How to Make Herbal Healing Salve with Calendula
Direct Answer: Make herbal healing salve by combining 4 oz of calendula-infused oil with 1 oz of beeswax in a double boiler. Melt together, add optional essential oils, and pour into containers to set. This simple salve soothes dry skin, minor cuts, rashes, and irritation using only natural ingredients you can make at home.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Calendula-infused oil | 4 oz (½ cup) | Healing, soothing base |
| Beeswax | 1 oz (2 tablespoons) | Solidifies the salve |
| Essential oils | 10–20 drops (optional) | Added benefits and scent |
Yield: Approximately 4 oz of finished salve
Prep time: 15–20 minutes (plus oil infusion time)
Difficulty: Easy
"The key to successful herbal preparations is using high-quality ingredients and following proper techniques that preserve beneficial compounds."— Rosemary Gladstar, Herbalist and Author of Medicinal Herbs
"Understanding the therapeutic properties of herbs allows us to create effective natural remedies that have been trusted for generations."— Dr. Andrew Weil, Integrative Medicine Pioneer, University of Arizona
What Is Herbal Salve?
A salve is a semi-solid mixture of oil and wax used topically to protect, heal, and moisturize skin. Unlike lotions (which contain water), salves are waterproof and create a protective barrier that helps skin heal while locking in moisture.
Benefits of Calendula Salve
- Soothes dry, cracked skin
- Promotes healing of minor cuts and scrapes
- Calms rashes and irritation
- Relieves diaper rash (baby-safe when made without essential oils)
- Helps with eczema and dermatitis
- Moisturizes rough elbows, knees, and heels
- Protects chapped lips (use as lip balm)
"This DIY calendula salve recipe uses just four ingredients—flowers, olive oil, coconut oil & beeswax—& is so easy to make at home."
— Koren Helbig
Why Calendula?
Calendula officinalis (pot marigold) has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Research supports its:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Reduces redness and swelling
- Antimicrobial action: Helps prevent infection
- Wound-healing ability: Promotes tissue regeneration
- Gentle nature: Safe for sensitive skin and babies
Other herbs to consider for healing salves:
- Plantain: Drawing salve for splinters and stings
- Comfrey: Bone and tissue repair (external use only)
- Lavender: Calming, antimicrobial
- Chamomile: Soothing for sensitive skin
- Yarrow: Stops bleeding, promotes healing
Step 1: Make Calendula-Infused Oil
Before making salve, you need herb-infused oil. There are two methods:
Method 1: Slow Infusion (Recommended)
Best quality but takes 4–6 weeks:
- Fill a clean jar ½ to ⅔ full with dried calendula flowers
- Cover completely with carrier oil (olive oil or sweet almond oil)
- Leave 1 inch of headspace
- Seal and place in a sunny windowsill
- Shake daily for 4–6 weeks
- Strain through cheesecloth, squeezing to extract all oil
- Store in dark glass bottle
Testing Consistency
Before pouring into containers, test the consistency:
- Dip a spoon into the mixture
- Place in freezer for 2 minutes
- Test the cooled sample
- Too soft? Add more beeswax
- Too hard? Add more oil
Salve Variations
Wound Healing Salve
- 2 oz calendula oil
- 2 oz plantain-infused oil
- 1 oz beeswax
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops tea tree essential oil
Muscle Rub Salve
- 4 oz arnica-infused oil (or calendula oil)
- 1 oz beeswax
- 15 drops peppermint essential oil
- 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 10 drops rosemary essential oil
Chest Rub Salve
- 4 oz olive oil (plain or infused)
- 1 oz beeswax
- 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil
- 5 drops rosemary essential oil
Vegan Salve
Replace beeswax with:
- Candelilla wax (use half the amount of beeswax)
- Carnauba wax (also use half the amount)
Optional Additions
Butters (for creamier texture)
- Shea butter
- Cocoa butter
- Mango butter
Replace ½ oz of beeswax with ½ oz butter for softer, more spreadable salve. For more tips, see our guide on growing herbs indoors. For more tips, see our guide on composting at home. If using fresh, wilt them for 24 hours first to reduce moisture, and use the oil within a few weeks.
Is calendula salve safe for babies?
Yes! Calendula is very gentle. For babies under 6 months, skip the essential oils. It's excellent for diaper rash and dry patches.
Can I use this on my face?
Yes, but test a small area first. For acne-prone skin, use jojoba oil as your carrier since it's non-comedogenic.
What's the difference between a salve and a balm?
They're often used interchangeably. Technically, salves are softer (more oil), while balms are firmer (more wax). Both are oil-and-wax based with no water.
Where can I get dried calendula?
Health food stores, online herb retailers (Mountain Rose Herbs, Starwest Botanicals), or grow your own! Calendula is easy to grow and dries well.
Key Terms
- Calendula: Healing flower (pot marigold) with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- Infused Oil: Carrier oil that has absorbed the properties of herbs through steeping.
- Carrier Oil: Base oil (olive, almond, jojoba) used to dilute essential oils and deliver herbs to skin.
- Beeswax: Natural wax that solidifies salves and creates a protective skin barrier.
- Double Boiler: Cooking method using gentle, indirect heat to prevent overheating delicate ingredients.
Advanced Techniques and Expert Methods
Mastering Precision
Achieving consistent results requires attention to measurement precision. Professional practitioners recommend using kitchen scales for dried herb mixtures and herb containers for liquids. Temperature control is equally important—many natural processes are temperature-sensitive, so investing in a good thermometer pays dividends. Document your process with photos or notes to refine your technique over time.
Seasonal Considerations
Natural materials vary throughout the year, affecting your results significantly. Summer months typically offer fresher, more potent ingredients, while winter may require adjustments to timing and quantities. Understanding these seasonal rhythms helps you plan projects effectively and achieve optimal outcomes year-round. Many experienced practitioners keep seasonal journals to track what works best in different months.
Scaling for larger harvests
Once you've perfected small harvests, scaling up becomes appealing. However, doubling recipes isn't always straightforward—processing times, container sizes, and heat distribution all change with volume. Start by increasing quantities by 50% before attempting full doubles. Large batch preparation often benefits from specialized equipment and additional hands to help with timing-critical steps.
Advanced Techniques and Expert Methods
Mastering Precision
Achieving consistent results requires attention to measurement precision. Professional practitioners recommend using kitchen scales for dried herb mixtures and herb containers for liquids. Temperature control is equally important—many natural processes are temperature-sensitive, so investing in a good thermometer pays dividends. Document your process with photos or notes to refine your technique over time.
Seasonal Considerations
Natural materials vary throughout the year, affecting your results significantly. Summer months typically offer fresher, more potent ingredients, while winter may require adjustments to timing and quantities. Understanding these seasonal rhythms helps you plan projects effectively and achieve optimal outcomes year-round. Many experienced practitioners keep seasonal journals to track what works best in different months.
Scaling for larger harvests
Once you've perfected small harvests, scaling up becomes appealing. However, doubling recipes isn't always straightforward—processing times, container sizes, and heat distribution all change with volume. Start by increasing quantities by 50% before attempting full doubles. Large batch preparation often benefits from specialized equipment and additional hands to help with timing-critical steps.
Sustainability and Environmental Benefits
Reducing Packaging Waste
Creating your own products dramatically reduces packaging waste from commercial alternatives. A single batch can replace dozens of store-bought containers, keeping plastic and cardboard out of landfills. Consider using refillable glass containers or repurposing existing jars to further minimize your environmental footprint. Many households report reducing their waste by 30-50% through DIY practices.
Controlling What Goes In
Commercial products often contain preservatives, stabilizers, and synthetic additives you might prefer to avoid. Making your own gives you complete control over every ingredient. You can choose organic, locally-sourced, or fair-trade components. Many people find their homemade versions work better because they're tailored to their specific needs rather than formulated for mass appeal.
Long-Term Cost Savings
While initial investments in equipment and supplies can seem significant, homemade alternatives typically cost 40-70% less than premium commercial equivalents. Buying ingredients in bulk further reduces per-unit costs. Within a few months of regular practice, most people recoup their startup costs and begin seeing substantial savings. These savings compound over years of continued practice.
Teaching Future Generations
Perhaps the greatest benefit is the knowledge and skills you develop and can share. These techniques have been passed down through generations, connecting us to traditional wisdom while adapting to modern needs. Involving children in age-appropriate projects creates lasting memories and equips them with valuable self-sufficiency skills for their futures.
Sources & Further Reading
- ≪A Href= — Authoritative resource on this topicHomestead and Chill – How to Make Homemade Calendula Salve
- ≪A Href= — Authoritative resource on this topicMelissa K. Norris – Herbal Wound Healing Salve Recipe
- ThearbThe Arboretum – How to Make a Calming Calendula Salve
- ≪A Href= — Authoritative resource on this topicKoren Helbig – How to Make Calendula Salve
- National Institutes of Health: Research Database
- Oregon State Extension: Expert Guides
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