Comforter of the Heart and Spirits (Calendula)

Member Name: Shekera

Product:	Calendula
Date:	17/12/01 (148 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Excellent for the treatment of skin problems such as eczema, nappy rash and chapped skin.

Disadvantages: Should not be used by pregnant women, people suffering with chronic illness or babies, Not to be confussed with African Marigold (Tagetes) which is toxic.

Calendula Officinalis (Marigold)

The essential oil extracted from Marigolds is known as Calendula essential oil. Do not confuse Marigold (Calendula Officinalis) with African Marigold (Tagetes) which is toxic.

Marigold oil is not widely available as the bright orange flowers of the common pot marigold yield only small amount of oil. More common is infused oil of Calendula, where the flowers are infused in warm oil, macerated, and strained to produce a warm, gold coloured and very therapeutic oil.

Marigold, which is classified as an annual herb, has had a variety of historical uses, treating anything from snakebites to toothache. The famous herbalists Nicholas Culpeper and John Gerard called the flower a “comforter of the heart and spirits”.

Calendula oil is good as a soothing anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and gentle astringent. Calendula-infused oil is excellent in the treatment of dry cracked or chapped skin. Eczema, nappy rash, cracked nipples and varicose veins. Because it helps to stop bleeding and has valuable wound-healing properties, it is a first-aid kit essential for cuts, grazes wounds and insect bites. Calendula also has an affinity with the female reproductive system and has properties, which help to regulate the menstrual cycle. The oil can also be used as a base for blending other essential oils, especially with floral and citrus essential oils.

For the treatment of skin disorders, it is easy to make your own soothing Calendula skin cream. You can do this by adding Calendula oil drop by drop to any ready-made unperformed pure plant cream, and blend thoroughly. This cream can be obtained from good health food shops. Stop adding the oil when the cream reaches a soft usable consistency. Do not worry about adding too much Calendula oil.

In addition to the healing properties for skin problems, I highly recommend Calendula oil as part of a aromatherapy oil collection for its extreme versatil
ity as a first aid oil.

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