"Some of the best skincare doesn't begin in a laboratory. It begins with sunshine, patience, and a humble flower."
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) has been treasured for generations as one of herbalism's most beloved botanicals. Its cheerful golden blossoms have long been infused into oils for use in balms, salves, body oils, and botanical skincare rituals.
One of my favorite ways to work with calendula is by creating a solar infusion, allowing the warmth of the sun to slowly coax the plant's beneficial compounds into nourishing oil.
What You'll Need
🌼 Dried calendula flowers
🌻 A clean glass jar with a lid
🫒 Carrier oil of your choice
Some wonderful options include:
- Organic sunflower oil
- Jojoba oil
- Olive oil
- Sweet almond oil
(I love using organic sunflower oil because it's lightweight and beautifully complements calendula.)
Step 1: Use Completely Dry Flowers
This is the most important step.
Fresh flowers contain water, which can encourage mold or spoilage. Always allow your calendula blossoms to dry completely before making an oil infusion.
Step 2: Fill Your Jar
Loosely fill a clean glass jar about halfway to two-thirds full with dried calendula blossoms.
Don't pack them tightly. The oil needs room to circulate around the flowers.
Step 3: Add Your Oil
Pour your carrier oil over the flowers until they're completely submerged.
Use a clean utensil to gently release any trapped air bubbles.
Step 4: Let the Sunshine Work
Seal the jar and place it in a sunny windowsill for 2 to 6 weeks.
Give it a gentle shake every day or two.
Watching the oil slowly turn a rich golden color is one of my favorite parts of the process.
Step 5: Strain
Once the infusion is complete, strain the oil through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer.
Squeeze the flowers gently to capture every last golden drop.
Store your finished oil in a dark glass bottle away from heat and sunlight.
Ways to Use Your Calendula Oil
✨ Massage into freshly washed skin
🌿 Add to homemade body oils
🌼 Create soothing herbal salves
💛 Blend into lip balms
🛁 Add a few drops to your bath
Tiny Ritual Tip 🌿
Before filling your jar, pause for just a moment.
Notice the vibrant color of the blossoms.
Take a deep breath.
Herbalism has always been about more than making products. It's about slowing down long enough to appreciate the plants, the seasons, and the quiet beauty of creating something with your own hands.
That's the heart of every Tiny Ritual.
Want to Skip the Waiting?
If you'd rather enjoy calendula without waiting several weeks for an infusion, we've already done the work for you.
Our Solar-Infused Calendula Oil is handcrafted in small batches using organic calendula blossoms slowly infused into sunflower oil, creating a beautifully golden botanical oil ready for your daily rituals.
https://www.mytinyritual.com/products/organic-calendula-infused-sunflower-oil
🌼 Honor the plant. Honor your ritual.
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