How to Infuse Oil With Calendula

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a popular medicinal herb used to treat burns, bruises, cuts and wounds. It speeds the healing of external injuries by increasing the flow of blood to the affected areas. It's easy to infuse oil with calendula at home, which results in a powerful herbal remedy for a number of different injuries. This recipe yields approximately 8 ounces of calendula infused oil.

Things You'll Need

• ½ cup dried calendula flowers
• Double boiler
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Pint-sized glass jars
• Cheesecloth
• Rubber bands
• Labels

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Instructions

• 1

  Fill the bottom of a double boiler about halfway full with water. Place the dried calendula flowers in the top of the double boiler. Cover with the extra virgin olive oil and place the boiler over low heat.

• 2

  Allow the mixture to warm over low heat for one hour and then remove the double boiler from the heat. Add more water to the bottom of the double boiler if necessary and never allow it to dry up completely.

• 3

  Transfer the calendula and oil mixture to a clean, pint-sized glass jar. Cover the top of the jar with a few layers of cheesecloth and secure in place with rubber bands. Screw the lid on the jar and place in a sunny window.

• 4

  Allow the mixture to steep for two weeks, during which time the calendula flowers will infuse the oil. Remove the lid from the jar after two weeks have passed and strain the oil through the cheesecloth into a clean, pint-sized glass jar. Discard the spent herbs.

• 5

  Label the jar with the contents and date, and then store in a cool, dry cupboard out of direct sunlight for up to 18 months before discarding. Use as necessary for cuts, scrapes and external wounds of all types.