You can easily create your own calendula oil on the cheap! Calendula is known for being ultra healing for the skin. Research studies indicate that calendula is known for having antimicrobial and antiinflammatory properties. Historically it has been used for healing wounds and treating dry skin among a gamut of other proposed uses. If you read the label of your favorite natural moisturizer, face cream, or even diaper cream you may be surprised to see calendula or Calendula officinalis L. as one of the ingredients.
You can easily create your own calendula oil at home to use in salve making or for massage. I prefer to use fresh, homegrown flowers. You can buy seeds for these beauties by clicking here. However, you can also use dried calendula.
You will need...
1 quart jar
Fresh (preferred) or dried calendula flowers
Organic olive or almond oil
Start by picking the calendula flowers. I tried to focus on picking the just-opened flower buds and avoiding spent flowers. Pick enough flowers to fill your quart jar 3/4 full.
Cover the flowers with olive oil. Make sure the flowers are submersed. I filled my jar to the shoulder with olive oil.
Screw on the lid tightly and give the mixture a good shake. If you notice settling, fill the jar with more olive oil so that it reaches the shoulder.
Place the jar in a sunny windowsill. Every few days give the jar a shake. Do this for about 2 weeks.
Strain the flowers from the oil. Discard the flowers in the compost.
The beautiful oil can be used for creating a variety of beauty products from soaps and salves to body lotion or used as a massage oil. Don't forget to add your favorite skin-friendly essential oils too.
Note: As with many things, rarely some people may be allergic to calendula flowers. So, it might be a good idea to start with applying the oil to a small area of skin before using it liberally.
References:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1744388112000096
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/tjpr/article/view/48090