Herb & Essential Oil
of the Month
Calendula - Calendula officinalis
AKA: Marigold, garden marigold, holigold, Mary bud, pot marigold
Calendula, also known as pot marigold has been used all over the world. Not only for its valuable medicinal qualities, but also for its culinary uses and its unique ability to control insects in the garden.
Calendula is an easy to grow annual as it's not particular to soil conditions and can easily be grown from seed. When harvesting be sure to leave a few blossoms on the plant and let them form seed heads. Then scatter the dried seeds wherever you would like Calendula to be growing next spring.
History shows that Calendula was most often used in soups and stews to ward of illness. Hence the name "pot Marigold". But don't confuse this plant with the shorter version of the African Marigold species. Calendula grows from 1 to 2 ft tall and has hairy texture on its leaves.
Today, many studies have proven Calendula
to be a highly beneficial herb worth taking a look at.
· It has a high concentration of natural iodine, which
is believed to be what gives it many valuable wound healing properties.
· Its antimicrobial compounds inhibit certain strains of
Staphylococcus and Candida, as well as E. coli.
· It contains lycopene, which has recently been shown to
be beneficial to prostate health.
· Its high levels of carotene and maganese along with iodine
promote skin cell regeneration.
In Aromatherapy, Calendula is mainly used for its skin healing properties. It contains an essential oil in the flower heads and leaves that have an antibiotic effect. It can be used internally as well as externally. Calendula heals all kinds of wounds, especially internal and external ulcers of all kinds.
Externally, Calendula improves blood flow to the affected area and is useful for eczema, gastritis, minor burns, including sunburn, healing pulled muscles, bruises, sprains, boils, insect bites, rashes, wounds, and other sores. Not only that, it is nourishing and regenerative to the skin. It's My Nature carries some great Calendula Body Powder that is very soothing to the skin.
Calendula's anti-fungal properties are great for athlete's foot, ringworm, and candida.
There are many methods of using dried Calendula. It can be made into tea, which can be drank, or used as a hot or cold compress. Salves, creams, lotions and infused oils are a convenient way to apply Calendula.
Internally, Calendula can be used for such gastrointestinal problems as ulcers, stomach cramps, menstrual difficulties, colitis, diarrhea and to prevent recurrent vomiting.
The high amounts flavonoids account for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Calendula is safe and recommended for use for children's ailments. It is great for diaper rash, juvenile acne, and all kinds of childhood skin rashes.
Medicinal Properties include: antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal agent, reducing inflammation, wound healing, antispasmodic, aperient, cholagogue, diaphoretic, vulnerary.
Calendula Usage in Aromatherapy
Inhalation - Great insect repellent
in the garden.
Skin Care - Use for acne, and rejuvenating skin.
Compress - Varicose veins., sprains and wounds, bring down
fever.
Hair Care - Hair rinse to lighten and brighten hair.
Tea - Drink two to three cups daily.
Bath - For soothing sunburn and skin rashes.
Massage - With infused oil. rejuvenating to the skin, and
the soul.
Compress- To help in the healing of skin wounds: soak a
compress in Calendula tea, and apply to the wound for 30 minutes
twice daily.
Fresh Stock In:
If you love the healing power of
Calendula, but just do not have the time to make your own, try
these ready to use products. 100% Natural and Therapeutic.
Calendula Infused Oil -A soothing and effective oil for
rashes, wounds and infant care. 4 oz $12.95
http://itsmynature.net/html/InfusedOils.html
Calendula Powder - A
healing and deodorizing body powder with Calendula and other fragrant
herbs. 4 oz $7.95
http://itsmynature.net/html/Powders.html
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Recipes
Basic Calendula Infused Oil
Fill a glass jar with dried Calendula petals. Fill the jar with
oil. Cap tightly and keep covered in a warm place for a week.
Strain thoroughly and store oil in a clean glass jar or bottle.
*
*Make your own or order Calendula Infused
Oil from It's My Nature.
New Batch Just In!
http://itsmynature.net/html/InfusedOils.html
Calendula Facial Cleanser
4 tablespoons Almond Oil
2 tablespoons dried Calendula flowers
A few drops of Rose Water (optional)
Warm the oil in a bowl placed over a pan of hot water. Stir in the dried flowers and heat gently for about 30 minutes (over the pan). Remove the bowl and allow the oil to cool. Stir in the flower water at this point. Use as a cleanser on your face and neck.
Skin Soothing Bath Tea
2 tablespoons dried Thyme
2 tablespoons dried Calendula blossoms
2 tablespoon dried Chamomile blooms
1 quart boiling water
Pour boiling water over dried herbs and let steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain the herbs and add the infusion to your bath water.
Delightful Herbal Tea Blend
1/4 cup dried Orange, Pineapple or Apple
Mint
2 tablespoons dried Rosemary
1 tablespoon dried Sage
2 tablespoons dried Lemon balm
1 tablespoon dried Calendula petals
3 tablespoons dried Chamomile flowers
Combine the dried herbs together and store in an airtight container. Use 1 teaspoon per cup of tea.
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