Calendula officinalis
Posted by Phytopath on Jan 20, 2010
According to James A. Duke, Ph.D. ” Research shows that this herb is antibacterial, antifungal. anti-inflammatory and antiviral. Calendula also stimulates white blood cells to gobble up harmful microbes and helps speed wound healing.”
Calendula officinalis has been used internally and externally.
It has also been used to colour food eg. cheese.
Ailments treated with Calendula include eczema, acne, nappy rash, cuts, bruises. burns and varicose veins.
In the sixteenth century Calendula was believed to possess powerful magic and a concoction of oil, hazle, thyme rose water and Calendula allowed the user to see fairies.
External use has mostly been in the form of a cream but liquid infused oil can also be used.
To make Calendula cream, first gather the petals and dry.
Once dry infuse them in an oil of your choice (preferably organic).
Olive, almond, jojoba and sesame are all acceptable. Try to match the oil to your skin type.
The hot or cold infusion method can be used.
Once infused, strain the oil from the petals.
I use a colander initially and then re-strain using a coffee filter.
Pour into sterilized bottles or jars and label and date.
The liquid can be used at this stage or further processed into ointment or cream.
To make a cream 1:1:3 (1 part water, 1 part beeswax, 3 parts oil)
20 ml water (or floral water)
20 gm beeswax
60 ml oil (I use 55 ml Calendula & 5 ml wheatgerm)
In a double boiler, melt the beeswax.
Add the oil (Calendula) to the beeswax
Stir in a preservative ie. a vitamin E capsule or wheatgerm oil.
If using wheatgerm oil, this becomes part of the total amount of oil
Heat water (this can be Calendula infused or distilled) in another pan until it reaches the same temperature as the oil/wax mixture.
Both should be around 70C/158F
Remove from heat and slowly add the water to the oil/ wax mixture stirring constantly until emulsification is complete (about 10 minutes).
The oil/wax mixture will turn white and start to harden
If you would like to add a fragrance, do so now by adding a few drops of essential oil.
Scoop the cream into sterile, wide mouth jars and label.
Store in a cool dark place (like the refridgerator) and shelf life will be 6 to 12 months.
If you would rather use an ointment , leave out the water and change the ratio of oil/wax so that you have more wax than above and less oil.
Harder salves/ ointments have a protective influence, while softer salves/ creams allow better skin absorption.
A ratio of 17:100 (wax:oil) would work well
Calendula officinalis
