Calendula Resina
Calendula Resina
Calendula is highly prized by gardeners and herbalist alike due to the versatility of this flower. To be more accurate, we should call calendula by what it really is – a flowering herb! Speaking of names, sometimes calendula is referred to as “pot marigold” – but don’t confuse it with true marigolds, such as french marigolds! They’re distinctly different, and not nearly as medicinal in nature.
Sprinkle fresh or dried calendula blossom petals on top of salads (or any dish really) as a cheerful pop of color! They also make a beautiful and tasty addition to scrambled eggs, frittata, summer salsa, or even in soup! Whole dried flowers can also be added to soups, broths, and stews in the winter for an extra immunity boost. Calendula has been called upon for centuries to treat skin ailments, support the immune system, and heal infections, both internally and externally.
Calendula Oil
Fill a clean glass container at least ¾ full of dried calendula flower heads, or about half full of loose dry petals. A glass mason jar works perfectly.
Pour your choice of oil over the dried calendula flowers, until the container is full and/or until the flowers are completely submerged. Hint: The flowers don’t take up as much volume as you’d think! You’ll need pretty much the same amount of oil as the size of container you’re using (e.g. an 8 ounce-bottle of oil for an 8-ounce jar).
Place a lid on the container, and store it in a sunny, warm location to enhance infusion. A bright windowsill is a popular choice! Allow the oil and flowers to infuse for at least three weeks, or up to a couple of months.
When the time is up, strain the flowers from the oil. Line canning funnel with cheesecloth, place it over a clean similar-size glass jar, and then pour the oil and flowers in to drain. Then, I squeeze the cheesecloth sack of flowers to extract every last bit of oil that I can! A coffee filter may also work. After the calendula oil is strained, store it in a glass container such as a jar. Store the calendula oil in a cool, dry location.
The oil can be used as a healing oil for skin such as eczema, scrapes, rashes or general moisturizer. Can also be mixed with other herbs and vinegars for a salad dressing!
