Making calendula infused oil (No scale. No ratios. No headache), by The Cottage Peach on YouTube. 10 min 23 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 23 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes, plus 4 to 6 weeks
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Check that your calendula petals are completely dry and crisp. Fresh or damp petals contain water, which can make the oil go mouldy.
Fill a clean, dry glass jar loosely with dried petals to about three quarters full. Do not pack them down tightly.
Pour a carrier oil such as olive, jojoba or sweet almond over the petals. Add enough to cover them by 2 to 3 cm.
Stir gently with a clean spoon to release trapped air, then top up the oil if any petals poke above the surface.
Seal the jar and write the date and oil type on the lid. Place it in a warm spot out of direct sunlight.
Shake the jar once a day for the first week, then every few days. Check that the petals stay covered and add more oil if needed.
Leave the jar for 4 to 6 weeks. The oil is ready when it smells strongly herbal and has taken on a deeper golden colour.
Line a fine sieve with muslin and set it over a clean jug. Pour the oil through and squeeze the cloth to get every last drop.
Funnel the oil into a dark glass bottle and label it with the date. Store it in a cool, dark cupboard.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep every utensil and the jar bone dry, because water is the main cause of mould in infused oils.
Use dried calendula rather than fresh petals, since fresh petals carry water that can spoil the oil.
Test the finished oil on a small patch of skin before using it more widely, especially if your skin is sensitive.
For a faster batch, warm the jar in a double boiler on the lowest heat for 2 to 3 hours instead of waiting 4 to 6 weeks.
Questions
How long does calendula infused oil last?
It keeps for about 6 to 12 months in a dark bottle in a cool, dark place. Write the date on the label and check for a rancid smell before use.
Can I use fresh calendula petals?
It is better to use fully dried petals. Fresh petals contain water, which can make the oil turn mouldy.
Do I need to weigh the petals?
No. Fill a clean jar loosely with dried petals, then cover them with carrier oil. A scale is optional.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
