Calendula Skin Healing Salve
This calendula skin healing salve is a gentle everyday herbal balm for dry hands, rough elbows, flaky patches, and skin that needs a simple protective layer. Calendula is the main herb, supported by plantain leaf and chamomile for a classic skin-soothing infusion.
A little cocoa butter gives the recipe a comforting, slightly creamy feel without turning it into a soft body butter.
Benefits
Calendula:
Calendula is one of the most popular herbs for homemade salves because it is gentle, colorful, and well suited to dry or rough skin.
Plantain leaf:
Plantain leaf is often included in traditional skin salves for minor outdoor irritations and everyday skin comfort.
Chamomile:
Chamomile softens the formula with a delicate floral note and supports the calm, gentle feel of the recipe.
Cocoa butter:
Cocoa butter adds a protective, nourishing texture that makes the balm especially nice for hands and elbows.
Ingredients
- 5¾ tablespoons calendula, plantain, and chamomile infused olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cocoa butter
- 1¼ tablespoons beeswax pellets
- ¼ teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 10 drops Lavender essential oil
- 4 drops Roman chamomile essential oil
Equipment
- Double boiler or heat-safe bowl
- Fine mesh strainer
- 4 oz jar
- Stirring spoon
- Clean cloth for wiping the jar rim
Method
- Infuse dried calendula flowers, plantain leaf, and chamomile in olive oil, then strain until the oil is clear.
- Combine the infused oil, cocoa butter, and beeswax in a double boiler.
- Warm gently until the butter and wax have melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in vitamin E oil.
- Add lavender and Roman chamomile essential oils, or leave them out for an unscented version.
- Pour into a 4 oz jar and let the salve cool until opaque and firm.
- Secure the lid once completely cool.
Optional Pre-Extraction Method for Calendula Infusions
Before adding the carrier oil, lightly mist or dampen the dried calendula flowers with high-proof alcohol such as vodka (40%+) or, ideally, a higher-proof grain alcohol.
Example Method
- Place dried calendula flowers into a clean jar.
- Add just enough alcohol to lightly coat the herbs, not fully submerge them.
- Stir well and cover.
- Allow the herbs to sit for 12–24 hours.
- Add the carrier oil and continue with the normal infusion process.
This technique is traditionally used to help release additional plant constituents before the oil infusion begins.
How to Use
Smooth a thin layer over dry hands, elbows, knees, or rough patches. It can also be used after gardening or handwashing when the skin feels depleted.
Storage
Store in a cool pantry or bathroom cabinet away from steam and direct sun. Use clean fingers and finish within 9–12 months.
Variations & Substitutions
Alternative Variations
Unscented Calendula Salve
- Leave out all essential oils for a very simple balm for fragrance-sensitive users.
Garden Hands Salve
- Add 5 drops cedarwood and 5 drops lavender essential oil for a more earthy hand balm.
Safety Considerations
- For external use only.
- Avoid using on deep wounds, infected skin, or areas that need medical care.
- Patch test first if you are sensitive to plants in the daisy family.
- Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes.
- Consult a qualified professional before use on babies, during pregnancy, or on persistent skin concerns.
Additional Notes
For a softer jar salve, reduce beeswax slightly and increase the infused oil by the same amount. For a pocket tin in warm weather, keep the beeswax amount as written.
This recipe is shared for educational home use and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Recommended Supplies
This recipe works best with a well-strained golden calendula oil so the finished salve looks clean and smooth in the jar.
- Small double boiler
- Cheesecloth or fine sieve
- 4 oz glass jar
- Spatula or clean spoon
- Kitchen scale or measuring spoons
Yes. This is one of the best recipes to leave unscented because the herbal infused oil is the main feature.
Calendula is a popular herb in handmade salves for dry, rough, and weather-worn skin.
Plantain leaf is a traditional skin herb that pairs well with calendula in outdoor and household salves.
Yes. Shea butter will make the salve softer and less firm than cocoa butter.
Use caution. It is rich and may be too heavy for acne-prone facial skin.
Use deeply colored dried calendula petals and allow enough infusion time for the oil to turn golden.