Calendula is a wonderful medicinal herb rich in antioxidants which can help in repairing damage caused to skin by free radicals and also prevent further degeneration of the skin. Plus, infusing this herb with coconut oil can be a miracle oil for mummas and bubs suffering from bacterial or yeast infections.
Calendula, as we all know, helps to heal wounds (calendula cream is one of my favourite recipes for this), but did you know that this medicinal herb is a fantastic treatment for yeast overgrowth? Oral thrush, Candida found on the nipples and/or breast tissue. These can be common ailments for nursing mothers and newborn babies.
Calendula is an effective treatment against yeast infections anywhere on the body, really.
This includes nappy rashes that can be inflamed by a bacterial or yeast component, vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, candida on the nipples, and other troublesome areas.
This herb is safe for use on little ones as it provides gentle healing properties and is non-toxic.
So, whenever a little one experiences itching or are tender in their sensitive areas, it’s definitely not time for soap. Instead, apply a gentle rinse with warm water and this homemade oil.
Adding calendula to coconut oil helps create a potent antibacterial and antifungal oil that stimulates healing, and is gentle on the little person’s sensitive spots.
Coconut oil or MCT oil can be used, as both these coconut products contain lauric acid and capric acid (among other beneficial properties), which are naturally occurring compounds that provide powerful antimicrobial benefits.
These components disrupt fungal, bacterial, and viral cell membranes, causing these cells to deteriorate. Plus, coconut oil is a highly effective treatment against skin infections.
Catching skin infections early, keeping them clean and using coconut oil (infused or as is) can work wonders in treating these conditions effectively, without the sting that can come with other conventional medications.
So whether you’re a mumma or a newborn, or anyone experiencing any kind of skin ailment or yeast infection, this homemade calendula-infused coconut oil can work wonders in promoting healing and soothing any irritation caused by the infection.
Before we get started in learning how to make this healing calendula-infused coconut oil, if you like what you’re seeing, subscribe to my email newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on the latest recipes, DIYs, gardening and health tips I share!
Homemade Calendula-Infused Coconut Oil
Once I have the infused oil all ready to go, I love to make rubs, creams, salves, and ointments with this healing oil to have on hand to apply to cuts, scraps, rashes, or other skin conditions.
Calendula is a great first aid treatment for cuts, scrapes and bug bites, to help soothe a sunburn, as a rinse for pinkeye, to provide relief from a sore throat, as a salve for nappy rash, and more.
I like to use either MCT oil or fractionated coconut oil when making this oil infusion as both these oils stay as a liquid even at cooler temperatures, so won’t harden. If I was making this oil for use on my face I may add a little bit of alcohol, such as an organic vodka, to help increase the potency of the extraction. But, as this oil is meant for little ones with sensitive skin, it’s best to leave the alcohol out so there’s no chance of stinging.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup organic dried calendula flowers
- 3 cups organic fractionated coconut oil or MCT oil
To make:
- Pour all of the ingredients into a high speed blender and blend the ingredients for 10 to 20 seconds to help break up the flowers and create more surface area for the extraction. Avoid over-blending this mixture.
- Pour the blended mixture into a clean, dry, large glass jar, then cap the lid on tightly and store the jar in a warm, dark, dry place. This oil will infuse for six to eight weeks to create a potent healing extract.
- After infusing, strain out the oil using a nut milk bag or cheesecloth, then bottle in small amber glass dropper bottles for easy use.
- Apply this oil regularly where needed, to sensitive itchy or stinging spots on the little one’s body, or on your own.
Calendula-Infused Coconut Oil Recipe Tutorial
As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor before trying or using any new products. I am not a doctor. All opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings of the products mentioned. Check with your doctor or health practitioner if you are uncertain about trying out any of the products, recipes or tips mentioned in this post.
Have you made homemade oil infusions before? Share in the comments below.
Lots of love,
Vanessa
