Marigold holds much significance due to its homeopathic benefits. The oil extracted from these flowers is called calendula oil and you cannot believe the benefits it provides. Scientific name of the oil is Calendula officinalis that can be used for health uses. Let’s read more about calendula oil extracted from the marigold petals:
What is Calendula Oil?
As it is distilled from the marigold flowers, the texture of this oil is viscous and sticky. Musky and woody fragrance, calendula oil doesn’t appeals to many people even if used as a home remedy.
Benefits of Calendula Oil
Abdominal cramps and constipation have shown great improvement with the use of calendula oil. Thanks to the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of this oil that is meant to shower you with lots of benefits. Here are some benefits:
- Baby care: Calendula oil is a great reliever for diaper rashes. Its use soothes the skin because rashes cause irritation to the baby’s skin.
- Inflammation: Swelling on sprained muscles get relieved with this oil as the anti-inflammatory properties lessen the swelling. Leg ulcers, spider veins, chilblains and varicose veins are also treated with calendula oil.
- Skin Diseases: Psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis etc. get cured to a much extent using this oil every day. It also works well to treat ringworm, jock itch and other fungal infections.
- Moisturizer: To heal dry skin, calendula oil is a great remedy as it has moisturizing properties that soothes the split skin.
- Cuts and Wounds: It has antiseptic properties to effectively heal the cuts and wounds. Acne, pimples, insect bites and bed sores also get benefitted with the use of calendula oil.
How to Prepare Calendula Oil
Yeah, you can make it with some easy steps!! Steam distillation is used to extract this oil from marigold flowers. No doubt, you cannot obtain pure calendula oil because it follows a huge process. But not to worry!! Let’s make it at home following these steps:
Ingredients:
- Olive oil/sunflower oil/almond oil
- Dry calendula petals
- Glass jar with lid
Method – Cold Infusion
- It is the preferred method to make homemade calendula oil because no heat is involved in damaging the delicate calendula.
- Add dry calendula petals in a glass jar.
- Put any oil of your choice so that the petals are covered completely by an inch.
- Let it infuse for 4 weeks by keeping the jar in a sunny place
- Take out the petals from the jar and store the oil covered with a lid for around a year.
Homemade calendula oil is perfect to use as baby oil, after bath oil, lotion, moisturizer and remedy for swelled skin.
Where is it Used?
Seeing the benefits of calendula oil, it is used in aromatherapy to heal pains. Personal care products and herbal ointments have this oil as a base.
You can make infused calendula oil using dried flowers and oil. Blend them together in a blender and keep aside for 2 weeks. Strain the oil through a cheese cloth and the oil is ready to use as balms or in lotions etc.