Calendula - tiny but powerful

Growing up in Germany where Apothecaries are common, I never really had to think about why my grandmother would tell me to use certain things for certain ailments or conditions. Ointments, tinctures, syrups, lozenges were so commonly used, I rarely took any medication. An aspirin here and there for a headache. But that was about it.

And for most skin conditions - the products contained calendula. As a child, my brother and I both got a really itchy rash from being out in the sun one summer. The skin was hot to the touch and it itched like crazy. Of course it was also incredibly sensitive, so scratching didn't help. We applied cold compresses, stayed indoors and then applied a soothing ointment. A few days later it was gone but I never forgot the experience.

So when I started making my own products, calendula kept showing up because of its amazing ability to address many skin conditions such as rashes, minor scratches or even wounds, dry skin, bug bites, diaper rash, sun damage, burns and even radiation damage.

My Healing Herbal Salve

Since it is mildy antimicrobial, it can even help to prevent infection. It has been shown to counteract and help with severe mastitis. I have learned that tincture - diluted of course - is the best way to heal fungal infections and even chicken pox.

It has been shown to be safe for babies as an ingredient in diaper rash creams and as a gentle wash for their skin.

My sister recently visited me over the holidays and she had been suffering from a rash for several months. Even though her doctor prescribed medication which helped somewhat, it would not go away. I gave her some of my Herbal Healing Salve and in less than two weeks the rash was gone. And stayed gone.

Calendula was one of the ingredients, along with comfrey and plantain.

This tiny flower, belonging to the Aster family, can be used in facial steams, creams and salves, body butter and lotions, sitzbaths (especially good postpartum), as a hair rinse promoting a healthy scalp. By promoting new tissue growth, it can help keep your skin moist and supple. I love using it especially during the winter when the dry cold air here in the Chicago region can be really tough on my face.

As a hydrosol, it is easy to use in your regular skin care routine by simply spritzing it on. It even support vascular health and is beneficial for varicose veins.

One word of caution: Some people are allergic to plants in the Aster family. So if you are allergic or sensitive to chamomile, you may want to avoid calendula.

As for my new upcoming product line "Indulgence", it will be one of the ingredients along with rose and vanilla. Yes, decadent indeed!