Learn how to make calendula infused oil in this simple herbal medicine tutorial for beginners. Some basic ingredients and kitchen equipment are all you need to start making your own herbal medicine.
Making Your Own Herbal Products
I love making my own herbal medicine body and beauty products. There is a huge range of items to make at home. From soaps and lotions to salves and oils. Each product has a different use and benefits.
I like preparing my own products because it is an easy way to reduce plastic waste and save money. It also feels nice to know exactly what I’m putting on my skin, without any added toxic chemicals.
Calendula infused oil is something I make several times per year. Usually, at the peak of summer my calendula plants are flowering in full bloom. This is the perfect time to begin picking the flowers.
Calendula is widely known for its wound healing properties and for treating a range of skin conditions. As a herbalist I use calendula topically for skin issues like nappy rash and eczema, and internally for liver support.
Picking the Flowers
When the calendula plants have fully embraced the heat of summer, the resin and active properties are in its highest concentration.
This means it will have strong medicinal properties, which is ultimately what you want for your herbal products!
I pick the flower heads and leave them to dry on a rack for 4-5 days, or until completely dried. They really must be completely dry, you don’t want any mould spoiling your oil!
Now, if I’m being completely honest, my calendula plants are a little worse for wear this year. The ones that survived my neglect when we went away for a few days (in the middle of a heatwave!) are straggly and a bit scrawny.
Luckily, the easiest way around this is to buy dried calendula flowers from your local herbal store or online. Then all you need to do is infuse them in the oil yourself which is quick and easy.
Infusing the Calendula Oil
Whether you chose to use your own homegrown dried flowers, or store bought flowers the result will be similar.
All you need to be sure of is that if you use store bought dried calendula is to try source organic or spray free. That way you won’t be getting any toxin residue in your herbal oil.
I place the dried flowers into a clean glass jar, usually 1 litre in size. I top off the flowers with a cold pressed oil like sunflower or sweet almond and seal it with a lid.
All that’s left to do is allow the flowers to infuse with the oil for 2-4 weeks. I store the jar away from direct sunlight and give it a shake every few days or so.
Soon you’ll see the bright orange-yellow colour seep into the oil and you will know it is ready to be used. I use a muslin cloth placed over a sieve to strain out the flower heads.
Now the oil is ready to be bottled, or used to make salves and lotion.
How To Make Calendula Infused Oil
Equipment
- 1 1 litre glass jar with lid
Materials
- 750 ml cold pressed sweet almond or sunflower oil
- 3 cups dried calendula flowers
Instructions
- Place dried calendula flowers into the glass jar.
- Top off the flowers with cold pressed oil.
- Seal with a lid and shake the disperse the contents.
- Store in a cool area away from direct sunlight to infuse for 2-4 weeks.
- Strain off the flowers using a sieve and muslin cloth.
- Collect the oil and store in a sealed glass jar or bottle with a lid away from direct sunlight. Remember to label your final product with the name and date.
Notes
If you would like to know more about how herbal medicine can help your health, visit my herbal medicine page to learn more.
I offer holistic health consultations to New Zealand based clients. I also offer distance reiki healing to worldwide clients. Please visit my consultations page and my booking page to learn more.
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