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A quick guide to shelf life, absorption, and best uses.
We grow Calendula on our Tower Gardens here on Shambhala, right by the back door in our Zone 0 so we can harvest them daily for the dehydrate rack all summer long. This ally is a staple in modern herbalism and has been in our homes for over a decade, because of her super power in healing – skin, wounds, heart and soul. She’s in our salves, teas, and balms – and we infuse her in oil two different ways. Oh, and sometimes she makes it into our salads.
If you want to start infusing calendula for your remedies too, and you’re wondering whether to choose jojoba or olive oil for her, here’s a quick, practical guide.
Calendula in Jojoba
Shelf life: Long (often 2–3+ years)
Feel/absorption: Light, fast-absorbing, non-greasy
Skin type: Sensitive, acne-prone, baby care
Best uses: Face serums, lip balms, healing salves, post-sun, rash/eczema blends
Calendula in Olive Oil
Shelf life: Moderate (about 6–12 months)
Feel/absorption: Rich, occlusive, more protective
Skin type: Dry, cracked, mature skin
Best uses: Body oils, hand/heel salves, massage oils, soaps, larger batches
Quick chooser
Face/light balm? Jojoba
Body/massage or very dry skin? Olive
Budget/soapmaking? Olive
Max stability? Jojoba
Can’t decide? Blend 75% olive + 25% jojoba for balanced feel + better stability. (Also saves $)
Simple infusion (solar or low-heat)
1. Fill a clean, dry jar ½–¾ with dry calendula blossoms.
2. Cover with oil (jojoba or olive) by 1–2 inches.
3. Solar: 3–4 weeks in a warm, sunny window; shake daily.
Low-heat: 3–6 hours at ~95–110°F (double boiler or dehydrator).
4. Strain, label (oil + herb + date), store cool/dark.
5. Optional: add 0.5–1% vitamin E for extra antioxidant support.
Tip: For facial products, start with jojoba. For heavy-duty salves or soap, use olive—or blend them.
Calendula is a vibrant, summer-energy beauty to be revered! She brings a strong healing power to any remedy, makes a great dye, opens up your solar plexus chakra, stimulates joy, and raises your vibration! Make her an ally for you and especially your children. Teach them the ways of Calendula!
May love & plant magic infuse your lives,
Andy 
