Calendula flower and Lavender {perfume balm and salve}

What is Calendula flower? It’s a neighbor of your common garden marigold but you want to use Calendula flower for these recipes. I use it for it’s healing and soothing properties and light honey-fresh scent.

‘This lovely marigold like flower (although called pot marigold, it is not a true marigold) is considered a vulnerary agent, a substance that promotes healing. Calendula also has anti-inflammatory and weak antimicrobial activity.’ [1]

You can purchase Calendula flower online from bulk herb stores (use organic herbs) or local specialty shops.

---

To make a Calendula flower infusion oil:

Soak 1 cup dried calendula flower in 2 cups olive oil or coconut oil to infuse calendula properties into the oil for at least 48 hours or up to 5 days. I prefer coconut oil. Strain well so only oil remains. You can use the remaining flowers for a second, lighter batch of infusion oil.

Calendula flower in mason jar {infused- oil}

Calendula has a flowery honey-like smell. It inspired me to add some honey directly  into the salve. The honey’s antibacterial properties will add some preservative and healing power. The Vitamin E oil also serves as natural preservative.

---

Calendula, Honey, and Lavender Salve

• 4 oz strained calendula-infused coconut oil
• 1 oz organic beeswax
•  2 TBSP raw Shea butter
• 2 TBSP coconut oil
• 1-2 TBSPs organic honey
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 1 tsp vitamin E oil

---

Repurposed blush container

Calendula and Lavender Scented Perfume-Balm

This is a thicker perfume-balm. Perfect for on the go (won’t melt) in your purse. I would not leave it in your car on a summer day and expect it not to soften, but for the most part this is a harder balm.

• 2 oz strained calendula-infused oil
• 2 oz organic beeswax
• 2 TBSP coconut oil
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 1 tsp vitamin E oil

---

Directions for making Salve or Balm:

In a double burner on medium (to medium-high) heat all ingredients slowly (except lavender essential oil and vitamin E oil), stirring often. Melt until all beeswax pellets are dissolved and it’s a complete liquid.  Allow to cool for 2-3 few minutes, then add 10 drops lavender essential oil and vitamin E oil and stir.

You can make a double boiler from a 2-3 inch deep pan, a washcloth, plenty of water and a small glass dish.  Just make sure you use  PLENTY of water since the towel is in the pan! Do NOT leave this unattended.

Pour into glass baby food jars, reuse an old tin or blush container or purchase lip balm pots from an online bulk store. I have always had good experiences ordering form Bulk Apothecary.

Store in fridge for up to 3 months or fresh for up to 2 months.  Apply with clean hands to avoid contaminating.

The salve is great for healing minor cuts and burns, as a lip balm, hand and cuticle cream, foot cream, baby diaper rash cream, or light hair pomade. Tie with burlap or twine string, label and give as gifts.

The perfume balm contains more lavender for a stronger lavender scent. You can add more or less lavender as desired.

Hint to remove labels from baby food jars: Peel off label, spray with a water, vinegar and castile soap mixture. Let soak for 5 minutes, then rinse. Apply a few drops lemon essential oil and rub to remove any sticky residue.

Salve in reused baby food jar.

I am currently obsessed with the salve! I love it as a cuticle cream and lip balm. The fresh honey scent is perfect for Fall. I have also used it as a diaper cream on my daughter and to soften up dry skin on my son’s back.

---

Note: Do not use on broken or blistered skin.

As always, check with your doctor before use or if you are on any medications. Calendula flower has moderate interactions with sedative or CNS depression medications according to WebMD. If you are pregnant or nursing, avoid Calendula flower.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, nor are they intended to cure, prevent, or treat any disease.

---

Sources:

1. Brett, Jennifer N.D., ‘Calendula Herbal Remedies.’  Accessed September 28, 2015. http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/herbal-remedies/calendula-herbal-remedies.htm