Infusing Oil
Infusing oil can be done with a warm method and a cold method. This tutorial will cover the stove top warm method.
- Cut the Calendula into small pieces.
- Put into a double boiler (double boiler bottom pan is filled with water first)
- Cover with oil over the top of the herbs but no more than just covering the petals. I used jojoba for this project but you can use any liquid oil.
- Heat gently on low to medium for 4 hours (minimum) up to 2 days (turning stove off when left unattended)
- Strain Calendula Oil through a cheesecloth or coffee filter. It will be a little cloudy. It’s practically impossible to strain every teensy little bit of herb out.
- Bottle and use within 6 months to 1 year (depending on the shelf life of your oil of choice)
This oil alone is skin soothing, moisturizing, healing and excellent for your skin. It’s a great way to add a healing twist to any oil. Tomorrow, I’ll help you put the finishing touch on your infused oil to make a soothing skin oil.
Tip from reader Sebastien’s Nook: A little note on an easier way to get the oil out of the calendula – go to the store and get one of those french coffee presses. It works wonders for extracting oil, while leaving the herb behind. I can get more oil out of the herb this way then with the hand squeezing method.
