Calendula Herbal Oil
Calendula oil, derived from the Calendula officinalis flower, has been used for centuries for its healing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties. Here are the key benefits:
Materials
- 300 ml (10 fluid ounces) olive oil or Carrier oil of your choosing
- 5 g (.2oz) dried calendula flower
Instructions
- Grind dried flowers in a mortar and pestle or break them up in your Clean Hands to produce smaller pieces.
- Fill a dry, sterilized glass jar half full with dried herbs
- Poor room temperature oil over dried herbs in the jar, nearly to the top, making sure herbs are completely covered and oil is at least one inch above the top of the herbs. Use a clean, dry spoon or chopstick to mix thoroughly so all surfaces of the herbs are coated and no air bubbles remain.
- Place a square piece of natural wax paper on top of the jar, then seal the jar with a lid (this protects oil from any chemical coating that may be on the lid). Roll the jar back and forth in your hands to continue to thoroughly mix the herb and oil, focusing your intention for the infused oil.
- Place jar in a dark, warm spot, but not directly in the sunlight unless you are using a dark colored glass bottle or jar or have placed the jar in a brown paper bag. Let it sit for four to six weeks. Every 1 to 3 days, roll the jar in your hands to help mix the contents and release the herbs' constituents into the oil. Revisit your intention for this herbal preparation.
- Decant the oil after 4 to 6 weeks. Place a cheesecloth-lined strainer inside a large bowl with a spout for the contents from the jar into the strainer. With clean, dry hands, gather the ends of the cheesecloth together and squeeze the remaining oil from the herb into the bowl. You'll want to squeeze hard to get every last drop!
- Pour the oil into a sterilized glass jar, cap it, and let it settle overnight or for a few days.
- Strain the oil again being careful to avoid pouring out any of the remaining herb particulates that have settled to the bottom of the jar.
- Pour the oil into clean and dry sterilized glass bottles or jars (ideally dark colored glass jars to protect from light) and add a few drops of vitamin E oil, if desired, to slow down oxidation of the oil. Cap tightly.
- Label the jar and store it in a cool, dark place.
Notes
This recipe is great for beginners who prefer more precise measurements. If you like a more intuitive approach, you might try the "simpler’s method"—just place a few handfuls of herbs into a jar and pour in enough oil to cover the herbs by an inch or two. While calendula is used here as an example, you can infuse other skin-loving herbs like plantain, comfrey, St. John’s Wort, or any others supporting skin health.