DIY Turmeric Salve Recipe with Calendula for Soothing Relief
An easy turmeric salve recipe with calendula and beeswax for dry, irritated hands. Step by step method, ingredients and how to store it.
In this guide
This turmeric salve recipe combines calendula-infused oil, beeswax and turmeric essential oil to make a soothing balm for dry, cracked hands and irritated skin. It is easy to make at home, and the same calendula balm can be used on minor cuts, burns and insect bites, and to ease muscle and joint inflammation. Here are the ingredients, the step-by-step method and how to store it.
Key takeaways
- You need four ingredients: dried calendula flowers, a carrier oil, beeswax and turmeric essential oil.
- Calendula is a well-known herb for skin repair. It soothes inflammation and is antibacterial and antiseptic.
- Turmeric is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiseptic, and is used for eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and acne.
- Infuse the calendula oil for up to a month in the sun, or 4 to 8 hours on low heat.
- Add the turmeric oil once the mix cools to about 51°C, then pour into tins or jars.
What is a calendula and turmeric salve?
A calendula salve and turmeric balm is a simple, handy remedy to keep at home. It can be used for many skin concerns, from hands that are cracked and dry after a long winter to the small knocks and burns of a busy kitchen.
This turmeric salve soothes dry and irritated skin, minor cuts and burns, and insect bites. It can even offer relief from muscle, joint and skin inflammation. Best of all, you can make your own healing salve from the comfort of your home.
Wound healing with calendula and turmeric
Botanicals can support the wound healing process through their antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cell-stimulating and antioxidant properties (Quave, Cassandra L., 2018). Here is what each of the two hero ingredients brings.
| Ingredient | Key properties | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Calendula (pot marigold) | Soothing, antibacterial and antiseptic | Skin repair, wounds and inflammation |
| Turmeric oil | Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiseptic | Eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and acne |
| Beeswax | Seals in moisture and firms the balm | Dry, cracked hands |
| Carrier oil | Nourishes and softens the skin | Everyday dryness and rough patches |
Calendula for skin repair
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a well-known herb for skin repair. It helps soothe inflammation and offers both antibacterial and antiseptic action.
A 2018 study showed that topical calendula helped 78% of participants reach full wound closure after 30 weeks when treating foot ulcers (Quave, Cassandra L., 2018). This strongly supports the wound-healing potential of a calendula salve.
Turmeric for inflammation
Turmeric is widely praised for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiseptic (Vaughn AR, Branum A, Sivamani RK., 2016).
Evidence supports turmeric's effectiveness for a range of skin conditions, including psoriasis, dermatitis, acne and eczema. That is why a turmeric salve for inflammation makes such a useful part of your skincare toolkit.
Turmeric salve recipe
This turmeric balm recipe uses calendula-infused oil, turmeric essential oil and nourishing beeswax. It makes enough for a few small tins, so you can keep one in the kitchen and give one away.
1. DIY Calendula Salve and Turmeric Balm
Best for: dry hands, minor cuts, burns, bites and irritation
- 1/2 cup Dried calendula flowers
- 1 cup Carrier oil, such as olive, sweet almond or coconut
- 1/4 cup Beeswax pastilles
- 10 drops Turmeric essential oil
A soft, golden balm that soothes and protects. Rub a small amount into clean skin whenever it feels dry or sore.
How to make a calendula and turmeric balm
- Infuse the oil. Put the calendula flowers in a sterilised jar and cover them with your carrier oil. Leave it on a sunny windowsill for up to one month. For a quicker method, stand the jar in a double boiler on the lowest heat for 4 to 8 hours.
- Strain the oil. Pour it through a cheesecloth or fine strainer, squeeze out every last drop, and compost the flowers.
- Melt the beeswax. Set up the double boiler again. Put the strained oil in a heatproof jar, add the beeswax and stir now and then until it has fully melted.
- Cool and add the essential oil. Let the mix cool to about 51°C (125°F). Add the 10 drops of turmeric oil and stir well.
- Pour and store. Pour into tins or jars and let it cool completely before sealing. Label it and keep it in a cool, dry place.
Pro tip
Want a firmer balm? Add a little more beeswax. Want it softer and easier to spread? Use a little less. Test the texture by dipping a cold spoon into the mix before you pour.
What can I use instead of calendula or turmeric?
Do not worry if you are missing one or two ingredients. Many other herbs and essential oils offer similar soothing relief from inflammation.
Once you have made your first calendula salve, try other herbs and oils. You might even find yourself making tins for friends and family. Find more turmeric ideas in our turmeric essential oil benefits and recipes.
How to use turmeric balm
You can apply this turmeric balm every day as part of your skincare routine. It is incredibly versatile and works well on:
- Dry, cracked hands and rough patches
- Minor cuts and scrapes
- Mild burns, once the skin has cooled
- Insect bites and itchy skin
- Sore muscles and stiff joints
Rub a small amount in until it melts into the skin. Use it as often as you need.
Is turmeric salve safe?
Safety first
Patch test first. Rub a little balm on the inside of your elbow and wait 24 hours. If your skin goes red or itchy, do not use it.
- Do not use on deep, large or infected wounds, or on serious burns. See a doctor or pharmacist.
- If you are allergic to plants in the daisy family, such as marigold or chamomile, avoid calendula.
- Keep the balm and essential oils out of reach of children.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your GP or midwife first.
- Take care with hot oil and wax. Never leave the double boiler unattended.
FAQs
What is turmeric salve used for?
Turmeric salve soothes irritated, inflamed or dry skin. Thanks to turmeric's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps reduce redness and itching and supports the healing of minor wounds, bites and eczema patches.
How do you make a turmeric salve?
Infuse calendula flowers in a carrier oil for several hours or weeks. Strain the oil and melt beeswax into it in a double boiler. Once it cools to about 51°C, add turmeric essential oil, stir, pour into tins and let it set fully.
Is turmeric salve good for inflammation?
Yes. Turmeric is widely praised for its anti-inflammatory properties, and calendula soothes inflammation too. Together they can offer relief from muscle, joint and skin inflammation.
What is calendula balm good for?
Calendula balm is a classic for skin repair. It soothes inflammation, has antibacterial and antiseptic action, and helps with dry hands, minor cuts, burns and insect bites.
Can I use calendula salve for eczema?
Many people use calendula and turmeric balm on eczema patches, and evidence supports turmeric for eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. Patch test first, and speak to your GP if your eczema is severe or broken.
How do you make your own turmeric cream?
Combine a herb-infused oil with beeswax and essential oils. Infuse dried calendula flowers, melt in beeswax, then add turmeric essential oil. This homemade balm is free from harsh chemicals and preservatives, which makes it ideal for irritated or dry skin.
What is turmeric cream used for?
Turmeric cream or balm is used for skin problems such as eczema, acne, inflammation and dryness. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities help calm sensitive skin and support the body's natural healing.
How long does homemade turmeric salve last?
Stored in a cool, dry place with the lid on, it usually keeps for several months. Throw it away if it smells off or changes colour.
The bottom line
A calendula and turmeric salve is one of the most useful things you can make at home. It soothes dry hands, minor cuts, burns and bites, and helps calm inflammation, all with four simple ingredients. Find turmeric oil in our essential oils collection, or explore ready-made natural care like our Calendula Botanical Cleansing Balm in the skincare collection.
