One of my favorite flowers for preservation is Calendula. Between its beneficial effects in apothecary and skincare makings, to edible additions in salads, to a beautiful cut flower for display, Calendula is the #1 heavy hitter in the botanical makings of Studio 2. In this video, I show the process of poreparing my calendula cold infusions for salve making.
About Calendula:
Calendula, also known as marigold, is a beautiful and useful flower that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is often used in the form of infused oil, which is made by steeping calendula petals in a carrier oil such as olive oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil. The oil absorbs the beneficial compounds from the petals, making it a potent and effective healing agent.
Calendula infused oil is a versatile and potent healing agent that can be used in a variety of ways. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, It can be applied topically to the skin to soothe and heal minor wounds, rashes, and sunburns. It can also be used as a massage oil, added to bathwater for a relaxing soak, or used in homemade skincare products such as lotions, balms, and salves.
One way to make calendula infused oil is through the cold infusion method, which is a gentle and easy process that preserves the plant’s delicate compounds. The benefit of this method, is that it preserves the most sensitive compounds of the plant, but one major con, is the amount of time it takes. Cold infusion takes at least 8 weeks- but I prefer to go for several months to really take advantage of the flower’s medicinal properties.
How to Cold Infuse Calendula:
Step 1: Harvest and dry the calendula flower heads.
I prefer to dry out my plant components before oil infusion. Reducing your introductory moisture level in creating infusions reduces the potential for bacteria growth significantly. While I have yet to experience problems using a wet infusion plant base, I prefer this method in creating my skincare products that go out to the public. Less bacteria equates to a higher shelf life, and this is a good thing.
Step 2: Choose your carrier oil
Next, choose your carrier oil. Olive oil is a popular choice, but you can also use almond oil, jojoba oil, or any other oil that you prefer. Make sure the oil is of good quality and free from impurities. My personal favorites are almond oil and jojoba oil. Jojoba is my all time favorite, but it’s price point is quite high- so I’m still experimenting with oil blends to bring down the cost. THis is why many of the jojoba salves that come out of Studio 2 are small batch. Nothing quite seems to compare to jojoba on it’s own though. Le sigh.
Step 3: Combine the plant and oil
Once the petals are dry, place them in a clean glass jar and cover them with the carrier oil. Make sure the petals are completely submerged in the oil. This further prevents bacteria growth and the potential for mold. You can add more oil if necessary.
Step 4: Infuse the oil
Place the jar in a cool, dark area for 8-12 weeks. This allows the oil to slowly infuse with the beneficial compounds from the calendula flowers. Shake the jar gently every few days to help the process along.
Step 5: Strain and store the oil
After your preferred infusion time has passed, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove the plant material. You can discard the plant material or compost them. Store the oil in a clean, airtight container in a cool, dark place.
The cold infusion method is an easy and effective way to preserve the delicate compounds in calendula petals and create a potent healing oil. Try making your own calendula infused oil and experience the many benefits of this wonderful plant! What are your favorite methods for oil infusion? Share your methods in the comments below! 😀
Here’s a sneak peek of our freshest salve pour! Our labels arrive in the mail today, and hey will be available online in the next 3-5 business days.
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