Calendula is a stunningly beautiful flower, the deep orange and yellow petals form a colorful contrast with the greenery in the herb garden. Is it little wonder that Calendula, called “Marygold”, Marigold or “sunbride” in the herbals of the middle ages, was ascribed such magical powers and healing virtues? Calendula flower oil heals the skin so well, The German Commission E has verified the effectiveness of calendula in healing wounds and reducing inflammation.
Calendula is a particularly good treatment for cuts, scrapes, bruises, insect bites and minor wounds. Calendula is antifungal and so can help to cure thrush (Candida albicans). The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of calendula make it a good face wash for dry, irritated skin and acne. Fresh calendula petals can also be infused in boiling water and used to treat minor infections, conjunctivitis, and mouth sores. Calendula tinctures are also a concentrated and convenient way to treat sore or infected gums.
Calendula is most often applied to the skin in creams, lotions and oils, but can be taken as an herbal tea, used as a tincture, and applied as a poultice. Make a simple homemade facial by boiling a handful of fresh petals in milk. Use the flower petals to add color to soups and rice dishes. Use just the petals, do not eat calyx or flower centers. For a sore throat or indigestion, drink calendula tea or use it to gargle, for scrapes and bruises apply the tea directly to your skin. Take the sting out of insect bites and rashes by applying the bruised, fresh flowers directly to the irritated skin. Use a few drops of calendula tincture to treat sore gums and mouth ulcers. Calendula combines well with comfrey and St. John’s wort for healing skin.
Lotion Bars Ingredients
• 1 cup coconut oil- infused with calendula flowers
• 1 cup shea butter, cocoa butter or mango butter (or a mix of all three)
• 1 cup beeswax
• Optional: 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
Lotion Bars Instructions
1. Combine all ingredients (except essential oils if using) in a double boiler, or a glass bowl over a smaller saucepan with 1 inch of water in it.
2. UPDATE: Combine in a quart size glass mason jar with a lid instead and place this in a small saucepan of water until melted. This will save your bowl and you can just designate this jar for these type of projects and not even need to wash it out…
3. Turn the burner on and bring water to a boil. Stir ingredients constantly until they are melted and smooth:
4. Remove from heat and add the essential oils.
5. Gently stir by hand until essential oils are incorporated.
6. Carefully pour into molds or whatever you will be allowing the lotion bars to harden in. I used these silicone baking cups, though any mold would work.
7. Allow the lotion bars to cool completely before attempting to pop out of molds. These could be made in different shaped molds for different holiday gifts (hearts for valentines, flowers for Mother’s day, etc.) or made in a square baking pan and then cut into actual bars.