Marigold
- Type: Rig
- complex
- Latitude: 58.5471000
- Longitude: 0.5954710
What is Calendula Infused Oil?
Calendula infused oil is a herbal preparation made by steeping calendula flowers (Calendula officinalis) in a carrier oil. This oil is renowned for its medicinal and skincare properties.
Medicinal and Skincare Uses
- Antibacterial, Antiviral, and Antifungal: Effective against various infections.
- Anti-inflammatory: Helps in reducing inflammation and soothing skin conditions.
- Healing Properties: Accelerates healing of bruises, burns, sores, and skin infections. It is also safer than comfrey for wound healing.
- Other Benefits: Soothes menstrual cramps, stomach ulcers, and shingles. It also cleans the lymph system and reduces swollen glands.
How to Make Calendula Infused Oil
Ingredients
- Dried calendula flowers
- Carrier oil (e.g., olive oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, sweet almond oil, or apricot kernel oil).
Method
Dry the Calendula Flowers:
- Ensure the flowers are completely dry to prevent spoilage. You can dry them whole or just the petals. Using a dehydrator is recommended to avoid mold growth.
Prepare the Infusion:
- Fill a clean glass jar about 2/3 with dried calendula flowers.
- Pour enough carrier oil to completely cover the flowers and add a little more.
- Close the jar and store it in a cool, dark place.
Steeping:
- Leave the mixture to steep for 2-6 weeks. Shake the jar every few days.
Strain the Oil:
- Use cheesecloth or a muslin cloth to strain the oil into a clean glass jar.
- Discard the solids and store the infused oil in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Applications
- Skincare: Use in homemade skincare products like lotions, salves, body butters, and lotion bars to leverage its skin-healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties.
- Salad Dressings: Can be used in culinary applications, though this is less common.
- Therapeutic Uses: Apply directly to the skin for various therapeutic benefits, such as soothing wounds, reducing inflammation, and treating skin conditions.