🌼 Oil of the Week: Calendula Infused Oil (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula is known as the “sunshine flower” - a soft, bright, and nourishing plant beloved for centuries for its ability to calm, restore, and protect the skin.

Unlike stimulating oils, calendula works gently and deeply. It’s one of those remedies that brings comfort and care to everything it touches. Whether you’re tending to your skin, crafting a salve, or simply bringing softness into your daily rituals, calendula is a true plant ally.

Botanical Background

• Latin Name: Calendula officinalis
• Family: Asteraceae
• Part Used: Flowers
• Extraction: Infused in carrier oils (such as olive, jojoba, or sunflower oil)

Aroma Profile

• Scent: Mild, sweet, herbal, and slightly resinous
• Emotional Tone: Gentle, uplifting, nurturing
• Energetic Associations: Element of Fire and Sun; radiance, protection, renewal

Topical & Therapeutic Actions

Skin Health & Repair
Calendula infused oil is widely used to soothe and support irritated, inflamed, or dry skin. It can help calm redness, ease itching, and support the natural healing process.

Anti-inflammatory & Antimicrobial
Rich in resins, flavonoids, and carotenoids, calendula oil supports the skin’s barrier and offers natural protection. It’s often used on minor cuts, scrapes, rashes, sunburn, and dry patches.

Moisturizing & Protective
Calendula oil brings hydration and a gentle, protective layer - making it a wonderful base for body oils, balms, and daily skin rituals.

Energetic & Emotional Support
Calendula carries the warmth of the sun. It’s uplifting and nurturing, often used in ritual or self-care practices to bring comfort, lightness, and emotional ease.

Safety & Contraindications

• Generally considered very safe for most people.
• Patch test before use on sensitive skin.
• Use caution with individuals allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family.
• External use only.

Folklore & History

• Calendula was known in medieval Europe as a “herb of the sun” — used in rituals of protection, joy, and healing.
• Folk healers infused it in oils to soothe wounds and burns.
• It has long been associated with radiance, comfort, and protection, often planted near doorways and gardens for good energy.
• Calendula petals were also once used to color butter and flavor soups — showing how practical and beloved this plant has always been.

Practical Ways to Work with Calendula Oil

• Face or Body Oil: Apply directly to soothe dry or irritated skin.
• Salve or Balm Base: Use calendula oil as the foundation for healing salves.
• Bath Oil: Add a spoonful to warm bathwater for soft, nourished skin.
• Baby & Sensitive Skin Care: Ideal for gentle, non-irritating blends.
• Ritual Use: Anoint pulse points or heart space as part of solar or protection rituals.

✨ My favorite way: using calendula oil as a nightly hand and heart rub — it’s a simple, grounding way to close the day with care.

Calendula teaches us that nurturing doesn’t have to be complicated. With its golden warmth and soft touch, this plant brings comfort, clarity, and ease. In a world that often moves fast, calendula whispers: slow down and soften.

References & Further Reading

• Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. DK Publishing.
• Wood, M. (2008). The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Plants. North Atlantic Books.
• Plants of the World Online (Kew): Calendula officinalis
• Tilgner, S. (2009). Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth. Wise Acres Publishing.