You can use the dried flowers of common marigolds in your calendula ointment. All the rest of the ingredients are readily available at the grocery or craft store. The ointment is non-toxic and works as well on humans as it does horses.
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Making a Calendula Infusion
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The first step in making a calendula oinment is to make an infusion. Put 8 oz. of dried calendula flower and 32 oz. olive oil (or smaller amounts following the 1-to-4 ratio) in the top part of a double boiler. Bring water in the bottom part to a simmer and cook for an hour. Let sit for several hours then repeat. Do this twice a day for three days. Let cool completely. Strain through two or three layers of cheesecloth and store in sealed dark bottles in a cool place. You can store it for up to a year.
Making the Ointment
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To make a basic ointment, mix 8 oz. of calendula-infused oil with 3 oz. of shaved beeswax and 2 oz. of cocoa butter in a small pot. Add 1/2 tsp. Vitamin E oil. Melt the mixture slowly over very low heat. When it is melted and thoroughly mixed, pour into small pots or tins. Used Altoids or Bag Balm tins or similar boxes work great for this. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Use with Horses
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Calendula ointment has many uses in the stable. Massage it on your horse to treat scrapes, minor cuts, small wounds, minor burns and scratches. Apply to your horse's ears to keep bugs and gnats out. The calendula ointment speeds healing and repels insects that want to lay eggs in the wounds.
To use, clean the area well with mild soap, rinse and let dry. Apply a thin layer of calendula ointment three times a day.
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