Learn all about solar infused calendula oil, its uses and properties, and how to make soothing and healing calendula infused oil right at home! This natural DIY recipe could not be any easier!
What is Calendula Oil?
Calendula oil is any kind of carrier oil that has been infused with calendula flower heads or petals (Calendula officinalis) a.k.a. pot marigold). Dried calendula blossoms are recommend when infusing in oil, in order to prevent the chances of the oil going rancid. If you must use fresh, let the the fresh flowers wilt for several hours (the longer the better) before using them in an oil infusion. Calendula infused oil can be used on its own or incorporated into a variety of herbal bath and body products.
Calendula Oil Properties
Calendula oil has anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. It is an excellent skin soother for a variety of conditions, including acne, psoriasis, eczema, diaper rash, and also promotes the healing of wounds.
Uses
- Face or body moisturizer.
- Massage oil.
- Bath oil.
- Hair conditioner.
- Sunburn soother.
- Facial cleansing oil for acne prone skin.
- First aid ally for cuts and scrapes.
- Base for a variety of skincare products.
How-to Make Calendula Infused Oil
Place dried blossoms in a clean jar. Add carrier oil to cover, screw on lid, and let sit for at least 4 weeks. Strain into a clean container. Press the blossoms very well to wring out all that healing goodness. Like so. Store and enjoy!
Carrier Oil Options
The type of oil you choose to use in your oil infusion should take into consideration what you intend on using the calendula oil for. Here are some of my favorites!
Extra-virgin olive oil: Olive oil makes a nice thick and hyper-moisturizing oil with anti-aging properties. I like to use olive oil when I intend on using the oil in body care products.
Jojoba oil: Jojoba is one of my favorites oils to use when making facial care products. It makes a great facial cleansing oil and is really good at lifting impurities from the skin.
Sweet almond oil: I love using almond oil when making diaper rash creams or acne scar healing ointments. It works well in combination with calendula when treating irritations of the skin and/or scarring.
Hemp seed oil: Hemp seed oil is one of my all time favorite oils, as it is rather universal in its uses and suitable skin types. It is completely non-comedogenic (meaning it will not clog pores), making a great oil to use in facial applications or those with sensitive skin.
How-to Store
Keep your freshly infused calendula oil in a cool and dark place for up to two years. How long calendula keeps partially depends on what carrier oil you use. If the oil looks or smells rancid, toss it and make a new infusion. You can keep it stored in the refrigerator, but it make turn to a solid. This is okay! You can let it sit at room temp to liquify again.
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Calendula Infused Oil
Materials
- dried calendula blossoms or wilted fresh calendula flowers see post above for more information
- carrier oil of choice see post above for carrier oil options
Instructions
- In a clean jar, place the calendula blossoms.
- Pour the carrier oil of your choice over the flowers until they are covered by at least one inch of oil.
- Screw the lid on tightly and place in warm and sunny location to infuse for at least 4 weeks (but up to several months). Give the jar a shake every few days.
- When your solar infusion is complete, strain the blossoms from the oil. I like to use a fine mesh strainer over a stainless steel mixing bowl. Press the blossoms into the strainer using a spatula to ensure you've squeezed as much of the healing oil from the flowers as much as you can. You can then funnel the oil into the storage container of your choice.
- Store the oil in a cool dry place (or the refrigerator) for up to 2 years.
- Enjoy!
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