Calendula officinalis or Pot Marigold is a favorite of herbalists. Do not confuse it with the common variety of marigold of the Tagets genus, planted in many gardens.
We planted Calendula in our garden last year and it did well. I wanted to dry the flowers so I could use them in my salves and soaps. They are small plants and the flowers are quite “sticky” so the flowers needed to be picked at their peak, otherwise tiny bugs collected on the petals.
When I realized the amount of work involved to get enough flowers for my projects, I finally ended up ordering a bag of dried flowers from STARWEST Botanicals online (www.starwestbotanicals.com). This company also has dried lavender, which I also use, and many other herbs. Great resource!
Calendula flowers are used externally for a wide range of skin problems and inflammations. An infusion (like tea) made from the petals can be used in a compress to help slow-healing wounds.
As part of a cream or lotion, Calendula-infused oil is good for many problems involving inflammation or dry skin wounds, dry eczema, scalds and sunburn.
Calendula oil has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that might make it useful in healing wounds, soothing eczema and relieving diaper rash. It’s also used as an antiseptic.
Calendula oil is made by infusing flowers in a carrier oil. I use organic extra virgin olive oil. This Calendula-infused oil can then be used on its own or to make ointments, creams or salves.
Here’s one of my favorite books about using herbs:
Making Calendula-infused oil
Here are the basic instructions:
First, I filled a quart jar with dried Calendula flowers. This 1 lb. bag of dried flowers will probably last me the rest of my life! After the challenge of growing, picking and drying the flowers myself, this was a great compromise!
Then I poured olive oil over them and filled the jar. I used a long-handled spoon to gently poke the flowers to distribute oil. I set the jar into the sauce pan of water. I brought the water up to a boil and then lowered the temperature so it would just simmer for about 6 hours. I did have to add water to the sauce pan every hour or so as it evaporated.
Then, I poured the oil/flower mixture through the strainer, disposing of the flowers. I strained it again by lining the strainer with cheesecloth to make sure I didn’t have any crumbs from the dried flowers.
I ended up with almost 2 cups of lovely calendula-infused olive oil. This strained oil will be used in my next two projects…the Calendula Salve and a Dog Paw Protection Wax…which will be described in the next two posts.
Check the next post about using this oil to make a wonderful salve. I’m counting on it to soothe my itches!
Leave a comment or email me directly at marykisner@comcast.net! Enjoy!
NOTE:
For Topical Use…do a skin patch test.
Do a skin patch test to ensure you’re not allergic to a new skin care product like this one. Apply a small amount of the product to a small patch of skin, like your inner wrist. Wait for 24-48 hours. If you see or feel irritation in that area after that time frame, discontinue use.
For Internal Use…not recommended without consulting a health professional.