A Wound Healing Herb: Calendula
Calendula is a plant that has been used for wound and skin health benefits for a reallllyyy long time! In the Mediterranean, it’s especially popular for its anti-inflammatory benefits. The flower itself is rich in naturally occurring compounds called flavonoids. These compounds are responsible for the anti-inflammatory benefits, but also anti-thrombogenic, antidiabetic, anticancer, and neuroprotective benefits.
What is Calendula used for?
Calendula has been used for a variety of skin conditions, including eczema, hives, acne, skin brightening, skin tightening, diaper rash, burns, bruises even vaginal yeast infections. It has also been used as a form of SPF, but more studies need to be done to determine this. I have absolutely loved using it on my skin. I have been using it for over a month, and my skin is not only smoother but it is brighter, in fact, I have not had any acne since I started using it.
What I absolutely love about this stuff is the gastrointestinal benefits when you drink it as tea! Although not scientifically proven, Calendula can also help reduce inflammation in the gut wall, detoxify pathogens in the body, help fight infection and heal pelvic and bowel infections. It’s also very gentle and effective for clearing out the gut and helping heal a damaged intestinal wall.
I have made both Calendula oil and tea and both are very easy!
TEA:
buy loose-leaf calendula flower (organic kind).
boil water over the stove or in the kettle.
Grab a mug and place the strainer over the top with flowers in it
Pour the boiling water over the top of the flowers, allowing the liquid to fall into the mug.
OIL:
Find a jar with a lid and fill it 1/3 of the way with calendula flowers
Add your favorite body oil all the way to the top of the jar. I chose olive oil for hydration.
Place the lid on top and put the jar in a sunlit area of your home for 2 weeks before use.
Strain flowers if you like. I like keeping my flowers in the jar. It looks pretty.
If you decide to start your calendula journey, feel free to reach out to me! I’d love to hear your experience.