CALENDULA INFUSED OIL

Using the water bath method:

Calendula Calendula officinalis flowers: Dried 1/2 ounce OR fresh 1 ounce

Sweet almond or avocado oil: 1 cup

In a stainless-steel bowl, pour the oil over the herbs. Heat over a simmering water bath (a saucepan one-quarter filled with water) or double boiler. Make sure the bowl is not sitting on the bottom of the pot, but is floating in the water. Keep the lid on the oil. Stir occasionally and simmer for 30 minutes. Watch that the oil does not get too hot. It should not smoke or bubble. If the oil overheats, it will develop an acrid smell that is very difficult to disguise. Strain through four layers of unbleached muslin or some other very fine non-metal strainer. Strain twice, because it is important to get all of the herbs out of the oil to prevent the final product from becoming rancid or moldy. For increase therapeutic befits, your choice of essential oils can be added at this stage.