Calendula: Salve & Benefits
- Apr 24, 2025
- 2 min read
I'm so excited about my newest obsession, that the salve has barely cooled and I'm already writing.
Recently, news of my health inspired an 'all natural' kick. Dieting, exercising more, supplements, etc! For the last year, I've worked frequent six-day weeks and have never had free time. Suddenly 'gifted' with empty days, I've had more time to explore my interests. Such as: Calendula
What Is Calendula?
Originally native to the Mediterranean, you can usually find the bright orange plants globally. Calendula (kal-end-yoo-lah) is both beautiful to the eye and useful to the body, thus inspiring its popularity. Even though its other name is pot marigold, it's actually a perennial belonging to the daisy family. This miracle plant can serve many purposes. Calendula can be used in tea or in salads, as well as topically. Their bright orange colour is indicative of the high level of active ingredients.
The flower heads are plucked in the summer and dried. Often, the stem will also be harvested and used for a wide range of symptoms. Once completely dry, Calendula can be used variously: in infusions, tinctures, oil, cream and ointments!
Benefits
Aids in the healing of small cuts and wounds
Moisturizes dry or cracked skin
Relieves muscle spasms
Prevents haemorrhaging
Detoxifying
Antiseptic! Calendula contains minor anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiviral components. It can treat ringwork or thrush
Can soothe stomach upsets, by helping your digestive system with anti-inflammatory properties
And more !
Whether you've got an overgrowth of yeast (candidia albicans), a cut, dry skin, inflamed skin, or more. Calendula has been around to provide a natural solution and aid to a variety of ailments. After trying it in both oil and salve form, I can attest it's a cheaper, more natural solution to a drug-store product with unpronounceable ingredients.
Interested in making your very own Calendula salve? The recipe is easy... But time consuming.
Calendula Salve
I used the recipe from Homestead and Chill!
Start by either buying or making your own calendula oil. I filled a mason jar with the dried leaves and drowned it in a mix of jojoba and coconut oil. I let it sit for 6 months (mostly because I forgot about it), but 2-4 months is typical. Strain with a cheesecloth twice to get all the tiny leaves out!
Warm beeswax pellets on the stove at low heat. If using shea butter like I did, reduce the quantity (measurements will follow!)
Add shea butter (optional)
Remove from heat. While it's still warm, mix in calendula oil. If you get scary white chunks or streaks, no worries! Add it back to the warm burner until it clears, and pour into chosen jars
I can attest this recipe is easy and feels amazing on the skin. I've got the worst sunburn to exist, and it has already helped immensely. I'll be swapping my drugstore products for dry skin or cuts, to this homemade solution.
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