All summer my hardy little Calendula plant has been cheerfully producing blooms. Each day I walk by and nip off the young flowers and on the subsequent day, they seem to re-double there efforts. Known as the Pot Marigold, the Calendula flower is a versatile, edible plant prized for its many healing abilities. Calendula oil is both anti-infamatory, antibacterial and anti fungal. It is a useful herb and a staple found in many natural first aid kits. Calendula oil or cream can be used to treat skin irritations and rashes, heal abrasions, soothe burns and is mild enough to treat diaper rash. It can be planted in the garden as a companion plant to ward off aphids and tomato hornworms as well.
It is easy to grow from seed and will bloom throughout the summer if watered on a regular basis. Making Calendula cream is a snap with a bit of pre-planning and a few key ingredients.
List of ingredients to Make Your Own Calendula Cream
I gather up the young blooms and take them inside to dry. When I get a cup or two of dried blooms ( they should be the consistency of crepe paper) I immerse them in 2 cups of a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or a high grade virgin olive oil. This Calendula oil mixture is kept in a cool, dry place and shaken up about once a week for a month.
If you are in a hurry, the optional choice is to diffuse the Calendula oil mixture over low heat in a double boiler for 2-3 hours.
Once my Calendula oil has reached in potency, its time to make Calendula cream.
Gather up all your ingredients and keep close at hand. Have your jars or containers available as cream will solidfy quickly once removed from heat.
Strain your masticated Calendula oil mixture through a coffee filtered line wire mesh strainer. Heat oil using double boiler on low until warmed through.
Add shaved beeswax and shea butter until melted. You can double the beeswax and leave out the shea butter if you prefer a more balm like consistency. I used the shea butter to create an emollient creamy texture.
Pierce the Vitamin E capsules with a needle and express oil into the mixture.
Add 2-3 drops of chosen essential oil.
The mixture will take on a clear golden color.
Pour into clean jars or containers and allow to cool
I added a dried Calendula flower to each container for aesthetics but this is entirely optional.
The liguid will solidify quickly, usually within 15 minutes. Leave lids off until completely cooled.
Congratulations, you have just created a lovely and soothing healing cream straight from Mother Nature!
Enjoy!
Learn how to make this and other herbal based remedies at
http://herbalacademyofne.com/intermediate-herbal-course/?ap_id=ArborRidge52.
