Making Calendula Oil: A Healing Herbal Remedy

Harvesting Calendula

Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, is an easy-to-grow annual. Its bright flowers bring vivid color to beds and containers, and it is simple to start from seed. Follow the planting directions on a seed packet and direct-seed in full sun. Harvest the flowers when they are fully open but before their color begins to fade. The flower petals can be used fresh or dried. For fresh use, gently pull them away from the center of the flower. To dry, spread the whole flower heads on a flat screen in a warm, dry area. When completely dry, store them in a glass jar. When ready to use, pull the petals off the flower base. 

The most common use for calendula is to infuse the petals into healing oils and salves. The healing quality of the petals calms redness and irritation on the skin.

How to Make Calendula Healing Oil

Use as a healing lotion on skin for scrapes, bug bites, and sunburn. You can also apply a drop or two to lips to soothe dryness. 

Ingredients

• ½ cup organic dried whole calendula petals 
• ½ cup sweet almond oil

*Sweet almond oil, made from almonds, is popular as a base oil in skincare recipes because of its skin-softening effect and the numerous nutrients that it contains. It has little to no fragrance; it will not overpower the aroma of your herbs. Use unrefined or virgin almond oil, which retains more of the beneficial nutrients.

Instructions

1. Add the petals to a cleaned and sterilized canning jar. Pour the oil over the petals until they are completely submerged. Seal the jar with the lid and shake gently. 
2. Store in a warm place or sunny window. Shake the jar every few days. 
3. After about 4 weeks, strain the petals out of the oil by pouring it over cheesecloth and into a cleaned and sterilized glass jar. 
4. Seal tight and store in a dark cabinet. Use within 6 months.

You can create your own nourishing calendula oil! This versatile and natural remedy offers a sustainable and affordable alternative to store-bought skincare products.

Recipes and herbal information for health or skincare are for educational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. All herbal information is regarded as safe. Not all health claims made are approved or advised for use by the FDA. Even if an ingredient is in its raw, natural state, always use it with caution on sensitive and/or allergy-prone individuals, babies, and persons with medical conditions.