how to make calendula oil

Calendula oil is one of the most healing, and natural remedies for wound healing and most skin ailments. This bright yellow and orange flower that resembles the sun is full of so much magic and healing properties.

Calendula officinalis is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties as well as healing properties that can treat not only skin conditions such as dry skin and eczema, but other issues like yeast infections and varicose veins as well. 

This homemade healing and glowing skin elixir is made by infusing dried calendula petals or fresh flowers into a carrier oil. It is so easy to make your own organic calendula oil at home, and there are so many benefits to using this healing herb that has been used medicinally for centuries.

I developed eczema in my 20s and have been battling it off and on. This recipe is what soothed my skin topically.*

Can you use calendula oil on skin?

Calendula is anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-septic for healing wounds, soothing eczema and relieving diaper rash. It is completely safe to use on skin; but if you are really sensitive it is recommended to do a skin patch test to see how your body reacts. Apply a small amount to your inner wrist and wait 24-48  hours, if you have any redness or irritation then it is recommended not to use any calendula products.

When applying calendula oil to the skin, a little goes a long way. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding it is not recommended to use calendula oil or any calendula products.

5 ways to use calendula oil

If you are interested in self-healing or making your own natural skincare products, the calendula flower is one of the most loved and most used herbs by all herbalists beginners, and advanced.

  1. Make a calendula infused body butter. For this you will need to melt some shea butter or cocoa butter, with a tiny bit of beeswax pellets and almond oil. After, when the melted butters have cooled down a bit, you will add your infused calendula oil to this mix. You can use a hand blender to give your body butter a “whipped” texture. Since the calendula oil is full of antibacterial properties, you can use this homemade body butter to ease any skin irritation.
  2. You can make a calendula salve by just melting the oil with a bit of beeswax. Pour it into a container and use this balm when you have cuts, bruises or insect bites that need instant relief and healing. You can use this same salve to create a calendula lip balm to soothe chapped lips—just add a little bit extra beeswax to get the texture you want.
  3. You can straight up use just calendula oil to treat eczema, acne and other skin conditions. Calendula oil is baby safe for treating diaper rash, although it would be better to use a calendula cream or calendula ointment. For a diaper rash you can use a tiny bit of calendula oil mixed with aloe vera.
  4. You can make an extra potent and healing massage oil, using your calendula herbal oil and adding some essential oils like lavender and tea tree. This will improve the texture and feeling of your skin, making it look brighter and can also relieve sunburnt skin.
  5. Another way to use calendula oil is to add it to a flower bath. You can add a bit of the oil to a warm bath, along with dried flowers from the calendula plant. This is an herbal remedy you can use at anytime to relax, and replenish the skin

Try using this calendula oil with some of my other skincare recipes:

How to make calendula oil

To make a healing and effective calendula oil, it is best that you have certified organic calendula flowers (if you are unable to grow your own calendula at home), otherwise, you can use fresh or dried calendula flowers from your garden. If you would like to know more about growing calendula,  check out this blog about how to grow calendula in a pot.

You will need to use a carrier oil, such as olive oil, almond oil, or coconut oil depending on what feels best for your skin. If you have really sensitive skin it is recommended to infuse the calendula flowers in jojoba oil or argan oil, as these natural oils offer the highest protection for dry skin and help to reduce inflammation and to treat acne.

how to make calendula oil
My batch of calendula oil before letting it sit for 3 months

Here is calendula oil recipe that you can follow if you are new to making infused oils:

What you will need:

Find organic dried calendula flowers, either homegrown or purchased from a reliable, sustainable source.

  1. Fill a sterilized and clean glass jar at least 3/4 full of dried calendula flowers.
  2. Fill the rest of the jar with a carrier oil or your choice, until the container is completely full or until the flowers are completely covered. You can push the flowers down with chopsticks, and add more oil, since the petals expand when liquid is added. It is important that the flowers stay covered to prevent any air from entering into the jar.
  3. Cover the jar with a tight fitting lid and put the jar inside of a brown paper bag. Leave the oil to infuse in the sun for a solar infused oil, or keep your jar stored in a cool, dry place for at least 4-6 weeks. Give it a good shake every once in a while to help the infusion process. 
  4. When your infused oil is ready, use a cheesecloth or strainer to strain out the calendula petals and place the oil into a new jar. Make sure to keep it in a cool place without too much sunlight to help preserve the oil longer. You can add some vitamin E to your oil to increase shelf life or add some lavender essential oil.

Making your own oil is a great way to learn how to be self-sufficient, and save tons of money on buying commercial products.

Calendula oil benefits

There are so many benefits to using calendula oil. It soothes inflammation, meaning it will help if you have redness or acne prone skin. Calendula officinalis contains flavonoids, saponins and triterpenoids which give the flower its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Calendula is the most gentle and wound-healing plant. The effects from the petals are so powerful, making it one of the top herbs that you will want to have in your herbal apothecary. Calendula helps to keep wounds clean with its antimicrobial properties and promotes new skin to grow. It can be directly applied to wounds and burns as an ointment, cream or balm to reduce swelling and redness.

It hydrates and nourishes itchy skin, especially those who are dealing with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Although effective, this is one of the most gentle herbs you can use on your skin, which makes it skin-safe for babies also.

Lastly, regular use of pure organic calendula oil can help reduce wrinkles and reduce scarring from wounds. The properties in this herb increase blood flow, helping your injuries to heal faster. It soothes and softens the skin, helping the entire wound healing process to go smoothly.

Where to buy pure calendula oil

Herb Pharm, located in Southern Oregon, grows their own certified organic Calendula plants on their own farm. This oil is vegan, non-GMO, and gluten free and infused in certified organic cold pressed olive oil.  

calendula oil
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If you are looking for a bit of a more affordable option, here is 100% natural calendula infused in sunflower oil to make your homemade balms, creams and salves.

Calendula Infused
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Here is a calendula oil infused with other botanicals such as jojoba oil and liquorice for healing eczema, belly healing, facial cleansing and more. 

calendula oil
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Calendula oil substitutes

Not so sold on the versatile and healing properties of calendula? If you would like to try something different, I highly recommend aloe vera as a substitute to calendula.  This plant has similar effects on wounds and burn as calendula. You can also try arnica, chamomile or yarrow which are in the same plant family.

*This oil combined with an increase in healthy fats, including fish, eggs, and sometimes dairy. I find this combination of animal products in my diet has been tremendously helpful in healing my eczema.

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