| The Calendula flower is a very bright orange flower in | | | | congestion are inhibited with consistent application. |
| the same family as the marigold flower. It is a native | | | | The medicinal qualities of Calendula have been known |
| of the Mediterranean region, originally grown in Egypt | | | | for centuries. More recently, its antioxidant properties |
| on the border of Nile. The whole flower blossom is | | | | have been cited as one of the reasons for its |
| utilized for its medicinal properties. | | | | effectiveness. Calendula has been proven to aid in |
| Calendula is known for its anti-inflammatory effect, | | | | wound healing, and is frequently included in first aid |
| its help with varicose veins, its usefulness in healing | | | | ointments. |
| stubborn wounds, and its effectiveness in treating | | | | As an aromatherapist, I always have some Calendula |
| skin problems. It is an excellent base oil for chapped | | | | oil on hand to make salves for burns, bruises, and |
| skin and sunburns, and is commonly used in caring for | | | | cuts but mostly to use as a carrier base for essential |
| superficial burns, insect bites and eczema. The wound | | | | oils used for skin care. I have found that a supply of |
| healing properties have been documented in many | | | | Calendula oil is wonderful for applying to cold sores, |
| studies, and many believe that a combination of | | | | light cuts, bruises and burns, but it is also one of my |
| lipophilic extracts and hydrophilics extracts such as | | | | favorite carrier oils to use with other essential oils in |
| flavonoids and saponins help promote healing and skin | | | | skin care. I like to make my own Calendula infusion, |
| repair. | | | | and have given instructions for making macerated oils |
| Calendula oil has also been useful for treating venous | | | | in another ezine article titled: How to Make Your Own |
| problems such as varicose veins. In cases of venous | | | | Macerated Oils for Skin Care. |
| inflammation, the oil or ointment should be applied | | | | It is important to note that although the therapeutic |
| lightly. This base oil provides a wonderful opportunity | | | | Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is sometimes referred |
| to add essential oils, such as lemon and cypress--also | | | | to as "marigold", it is a very different plant from the |
| known to help with venous problems. Studies have | | | | common variety (Tagetes patula or Tagetes minuta) |
| shown that symptoms of varicose veins and venous | | | | found in flower gardens. |