There are quite a few benefits of calendula oil, such as protecting the immune system, eliminating pain, soothing inflammation, aiding skin health, speeding healing, preventing chronic disease and preventing premature aging, among others. There are very limited effects of calendula oil, such as skin inflammation, but there are no known toxicities or risks associated with this oil, making it safe for nearly everyone. Pregnant women should consult their doctor before use, as is true with any potent natural oil.
What Is Calendula Oil?
Calendula oil is a powerful medicinal oil extracted from the petals of a common species of marigold. Taxonomically known as Calendula officinalis, this type of marigold has bold, bright orange flowers, and you can derive benefits from steam distillations, oil extractions, tinctures or water-based extraction, but the most potent forms of this oil are made through oil extractions. Many oils are processed along with olive oil, and even have vitamin E added to the oil to increase its potency for skin health. That being said, pure forms of calendula oil are readily available, but it is relatively easy to make at home. The many benefits of calendula oil are due to the significant levels of triterpenoids, flavonoids, carotenoids, saponins, polysaccharides, and other active antioxidants. [1]
Calendula oil has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, & antibacterial properties. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Calendula Oil Benefits and Uses
Using calendula oil is very popular for people who are struggling with chronic pain, skin irritation, wrinkles, age-related blemishes, wounds, cuts, scrapes, a weak immune system, oxidative stress, psoriasis, eczema, arthritis, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues.
Boosts Immune System
If you are worried about boosting your immune system, look no further than calendula oil, which can protect against numerous pathogens, due to its antibacterial properties. This is particularly effective in topical remedies, such as cuts, scrapes, and bug bites. The oil can not only stimulate rapid healing and soothe inflammation, but also protect the wound from becoming infected. [2]
Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Regularly applying this oil to your joints and muscles can help those who experience chronic discomfort. It is also used to lessen swelling after injuries and sprains. You can also consume small amounts of calendula oil to help with digestive issues. Some people choose to use it in salad dressings, so while large amounts are not recommended, a small amount of internal consumption is safe. [3]
Prevents Oxidative Stress
With a rich supply of carotenoids, flavonoids and other bioactive compounds, calendula oil is an excellent way to eliminate free radicals and prevent the development of oxidative stress. This can be a major boost to your skin, as well as the rest of your body, as free radicals cause things like wrinkles and age spots. By boosting your antioxidant levels, you can stimulate the growth of new skin cells and increase collagen cross-binding to improve elasticity. [4]
Skin Care
If your skin is dry, cracked, inflamed, or infected in any way, applying calendula oil can quickly clear up these problems. Inflammatory conditions like acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis affect millions of people, but the powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antioxidant compounds in this oil can soothe that discomfort. [5]
Treats Stomach Disorders
If you feel like your stomach is always upset, or that you’re not getting the proper amount of nutrition from your meals, you may need to optimize your digestive tracts. Adding small amounts of calendula oil to your salads and other dishes can help lower inflammation in the gut and prevent bacterial infections, which can help cramping, bloating, excess flatulence and constipation. [6]
Soothes Diaper Rash
Despite being a potent and powerful oil, it is safe to use calendula oil on the skin of babies, as it is primarily packed with antioxidants and positive compounds. For diaper rash, it is one of the few natural oils that are highly recommended for infants’ delicate skin. Apply a small amount to the affected area 1-2 times daily for best results. [7]
Prevents Premature Aging
The aging process can take many forms in our body, ranging from our memories to our physical appearance. Fortunately, calendula oil can tackle a number of different issues related to our natural aging. The anti-inflammatory compounds are good for spider veins, varicose veins, arthritis, and other joint disorders, while the antioxidants are able to improve the appearance of our skin and lower our chances of developing chronic disease. [8]
Acts as an Analgesic
This oil is often used as a topical analgesic and is known to reduce pain from injuries and surgeries, as well as acute pain, headaches, and pain associated with chronic or terminal diseases. Topical or oral consumption of this oil, in moderate amounts, is a very effective sedative and can also help induce sleep, allowing your body to heal. The carotenoids and flavonoids found in this oil are particularly linked to topical pain relief.
How to Make Calendula Oil?
Making calendula oil at home is a great way to save money and ensure the quality of your oil, provided you have access to dried calendula flower petals, avocado oil (or olive oil), a crockpot and a glass jar. There are a few different ways to prepare this healthy oil, but the traditional method can take up to a month. By applying heat, as we do in the recipe below, the process of oil extraction can be significantly sped up, meaning that you can start benefitting from calendula oil even faster! Take a look at the recipe below.
Healing Calendula Oil Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp of dried calendula flower petals
- 1 tbsp of avocado oil (olive oil is also a good choice)
Instructions
- To make calendula oil, add the calendula petals to a small glass jar.
- Pour in the avocado oil until it slightly covers all of the petals.
- Seal the jar and shake thoroughly.
- Place the jar in your crockpot on top of a towel.
- Fill the crockpot with enough water to cover half the glass jar.
- Set the crockpot to low heat for approximately 4 hours.
- Remove the jar and strain out the petals from the oil.
- Store the resultant calendula oil in a small glass jar or bottle away from excess heat or light.
Connect With Us
If you have tried this recipe, we would love your feedback in the comments section below. And while we can’t taste it, we would love to see how it turned out! You can connect with us on Facebook or Instagram and tag your picture with #organicfactsrecipes. [9] [10]
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