How to Make Calendula Salve: A Simple Farm Recipe

July 15, 2025

I can't stop thinking about calendula. Every year, in the gap between the last of one harvest and the first real flush of the next, I find myself waiting on it. It is such a vibrant flower to look at and such a powerful though calming herb — why not make calendula salve with it. When you harvest calendula the resin is palpable — it sticks to your fingers and stains. Its smell is unmistakable. It comes back again and again and we harvest the same plot every three days or so. If the rows are longer than we can harvest in one day (which is most of the season) we start a rotation, meaning we harvest this plant nearly every day.

Calendula is labour intensive — we pick each and every flower by hand, but it is just an herb I can't get out of my mind. We are teaching my daughter her colours — no surprise her favourite colour is purple. Mine, well blue, no orange. It must be orange, or why am I obsessing here?

In this article we'll try to stay focused. Below is our short recipe for making calendula salve — with the actual measurements we use — and a brief overview of what calendula salve is good for.

Why Calendula?

Calendula (Calendula officinalis), also known as pot marigold, is a gentle powerhouse. It's rich in resins and flavonoids that are traditionally used to support skin repair and calm irritation — for the fuller picture of the plant, see our guide to calendula benefits, uses and where to buy. A simple salve is the classic way to keep it on hand for:

Minor cuts and scrapes
Chapped or dry skin
Bug bites
Diaper rash
General skin irritation or redness

How We Make Calendula Salve

Start by infusing dried calendula flowers into organic olive oil for four to six weeks — the full method, including a quicker warm option, is in our guide to making calendula oil. The quality of olive oil is not of highest importance here, but given how many low-cost olive oils are not actually pure olive oil, be thoughtful about the source. We buy a lot of California Olive Ranch and Cobram Estate (Australian) oil. They can be more expensive, but I worry about adulterated oils on the lower shelves of the grocery store.

Once the oil is rich and golden, we strain it and melt in beeswax to create a firm, spreadable salve. That's it — two ingredients. Here is the recipe with measurements:

The Recipe

Measure. For a classic spreadable salve, use about 28 g (1 oz) of beeswax per 250 ml (1 cup) of strained calendula-infused oil. More beeswax gives a firmer bar-like salve; less gives a softer balm.
Melt gently. Warm the oil and beeswax together in a double boiler over low heat — beeswax melts at around 62–65 °C (144–149 °F). Stir until fully combined; never let it smoke or fry.
Test the set. Dip a cold spoon in and let it cool for a minute. Too soft? Add a little more beeswax. Too firm? A splash more oil.
Optional extras. A few drops of vitamin E oil helps extend shelf life; shea butter or a little lavender essential oil are pleasant additions, but the plain salve stands on its own.
Pour and cure. Pour into clean, dry tins or jars, let them set undisturbed until fully cool, then lid and label with the date.

Stored in a cool, dark place, the salve — if you don't start using it on everything and run out — should last about a year.

How to Use Calendula Salve

Calendula salve is easy to keep on hand and endlessly useful:

Soothe cracked winter skin or garden-worn hands
Support the skin over minor cuts and abrasions
Moisturize rough elbows, knees, and heels
Calm inflamed or reactive skin

We keep a tin by the bedside, one in the herbal cabinet, and another tucked into the market basket. It's one of those simple remedies that reminds us how effective and beautiful plant medicine can be — and if you'd like to raise the flowers yourself, start with how to grow calendula from seed.

A Note on Safety

Calendula is in the daisy (Asteraceae) family — if you're allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, daisies, or chamomile, patch-test the salve on a small area first. It's a comfort for minor, everyday skin complaints; deep, infected, or slow-healing wounds need medical care, not a salve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make calendula salve at home?

Yes! All you need is dried calendula, a carrier oil (like olive), and beeswax. It's a simple and satisfying DIY project.

What ratio of beeswax to oil makes a salve?

About 28 g (1 oz) of beeswax per 250 ml (1 cup) of infused oil gives a classic spreadable salve. Add more beeswax for a firmer set, less for a softer balm.

Can I use fresh calendula flowers?

Use dried flowers. Fresh ones carry water, and moisture trapped in oil invites mould and rancidity. Dry your harvest fully first, then infuse.

Is calendula salve safe for children?

Calendula is commonly featured in baby balms and diaper creams for its gentle reputation. Do a small patch test first, and check with your healthcare provider for anything beyond everyday minor irritation.

How long does calendula salve last?

Stored in a cool, dark place, it can last up to a year. Adding vitamin E can help extend shelf life.

What kind of calendula should I use?

Calendula officinalis is the herbal variety preferred for salves. Look for fully dried flowers with a strong golden colour and a light, honey-like scent.

Want to learn more? Explore the rest of our calendula guides:

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