Many types of skin conditions will benefit from an herbal infused oil. Oils are applied topically to the affected area; calendula flowers make a beautiful infused oil that works wonders to soothe the skin.

To prepare calendula infused oil:

You will need a clean glass quart jar that is completely dry inside. Make sure that all of your utensils are also clean and dry; the smallest amount of moisture can spoil your oil. Place 1/3 cup of dried calendula flowers in the jar and add enough good-quality olive oil to fully cover the plant material.

Check the jar after several hours to make sure the flowers have not absorbed all of the oil. If all the oil has been absorbed, add another inch or so. Cover the jar with a clean piece of cotton cloth or unbleached coffee filter and secure it with a rubber band or canning jar lid ring. Do not cover with a lid yet, because the plant material will sometimes release gases that could blow the lid right off the jar. Let the oil infuse in a sunny window or the kitchen counter for about ten days.

Strain out the flowers and discard. The remaining oil may be kept in a glass bottle at room temperature for up to one year.