Calendula, know also as pot marigold, is a member of the Asteraceae family and is a bushy annual with yellow to orange flowers that bloom thought the spring and autumn months. The color of its flowers is due to its high cartenoid levels, including lutein and lycopene, which are thought to have antioxidant effects in the body, according to Jim Duke in an article titled "Pot Marigold," published by the Alternative and Complementary Therapies journal in June of 2008. You can use calendula oil to treat skin ailments.
Antiseptic
Calendula oil has antiseptic properties and is mostly used to treat skin burns, sores, bruises and skin rashes, says herbalist Rosemary Gladstar in her book "Family Herbal a Guide to Life with Energy, Health and Vitality." By applying calendula oil to the skin, you eliminate germs that may cause further infection. It also promotes steady and healthy healing of skin ulcers.
Take the flower heads of calendula and dry them for a couple of days in the shade. Add them to a carrier oil such as almond, jojoba or olive oil and let them infuse the oil for at least four weeks. Store your oil in a fresh and dark shelf, checking it once a week to make sure there is no fungus or rancidity. Strain out the plant material using a cheese cloth and keep your oil in the refrigerator. Apply it onto your skin anytime you need healing and moisture.
Anti-Inflammatory
Herbalist David Hoffmann writes in his book "The New Holistic Herbal" that calendula oil has anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful when treating skin conditions that are hot, red and inflamed. This includes conditions caused by infection or by physical damage, such as a cut or even swelling happening underneath the skin due to a bruise or broken bone. Calendula's anti-inflammatory properties also make it useful in treating varicose veins. By reducing inflammation, it also helps reduce pain in the areas being treated.
Wound Healer
Calendula oil stimulates the development of granulation tissue, making it an aid for healing skin wounds. Its antioxidant properties help it scavenge any free radicals, acting as an immune stimulant. It's safe to use calendula oil and in his book "Making Plant Medicine," herbalist Richo Cech even recommends its use for diaper rashes in toddlers. Combine the oil with beeswax to make a salve and avoid messy spills.
References
- "Alternative and Complementary Therapies"; Jim Duke; 2008
- "Family Herbal a Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2001
- "The New Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffman; 1995
- "Making Plant Medicine"; Richo Cech; 2000
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