I’ve been having fun making calendula oil after watching a series based on the book, The Sacred Kitchen, which shares forgotten healing remedies.
Calendula oil is reportedly very soothing and healing for the skin. PLUS you can use it as a cooking oil! I love this fact since I’m guessing that being able to ingest something is a dependable indicator that it is good for your skin, too!
Calendula is a lovely yellow flower that self-seeds so it spreads everywhere. Fortunately, it has spread all over a neighbor’s garden and she let me come pick a whole bunch. You need a lot because once dried, the whole bunch just barely fills a pint jar!
Once dried I divided the calendula into three batches and covered one each with olive oil, grapeseed oil and safflower oil. Now I am letting them sit in a sunny window for three or more weeks so the calendula can infuse the oil. The golden color of the oil almost glows!
I’m looking forward to trying the finished oil on my super dry and sensitive skin. I’m also excited to try the oils for culinary purposes. I’m guessing the delicate flavor would be best when used raw, e.g., on salads and cooked vegetables.
BTW, here’s a website on all things calendula that was also very helpful.