Andrea’s Path to Plants

A Simple DIY Recipe for Soothing Skin Care

Calendula is a powerhouse when it comes to natural skincare. With its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties, it’s a must-have for homemade herbal remedies. If you’ve got an abundance of calendula growing in your garden (or access to dried calendula), making a DIY calendula salve is an easy and rewarding project.

This guide will walk you through the simple steps to create a nourishing calendula salve using natural ingredients.

Why Use Calendula Salve?

Calendula-infused salve is great for:

✔ Soothing dry, irritated skin

✔ Helping minor cuts, scrapes, and burns heal faster

✔ Reducing redness and inflammation

✔ Nourishing chapped lips or rough hands

Ready to make your own? Let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup dried calendula flowers

• 1 cup carrier oil (extra virgin olive oil, grapeseed oil, or sweet almond oil)

• 1 ounce beeswax pellets or grated beeswax

• 5-10 drops essential oils (optional – lavender, ylang ylang, or orange blossom)

Tools & Equipment

✔ Salad spinner (or paper towels for drying fresh flowers)

✔ Dehydrator (or a mesh drying rack)

✔ Glass mason jars (for storing dried flowers and infused oil)

✔ Fine-mesh strainer & cheesecloth (for straining the infused oil)

✔ Double boiler setup (a metal mixing bowl over a pot of simmering water)

✔ Sterile spatula (for stirring the beeswax)

✔ Sterile glass jars or tins (for storing the finished salve)

Step-by-Step Recipe: DIY Calendula Salve

1. Harvest & Dry the Calendula Flowers

If you’re using fresh calendula flowers:

• Pick the flower heads and rinse them thoroughly.

• Spin dry using a salad spinner or pat them dry with a clean towel.

• Lay them out in a dehydrator on the lowest temperature setting for 1-2 days.

• No dehydrator? Spread them on a mesh drying rack in a cool, dry place with good airflow.

Store dried calendula in a glass jar in a cool, dark place until ready to use.

2. Infuse the Calendula in Oil

1️⃣ Fill a mason jar with dried calendula flowers.

2️⃣ Pour your chosen carrier oil over the flowers until fully submerged.

3️⃣ Store the jar in a warm, dark place for 2-4 weeks, shaking it daily. (Placing it near your coffee or tea stash is a great reminder!)

4️⃣ Once infused, strain the oil using cheesecloth and a fine-mesh strainer, pressing gently to extract all the goodness.

3. Melt the Beeswax & Mix with the Infused Oil

1️⃣ Set up a double boiler by placing a metal bowl over a pot of simmering water. (The bowl should not touch the water!)

2️⃣ Pour the infused calendula oil into the bowl and add the beeswax.

3️⃣ Stir occasionally with a sterile spatula until the beeswax is fully melted.

4. Add Essential Oils & Pour into Jars

✔ Remove from heat and stir in 5-10 drops of essential oil (if using).

✔ Quickly pour the warm mixture into sterilized glass jars or tins before it starts to harden.

✔ For a decorative touch, sprinkle a few dried calendula petals on top.

5. Cool & Store Properly

✔ Let the salve cool completely for a few hours before sealing the jars. (This prevents condensation, which can cause spoilage.)

✔ Label each jar with ingredients and a use-by date (best within 1-2 months for freshness).

🌿 Pro Tip: Keep your tools and containers sterile to extend shelf life!

Customizing Your Calendula Salve

✅ For extra healing properties, add other herbs like chamomile or comfrey.

✅ Use different essential oils to customize the scent and benefits. (Lavender for relaxation, tea tree for antibacterial properties, etc.)

✅ Want a softer salve? Reduce the beeswax slightly for a more spreadable consistency.

Final Thoughts

This easy calendula salve recipe is a fantastic DIY skincare project that also makes a thoughtful homemade gift. Simply tie a ribbon around the jar for a rustic, handcrafted touch.

🌿 Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Have you made calendula salve before? Drop your tips in the comments!