Calendula Balm

Last year I planted Calendula in the garden as a companion plant and for a splash of colour.

In December I harvested some of the petals and steeped them in olive oil in a sunny spot for 6 months.

What evolved was a richly coloured oil concentrated with the medicinal qualities of this pretty flower.

The best use of this oil was to make a balm that could be used for cuts and grazes, nappy rash, chapped lips, dry skin etc.

Recipe:

Calendula oil - 1/4 cup of dried calendula petals steeped in 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Steep for a minimum of 2 weeks.

Balm - melt 1/8 cup of beeswax in a double boiler. Add the strained calendula oil to the mixture with 10-40 drops of lavender oil. Stir to combine then put into containers. Seal when cool.

Easy? Yes!
Messy? Potentially! Beeswax is like a waterproof casing on your pot so make sure you melt it in something set aside for making non-food items.

Calendula Balm