Looking to soothe your skin and promote overall wellness? Look no further! Calendula, also known as pot marigold, has been used for centuries in herbal remedies to treat a range of ailments. From soothing skin irritations to promoting relaxation and reducing inflammation, calendula is a versatile herb that can be incorporated into many recipes. In this article, we’ll explore 20 delicious and effective calendula recipes that will help you harness the power of this miraculous flower. Whether you’re looking to calm irritated skin, boost your mood, or simply enjoy a relaxing bath, we’ve got you covered. From skincare routines to culinary delights, our recipes are designed to help you achieve optimal wellness while indulging in delicious and natural ingredients.
Calendula-infused Coconut Oil Balm
Nourish your skin with this soothing and moisturizing balm infused with the natural goodness of calendula and coconut oil. This gentle blend provides long-lasting hydration, reduces inflammation, and promotes skin elasticity.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup coconut oil
– 2 tablespoons dried calendula petals
– 2 teaspoons beeswax pellets
– 2 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the coconut oil over low heat.
2. Add the dried calendula petals and stir to combine. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
4. Melt the beeswax pellets in a double boiler or in the microwave in 10-second increments, stirring between each interval until fully melted.
5. Combine the calendula-infused coconut oil and melted beeswax in a small bowl.
6. If using lavender essential oil, add it to the mixture and stir well.
7. Pour the balm into a clean glass jar and let cool before use.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (steeping time) + melting time (approximately 5-10 minutes)
Calendula and Lavender Healing Salve
This soothing salve combines the anti-inflammatory properties of calendula with the calming effects of lavender to create a natural remedy for dry skin, minor wounds, and bug bites.
Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup calendula infused oil
– 1/4 cup coconut oil
– 2 tablespoons beeswax
– 10 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions:
1. In a small double boiler or a heat-proof glass bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the beeswax.
2. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the calendula infused oil and coconut oil until well combined.
3. Add the lavender essential oil and stir to combine.
4. Pour the mixture into a clean, sterilized jar or tin.
5. Allow the salve to cool and thicken before use.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
This salve is best used within 6 months of making. Store in a cool, dark place. Use as needed for dry skin, minor wounds, and bug bites.
Calendula Tea with Honey and Lemon
This soothing tea combines the natural anti-inflammatory properties of calendula with the sweetness of honey and a hint of citrus from lemon, making it a perfect remedy for promoting relaxation and calming the mind.
Ingredients:
– 1 teaspoon dried calendula flowers
– 1 cup boiling water
– 2 tablespoons pure honey
– Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Add the dried calendula flowers to the pot and steep for an additional 7-10 minutes, or until the liquid has cooled slightly.
3. Strain the tea into a cup and discard the solids.
4. Stir in the honey until dissolved.
5. Squeeze the lemon juice over the tea and stir gently.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Calendula and Chickweed Skin-Soothing Cream
This rich and nourishing cream is a natural solution for soothing dry, itchy, or irritated skin. With the combined power of calendula and chickweed, this cream calms and hydrates the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup coconut oil
– 1/4 cup beeswax
– 1/4 cup shea butter
– 2 tablespoons calendula infused oil
– 2 tablespoons chickweed infused oil
– 10 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the coconut oil and beeswax over low heat.
2. Once melted, add in the shea butter and stir until fully incorporated.
3. Remove from heat and whisk in the calendula and chickweed infused oils.
4. Pour into a clean glass jar and let cool to room temperature.
5. Use as needed, applying a small amount to affected areas.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
This cream will keep for up to 6 months at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 2 years. For external use only.
Calendula and Oatmeal Bath Soak
Experience the soothing and calming benefits of a warm bath infused with the natural goodness of calendula and oatmeal. This recipe is perfect for relaxing after a long day or to help soothe skin irritations.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup dried calendula flowers
– 1 tablespoon vitamin E oil
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 cup warm water
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together the oats and calendula flowers.
2. Add in the vitamin E oil, coconut oil, and baking soda. Stir until well combined.
3. Gradually add in the warm water, stirring to create a thick paste.
4. Pour the mixture into your bathwater and soak for 15-20 minutes.
Cooking Time: None (simply pour into bathwater)
Calendula Petal Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
Brighten up your plate with this vibrant and refreshing salad, featuring the delicate petals of calendula flowers.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh calendula petals (or edible marigold)
– 2 cups mixed greens
– 1/2 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup toasted almonds
– Citrus Vinaigrette (recipe below)
Citrus Vinaigrette:
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, red onion, feta cheese, and toasted almonds.
2. Add calendula petals on top of the salad mixture.
3. Drizzle Citrus Vinaigrette over the salad, tossing gently to coat.
4. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Calendula and Comfrey Herbal Compress
This calming compress combines the anti-inflammatory properties of calendula with the regenerative power of comfrey to provide relief from dry, irritated skin.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup dried calendula flowers
• 1/2 cup dried comfrey leaves
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine dried calendula and comfrey in a heat-resistant bowl.
2. Pour boiling water over the herbs, allowing them to steep for 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
4. If desired, stir in honey until dissolved.
5. Soak a cloth or gauze in the cooled herbal liquid and apply it to affected skin for 15-20 minutes.
Cooking Time: None required! This compress is ready to use after steeping.
Calendula-Infused Olive Oil for Cooking
Elevate your cooking with the warm, golden flavor of calendula-infused olive oil. This simple recipe infuses the delicate petals of calendula flowers into high-quality olive oil for a unique and delicious addition to any dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup high-quality olive oil
– 2 tablespoons dried calendula petals (Marigold)
– Glass jar with tight-fitting lid
Instructions:
1. Combine the olive oil and dried calendula petals in the glass jar.
2. Stir well to combine, then seal the jar tightly.
3. Store the mixture at room temperature for 2-4 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
4. After 2-4 weeks, strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into another container.
5. Discard the solids and use the calendula-infused olive oil immediately or store it in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: None (the infusion process takes place over several weeks)
Calendula and Chamomile Relaxing Bath Bombs
Soak away stress and tension with these calming bath bombs infused with the soothing properties of calendula and chamomile. Perfect for a relaxing evening routine or post-workout unwind.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups baking soda
– 1 cup citric acid
– 1/2 cup Epsom salt
– 1/4 cup coconut oil
– 2 tablespoons dried calendula petals
– 2 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers
– 10 drops lavender essential oil
– Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
1. Mix baking soda, citric acid, and Epsom salt in a bowl.
2. Add coconut oil and mix until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Stir in calendula petals, chamomile flowers, and lavender essential oil.
4. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to tint the bath bombs.
5. Use a mold or shape the mixture into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
6. Let the mixture dry completely, at least 24 hours.
7. To use, drop one bath bomb into warm water and watch it fizz and release its calming goodness.
Cooking Time: None (no heat required)
Calendula and Rosehip Facial Toner
Soften and clarify your skin with this gentle, natural toner featuring calendula and rosehip.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup distilled water
• 1/4 cup witch hazel
• 2 tablespoons dried calendula petals
• 2 tablespoons dried rosehips
• 10 drops tea tree essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine the distilled water, witch hazel, and dried calendula petals in a small saucepan.
2. Heat the mixture over low heat for 5-7 minutes or until the calendula is fully infused.
3. Remove from heat and let steep for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle.
5. Add the dried rosehips and stir well to combine.
6. If desired, add the tea tree essential oil and stir gently.
7. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips:
– Use this toner as part of your daily skincare routine by applying it with a cotton pad after cleansing and before moisturizing.
– The calendula and rosehip combination helps to soothe and calm irritated skin, while witch hazel provides a gentle astringent effect.
Calendula and Almond Milk Bath
Soak your skin in this nourishing and calming milk bath infused with the soothing properties of calendula and the moisturizing benefits of almond milk.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried calendula flowers
– 2 cups almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the dried calendula flowers.
2. Pour in the almond milk and stir until the calendula is fully saturated.
3. Add honey and vanilla extract if desired for an extra boost of moisture and relaxation.
4. Stir well to combine.
5. Soak in the bath mixture for 15-20 minutes, allowing your skin to absorb the nourishing benefits.
Cooking Time: None required! Simply mix and soak.
Calendula Sunburn Relief Spray
Soothe and calm sun-kissed skin with this natural Calendula Sunburn Relief Spray. Perfect for after a day at the beach or pool, this gentle spray helps to reduce redness, itching, and inflammation while promoting healing.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup distilled water
– 1/4 cup witch hazel
– 2 tablespoons calendula oil
– 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
– 10 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine distilled water and witch hazel.
2. Add the calendula oil and stir until fully incorporated.
3. Stir in the aloe vera gel until well combined.
4. Add the lavender essential oil and stir gently.
5. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
Usage:
1. Shake the bottle before each use.
2. Spray directly onto sunburned skin, holding 6-8 inches away.
3. Gently massage into skin or leave on for up to 30 minutes.
4. Reapply as needed throughout the day.
Calendula and Honey Lip Balm
This nourishing lip balm combines the soothing properties of calendula oil with the natural moisturizing power of honey, creating a perfect blend for soft, healthy-looking lips.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons beeswax
– 2 tablespoons coconut oil
– 1 tablespoon calendula oil
– 1 teaspoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vitamin E oil
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the beeswax and coconut oil over low heat.
2. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the calendula oil and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into lip balm tubes or small tin containers.
4. Allow the mixture to cool and solidify at room temperature or refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
5. Apply as needed to soften and soothe dry, chapped lips.
Cooking Time: None required – simply melt and mix!
Calendula and Ginger Digestive Tea
This herbal tea combines the anti-inflammatory properties of calendula with the warming, digestive benefits of ginger to create a soothing brew for your gut. Enjoy a cup after meals or as a relaxing evening drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon dried calendula petals
– 2 teaspoons fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced
– 1 quart water (boiling)
– Honey or lemon (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine dried calendula petals and sliced ginger in a tea infuser or a heat-resistant cup.
2. Pour boiling water over the mixture and let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
3. Strain the tea into a cup, discarding solids.
4. Add honey or lemon to taste, if desired.
5. Enjoy your soothing Calendula and Ginger Digestive Tea hot or iced.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Calendula and Beeswax Hand Cream
This nourishing hand cream is infused with the soothing properties of calendula and the natural moisturizing power of beeswax, leaving your hands soft and supple.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup coconut oil
– 1/4 cup beeswax pellets
– 1/4 cup calendula infused oil (see note)
– 2 tablespoons vitamin E oil
– 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the beeswax and coconut oil over low heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Once melted, remove from heat and add the calendula infused oil, vitamin E oil, and aloe vera gel. Stir until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into a clean glass jar or tin container.
4. Allow the hand cream to cool and solidify completely before using.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Notes:
– To make calendula infused oil, steep 1 tablespoon of dried calendula flowers in 1/2 cup of carrier oil (such as sweet almond or grapeseed oil) for 2 weeks. Strain and discard the solids before using.
Calendula Pesto with Basil and Pine Nuts
Elevate your pasta dishes or use as a dip with this vibrant and aromatic Calendula Pesto, infused with the sweetness of calendula flowers, the brightness of fresh basil, and the nutty flavor of pine nuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh calendula petals
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a food processor or blender, combine calendula petals, basil leaves, and garlic. Process until the mixture is well combined and slightly smooth.
2. Add pine nuts and process until they are finely chopped and evenly distributed.
3. With the processor running, slowly pour in olive oil through the top. Process until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Cooking Time: None
Calendula and Aloe Vera Gel for Skin
Harness the power of nature with this gentle and nourishing gel, perfect for soothing dry skin, reducing inflammation, and promoting a radiant complexion.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup Aloe vera gel
– 1/4 cup Calendula infused oil (see note)
– 1 tablespoon Glycerin
– 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the Aloe vera gel and Calendula infused oil until well combined.
2. Add the Glycerin and Vitamin E oil to the mixture and stir until smooth.
3. Pour the gel into a clean, sterilized jar or container.
4. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks.
Note: To make Calendula infused oil, combine 1/4 cup dried Calendula flowers with 1/2 cup carrier oil (such as coconut or sweet almond oil) in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat for 30 minutes, then strain and discard the solids. Let the oil cool before using.
Calendula and Peppermint Foot Soak
This soothing foot soak combines the anti-inflammatory properties of calendula with the refreshing and invigorating effects of peppermint, creating a perfect treat for tired feet.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 tablespoons dried calendula flowers
– 10 drops peppermint essential oil
– 1 tablespoon Epsom salt
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the warm water and dried calendula flowers. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes to allow the calendula to infuse into the water.
2. Add the peppermint essential oil and stir well.
3. Pour the mixture into a foot bath or a large bowl filled with warm water.
4. Add the Epsom salt and stir until dissolved.
5. Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes, relaxing and rejuvenating them.
6. Dry your feet thoroughly, and massage in your favorite moisturizer.
Cooking Time: None
Calendula-infused Vinegar for Dressings
Elevate your salad dressings with this floral and fragrant infused vinegar, featuring the subtle beauty of calendula petals. This recipe adds a delicate touch to any dish, perfect for spring-inspired salads or as a finishing touch for roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup white wine vinegar
– 2 tablespoons dried calendula petals
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Combine the white wine vinegar and dried calendula petals in a small saucepan.
2. Add the water to the saucepan, making sure that the calendula petals are fully submerged.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it steep for 10-15 minutes.
4. Strain the infused vinegar through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
5. Store the calendula-infused vinegar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Calendula and Shea Butter Body Lotion
This homemade body lotion recipe combines the natural anti-inflammatory properties of calendula with the nourishing benefits of shea butter to leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and pampered.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup distilled water
– 1/4 cup calendula infused oil (see note)
– 1/4 cup shea butter
– 2 tablespoons coconut oil
– 2 tablespoons beeswax
– 2 teaspoons vitamin E oil
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax over low heat.
2. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the calendula infused oil and vitamin E oil.
3. Let the mixture cool until it reaches a consistency similar to honey.
4. Stir in the distilled water until well combined.
5. Pour the lotion into a glass jar or container.
6. Store in a cool, dry place.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Summary
Discover the soothing power of calendula with these 20 recipes for skin and wellness. From natural remedies to delicious dishes, this collection offers a range of creative ways to incorporate calendula into your daily routine. Use it to calm irritated skin with balms and salves, or to soothe sunburns with a refreshing spray. You can even enjoy its benefits in the kitchen with infused olive oil for cooking or a flavorful pesto. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, rejuvenation, or just a little TLC, these recipes will guide you towards a more peaceful and pampered you.