Tucked into the corners of many cottage gardens, calendula blooms with cheerful golden petals and centuries of herbal tradition. This sunny flower isn’t just pretty, it’s packed with soothing, skin-loving properties that have made it a favorite in natural remedies for generations.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been steeping dried calendula petals in jojoba oil, letting time and warmth gently draw out the flower’s healing magic. Today, I’m sharing how you can make your own calendula oil at home, along with some of the lovely ways you can use it once it’s ready.

What Is Calendula Oil?

Calendula oil is a herbal infusion made by soaking dried calendula (also known as pot marigold) in a carrier oil. The result is a golden, calming oil that’s perfect for skin care, minor wounds, inflammation, and more. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and can be used on both adults and children.

Why I Chose Jojoba Oil

For my infusion, I used jojoba oil because it closely resembles the natural oils in our skin. It’s lightweight, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), and has a long shelf life. Of course, you can also use oils like sweet almond, olive, sunflower, or grapeseed, whatever you have on hand or feel called to use.

How to Make Calendula Oil

You’ll Need:

• Dried calendula petals (make sure they are fully dry to prevent mold)
• Jojoba oil (or your oil of choice)
• A clean, dry glass jar with a lid
• Cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer
• A dark glass bottle or jar for storage

Instructions:

1. Fill your jar about halfway with dried calendula petals. You don’t need to pack them down, just loosely fill it.
2. Pour jojoba oil over the petals until they are completely submerged, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
3. Seal the jar tightly and place it in a warm, sunny window or a cozy spot in your kitchen.
4. Let the petals infuse for 4–6 weeks. Give the jar a gentle shake every day if you can. Over time, the oil will take on a rich golden hue.
5. Strain the oil using a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer. Squeeze out every last drop of goodness.
6. Transfer the finished oil into a clean, dark glass bottle or jar to help preserve its potency. Label it with the date.

Ways to Use Calendula Oil

• Soothing Facial Oil: Use a few drops as part of your nightly skincare routine for calm, nourished skin.
• Baby Care: Perfect for diaper rash or cradle cap.
• After-Sun Relief: Gently massage into sun-kissed skin to soothe and hydrate.
• First Aid: Apply to minor cuts, scrapes, and insect bites to reduce inflammation and support healing.
• Massage Oil Base: Add essential oils like lavender or chamomile for extra relaxation.
• Homemade Salves: Combine with beeswax to make healing balms and ointments.

Tips for Success

• Always use completely dried calendula petals to avoid introducing moisture into the oil (which can lead to mold).
• Store your finished oil in a cool, dark place to extend its shelf life—usually up to a year.
• If you’re short on time, you can try a gentle heat infusion method using a double boiler or slow cooker on the lowest setting for a few hours—but I always prefer the slow, sunlit infusion when possible. There’s something lovely about letting the plant do its work over time.

A Note from My Cottage Kitchen

Making calendula oil feels like bottling up a bit of sunshine. Every time I use it, I’m reminded of the quiet ritual of gathering ingredients, the slow patience of infusion, and the joy of crafting something natural and healing with my own hands.

I hope you’ll try making a batch for yourself. Tt’s a simple yet rewarding way to bring the old ways back into your daily life.

Let me know if you give it a go.

–Autumn