat and add the lavender and chamomile oils. Stir well.
4. Pour the mixture into a tin or jar and let cool completely before using.
To use:
Apply to the skin as needed. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
In addition to the salve recipes mentioned earlier, check out this all-natural pain relief salve recipe that we love to help aid sore aches and muscles.
Conclusion
Making your own calendula salve is a great way to soothe and heal irritated skin. It's easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. You can use this salve on both adults and children, making it a great natural alternative to traditional medicines. Plus, it's perfect for those with sensitive skin!
If you're looking for a natural way to soothe and heal irritated skin, look no further than Khela Herb's calendula salve. Made with only the finest ingredients, this salve is perfect for adults and children of all ages. It's non-greasy and light, making it perfect for use on the face or body. Plus, it's loaded with anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe dry, irritated skin.
Calendula Salve Recipe Related Questions
Where can I buy calendula for the calendula salve recipe?
You can buy calendula flowers online at Khela Herbs shop or at your local health food store.
What do you use calendula salves for?
Calendula salves can be used for a variety of skin ailments such as eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, and chapped lips. It's also great for soothing diaper rash and minor cuts and scrapes.
How long does homemade calendula salve last?
Homemade calendula salve will last for up to 1 year when stored in a cool, dark place.
What can I use instead of beeswax in the calendula salve recipe?
If you're looking for a vegan option, you can use carnauba wax or candelilla wax in place of beeswax.