DIY Calendula Salve

Calendula Salve

Calendula petals contain anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties, and is used to soothe a long list of skin ailments. Plus, it’s safe to use on babies (yes, even the finished salve with beeswax).

Two basic steps to making salves:

1) infusing the oil with an herb/flower,

2) adding a thickening + healing agent to the oil. 

Rule of thumb: 1oz. beeswax : 1 cup oil

Experiment with proportions based on your preference. The more beeswax creates a harder salve and less likely to melt in warmer weather.

I.             

Grow your own Calendula.

II.          

Harvest in the Summer.

III.        

Dry and Infuse: Dry petals for a day or two to reduce water content and the chance of mold forming in the oil. To infuse, fill a jar with your preferred oil, submerging the petals fully.

Record the date and let infuse for 4-6 weeks or as long as 3 months.

Optional oils: extra virgin olive oil, apricot kernel oil

IV.         

Basic Salve Recipe:

1 cup calendula-infused oil

1 oz. Beeswax

Optional: 20+ drops essential oil

Cheesecloth (for straining plant material)

Jars (for holding infused oil)

Containers + Labels (oil-resistant is preferable)

V.           

Gently warm the oil. Strain the oil through the cheesecloth.

Warm the oil in a double boiler.

Measure our the beeswax.

Add the beeswax to the oil. When the beeswax fully melts it is ready to be distributed into the containers.

VI.         

Label with date and description of ingredients.