The bright yellow blossoms of calendula are prized for their skin-soothing properties. Creams and lotions, made from the herb, are available at herb shops and health food stores, but you can easily make your own.
Calendula Skin Oil
Calendula skin oil is gentle enough for babies and elderly and it is great for a massage. Rub this oil into dry cuticles, heels, feet, elbows, even chapped lips. For an under-eye cream, lightly pat it on while your skin is damp. To smooth your hands after gardening, wash then, rinse, and rub with the oil while still wet.
The recipe give you a choice of base oils. Grape seed is the lightest of the three and is absorbed most quickly by the skin. Avocado is also light. Olive, on the other hand, is heavier and more protective. Olive is a good choice for skin that is exposed to the elements.
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed fresh calendula petals (about 1 ounce)
- 2 cups olive oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil (your choice)
- ½ cup wheat germ oil
Combine all of the ingredients in a large glass bottle, cover, and set in a sunny window for two weeks, shaking every day. Strain and store in the refrigerator. Makes 2 ½ cups.
Calendula Skin Toner
This bracing splash is soothing and toning. It is especially helpful for balancing skin that faces pollution daily.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups liquid witch hazel
- ½ cup packed dried calendula petals (about ½ ounce)
- 5 2-inch sprigs fresh rosemary
Combine all of the ingredients in a large glass bottle, cover, and set in a sunny spot for seven days, shaking once a day. Strain. Keep a small bottle in the bathroom for daily use and store the rest in the refrigerator. Splash on your face after cleansing skin and before moisturizing, or dot on insect bits to stop the itching. Makes about 3 ½ cups.
Best wishes!
-Liane Schmidt.