Learn to make your own Marigold Salve to heal minor skin irritations and wounds.
It has been really buggy here on the homestead these past few weeks. These wet, warm temperatures are just the perfect environment for all the little bug to start coming out and nibbling on your skin.
You can use all the bug spray you want but eventually one little bug is going to sneak through and get you!
For those times when we get scrapes, bug bites and even some mild skin irritation, I like to have some marigold salve on hand to help soothe the skin.
What is Marigold Salve?
A marigold salve is a topical ointment. It is created by infusing a neutral oil with marigold petals and melting it down with beeswax to create a lotion that can be applied to your skin.
Marigold is beneficial to skin healing and can help soothe a myriad of skin irritations.
Benefits of Using Marigold on Your Skin
Marigold works best with most skin types. It can help with skin prone to dry spells, eczema and psoriasis. It can also help skin that is experiencing inflammation, sun burn, rashes and redness and even more!
Due to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, marigold is something that should make it’s way to everyone’s home apothecary cabinet.
What You Need to Make Marigold Salve
To make marigold salve, you will need:
- A large pot
- A glass mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Sunflower oil
- Marigold leaves
- Beeswax pellets
- An air tight container
How to Make Infused Oils
There are two methods to infusing oil; a cold method and a hot method. If you have tried my Cayenne Salve, then you may already be familiar with the hot method of infusing oils.
The hot method is much quicker but does require more active work. The cold infusion method takes much longer and requires very little active work.
To cold infuse oil, fill and 8oz mason jar roughly half-way with marigold petals. They can be dried or fresh. Pour 1 cup of sunflower oil over the the marigold petals. Seal the jar and allow it to sit at room temperature for 2-4 weeks.
How to Make a Skin Healing Marigold Salve
Fill your pot with a few inches of water and place it on your stove. Turn the stove on the a medium to low heat. Fit a tight fitting glass bowl on top the pot to create a double broiler.
Add in the beeswax pellets and stir them until they have melted.
Using a cheesecloth to strain out your infused oil, add the marigold oil into the bowl with the beeswax pellets and whisk together until they are fully combined.
Remove the oil from the heat and transfer into an air tight container. I like to use these 4oz mason jars that I purchased off of Amazon.
Seal the jars and allow the wax to harden before using the salve.
How to Use and Store Marigold Salve
Salves are best stored in a cool, dark place like a medicine cabinet and they will last for up to a year. I like to store my salves in the fridge! Not only does the increase the shelf life greatly, but it also gives them a pleasant cooling effect when applied to the skin.
To use marigold salve, use clean fingers to scoop the salve and then massage gently onto the affected area of skin.
Marigold Salve
Materials
- 4 ounce container
- 1/4 cup marigold leaves
- 1 cup sunflower oil
- 20 grams beeswax pellets
Tools
- Large pot
- Glass bowl
- Rubber spatula
Instructions
Infusing the Marigold Oil
To infuse the sunflower oil with marigolds, place clean marigold petals into a mason jar and pour the sunflower oil over the petals.
Seal the jar and set aside for 2-4 weeks.
When ready to use, use a cheesecloth to strain the petals and leftover debris from the oil and continue with the tutorial.
Making the Marigold Salve
Add 1 to 2" of water into the large pot and begin heating on a stovetop over low heat.
Place a fitted glass bowl over the top of the pot.
Add the infused oil and beeswax pellets into the bowl and stir together until the wax has melted and the ingredients are fully combined.
Remove the bowl from the heat and transfer the mixture into an airtight container.
Seal the container and allow the wax to fully harden before using.
Notes
- Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to make this salve scented!
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