INTRODUCTION
Calendula Flower & Olive Infused Oil is a natural remedy created by steeping calendula flowers in olive oil over a period of time. Calendula, known for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and healing properties, combines with olive oil’s nourishing, moisturizing benefits. This infusion is often used for soothing skin irritations, promoting wound healing, and moisturizing dry or sensitive skin. It can be applied topically to treat conditions such as eczema, minor burns, or rashes. The infusion extracts the calendula’s beneficial compounds into the olive oil, enhancing its therapeutic properties.
Health Benefits
Here are the detailed health benefits of Calendula Flower & Olive Infused Oil:
Soothes Skin Irritations
Calendula’s anti-inflammatory and skin-calming properties help reduce redness, itching, and swelling caused by conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and minor burns. Olive oil adds an extra layer of moisture, making the skin feel smooth and comfortable.
Promotes Wound Healing
Calendula has been traditionally used to speed up the healing process of cuts, scrapes, and minor wounds. The infused oil creates a protective barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and promoting faster cell regeneration.
Moisturizes Dry or Sensitive Skin
Olive oil is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, which deeply nourish and hydrate the skin. Combined with calendula’s soothing qualities, the infused oil helps combat dryness and keeps the skin soft, supple, and smooth.
Antifungal Properties
Calendula is known for its antifungal effects, which can be beneficial in treating fungal infections like athlete’s foot or ringworm. Regular use of the infused oil can help prevent or control fungal growth.
Relieves Diaper Rash
Calendula oil is gentle enough for use on babies. Its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties help relieve diaper rash, soothing the baby’s delicate skin and promoting faster recovery.
Improves Skin Elasticity
The antioxidants in both calendula and olive oil support skin health by combating free radicals that contribute to premature aging. This helps improve skin elasticity, keeping it firm and youthful-looking.
Supports Healthy Aging
The combination of calendula’s antioxidant properties and olive oil’s vitamin E helps protect the skin from environmental damage, promoting healthy aging. This can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
Calms Sunburn
The infused oil can be used as a natural after-sun treatment to calm and soothe sunburned skin. Calendula helps reduce redness and inflammation, while olive oil locks in moisture to prevent peeling and dryness.
How to Make Calendula Infused Oil
There are many ways to make an infused oil but my favorite is a simple folk method – this means we won’t be making any exact measurements. You’ll find that many herbalists employ a folk method for their skincare concoctions since accuracy in dosing is not generally a requirement unless taken internally.
To make an infused oil using the folk method, all you need to do is fill your mason jar about halfway with calendula flowers, then cover at least an inch above the herbs with your oil of choice. I usually end up filling the jar almost all the way to the top. Tap lightly on a solid surface to make sure there are no air bubbles trapped in the oil and place the infusing oil jar in a cool dark place such as a closet or pantry (somewhere out of direct sunlight) for about six weeks. You can regularly shake the jar to redistribute the oil, and you may notice that after the first day or two much of the oil has been absorbed into the dried herbs and you will need to add more to keep the flowers completely covered in oil. This is normal and to be expected.
Side Effects
Side effects of Calendula Flower & Olive Infused Oil:
- Allergic reactions
- Skin irritation
- Contact dermatitis
- Photosensitivity
- Interactions with medications
- Not safe for use during pregnancy (internal use)
- Not suitable for people allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family
