Calendula, commonly known as pot marigold, has been cherished for centuries as a healing oil, tonic, and more. If you have calendula growing in your backyard but aren’t sure how to make the most of it, consider making a batch of nourishing calendula cream. This miracle salve can soothe aches and pains, condition dry skin, and even heal minor wounds.

Homemade Calendula Cream

Making calendula cream involves a two-step process to create a rich, smooth lotion perfect for dry skin, cuts, bruises, and more.

Ingredients

– 1 cup of a high-quality carrier oil like olive oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil
– A bunch of dried calendula flowers
– 1 ounce of beeswax
– 1 cup of room temperature water
– 10 to 20 drops of essential oils of your choice (suggested oils at the end)
– A clean blender
– Clean mason jars or tins

Directions

1. Infuse the Oil: Start by making infused calendula oil. You can let the dried flowers steep in a cup of carrier oil in a sealed jar for several weeks, or heat the oil and flowers in a slow cooker for 12 hours. Once done, strain the flowers from the oil and store the infused oil in a clean, airtight jar, or use it immediately.

2. Prepare the Cream: Boil several cups of water in a pot. Swirl two cups of this warmed water around the blender to heat the glass and prevent the cream from sticking to the sides. Place a heatproof bowl over the pot to create a double boiler and simmer the water.

3. Melt Ingredients: Pour one cup of the infused oil into the heatproof bowl with the beeswax. Stir gently until the beeswax melts, then remove from heat and stir in the essential oils.

4. Blend the Cream: Discard the water from the blender and pour in the melted oil and beeswax mixture. Blend on a low speed while slowly adding one cup of room temperature water. Blend until the cream emulsifies, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed.

5. Store the Cream: Pour the cream into clean jars and let it set before using. This all-natural, preservative-free cream will last about a month when stored in the refrigerator.

Suggested Essential Oils

– For dry skin: Lavender, Neroli, Rosemary, Rose, or Carrot Seed
– For anti-aging: Geranium, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Lavender, or Myrrh
– For healing: Clove, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Tea Tree, or Peppermint

Why Use Calendula Cream?

With your calendula cream ready, you can tackle various skin and health issues, such as:

– Dry Skin: Calendula’s moisturizing properties are perfect for dry, flaky, or cracked skin. Apply it once or twice daily for noticeable improvement.

– Acne: Calendula reduces bacteria in skin pores, acting as a cleanser and toner while tightening pores to keep out dust and dirt.

– Premature Aging: Its restorative properties combat early signs of aging and skin thinning. Use daily on the face, even around the eyes, to prevent wrinkles and sagging.

– Minor Wounds: Calendula’s antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties speed up the healing of cuts and minor wounds. It’s also effective for insect bites, rashes, sunburn, spider veins, varicose veins, leg ulcers, and chilblains.

– Muscle Pain: Massage sore muscles and joints with calendula cream for pain relief and reduced swelling due to its anti-inflammatory action.

– Dermatitis and Eczema: Calendula may help prevent dermatitis and skin inflammation by moisturizing and fighting microbes and swelling, often used to treat eczema.

– Diaper Rash: This soothing cream is ideal for diaper rash, as it is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. Its antifungal properties also treat athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch.

Precautions

Calendula is generally safe for skin use, but it’s best to avoid applying it to open wounds. Those allergic to plants in the daisy or aster family might experience a skin rash. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using calendula.