How-To: Make Calendula Body Oil
First things first, I am not a Herbalist.
BUT - as much as my fingers don’t want to type this, because it could be controversial: I don’t think it matters.
Because folk herbalism, home herbalism is something that is in the blood of all of us - particularly those of us who identify as women (I know this can be an unpopular statement too) because traditionally, generationally, we have been the nurturers, nourishers and the real medicine people. To reconnect with simple, gentle Herbal medicine is a re-remembering, not learning something new.
The type of Herbalism I have been self-studying and experimenting with over the last five years is very gentle Herbalism. It’s not potent formulas for specific issues: that would be where a certified practicing Herbalist comes in. This is food and ritual as medicine. It’s teas, infusions, sprinkles and oils. It’s also Rest. Despite being someone who loves to wear pink and have my nails done, I have been, for my adult life, deeply disconnected from the feminine. By feminine I mean the cyclical, the unpredictable and the one who prioritises nourishment, earth connection and being moved by life instead of trying to tame it. I know I’m not alone. In Human Design readings every week, I meet with women who are tired and drained for the very same reason.
I’ve previously shared a few recipes that I feel fall under the category of Herbalism, you can find them here:
Nettle & Raspberry Leaf Infusion (the most popular post on this blog!)
Everything I share here is really about deeply nourishing and caring for yourself daily. These are not remedies that work overnight. The magic of working with herbs in this time is located within their slowness. Please let me know if you’ve been experimenting with simple home Herbalism, or would like to see more of these recipes.
Calendula Body Oil
STERILISE YOUR JAR
Sterilise a pint, wide mouth mason jar by boiling in hot water for ten minutes and then drying in the sun. The glass must be completely dry, otherwise your oil infusion will grow mould. So be patient!
CHOOSING AN OIL
This could be the easiest part - or the toughest. If there is an oil you love, go for it, don’t let me influence you! Traditional choices are fractionated coconut, olive, sesame or sweet almond.
That being said…
I have done a lot of research on oils and in particular, the way they interact with the sun. The problem with sweet almond and sesame (and to a lesser extent, our dear, dear Olive) is that they are seed oils very high in PUFA (poly unsaturated fatty acids) which go rancid very easily and have been shown to wreck havoc on the digestive system and contribute to inflammation in the body and ageing of the skin. I’m not trying to freak you out - they are not in the domain of GMO corn and soy oils, and it’s not about removing them from your life altogether (because, fries) but just being mindful of it, particularly if you are consuming / applying these oils to your body and then going out into the sun.
THAT BEING SAID there is a million and one ways to look at everything, so go with what feels right for you. When using seed oils, always buy the highest, highest quality and use mindfully. I don’t personally ever use them on my face (yes this includes rosehip & sunflower in all those expensive face oils!!) I use either Jojoba or Squalene oil on my face, and occasionally a coconut oil containing blend, too.
HOWEVER, this is not a blanket rule to say these oils are bad full stop. If you have a trusted supplier of the highest quality oils, they would be quite medicinal. I think of the Ayurvedic system when I consider oils and the sun. Coconut oil is often suggested for use when there is more Pitta in the system (fire, heat, more likely to be aggravated in summer) and sesame oil when there is a Vata imbalance (wind, restlessness, anxiety - more common in autumn and winter) which makes sense if you are spending more time in the sun in summer - use an oil that contains a tiiiiny amount of SPF and interacts much more peacefully with the sun!
Okay so enough on oils, now the easy part!
Fill the jar 2/3 full with dried calendula flowers and fill all the way to the top with oil. Yes it takes a lot of oil! Make sure alllll that plant material is covered. Leave in a visible spot (cause it looks pretty!) and remember to give it a good shake everyday. There are opposing views on whether the oil should be infused in the sun or not. Some say the oil will go rancid more quickly, others swear by it. If I’m using a seed oil, I definitely don’t put it in the sun, but you could give it a try with coconut. Just watch closely for spoilage.
WHY CALENDULA?
Source calendula grown organically in your country if possible. You want to purchase the highest quality herbs - when they are too cheap, there is a reason for it! Remember that making your own infused oil is economically much, much cheaper, but the initial output might seem like a lot.
Calendula is your skins new best friend. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, is safe for sensitive skin and for use on babies. Use Calendula to speed up wound healing, bruising, excema, dry skin, rashes and I’m sure, so much more. Calendula leaves skin feeling super soft, loved and smooth.
IMBUE WITH MAGIC
To imbue with more magic, make with the cycles of the moon. You could start the process on the new moon and strain it on the full moon 6 weeks later, or whatever feels right for you. You could also play or recite mantra as you prepare the oil.
USE WITH LOVE
Store in a cool, dark place. Use as part of an abyhanga (self-massage) after showering or bathing. You can use the oil gently warmed in winter or room temperature. For wounds and bruising, apply regularly throughout the day. I use all over in the mornings after showering, but you can use whenever suits you!