Soothing Calendula Lotion for Dry, Irritated Skin
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Equipment Double-boiler
Author:
Recipe type: DIY
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
For the Calendula-Infused Oil (skip if buying)
  • ½ cup dried calendula petals
  • ⅔-1 cup carrier oil like jojoba or extra virgin olive oil
For the Calendula Lotion
  • 3 ounces organic 100% shea butter
  • 2 ounces organic calendula-infused oil
How To Make
To Make the Calendula-Infused Oil (skip step if buying)
  1. Use a double boiler or create one by partially filling a stock pot or sauce pan with water and placing your mason jar containing the herb/oil mixture in the water.
  2. Turn the heat on medium until the water is warm and slightly bubbling, then turn it down to low or simmer for the infusion process. Avoid boiling.
  3. *A Crock Pot can be used as well. Add warm water to the Crock Pot and place the mason jar into the water. Turn the heat on high for 30 minutes or so, and then down to low for the remainder of the infusion time. Avoid boiling.
  4. Place a lid on the jar, BUT DON’T TIGHTEN IT. A heated closed jar can explode from the pressure that builds up.
  5. Infuse the oil for approximately 3-4 hours, with frequent stirring (watch out for that water!).
  6. There is a subtle ‘finished aroma’ that you will learn to detect with each particular herb. This is analogous to a skilled chef knowing when a dish is perfectly done by the aroma it gives off. Overheated oil also has a subtle repellant smell which you will learn to avoid with experience.
  7. Allow plant material to settle to the bottom of the jar and strain through a fine strainer. Store the finished oil in dark glass containers in a cool, dark place or your refrigerator.
To Make the Calendula Lotion
  1. Heat shea butter in the bowl of a double-boiler over medium heat until melted.
  2. Remove the bowl from heat and add calendula-infused oil. Allow oil to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Transfer to the refrigerator for 30-40 minutes or until oil turns opaque.
  3. Use a hand-mixer to whip mixture for 4-5 minutes. The color will turn from yellow to light yellow and eventually a creamy white. The texture of the lotion should be similar to mayonnaise.
  4. Spoon lotion into a glass jar and store in a dry spot.
Notes
Double boiler oil infusion:
This style of infusion is great for making infused oils quickly. It is also the preferred method of infusion during the colder months of the year. The water in the double boiler prevents the oil from becoming too hot and scorching.

IMPORTANT: With this method, avoid getting water from the double boiler into the jar with the oil! Water introduced into the oil can cause mold growth if not removed.
Recipe by HormonesBalance.com at https://hormonesbalance.com/recipes/calendula-lotion-for-dry-irritated-skin/