This natural calendula infused healing balm is amazing at decreasing skin inflammation, encouraging new skin cell growth, and much more! It is gentle and soothing on sensitive skin like mine. The lavender, and other essential oils paired with the calendula infused oil creates a very relaxing aroma.
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Dealing with autoimmune illness and chronic inflammation can present itself in many forms, one being on the skin. I often struggle with skin inflammation and this has helped me so much. Not only is it soothing and moisturizing to my skin, it seems to decrease the inflammation and skin irritations that come with winters in a dry climate.
It wasn’t long after learning about the connection between diet and inflammation that I started becoming more curious about what I was putting on my body. Our skin is the largest organ of our body and it absorbs everything. This is when I learned just how important it is to care for what we put on our bodies as much as what we put in our bodies.
Quickly, I became overwhelmed by the amount of harmful substances in the skin care products that I’d been using for years. I knew there had to be less toxic options so I began looking. At the time, several years ago, there weren’t many organic, natural options out there so I began experimenting with making some of my own. In the last few years, I have found that more companies are now making cleaner products but I still have some of my favorite homemade versions that I love to make throughout the year!
Skin Benefits of Using Calendula Balm:
Calendula: This flower is rich in antioxidants which help protect cells from damage and promote tissue growth to heal our skin more rapidly. The naturally occurring flavonoids in calendula pedals give it anti inflammatory properties which can help fight skin inflammation. Another awesome thing about calendula is that it is antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial. Those properties make it great for healing rashes, acne-causing bacteria, and insect bites. On top of all that, I have found calendula infused oil to be super moisturizing and gentle on my sensitive skin. It is also wonderful for treating sunburns.
Lavender: Lavender essential oil is most known for its calming effect but it is also antimicrobial and anti inflammatory. Gentle on sensitive skin, lavender is a perfect addition in this calendula healing balm.
Helichrysum: Helichrysum has very similar properties and benefits as does the calendula flower. This amazing oil is packed full of antioxidants to help regenerate skin and fight damage from aging and free-radicals. It is also great at decreasing inflammation both on the skin and around the joints and muscles you apply it to. Having antibacterial and antifungal properties, it can support the healing of rashes, acne, and other skin infections.
German Chamomile: Is also an anti inflammatory and antimicrobial plant. It can help with many skin irritations including redness and swelling. Some studies also show german chamomile to have pain relieving properties like an analgesic.
Frankincense: This essential oil comes from the boswellia tree. I take a Boswellia supplement regularly to combat inflammation so naturally, I also love using the essential oil on my skin. The antioxidants in it can help to protect our skin and keep it healthy.
In this calendula healing balm I choose to use lavender, helichrysum, german chamomile, and frankincense however you can use some of your favorite essential oils in this balm. Just be sure to use a total of 30 drops of essential oils.
Growing Calendula Flowers:
I originally started growing these in my garden to attract more pollinators and help with natural pest control. I choose not to use any pesticides in my garden so any natural support is helpful. They make great companion plants next to various vegetables and herbs.
After growing these, I decided to see how else I could utilize these beautiful flowers. I then discovered the numerous healing properties of calendula flowers.
With a little research, I learned how simple it is to make calendula infused oils and reap the many benefits of this beautiful orange and yellow flower.
I dried the flowers on my food dryer and then packed them into a jar of jojoba oil and 1 month later I had calendula infused oil. I called this our liquid gold for applying to wounds and skin irritations. However, it is quite runny and messy as an oil. That is when I starting using it to make this calendula healing balm for skin inflammation.
How to Make Calendula Healing Balm for Skin Inflammation:
You will need:
1 heaping tbsp Beeswax pellets (or ~1 oz if cutting from a beeswax block)
1/2 cup of Calendula infused oil
18 drops Lavender Essential Oil
6 drops Helichrysum Essential Oil
4 drops Chamomile Essential Oil (I like german chamomile for this)
2 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
*or 30 drops total of your favorite essential oils
Instructions:
Begin by melting the beeswax. I like to use a double boiler. If you don’t have one you can easily create a double boiler using a glass bowl and saucepan.
Stir in the calendula infused oil. Keep on a low heat until the beeswax and calendula oil are thoroughly mixed together.
Remove from heat and drop in your essential oils. Stir the mixture until all the oils are incorporated together.
Cool slightly but before solidifying, pour the mixture into glass containers or jars.
Allow it to cool completely in the jar before using.
Calendula Healing Balm for Skin Inflammation
Equipment
- Double boiler optional (you can use a glass bowl to melt the beeswax)
- Jar for storing your balm
Materials
- 1 tbsp Beeswax pellets ~1 oz if cutting from a beeswax block
- 1/2 cup Calendula infused oil
Essential Oils
- 18 drops Lavender Essential Oil
- 6 drops Helichrysum Essential Oil
- 4 drops Chamomile Essential Oil I like german chamomile for this
- 2 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
Substitutions
- 30 drops total of your favorite essential oils in place of the above essential oils.
Instructions
- Begin by melting the beeswax. I like to use a double boiler. If you don’t have one you can easily create a double boiler using a glass bowl and saucepan.
- Stir in the calendula infused oil. Keep on a low heat until the beeswax and calendula oil are thoroughly mixed together.
- Remove from heat and drop in your essential oils. Stir the mixture until all the oils are incorporated together.
- Cool slightly but before solidifying, pour the mixture into glass containers or jars.
- Allow it to cool completely in the jar before using.
Be Sure to Pin it for Later:
Now I am itching to plant some calendula seeds! Too soon, but the time will come. Amazing how many benefits seemingly ordinary plants offer!
So excited for you to plant some when the season comes! It is wonderful how many benefits we can get from the things we grow.
I love growing and making homemade balms with Calendula! Great recipe!
I have been using this balm on a pretty bad burn I got from a wood stove. I am amazed how quickly it is healing and how the redness is going away. I started using it when it started to blister. Thank you. It also has a very nice fragrance.
So sorry about your burn but I am so glad that this balm is helping you!
Love this article. We have used calendula cream but never made it. Now I want to grow the flowers too! Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Calendula is one of my favorite flowers in the garden and for medicine! She is so powerful. Your salve recipe sounds awesome and I’ll have to try this next. I did start some calendula seeds and they are sprouting in little starter pots. Yay!