Calendula ointment: for soothed and regenerated skin

Calendula — also known as pot marigold — is one of the most generous plants out there. Its vibrant orange flowers are much more than a garden ornament: they contain remarkable active ingredients for the skin, recognized for centuries by herbalists and confirmed today by scientific research.

Calendula ointment is a staple of the homemade natural medicine cabinet. Versatile, gentle, effective — it deserves a permanent place in your bathroom.

Why is calendula so precious for the skin?

Calendula possesses exceptional and complementary properties:

• Anti-inflammatory — reduces redness and skin inflammation

• Antibacterial — fights bacteria responsible for blemishes

• Healing — accelerates skin tissue regeneration

• Emollient — softens and nourishes dry and damaged skin

• Antifungal — protects against fungal skin infections

• Antioxidant — protects cells against premature aging

Who is calendula ointment for?

Practically everyone can benefit from it! Here are the situations where it particularly shines:

Facial care

• Soothes irritation after shaving

• Hydrates dry and sensitive skin

• Supports skin prone to redness and rosacea

• Helps treat blemishes and small pimples

Body care

• Softens rough elbows and heels

• Hydrates damaged hands — especially in winter

• Soothes post-depilation irritation

• Helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks

Problematic skin

• Relieves itching in cases of atopic dermatitis

• Reduces flaking

• Soothes psoriasis-related irritation

• Supports eczema treatment

Sensitive skin and children

Calendula ointment can be used on children — starting with small areas and consulting a pediatrician for infants under one year old. It is gentle for diaper rash and minor scratches.

The recipe for homemade calendula ointment

A satisfying beauty project — and a product you'll use for months

Ingredients:

• 50 g dried calendula flowers (or 100 g fresh flowers)

• 250 ml vegetable oil (olive oil, coconut oil, or sweet almond oil)

• 30 g beeswax

• 10 drops lavender or chamomile essential oil (optional)

• 1 teaspoon vitamin E (optional — natural preservative)

Equipment:

• A saucepan and a heat-resistant bowl

• A kitchen thermometer (ideally)

• Gauze or a fine cloth for filtering

• Sterilized small glass jars

Step 1 — Prepare the calendula macerate

Slow method (4 to 6 weeks — the best method): Place the dried flowers in a clean jar, cover completely with vegetable oil, close, and let macerate for 4 to 6 weeks away from light, stirring daily.

Fast method (3 to 4 hours): Place the flowers and oil in a heat-resistant bowl. Heat in a double boiler over very low heat for 3 to 4 hours. ⚠️ Do not exceed 60°C to preserve the active ingredients.

Step 2 — Filter the macerate

Filter the oil through gauze or a fine cloth, pressing the flowers well to extract as much golden oil as possible. Set the oil aside in a clean bowl.

Step 3 — Prepare the ointment

Melt the beeswax in a double boiler in a heat-resistant bowl. Add the calendula oil and mix until completely uniform. Remove from heat.

Step 4 — Add optional active ingredients

Let cool slightly and add vitamin E and the essential oil of your choice. Mix well.

Step 5 — Package

Pour the still liquid ointment into your previously sterilized small glass jars. Let cool and set completely before closing. Label with the preparation date.

Storage: 6 to 12 months in a cool, dark place.

How to use calendula ointment?

General application:

1. Clean and thoroughly dry the affected area

2. Apply a thin layer of ointment and massage gently

3. On superficial wounds — apply without rubbing

4. Frequency: 2 to 3 times a day for most uses

For scars: Gently massage 2 times a day for at least 1 month.

For eczema and psoriasis: Apply regularly to affected areas — effects are visible with regular use over several weeks.

For babies: A thin layer on diaper rash after each change.

Precautions for use

• Always test on a small skin area (inner wrist) before first use — wait 24h

• Allergy to Asteraceae — calendula belongs to the same family as chamomile and sunflower. Allergic individuals should be cautious.

• Do not apply to deep or infected wounds without medical advice

• Consult a doctor before use in infants under one year of age

• During pregnancy — external use is generally considered safe but consult your doctor

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice.

To go further

👉 Read our article on chamomile — calendula's sister plant →

👉 Discover our Skin & Eczema Herbal Tea →

👉 Skin drainage — caring for your skin from within →