Calendula salve—nature’s golden healer—soothes irritated skin, speeds wound healing, and calms eczema with just a few simple ingredients. This DIY recipe blends calendula-infused oils, shea butter, and beeswax into a luxe, all-natural balm. Learn how to make it below!
Why This Calendula Salve Recipe Works
This soothing calendula salve blends anti-inflammatory calendula with nourishing shea butter and coconut oil to heal dry skin, cuts, and eczema. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this all-natural balm at home. Follow our easy steps to infuse, mix, and pour your own skin-saving salve!
Recommended reading: How to Make Calendula Oil: A Simple Guide for Skin, Hair & Healing (And Why You’ll Want to Grow Your Own!)
Ingredients for Your Calendula Salve Recipe
- 1 cup dried calendula flowers (grow calendula at home for fresher petals!)
- 1 cup carrier oil (choose olive oil, sweet almond oil, or coconut oil)
- 1 oz beeswax pastilles
- 1 tbsp shea butter (adds richness and moisture retention)
- 10–15 drops lavender essential oil (or other essential oils like chamomile)
- A small amount of vitamin E oil (optional for preservation)
Tools Needed: Glass jars for storage, a measuring cup, and a makeshift double boiler.
Step-by-Step Calendula Salve Recipe
1. Infusing the Oil: Patience Pays Off
The key to a potent salve is a well-infused oil. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine dried calendula flowers with your chosen carrier oil in a clean glass jar.
- For a cold infusion, let the mixture steep for 4–6 weeks in a cool, dark place. Shake daily to redistribute the petals.
- Short on time? Use a makeshift double boiler: Simmer the jar in a bowl of water for 2–3 hours over low heat. Strain thoroughly using a fine mesh strainer, pressing the flowers with a spoon to extract every drop of oil.
2. Crafting the Salve Base
- In your double boiler, melt 1 oz beeswax with 1 cup calendula-infused oil and 1 tbsp shea butter.
- Pro Tip: Test the consistency by dripping a small amount onto a cold plate. If it’s too soft, add more beeswax; if too firm, add more oil.
- Stir in a small amount of vitamin E oil (½ tsp) for preservation.
3. Adding Essential Oils
- Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly (2–3 minutes) to preserve the potency of lavender essential oil. Stir in 10–15 drops.
4. Storing Your Salve
- Pour the liquid into sterilized glass jars or metal tins and let it solidify overnight. Label each jar with the date and ingredients for future reference.
Benefits of This DIY Calendula Salve
- Anti-Inflammatory Relief: Calendula’s natural compounds reduce redness, while sweet almond oil softens rough patches.
- Deep Moisturizing: Shea butter and coconut oil lock in hydration.
- Chemical-Free: Avoid additives with this homemade calendula salve.
5 Ways to Use Your Calendula Salve
This versatile salve tackles countless skin concerns:
- Dry Skin Savior: Massage into cracked heels or elbows before bed.
- Post-Sun Soother: Apply to sunburned skin for instant cooling relief.
- Diaper Rash Rescue: A natural alternative to zinc-based creams (patch-test first).
- Cuticle Treatment: Soften ragged cuticles with a pea-sized amount.
- Pet-Safe Balm: Use without essential oils on minor scratches or hot spots.
Why This Recipe Outshines Store-Bought Salves
- No Fillers: Commercial balms often contain petroleum or parabens. This calendula salve recipe uses only plant-based ingredients.
- Customizable: Swap lavender essential oil for chamomile for sensitive skin, or add powders of calendula for extra potency.
- Cost-Effective: One batch costs roughly 5–5–7 to make but retails for 15–15–20.
FAQ: Troubleshooting Your Calendula Salve
Q: Can I use fresh calendula flowers instead of dried?
A: Dry calendula is best—fresh petals contain moisture that can spoil the oil.
Q: How long does the salve last?
A: Stored in glass jars away from heat and light, it stays fresh for 6–12 months.
Q: My salve feels gritty. What went wrong?
A: This happens if beeswax isn’t fully melted. Reheat the mixture gently and stir thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
This calendula salve recipe is more than a DIY project—it’s a gateway to chemical-free skincare. With simple tools like a measuring cup and ingredients from Mountain Rose Herbs, you’ll create a healing balm that’s gentle enough for kids and effective enough for gardeners’ hands. Share your results in the comments or tag us on social media to show off your homemade salve!