Whether you are a kid or grown up, cuts, scrapes, and scratches are inevitable. You can purchase a first aide salve at the store, or the treatment may be just out your back door. If you have an herb garden, you don’t have to look very far to discover that nature has provided us with many natural remedies.
One herb, easy to grow, and with so many uses, is Calendula. It is a great skin care herb, with many healing qualities and can be safely used by children and adults.
In most areas, calendula is considered an annual. You can plant seeds after all danger of frost, but buying plants will give you a head start on your herb garden. Plant in full sun with at least six hours of sun each day.
You can harvest the flowers when they are large enough, and dry to make a healing herbal balm that is all natural.
Calendula salve is easy to make.
Take the dried petals, (1/2 cup) place in a mason jar, and cover with 6 ounces olive oil. Place a cap on top and be sure to keep the petals covered with the oil. Allow to sit in a warm window for at least a week. (If you are in a hurry, you can put in a crock pot on low heat overnight.)
Strain out the flowers and add to the compost pile. This makes an infused oil.
To make the salve, warm the calendula infused olive oil, add 1 oz melted beeswax and pour into small jars or tins. Allow to harden overnight.
Use it on minor skin irritations, scrapes and cuts. It’s also good for chapped hands, lips, and cheeks.