Calendula oil is one of the most versatile infused oils you can make, with applications ranging from soothing inflamed skin to relieving yeast infections and healing cuts. Here's how you can quickly infuse calendula oil at home.
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When I started looking into adding medicinal herbs to my garden, calendula was toward the top of my list. I didn't know much about it, but I did know that it had a long blooming season, grew vibrant, daisy-like flowers, and was commonly made into healing salves.
Fast forward a few years and I'm adding calendula infused oil to nearly every salve, balm, and lotion that I make. Did you know that there's evidence that calendula extract is antibacterial, anti-fungal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidizing? Basically, as long as you're not allergic to ragweed or chrysanthemums (they're all members of the Asteraceae family), your skin is just better off with some calendula oil on it.
Calendula oil benefits
Calendula (Calendula officinalis), more commonly known as marigold, has been used medicinally for centuries, both topically and in tinctures and teas. It's a fantastic addition to healing salves, creams, balms, and ointments thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Though calendula is possibly best known now for giving a boost to face serums and lotions, its practical applications are surprisingly wide-ranging.
The body of research on calendula's medicinal uses is constantly growing, but to date there's evidence that calendula oil and extract can reduce or relieve diaper rash, hemorrhoids, yeast infections, eczema, burns, and acute dermatitis in patients going through radiation therapy. There's even research that suggests calendula extract toothpaste can help relieve the symptoms of gingivitis.
Calendula has also historically been used to heal cuts and treat bee stings, headaches, jaundice, and menstrual cramps. And finally, it's still commonly used to relieve and heal sore or cracked nipples while breastfeeding.
Heat infusing calendula oil
The quickest way to make calendula oil is to infuse the dried or fresh flowers in a carrier oil over heat. For this, you'll need either a double boiler or a pot of water and a tempered glass jar, like a Ball jar or Pyrex measuring cup.
I like to infuse oils directly in a mason jar because it makes it easier to completely submerge the petals in oil. After you've poured the oil in, wait a minute or two-- the flowers will absorb some of that oil, so you'll need to top it back up. Then, place your jar in a pot of water (or add a couple inches of water to the bottom pot of a double boiler) and put it over low heat for two to four hours. Don't put the lid on the jar or the pot of water-- this can introduce water that might make your infused oil spoil prematurely.
You don't need to stir or agitate the oil while it's infusing, but do check that it isn't getting too hot. Oils are traditionally infused over a period of weeks in the sunlight, so even quick infusing is a gentle process; a water temperature of around 110º is ideal.
After two to four hours, remove the jar or pot of oil and let it cool before straining it through a cheesecloth. The final step: transfer that beautifully golden oil to a clean, dry jar and store it somewhere dark to maximize its shelf life.
📖 Recipe
Calendula Oil Recipe
Homemade calendula oil is easy to infuse, can last for up to two years, and is the perfect addition to skin-soothing salves and lotions.
Ingredients
- 2 c. calendula flowers (dried or fresh)
- 1 ¾ c. carrier oil
Instructions
- Place calendula flowers in a tempered glass jar or the top pot of a double boiler
- Add carrier oil until the flowers are completely submerged. Leave the flowers to absorb the oil for 2 minutes. Top off with oil to re-submerge the flowers.
- Place jar in a pot of water (or add water to the bottom pot of the double boiler) and keep over low heat for 2-4 hours
- Remove from heat and let cool before straining through a cheesecloth
- Store in an airtight container out of direct sun. Will keep for 1-2 years.
Notes
- Coconut oil, sweet almond oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil, and jojoba oil are all suitable carrier oils to infuse. Oils can also be combined at any proportions, so long as they keep the flowers submerged.
- Leave the lids off of both the jar and pot of water while infusing to ensure that no water drips into the infused oil.
Materials and ingredients
Most things you'll need for making calendula oil are common household items, like a tempered glass mason jar and pot (or double boiler), a sieve, and a measuring cup. Other items, you may need to order online. Here's what I can recommend:
- Carrier oil: I use sweet almond oil, but some other good options include coconut oil, jojoba oil, extra virgin olive oil, and grapeseed oil.
- Cheesecloth: I highly recommend using a cheesecloth to strain out the small bits of flower or leaf, which could otherwise cause your oil to spoil prematurely. If you're using a brand new cheesecloth, wash it first (and let it dry completely) to remove the sizing.
- Airtight glass bottles: Any airtight, glass container will do, but one with a spout and either a stopper or dropper will be most convenient. I've used a clear glass bottle here, but blue or amber glass jars will help the oil to keep for as long as possible. (I'm partial to these amber bottles with droppers.)
Solar infusing calendula oil
Solar infusions take about four to six weeks and require that the flowers are completely dried before being immersed in the oil. So, a few days before you plan to start your infusion, pick your calendula flowers and lay or hang them somewhere out of direct sunlight to dry.
Once the flowers are ready, add them to your glass jar and cover with your carrier oil. For the next four to six weeks, set the jar in a sunny position and give it a gentle shake every day or two. That's all there is to it! When the oil has reached the exact golden hue you're looking for, strain out the flowers and store the oil as outlined above.
How do you apply calendula to skin?
Calendula oil can be used as a massage oil, or it can be added to a serum, lotion, body butter, lip balm, or calendula salve. It can also be made into a tincture for compresses, or used as a wash to soothe irritated skin. I even use it to make my homemade sugar scrub and salt scrubs.
Can you put calendula on an open wound?
Healthcare providers almost categorically recommend only applying calendula to an open wound after consulting with a doctor. Using any skin-healing herb directly on a wound can encourage the skin to heal before the internal wound has, resulting in the potential for bacteria to become trapped inside. This is a particular risk for puncture wounds.
Can you put calendula oil on your lips and face?
Calendula oil is a great choice for making homemade lip balms, salves, and ointments. It's anti-inflammatory and it's also full of antioxidants, which help to neutralize free radicals that cause skin damage.
How long does homemade calendula oil last?
Calendula oil can last 1-2 years, depending on the shelf life of the carrier oil used to make it. Using a freshly opened carrier oil and storing the calendula oil in a tightly sealed container in a dark place will help to maximize that shelf life. You can also add a dash of vitamin E oil-- I like to use about ¼ teaspoon per cup of infused oil-- which has the benefit of also being fantastic for healing dry, damaged skin.
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