David Aylieff-Sansom/istockphoto
DCL
You may grow marigolds in you garden for a number of reasons. You may like the way they look or you could like the way they smell. If you have an avid green thumb, you may use marigolds in your garden as a companion plant. Pot marigolds, the kind you use for massage oil, don't have the nematode-producing qualities of French marigolds, but bees and other pollinators enjoy them. Pot marigolds are also edible.
But let's say you are the frugal and clever type who likes to use and harvest all the plants in your garden. Good news! Marigolds can be used for more than just bee attractant. You can put those marigolds to good use by making massage oil from them. Making your own massage oil saves you money on over-the-counter massage oils. You?ll also be cutting down on packaging waste.
How to Turn Marigolds into Massage Lotion
1. Start off by growing the species of marigold known as calendula officinalis or pot marigold. Do not use pesticides or herbicides on these marigolds if you plan to use them on or in your body.
2. Once the marigolds have bloomed, pick them. Remove their heads. Let them dry out. Get them nice and dry. Wet marigold heads can cause mold growth in the oil.
3. Pack dry marigolds into a canning jar.
4. Take some olive oil. Warm it slightly and pour into the jar. Make sure that all flowers are covered with the oil.
5. Cover jar with cheesecloth. Place jar in window. When the oil has turned a golden color, strain oil into a bottle or flask. Store in cool, dry place.
Got a tip or a post idea for us to write about on Planet Green? Email pgtips (at) treehugger (dot) com.
