Calendula Salve: A Gentle Herbal Recipe for Skin Support
I can’t stop thinking about calendula. Our 2024 harvest is sold out and the first flowers of 2025 just started to bloom but not quite enough for a real harvest yet but I can’t stop thinking about 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. It’s 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 will start a rotation, meaning we harvest this plant nearly every day.
Calendula is labor 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 colors - no surprise her favorite color 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. We want to give you a short recipe for making calendula salve and give you a brief overview on what a good application for calendula salve.
Why Calendula?
Calendula (Calendula officinalis), also known as pot marigold, is a gentle powerhouse. It’s rich in resins and flavonoids that support skin repair and calm inflammation. You can use calendula for:
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Minor cuts and scrapes
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Chapped or dry skin
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Diaper rash
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General skin irritation or redness (generally safe if not encouraged for kids)
How We Make Calendula Salve
Start by infusing dried calendula flowers into organic olive oil for several weeks. The quality of olive oil is not of highest importance here but given how many low-cost olive oils are not actually olive oil at all be thoughtful about the source. We buy a lot of California and Australia olive oil. It can be more expensive but I worry about the adulterated olive oils on the lower shelves in the grocery store coming out of Italy, Tunisia and the like.
Once the oil is rich and golden (six or so weeks), we strain it and melt in a bit of beeswax to create a firm, spreadable salve. That’s it. The salve, if you don’t start using it on everything and run out should last about a year. Adding vitamin E can extend its useful life but again you can be using this on everything!
This base can be customized with other skin-loving ingredients like shea butter, lavender essential oil, or a dash of vitamin E—but even on its own, calendula salve is a deeply nourishing treat.
How to Use Calendula Salve
Calendula salve is easy to keep on hand and endlessly useful. More ideas for uses below:
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Soothe cracked winter skin or garden-worn hands
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Support healing of minor cuts and abrasions
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Moisturize rough elbows, knees, and heels
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Calm inflamed or reactive skin
We keep a tin by the bedside, one in the herbal cabinet, and another tucked into the market basket.
Closing Thoughts
Calendula salve is one of those simple remedies that reminds us how effective and beautiful plant medicine can be. Whether you're just beginning your herbal journey or have shelves full of jars, this is a preparation worth making—and using often.
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.
Is calendula safe for children?
Generally yes, though always do a small patch test. Calendula is often used in baby balms and diaper creams for its gentle, soothing qualities.
How long does calendula salve last?
If 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 color and a light, honey-like scent.
Relted Posts:
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