Infusing herbs in oil

Calendula Flowers

As a follow up on my post from a few weeks ago about calendula, I thought that I would teach you about infusing herbs in oil. It is very easy and very useful.

Step 1- Gather your calendula flowers as soon as they are fully open. You can buy calendula seed from seed companies like Johnny's and grow them in your garden. Make sure that you buy the right variety for medicinal use since there are some varities that are just meant for decoration. You can also buy dried calendula flowers from an herb company.

Step  2- Allow the flowers to wilt for a few hours.


Step 3- Fill a glass jar with the flowers until they are about an inch from the top.

Step 4- Pour olive oil over the flowers until they are completely covered with oil. It is important that the flowers are completely submerged or else they will mold and have to be thrown out.

Step 5- Screw on the lid and keep jar out of direct sunlight for one month shaking it at least once per day.

You can use this process for many other herbs that you want to use in salves or use a mix of different herbs. If you are wondering how to take the next step and make herbal salve click here.