How to Make Calendula Salve

Calendula is commonly referred to as Pot Marigold or just "Marigold". It is an annual flower that grows in sunny locations and in most types of soil.

What is Calendula used for?

The leaves and petals of Calendula are edible and the petals are sometimes used as garnish in lieu of saffron. The leaves are usually bitter and are most often used in salads. Calendula is often used for the treatment of skin disorders, pain and itching. It has properties that make it effective as a bactericide, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. The petals and pollen of Calendula contain triterpenoid esters which are naturally occurring anti-inflammatory organic compounds and carotenoids flavoxanthin which is an antioxidant and the source of the yellow-orange color. The plant extracts are used in cosmetics, ointments (such as diaper ointment) and salves due to the presence of naturally occurring compounds such as resins and essential oils.

I have grown Marigolds for years. They are beautiful, hardy plants that take little care and maintenance. Only recently did I discover how well Calendula works as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory when I started getting allergy immunotherapy injections. These weekly shots in both arms would swell, itch and burn. I was told to take Benedryl, which puts me to sleep. I tried several creams and lotions containing calamine and finally bought some Burt's Bees diaper ointment because it contains Calendula. It worked, but it's a white paste that smells funny, transfers easily to your clothes and looks unsightly. That is when I began my search to make a salve of pure calendula. After several attempts I have come up with an easy recipe which I have written below.

CALENDULA SALVE

1/2 cup dry marigold flowers

1 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/3 cup grated beeswax

Glass jar with a lid

Screen colander or cheesecloth

Small saucepan

Small tins (such as empty Altoids tins) or small glass or plastic jars

Optional: essential oil, such as lavender

Put dry flowers in a jar, add olive oil and set sit in a sunny window for 14 - 20 days. The oil will turn to a deep, golden yellow-orange color. Strain through a screen colander or cheesecloth removing all plant material. Squeeze the flowers, making sure you get as much oil as you can. In a small saucepan combine oil with beeswax and cook on very low heat until the beeswax melts, stirring occasionally. At this point you can add a few drops of essential oil, if you'd like a scent other than Marigold. Pour into tins or jars while still hot. As the salve cools it will harden. The reason I suggest small containers is because the unused salve will last over a year as long as it's kept cool.

You can use calendula salve on any part of the body, excluding eyes. It's great relief for anything that itches or burns, such as sunburn, rashes, bee stings and dry skin. It's soothing properties work for vaginal dryness and chapped lips among other things. Once you try Calendula Salve you won't be using any other store bought product.