Flower Garden Salve

I have never been one to grow flowers purely for decorative purposes.  I like to know that I can use whatever I grow in something, whether it be a skincare or culinary recipe.  The three flowers I love to grow in Utah that are not only beautiful but can be used for other purposes are calendula, chamomile and lavender.  Both chamomile and lavender I generally use in skincare recipes and teas throughout the year. They are really great additions to recipes because they have so many soothing properties and they are so fragrant. As for calendula, I diligently collect the petals each summer and reserve them for skincare formulas.  The vibrant color of calendula and healing properties of this special flower make it a wonderful ingredient, particularly in salves.  

Salves are softer than balms.  I make mine so they are the consistency of an ointment.  I use salves to help with skin dryness.  Once prepared, I like to pour the salve into little jars and use it on my hands, feet and cuticles.  Living in the arid Southwest makes it hard to keep moisturized skin without some help.  =)

This is just a simple salve recipe highlighting chamomile, calendula, and lavender.  It’s a fun way to preserve the aesthetic beauty of these plants and their natural healing properties.

Flower Garden Salve

*  1 Tbsp dried calendula, lavender & chamomile (you can use whatever portions of each flower that you like to comprise the 1 Tbsp);

*  100 ML carrier oil (I like to use either jojoba oil or sunflower oil);

*  1 Tbsp beeswax

*  ½ tsp shea butter

*  Essential oil (optional)

Step 1:  Gently grind the dried calendula, chamomile, and lavender in a mortar and pestle to release their natural oils.

Step 2:  In a double boiler combine the carrier oil of your choosing and the dried flowers on medium-low heat until the oil begins to heat up.  

Step 3:  Once the oil heats up, immediately remove from heat, cover the double boiler with some aluminum foil and let sit in a safe location overnight.  (working with oil can get messy so keep in a location free from the risks of spillage).

Step 4:  The next day, add the beeswax and the shea butter to the oil and dried flowers in the double boiler and place on medium low heat until ingredients are melted.

Step 5:  Once ingredients are melted, immediately remove double boiler from heat and add any skin friendly essential oils you like before pouring the salve into jars.

Note:  If you do not want any plant material in your salves, then after Step 3, you should strain the plant material from the oil with cheesecloth and discard.  I just think that having pieces of the flower in the salve makes it pretty. =)