Homemade Calendula Salve | Simple Herbal Remedy for Skin Irritation & Burns
A simple, natural healing balm for dry skin, cuts, and everyday care.
There’s a certain beauty in crafting simple remedies from the plants we grow and gather. Calendula salve is one of those timeless herbal staples every home should have — gentle enough for daily use and powerful enough to soothe everything from chapped skin to minor scrapes and irritation.
This easy DIY uses calendula-infused oil, beeswax, and a touch of essential oils to create a smooth, healing balm that captures the sunshine and goodness of calendula blossoms all year long.
Why Calendula?
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) — sometimes called pot marigold — is a cheerful garden flower with powerful healing properties. It’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and helps stimulate skin repair, making it one of the best herbs for supporting healthy skin.
For centuries, calendula has been used to soothe minor burns, diaper rash, dry or cracked hands, bug bites, and other everyday skin irritations. When infused into oil, its healing compounds are gently drawn out and preserved, creating a perfect base for homemade salves and creams.
What You’ll Need
1 cup calendula-infused oil (made with olive oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba)
1/4 cup beeswax pastilles (or grated beeswax)
1 teaspoon shea butter (optional for extra creaminess)
5–10 drops essential oil (lavender, chamomile, frankincense, or tea tree are lovely options)
Small tins or jars for storing
How to Make Calendula-Infused Oil
If you don’t already have infused oil on hand, here’s how to make it:
Fill a clean, dry jar halfway with dried calendula petals.
Pour in your carrier oil (olive, jojoba, or almond) until the petals are completely covered.
Cap the jar and place it in a warm, sunny window for 2–4 weeks, shaking gently every few days.
Strain the oil through cheesecloth and store it in a clean, labeled jar.
How to Make the Salve
In a small heat-safe bowl or double boiler, combine your calendula oil, beeswax, and shea butter (if using).
Warm gently over low heat until melted, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes before adding your essential oils.
Stir well, then pour into small tins or glass jars.
Allow to cool completely before sealing.
This recipe makes about 5 tins of salve, depending on the size of your containers.
How to Use
Apply a small amount of calendula salve to dry skin, minor cuts, scrapes, or irritated areas as needed. It’s safe for most skin types, gentle enough for kids, and makes a lovely gift for friends who appreciate handmade, natural products.
Store your salve in a cool, dark place — it will keep for up to one year.
Variations to Try
Add lavender essential oil for extra calming and antimicrobial properties.
Blend in a little tea tree oil for added protection against infection.
For a softer balm, reduce the beeswax slightly; for a firmer salve, add a bit more.
A Little Sunshine in a Jar
There’s something special about capturing the healing warmth of calendula in a handmade balm. Each time I use it, I’m reminded of summer blooms, the hum of bees in the garden, and the quiet joy of creating something useful and beautiful with my own two hands.
If you’d like to see this recipe in action, watch the full tutorial here:
🎥 How to Make Calendula Salve | DIY Healing Balm for Dry Skin & Cuts
Nourish and soothe your skin with our Calendula Salve, a gentle blend of olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax, and aromatic frankincense. This all-natural formula harnesses the healing power of calendula to calm irritation and promote skin renewal, while the rich oils deeply moisturize and protect. Perfect for dry patches, minor cuts, and everyday skin care, this salve leaves your skin feeling soft, balanced, and refreshed. 2oz tin