Directions

• This is a two step process, the first step is similar to making an infused herbal oil using a crock pot. The important thing to remember is to keep the crock pot on low, you don’t want the mixture to get too hot. More of the medicinal properties of the calendula are kept viable when the heat is kept low and slow. 
• Measure a cup of tallow and place into the crock pot. Turn the crock pot on low. Since it is such a  small amount I use a mini crocpot for this. You could also place the tallow in a clean mason jar and place the jar in the crock pot with a few inches of water. Once the tallow has melted, add in a half cup of dried and packed down calendula.
• Infuse this for 4-6 hours on low heat. I use the “keep warm” setting on my own crock pot after things have heated up initially.
• While it's still warm, strain through a fine mesh strainer into a clean and heat proof jar. It's ready to use right now. Or place a lid on the jar and save for future use. You could stop here and use the calendula infused tallow just as it is and it would be soothing and healing for super sensitive skin, or skin that needs the gentlest of ingredients. Again it is not necessary to whip it, but whipping it with a few added ingredients does deliver more nutrients to the skin and the whipping helps for a lighter application when using.
• Once you have your Calendula Infused Tallow, melt the tallow in a double boiler. Once it has melted, pour into the mixing bowl you will be using to whip the tallow balm in and allow to cool slightly.
• When the tallow is cooled slightly add in the rest of the ingredients, except the essential oils. Those will be added last, after the tallow has solidified. 
• Once the tallow has solidified, add in 5 drops Chamomile or Lavender essential oil. Stir a bit to combine.
• Then using a hand held immersion blender or a hand held mixer, whip the tallow until it is smooth and silky.
• Scoop into a clean, disinfected 6oz jar and label. Use within 6 months for best freshness.

A Few Notes