If you're a passionate gardener, you already know the countless benefits of growing calendula (Calendula officinalis) in your garden. Not only does it add a splash of vibrant color, but it also possesses remarkable healing properties. In this guide, we'll show you how to make a homemade calendula salve that can be a soothing balm for your skin and is surprisingly easy to create.
Materials You'll Need
Before we dive into the process, let's gather the materials you'll need:
- Fresh calendula flowers
- Carrier oil (such as olive oil or coconut oil)
- Beeswax pellets
- A double boiler or a heatproof bowl and saucepan
- Cheesecloth or a fine strainer
- Glass jars or tins for storage
Harvesting Calendula Flowers
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Choose the Right Time: Harvest your calendula flowers on a sunny morning when the dew has dried. This is when their healing properties are at their peak.
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Select Healthy Blooms: Look for fully opened calendula flowers with vibrant petals. Avoid using flowers that show signs of wilting or disease.
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Gentle Harvesting: Use scissors or garden shears to snip the flower heads, leaving a short stem. Be gentle to avoid damaging the delicate petals.
- Quantity: When packed tightly, you'll need enough calendula flowers to fill a glass jar. A small jar can typically hold around 1 cup of flowers.
Infusing Calendula Oil
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Preparing the Flowers: Place the freshly harvested calendula flowers in a clean, dry glass jar. Pack them tightly without crushing the petals.
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Adding the Carrier Oil: Pour your chosen carrier oil over the flowers until they are fully submerged. Use a clean utensil to remove any air bubbles.
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Solar Infusion: Seal the jar and place it in a sunny windowsill for 2-4 weeks. This allows the oil to absorb the medicinal properties of the calendula.
- Straining the Oil: After the infusion period, strain the oil through cheesecloth or a fine strainer to remove the flower solids. Your infused calendula oil is now ready.
Making the Calendula Salve
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Measuring Ingredients: For every cup of calendula oil, you'll need approximately 1/4 cup of beeswax pellets. Adjust the quantity based on the amount of oil you've infused.
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Double Boiler Method: Place the beeswax pellets in a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Gently heat the beeswax until it melts.
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Combining Ingredients: Slowly pour the infused calendula oil into the melted beeswax, stirring continuously until well combined. This creates the salve base.
- Cooling and Storing: Carefully pour the liquid salve into clean glass jars or tins. Allow it to cool and solidify. Once cooled, seal the containers and label them with the date.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You've successfully created your homemade calendula salve from the beautiful flowers in your garden. This all-natural, healing balm can be used to soothe dry skin, minor cuts, insect bites, and more. Store it in a cool, dark place, and it should remain effective for up to a year. Enjoy the benefits of your garden's bounty and the healing power of calendula!
