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A Calendula oil infusion

A few weeks ago, I harvested some calendula aka marigold, and dried the petals.

Some of the powerful components of these beautiful flowers are flavonoids, polysaccharides, and sterols. The mucilage is extremely rich in carotenoids, which is responsible for many of its healing properties, and is noted for its antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties too.

This gentle, yet potent infusion is amazing to use in salves, balms, and massage oils etc. Once strained and vitamin e added, it is the number one go to for minor scratches, minor bruises, and minor skin irritations so long as the skin is not broken.

The preparation and process is a delicately gentle time consuming one. But I so Love the slower method of infusion. Patience is key with this Stunning Liquid Gold, which lends a lovely yellowee hue to formulations. This project is so worth the wait.

 

How to make a cold process Calendula infused oil.

Gadgets to get you started

. nitrile gloves

. a good reliable scale preferably measuring 0,01g upwards. A jewellery scale works well for small amounts, but a kitchen scale will do just fine

. paper towel for a good clean-up

. a suitable glass jar to store the infusion

. a glass/steel bowl to strain infusion

. an unbleached coffee filter or muslin cloth for straining

. a steel spoon or silicone spatula

. a label to record the product name, date of straining, and best before date

 

Ingredients to fill a 50g jar:

5g dry Calendula petals 

44.5g Grapeseed oil

0,5g Vitamin E oil

 

The Process:

. place dry petals in a clean glass jar

. add grapeseed oil, gently stir, trying not to incorporate any air bubbles into the infusion

. close tightly with lid, and leave on a warm sunny window sill for about 3 to 4 weeks where the infusion will be gently kissed (warmed) by the sun. This allows the beneficial compounds from the petals to extract/infuse into the oil. You can gently shake the jar every few days as well

 

After 4 weeks

. an unbleached coffee filter was used for straining here, but one can also use a muslin cloth over a strainer. The yield may only be about 10g but this pweddy infusion packs a punch.

. add Vitamin E, this is a powerful Antioxidant that improves the shelf life, and slows down oxidation of the oil

. pour infused oil into a clean jar and close with a lid. Include the name, date you strained the infusion, and the best before date (use within 4 weeks) of making it

. store in a cool dry cupboard

 

Other cold processed oils that can be used and that are easily available are:

Almond oil – light viscosity

Sunflower oil – light viscosity

Olive oil – medium viscosity

 

Notes:

. use the oil infusion within 4 weeks of making it

. the remaining calendula petals can be placed in a muslin bag, and used in a Relaxing Bath Soak

 

Some Mindful points

. adhere to good hygienic practices at all times

. the product you make is for your personal use only, and not for retail purposes

. you make this gentle infusion at your own risk.

. this infusion is not suitable for pregnancy, lactating mothers, and/or children, and/or babies

. a 24 hour patch test on the inner arm is highly recommended when using any product for the first time including ones that you make

. products are for external cosmetic skincare use only

. should an allergic reaction and/or sensitivity unfortunately occur, please stop use immediately

. this formulation is for home use only, and not for you to take to market and/or sell to the public

. Bella Bellini Botanics cannot be held liable, and/or responsible should you hurt and/or burn, and/or injure yourself in the process of making this Soothing Bath Soak, and or any allergic reaction, and/or any sensitivity to any of the ingredients used