COMFREY & CALENDULA HERBAL OINTMENT

A nourishing herbal ointment made with comfrey-infused grapeseed oil and calendula-infused olive oil.

PART 1: MAKING THE HERBAL INFUSED OILS

Comfrey-Infused Grapeseed Oil

You will need:

• 100 g dried comfrey leaf
• 500 g grapeseed oil
• Clean, completely dry glass jar
• Muslin cloth or fine filter
• Clean bottle for storage

Calendula-Infused Olive Oil

You will need:

• 100 g dried calendula flowers
• 500 g olive oil
• Clean, completely dry glass jar
• Muslin cloth or fine filter
• Clean bottle for storage

Slow Infusion Method

1. Make sure the herbs are completely dry. Fresh herbs contain moisture, which can increase the risk of spoilage.
2. Place the dried herb into a clean, completely dry glass jar.
3. Add the carrier oil until the herb is completely covered.
4. Seal the jar.
5. Place it in a warm area away from direct sunlight.
6. Shake the jar gently once a day.
7. Allow the oil to infuse for approximately 4–6 weeks.
8. Strain the oil through muslin or a fine filter.
9. Squeeze the herbs well to recover as much oil as possible.
10. Transfer the infused oil to a clean, dry bottle.
11. Label the bottle with the herb, carrier oil and date.

Faster Warm-Infusion Method

1. Place the dried herb and oil into a heat-safe container.
2. Place the container in a double boiler.
3. Gently warm the oil to approximately 40–50°C for several hours.
4. Do not boil the oil or fry the herbs.
5. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
6. Strain thoroughly through muslin or a fine filter.
7. Bottle and label the infused oil.

Discard the infusion if it develops bubbling, fermentation, water droplets, an unusual appearance or an unpleasant/rancid smell.

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PART 2: COMFREY & CALENDULA OINTMENT

Makes 100 g

Ingredients:

• 44.5 g comfrey-infused grapeseed oil
• 45 g calendula-infused olive oil
• 10 g beeswax
• 0.5 g vitamin E

Equipment

• Digital scale
• Heat-safe jug or bowl
• Double boiler
• Stirring utensil
• Clean, dry ointment tins or jars

Method

1. Weigh the comfrey-infused grapeseed oil, calendula-infused olive oil and beeswax.
2. Place the oils and beeswax into a heat-safe container.
3. Put the container into a double boiler.
4. Heat gently until the beeswax has completely melted.
5. Remove from the heat and stir thoroughly.
6. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
7. Add the vitamin E and mix well.
8. Pour immediately into clean, completely dry jars or tins.
9. Leave uncovered until completely cool and set.
10. Close the containers and label them.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Use clean, dry hands or a spatula when removing the ointment from the container.

SAFETY INFORMATION

For external use only.

Comfrey contains naturally occurring pyrrolizidine alkaloids, some of which can be harmful to the liver. Because the concentration in homemade comfrey-infused oil cannot be reliably determined without testing:

• Use only on intact skin.
• Do not apply to deep or open wounds.
• Do not ingest.
• Avoid prolonged or extensive use.
• Keep away from children.
• Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.
• Stop using if irritation or an allergic reaction occurs.

Calendula may also cause allergic reactions, particularly in people sensitive to plants in the daisy/Asteraceae family.

This is a traditional herbal topical preparation and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure medical conditions.