Calendula petals are a true botanical powerhouse, bringing a burst of color and a wealth of benefits to your life! These bright and beautiful petals from the Calendula officinalis plant are culinary delights, adding a splash of sunshine and a hint of flavor to salads, soups, and stews. But that's just the beginning. Known for their incredible anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, calendula petals are a go-to in the world of natural medicine. From soothing teas and healing tinctures to skin-saving salves, they work wonders on wounds, irritations, and inflamed skin. One of the best ways to utilize calendula’s therapeutic properties is by making an infused oil. This oil can be applied directly to the skin or used in salves, lotions, and balms to help soothe and heal. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to harvest calendula petals and make your own infused oil.
Step 1: Growing and Harvesting Calendula
Calendula is an easy-to-grow annual flower that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. Plant seeds in the spring after the last frost or in the fall in warmer climates.
The best time to harvest calendula flowers is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot. Select flowers that are fully open and at their peak bloom. With a quick, firm snap, pluck the flower head from the stem. Harvesting regularly encourages more blooms throughout the season.
Step 2: Preparing the Petals
After harvesting, lay the flowers out on a screen or drying rack in a single layer in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area. Allow them to dry completely. This process can take a few days to a week, depending on the humidity and temperature. Dried petals ensure that there is no moisture to cause mold in the infused oil.
Once the flowers are completely dry, gently remove the petals from the flower heads. Discard any green parts as they do not contain the same beneficial properties as the petals.
Step 3: Making the Infused Oil
Select a carrier oil for your infusion. Olive oil, jojoba oil, and sweet almond oil are all excellent choices. Infusing calendula with olive oil provides deep moisturizing benefits and is rich in antioxidants, jojoba oil closely resembles the skin's natural sebum, making it excellent for regulating oil levels, and sweet almond oil is light and gentle, making it perfect for soothing irritated skin and providing a nourishing touch to your calendula infusion. Choose an oil that suits your skin type and intended use.
There are two main methods to infuse calendula petals into oil:
Cold Infusion Method:
- Place the dried calendula petals in a clean, dry glass jar, filling it about halfway.
- Pour your chosen oil over the petals, ensuring they are completely submerged.
- Seal the jar tightly and place it in a sunny window or warm area for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar gently every few days to help the infusion process.
- After 4-6 weeks, strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean jar. Discard the spent petals.
Heat Infusion Method:
- Place the dried calendula petals in a clean, dry glass jar, filling it about halfway.
- Pour your chosen oil over the petals, ensuring they are completely submerged.
- Place the jar in a saucepan with a few inches of water, creating a double boiler effect.
- Heat the water gently over low heat for 2-4 hours. Keep the temperature below 120°F to preserve the beneficial properties of the calendula.
- After heating, strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean jar. Discard the spent petals.
Step 4: Storing and Using the Infused Oil
Store your calendula-infused oil in a dark glass bottle or jar to protect it from light, which can degrade the oil. Keep it in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, the oil can last up to the expiration date of the base oil.
Use the infused oil directly on the skin for its soothing properties or as a base for homemade salves, lotions, and balms. Calendula oil is excellent for treating minor cuts, scrapes, burns, and other skin irritations, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Making your own calendula-infused oil is a rewarding process that allows you to harness the healing power of calendula flowers. Whether you use it for personal skincare or as part of homemade remedies, this natural infusion is a wonderful addition to any herbal medicine cabinet. We carry four amazing heirloom varieties of calendula—Apricot Beauty, Pacific Beauty Mix, Ball’s Orange, and Greenheart Mix—each offering unique colors and characteristics for your healing oil. Happy harvesting and infusing!
