HOW TO MAKE CALENDULA OIL AND SALVE

Calendula oil made into salve

Today, calendula oil benefits continue to impress both herbalists and skincare enthusiasts alike. This golden-hued oil, extracted from marigold flowers, offers remarkable healing properties for various skin conditions, from minor cuts to stubborn inflammation.

Creating your own calendula oil at home isn't just cost-effective - it ensures you're using the purest form of this natural remedy. However, the process requires attention to detail and the right techniques to maximize its therapeutic properties.

Understanding Calendula's Healing Properties

Calendula flowers contain a rich array of bioactive compounds that contribute to their remarkable healing properties. Scientific research has identified several key components that make this botanical extract particularly effective for skin care.

Key Active Compounds

The therapeutic potential of calendula stems from its diverse chemical composition. The flowers contain multiple groups of active compounds:

• Flavonoids - powerful antioxidants that protect cells from free radical damage

• Triterpenoids - responsible for anti-inflammatory effects

• Carotenoids - support skin protection and healing

• Essential oils and fatty acids - provide moisturizing benefits

• Saponins and glycosides - offer cleansing properties

  
  

Benefits for Skin Health

Specifically, calendula healing capabilities extend to multiple skin concerns. The triterpenoid fatty acid esters demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory effects, reducing both acute and chronic swelling . Additionally, research shows calendula promotes faster wound healing by increasing blood flow and oxygen to affected areas .

Furthermore, calendula's high flavonoid content provides substantial antioxidant protection, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals . The plant compounds actively support collagen development and enhance skin hydration.

Traditional Uses and Applications

Since the 12th century, calendula has been utilized for various therapeutic purposes. Notably, traditional healers have employed calendula for treating minor burns, wounds, and skin inflammations . The plant's versatility extends to addressing multiple skin conditions, including:

• Minor cuts and abrasions

• Skin inflammation and irritation

• Burns and sunburns

• Diaper rash

Modern research supports these traditional applications, confirming calendula's effectiveness in promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation . The plant's gentle nature makes it particularly suitable for sensitive skin conditions, while its antimicrobial properties help prevent potential infections in wounds.

I know first hand that this is the recommended salve for cancer patients going through certain chemo treatments on their injection site.

Calendula blossoms at perfect stage, right before opening to full bloom

Choosing the Right Calendula Flowers

Growing your own calendula offers the advantage of controlling quality from seed to harvest. I have been growing the same crop for over a decade from a free packet of seeds that were given to me. Most would agree that you want to harvest the blossoms right before they fully open. That is when they have the most resin in their petals. For more on how to grow your own beautiful calendula, click here.

hanging herb and flower dryer

The flowers should be thoroughly dried to prevent mold growth during the infusion process. This usually takes 4-6 weeks in the open air on a mesh herb dryer.

Best Carrier Oils for Infusion

The choice of carrier oil significantly affects both the extraction efficiency and final product application. Here are recommended carrier oils based on specific needs:

• Grapeseed Oil: Contains polyphenols and vitamin E, ideal for body and scalp applications

• Sweet Almond Oil: Light in feel with no scent, excellent for skincare I use this brand here.

• Jojoba Oil: Offers superior shelf stability and compatibility with skin

• Olive Oil: Provides extended shelf life and good absorption properties

Essential qualities to look for in carrier oils include organic certification, unrefined processing, and cold-pressed extraction methods.

Essential Equipment Needed

Infusing dried calendula petal with olive oil

To create professional-grade calendula oil, gather these fundamental tools:

A wide-mouth glass jar serves as the primary infusion vessel. The jar should be clean and large enough to accommodate both flowers and oil with approximately one inch of headspace.

Moreover, you'll need cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve for straining, measuring cups for precise oil ratios, and dark-colored glass bottles for storage is ideal, however I have used clear jars and placed them in a dark closet. Labels are crucial for tracking infusion dates and shelf life.

For quality control, maintain cleanliness of all equipment and ensure proper sealing capabilities of storage containers. This attention to detail ultimately determines the longevity and effectiveness of your calendula oil preparation.

Step-by-Step Oil Making Process

Creating potent calendula oil requires meticulous attention to detail and patience throughout the preparation process.

Proper Flower Preparation

First of all, proper drying of calendula flowers forms the cornerstone of successful oil infusion. When using a dehydrator for drying, arrange harvested flowers face down on dehydrator sheets, run the unit at its lowest temperature setting, 95 - 125 degrees, to preserve the flowers' therapeutic compounds. The flowers must be completely dry, as any remaining moisture can lead to spoilage or bacterial growth in the final product. This may take 10-24 hours depending on the moisture level and the temperature.

If drying naturally on a mesh air dryer, it will take several weeks to achieve the ideal dry blossom.

Cold Infusion Method For Making Calendula Oil

The traditional cold infusion method yields the most potent results. Here's the proven process:

1. Fill a clean glass jar as full as possible with dried calendula flowers

2. Pour your chosen carrier oil over the flowers, ensuring they're covered by at least one inch of oil. Press down with wooden spoon to release any air bubbles.

3. Secure the lid tightly and place the jar in a warm location away from direct sunlight

4. Allow the mixture to infuse for 4-6 weeks

Some herbalists recommend placing the jar inside a brown paper bag to protect the oil from UV light, which can degrade the beneficial compounds. Store in a cool, (not cold) dark, and dry place.

I like to store in a pantry closet. This ensures an even temperature. Not too cold, not to hot, just perfect.

Shake the jar every few days to redistribute the flowers throughout the oil.

Store in a dark cupboard

Monitoring and Straining

Throughout the infusion period, monitor the oil regularly for signs of proper development. The oil should gradually take on a golden hue, indicating successful extraction of calendula's beneficial compounds . As a result of the infusion process, the dried flowers will absorb a significant amount of oil .

After the infusion period, strain the mixture thoroughly using one of these proven methods:

• Double-layer muslin cloth for maximum clarity

• Fine-mesh metal strainer with a coffee filter

• Clean nylon stocking for reusable straining

• I use a metal strainer funnel combination

Store the strained oil in dark glass bottles to protect it from light exposure . Label each bottle with the production date and type of carrier oil used . Under proper storage conditions in a cool, dark place, the oil maintains its potency for up to one year.

Quality Control and Safety

Proper quality control ensures maximum calendula oil benefits while maintaining safety standards throughout its shelf life.

Testing for Readiness

The infusion process generally requires 4-6 weeks for optimal potency. Subsequently, examine the oil's color and aroma - a rich golden hue indicates successful extraction. If the scent seems overly strong, blend with additional carrier oil to achieve the desired concentration.

Essential testing involves checking for clarity - cloudiness alone does not indicate spoilage unless accompanied by unpleasant odors.

Signs of Spoilage

Watch for these critical indicators that signal compromised oil quality:

• Sour or putrid odors

• Visible mold growth

• Crayon-like smell

• Sticky residue around container openings

• Rancid or "off" scents

The presence of any moisture primarily increases spoilage risk, regardless of the infusion method used. Overall, proper drying of flowers before infusion remains fundamental for preventing contamination.

Using Your Calendula Oil For Making Salve

Beeswax pellets in a double boiler

The directions for Calendula Salve are simple:

In a double boiler melt 1 ounce pure organic beeswax pellets.

I use this brand

Add 1 cup of your infused oil.

Pour into tins, or small jars, and let cool before capping with lids.

I like to add a pretty label, and give as gifts.

These tins of salve make beautiful gifts

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