How To Make Calendula Oil + a Healing Lavender Calendula Salve

I always keep a jar of this healing salve infused with lavender and calendula herbs next to the kitchen sink and bedside table. This lavender calendula salve is a must-have for dry skin, minor scrapes, and soft, supple hands!

Winter wreaks complete havoc on my hands. I’m talking peeling and cracking, itching, and lots of irritation. I’ve tried loads of different moisturizers and lotions, but they’ve all fallen short. Then, a friend shared a beeswax salve with me, and my hands were in heaven! Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make at home.

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Calendula Benefits for Skin

Renowned for its skin-healing properties, calendula is a pretty little flower that packs a powerful (yet gentle) punch.

1. Calendula soothes inflammation

Calendula officinalis, also known as marigold, is a plant that has been used for hundreds of years to soothe inflammation and nourish the skin [source]. Its medicinal properties are due, in part, to its numerous anti-inflammatory polyphenols, such as resveratrol, quercetin, and ferulic acid, which help calm inflammation and protect skin from oxidative damage [source].

2. Calendula heals damaged skin

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a very skin-healing herb—and the scientific community agrees, as studies have shown its use in wound care [source]. Salves and poultices made with calendula have been used for hundreds (and probably thousands!) of years.

When used topically in creams and ointments, calendula has been shown to increase skin healing. In a 30-week study that followed 41 adults with diabetes-related foot ulcers, 78% of participants saw complete wound healing after using calendula spray daily [source].

3. Calendula reduces scarring

A 2016 study showed that calendula might even increase the amount of collagen in wounds as they heal [source], which may lessen the appearance of scars.

4. Calendula combats acne

While scientific studies are slim, anecdotal evidence suggests that calendula may help reduce acne breakouts thanks to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties [source].

5. Calendula hydrates skin

And it has been shown to improve skin hydration in an anti-aging cream [source].

How to Make Calendula Oil

Ingredients

• Dried calendula petals — You can easily grow your own calendula and dry its petals for infusing or purchase some already dried online.
• Olive oil — Any natural oil, such as almond or coconut, will work for this recipe, but I recommend olive or grapeseed oil. You can also use jojoba oil, which mimics the oils our bodies naturally produce [source] and so maintains the skin’s healthiest moisture balance while it hydrates and softens.
• One clean 8-ounce jar with a tight-fitting lid

Instructions

Storage

The calendula oil infusion doesn’t need to be refrigerated—you can store it in your bathroom cabinet—but if it starts to smell off, it’s probably time to toss it and make more.

Usage

The oil is wonderful as a face and body moisturizer and works especially well when applied to wet skin just after cleansing. You can apply the oil to skin straight out of the shower or use it in homemade first-aid salves (see below!) and diaper creams.

Lavender Calendula Salve Recipe

This salve is a little oily (it’s mostly oils, after all!) as it melts on your skin, but I find that it gets absorbed pretty quickly. The oils and butters in this recipe are also very healing for the skin.

Ingredients

Instructions

Substitutions

Vegan — Carnauba wax is my favorite vegan wax. Since it has a slightly different texture than beeswax, feel free to adjust the measurements until your balm reaches the right consistency.

Essential oils — Lavender is a favorite when it comes to healing salves and balms [source] but you can also just use lavender essential oil instead of the dried herb infusion. Plus, it smells amazing.

Variations

Add honey: Try adding honey like in this honey hand balm recipe.

Experiment with other herbs: Although I rely on calendula and lavender to give this salve its healing powers, there are a lot of other herbs you can use instead. We like to use peppermint for headaches!

If you’d like to experiment, try some of these:

—Burdock
—Astragalus Root
—Angelica
—Camphor
—Turmeric
—Myrrh

[source]

Customize the consistency: You can adjust the balm’s texture depending on your preferences. Use less beeswax for a softer salve and more beeswax for a firmer salve. To test the consistency ahead of time, place a spoon in the freezer right before making your salve.

After combining all your oils (step 4 above), dip the cold spoon in the oil mixture and quickly pull it out. The salve should solidify on the spoon within a few seconds, letting you test the consistency. Simply add more liquid oils for a creamier consistency and more beeswax for a firmer one

Want more balm recipes? Check out these 13 Homemade Herbal Balms and Salves

Storage

Pour into a clean, sterilized jar and close with a tight-fitting lid. This healing salve will keep for 6 months to a year.

Usage

Use it as often as needed to keep cracks and inflammation at bay. Oh, and it isn’t just for hands either—use it on your feet, lips, elbows, knees, or anywhere that needs some TLC.

To speed up healing for dry, cracked hands, apply at night before bed and wear gloves to lock in the moisture.

FAQ

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Gina Jansheski, a licensed, board-certified physician with more than 20 years of practice experience. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

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