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, more beeswax creates a harder salve and less likely to melt in warmer weather)

Basic Salve Recipe:

1 cup calendula-infused oil

1 oz. Beeswax

Optional: 20+ drops essential oil

 Equipment:

Medium Pot

Cheesecloth

Bell Jars

Containers & Labels

(oil-resistant is preferable)  

I.              Grow your own Calendula.

II.            Harvest in the Summer.

III.          Air dry petals to reduce water content and the chance of mold forming in the oil (timing is weather dependent on humidity levels, etc.) approx. several weeks or months.

IV.          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, coconut oil, sweet almond oil (we used olive oil)

V.             Heat the infused oil in a double boiler. Strain the oil through cheesecloth.

VI.          Heat and stir in the beeswax until the two are melted and combined.

VII.        Pour the liquid into tins. (add essential oil(s) at this stage).

VIII.      Let the salve set up.

IX.          Label with date and description of ingredients.