Calendula infused oil is prepared by maceration of calendula petals in oil where the herb releases its oil-soluble substances. It possesses excellent skincare properties when applied on skin or hair but is also a popular addition to salads or quiche.
The plant Calendula (Calendula Officinalis, a.k.a. “Pot Marigold”), has its well-defined place in the herbal world. It’s not only the bright color and sweet smell that distinguishes this plant from the others. But mainly it’s healing power and capability to cleanse wounds make it an internal as well as an external number one choice as a herbal healer
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In this article you will learn:
- 2 ways to extract medicinal properties from calendula
- 6 incredible benefits of calendula infused oil
- How to make calendula oil recipe and video
- Its uses with simple recipes
“Calendula strengthens the heart exceedingly.”
~Nicholas Culpepper
2 ways to extract medicinal properties from calendula
There are several ways one can extract calendula's various medicinal properties.
If you intend to use its power internally you want to make a tincture (extract of the plant in alcohol), calming tea (extract its calming properties in hot water) or capsules.
When used topically the best choice is to make calendula infused oil (macerate the herb in oil). This can be further used in salves, balsams, ointments, lotions or lip balms.
Made by maceration of calendula petals in oil this healing calendula oil has a number of benefits not only for face and hair. This potent calendula oil is often used by herbal healers to heal scars, wounds or insect bites and is very often used in natural health products in the market
Calendula is also very easy to grow or easily available in organic qualities.
Similar healing effect to calendula oil has ribwort plantain oil that is often used for bruises, wounds, eczema or other skin inflammations.
Calendula oil benefits
Healing and soothing calendula oil is effective in diaper rash or ear infection. Its anti-inflammatory activity is beneficial for acne or dermatitis. This natural herbal infused oil is an essential item in homemade first aid kits to heal scars, wounds or insect bites.
- Excellent healing properties of calendula enable the use of its herbal oil for healing wounds, scars, burns, and bruises. [1]
- its anti-inflammatory properties are effective in treating diaper rash or an ear infection. Calendula is ideal to use for babies and toddlers. [2]
- Calendula contains terpenoids, volatile oil, glycosides, and flavonoids; the latter one is the most important constituent responsible for anti-inflammatory activity that is beneficial for acne. To reduce inflammation apply topically to dark acne spots. [3]
- this study found that calendula may help in dermatitis in people receiving radiation for breast cancer. [4]
- might be useful for psoriasis however further research needs to be conducted to confirm this hypothesis. [5]
- There is a significant acceleration of wound healing on the epithelialization of lower leg veinous ulcers when applied twice a day for 3 weeks. [6]
Calendula oil uses for skin
Use on its own
This nourishing and healing oil is perfect on its own , just gently rub it on your dry hands or face and use it to heal bruises or wounds. It works on sunburns well.
As a sunscreen
As a sunscreen - this study suggested that calendula oil cream can be used to protect the skin from UV radiations in the form of sunscreen cream and to maintain the natural pigmentation of the skin. [7] If you are planning to make your own sun creams calendula oil should definitely be considered as one of the sun protectors. This aftersun butter recipe will solve your problem with sunburns.
For insect bites
This healing calming cream for insect bites contains all-natural ingredients that work like a charm for red and itchy bug bites. It is a complex solution that fights bacteria, soothe and calm your skin and relieve the discomfort.
lip balms -Likewise, in this recipe, just replace rose oil with calendula oil
Healing salve
This healing calendula salve not only moisturizes your skin but also creates a barrier that protects your hands against cold wet conditions and leaves them smooth and silky.
This rich calendula cream works wonders and is perfect to use on very dry and even cracked skin, or even on minor wounds and scars
in a bath
mix sunflower oil with calendula oil 1:1 with few drops of mandarin essential oil. use 2 tablespoons for 1 bath. This calming and moisturizing oil is ideal for dry and soft skin and is also suitable for babies
massage oil for babies
mix sunflower oil (5 tablespoons) with calendula oil (4 teaspoons) and 8 drops of lavender essential oil and 6 drops of chamomile essential oil. This calming and healing oil is suitable for babies from the age of 3 months.
Uses of calendula oil for hair and scalp
as moisturizer
You can apply this calendula oil directly on your scalp. It will help to moisturize dry scalps and keep the hair follicles to grow.
anti-dandruff
Calendula is used for hair treatment to moisturize dry scalps It has an anti-dandruff effect and improves the condition of the scalp. According to a study from the International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical science, calendula oil has regenerative properties that help the hair follicles to grow and the antioxidants to protect the hair and scalp against cell-damaging free radicals. [8]
Alternatively use antidandruff shampoo bars with calendula to improve your dry scalp or this hair growth oil.
How to make Calendula Infused oil
First step - Gathering calendula petals
You can use dry or fresh calendula petals. In case you use fresh flowers make sure they are not wet from rain or from morning dew. The best way is to collect them at noontime on a sunny day and let them stay for one day in the sun before infusing them in the oil. instead of using just the petals use the green part of the flower as well to make the oil more potent. Calendula is also very easy to grow or easily available in organic qualities. Be sure to collect calendula Officinalis aka pot marigold and not other marigold plants as these are not medicinal.
Second step - Carrier Oil selection
Select an oil of your choice. The advantage of making your own is that you can select the carrier oil as per the type of skin you are going to use the product on. So if you intend to use it on dry skin - go for oils rich in fatty acids that nourish your skin and help fight aging like macadamia, wheat germ, avocado or neem oil. Consequently for oily skin it is better to choose oils that have a high percentage of linoleic acid like sunflower and grapeseed oil. As a result, I selected olive oil for my normal skin that is packed with antioxidants and therefore good to fight wrinkles. This article is useful If you wish to learn more about carrier oils.
Third step
Fill your sterilized jar about halfway with calendula petals.
Fourth step
Pour olive oil into the jar until it’s just about full. Make sure that herbs are covered completely with oil, if some oil evaporates just add more to cover them.
Fifth step
Close the jar with a piece of cloth and rubber band so it can breath and place it in a sunny spot.
Sixth step
Shake occasionally to redistribute the jar’s contents.
Seventh step
After 4-6 weeks, pour the jar’s contents through a small strainer or a muslin bag in a jar with a lid which is dry and clean. Don't forget to squeeze a muslin bag before discarding as every drop of this valuable oil is counted.
Eigth step
label well and store in the cold and dry place.
You can use the faster double boiler method that I have used several times and it works really well. Just place the jar filled with calendula petals covered with olive oil to double boil as per the image below. Heat the mixture to a slow simmer. Use a thermometer as you don’t want to exceed a temperature of 120 F (50 C) and keep the heat low for 5-6 hours to help release calendula’s medicinal benefits. Watch it carefully as the water can easily evaporate and you’ll need to refill the bath. Then remove the oil, fill it with the second batch of petals and repeat the process as many times till the oil takes on the color and the scent. Depending on the calendula it can be 3-5 times. I repeat it 3 times to achieve my desired scent.
If you are looking for a ready-made option, buy calendula infused oil from trusted sources. Mountain Rose Herbs Our make small-batch calendula herbal oil is solar infused in a window on site using certified organic calendula flowers, organic olive oil, and a touch of vitamin E oil.
If stored in a dry and dark place calendula oil can last over 1 year.
You can fill your jar one-half full to almost ¾ full with the herb and cover the herbs with the oil. Make sure you have enough oil to fully cover the herb in the jar.
Calendula oil
Healing and soothing calendula oil is effective in the treatment of diaper rash or ear infection. Its anti-inflammatory activity is beneficial in the treatment of acne or dermatitis. This natural herbal infused oil is an essential item in homemade first aid kit to heal scars, wounds or insect bites.
Tools
Instructions
- Fill your jar about halfway with calendula petals.
- Pour olive oil into the jar until it’s just about full. Make sure that herbs are covered completely with oil, if some oil evaporates just add more to cover them.
- Close the jar with a piece of cloth and rubber band so it can breath and place in a sunny spot.
- Shake occasionally to redistribute the jar’s contents.
- After 4-6 weeks, pour the jar’s contents through a small strainer or a muslin bag in a jar with lid which is dry and clean. Don't forget to squeeze a muslin bag before discarding as every drop of this valuable oil is counted.
- label well and store
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Tessa Zundel says
I've never thought to use calendula on scalps! My daughter had horrible cradle cap as a baby and, even now as a teen, still struggles with it. It's not dandruff, really - much more like the dried sores and flakes of skin from cradle cap. Maybe calendula oil can help! Her diet is so clean and her hygiene is good, so we've had a hard time trying to think of something. She's currently using a rosemary/ACV mix. Hmm...time to infuse some calendula - thank you!
Simplybeyondherbs says
Hi Tessa, I would definitely try calendula oil! it is very often used for dry scalp and works really well. Let me know how did it go. Vladka
Laina says
This is awesome! I have a jar of calendula flowers I should use up. I'll definitely use these recipes, thank you!
Sharon says
Same process for own vit C oil. Except... Let sit 4+ weeks. At 2 week can began using it..
Andrea says
Most people I talk to are not aware that fast hair growth scalp therapy shampoos (obviously with no sulfates, no parabens and no DEA) are a thing. Persons can now possess longer hair and possess more possibilities. Undoubtedly worth looking into it.
If you're dealing with alopecia, damaged hair, preventing skin disorders, fast hair growth, hair health at large, similar rules become relevant.
Generally, you should try to steer clear of hair treatments and products that use chemicals such as parabens, DEA and sulfates.
What's beneficial for your hair is healthy for your skin as well.
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Sonya Stover says
You say cover jar with cloth and rubberband. So you dont use the lid at all? If thats the case I wil have to be careful when I go to shake the jar.
Vladka Merva says
Hi Sonya,
You can also use a jar with a lid just place a square piece of natural waxed paper on top of the jar to protect the herbal oil from any chemical coating that may be on the lid.