Pure-n-Simple Soap

Physicians have been writing about Calendula and its amazing benefits for the skin for a very long time.  The dried flowers of the plant were traditionally used in soups and stews to fight off illness, which is where it got the name Pot Marigold.  The name Calendula comes from the Latin word Calendae, meaning the first day of the month, as this plant can bloom every month of the year in its native climate.  Calendula is known for many health benefits but is most recognized for its effectiveness in healing skin problems, such as wounds, burns, insect bites, eczema, shingles and skin ulcers, to name a few.

Calendula can be taken internally as well as externally.  For internal use, Calendula can be used in salads, and to spice up meats and fish; it also can be made in to a tea.  Externally, Calendula is used in lotion salves, creams, soaps and refined oil.  I use the Calendula that I grow in my garden in some of our goat’s milk soap, and have refined some Calendula oil which we use in our lip balms and also keep it handy for medicinal purposes as well.

Some of the amazing  benefits Calendula oil has on the skin are;

1.  Helps in healing wounds, cuts, bruises, scrapes, and inflamed skin.

2.  Nourishes and softens dry chapped skin.

3.  Is know to have antiseptic, anti fungal, and anti bacterial properties.

4.  Very effective for treating sun burn, minor burns, acne, eczema, inflamed skin, and rashes.

5.  Is very helpful in treating athletes foot.

6.  Is used for relieving diaper rash.

7.  Is know to relieve bug bites and stings.

These are just seven reason why this wonderful plant as earned the name among herbalist, “Mother of the Skin”.  This is a must have plant in the garden, not only will it aid you and your household with wonderful medicinal and culinary values but will bring beauty to the garden all season long.