About This Salve

This lavender and calendula healing salve is one of the most useful things you can have in a natural home. It's gentle enough for sensitive skin and everyday dryness, yet effective enough for minor cuts, scrapes, chapped lips, inflamed skin, and insect bites. Both herbs have long traditions of use in herbal medicine — and together, they make a beautifully balanced preparation.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Lavender essential oil adds antiseptic and calming qualities, along with its lovely, familiar scent.

What You'll Need

Equipment

  • Double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • Small glass or metal tins, or glass jars (2–4 x 30ml containers)
  • Kitchen scales
  • A thermometer (optional but helpful)

Ingredients

  • 100ml calendula-infused oil (see instructions below, or purchase pre-made)
  • 15g beeswax pellets (or carnauba wax for a vegan version)
  • 1 teaspoon shea butter (optional — adds extra softness)
  • 20–25 drops lavender essential oil
  • A few drops of vitamin E oil (optional — acts as a natural preservative)

Step 1: Make Your Calendula Infused Oil

If you don't have pre-made calendula oil, here's how to make it:

  1. Fill a clean, dry glass jar with dried calendula flowers (don't use fresh — moisture causes mould).
  2. Pour a carrier oil over the flowers until completely submerged. Good choices: olive oil (traditional, nourishing) or sunflower oil (lighter texture).
  3. Seal the jar and leave it in a warm, sunny windowsill for 4–6 weeks, shaking or stirring daily.
  4. Alternatively, use the slow cooker method: place the jar (without lid) in a slow cooker on the lowest setting for 4–8 hours.
  5. Strain out the plant material through cheesecloth, squeezing to extract all the oil. Label and store in a dark, cool place.

Step 2: Melt the Wax

  1. Add the beeswax pellets (and shea butter if using) to your double boiler.
  2. Gently melt over low heat, stirring occasionally. Do not let the oil get too hot — keep the temperature below 70°C.
  3. Once the wax is fully melted, add the calendula-infused oil and stir to combine thoroughly.

Step 3: Add the Essential Oil and Pour

  1. Remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool slightly — it should still be liquid but no longer steaming.
  2. Add the lavender essential oil and vitamin E (if using). Stir quickly.
  3. Pour immediately into your tins or jars before it begins to set.
  4. Leave undisturbed for 1–2 hours at room temperature until fully set.
  5. Once solid, cap and label with the date and ingredients.

Testing Consistency

If you want a harder salve (better for hotter climates or lip balm tins), add a little more beeswax. For a softer, more balm-like texture, use slightly less. You can test by placing a small spoonful on a cold plate — it will set in a minute or two, letting you check the texture before pouring the full batch.

How to Use Your Salve

  • Apply a small amount to dry, cracked, or irritated skin.
  • Use on minor cuts or grazes after cleaning the wound.
  • Apply to chapped lips, rough heels, and dry elbows.
  • Use as a gentle nappy rash cream for babies (omit the lavender essential oil for very young infants — check with your midwife or GP).

Shelf Life and Storage

This salve will keep for 12 months or more if stored in a cool, dark place. The vitamin E oil helps extend its life by slowing oxidation of the carrier oil. Always use clean, dry hands or a spatula when dipping into the jar to avoid introducing moisture or bacteria.

Making your own salve is a wonderful way to connect with the tradition of plant medicine while creating something genuinely useful for everyday life.