The Benefits of Calendula for Your Hair & Skin

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What is calendula?

Commonly known as "pot marigold," calendula is an exceptionally versatile herb native to the Mediterranean. For centuries, it has actively been grown in gardens to use as food and for its healing properties. Identified by its bright orange and yellow petals which hold medicinal properties, it should not be confused with the garden variety marigold.

The name calendula is derived from the plant's tendency to bloom according to the calendar, either once a month or with the new moon. This annual flourishes in cool, temperate climates and grows to a height of 9-20 inches.

What can calendula do for me?

The flavenoids present in the calendula flower and its inherent anti-inflammatory, astringent, antifungal, and antiseptic properties result in an ideal topical agent. It can be applied to the skin to treat boils, rashes, sunburn, chafed skin, insect bites, and other skin irritations. The properties of calendula make it an attractive herb for treating and soothing the scalp.

How do I use calendula?

Calendula is usually found as dried flowers or essential oil. It can be used to create tinctures, ointments, lotions, infused oils, and body butters to name a few. When mixed with oils like olive oil, the effects of calendula are enhanced. Products containing calendula are readily available at health food stores and online - or create your own using one of these recipes!

Calendula Infused Oil

 

• Pack a glass jar with dried calendula flowers
• Cover packed flowers with olive oil
• Cover with a tight lid
• Store the jar in a dark cupboard and shake well every day for two weeks
• After two weeks, strain oil into a clean glass jar or bottle
• Add Vitamin E oil as a natural preservative
• Apply directly to the skin, scalp, or hair

 

Tip:

 

Test the oil on a small area to test for allergic reactions

Calendula Cream

 

• 6 ounces calendula infused oil (above)
• 2 ounces sweet almond oil
• 3 ounces shea butter
• 2 ounces cocoa butter
• Mix ingredients in a small pot on very low heat
• Once the ingredients have melted, simmer for 20 minutes while stirring regularly
• Carefully pour into plastic or glass jars and allow to solidify
• Apply directly to the skin, scalp, or hair

 

Tips:

 

Store in the refrigerator to lengthen the shelf life

Increase or decrease ingredients for the desired consistency

Calendula Soothing Scalp Oil

 

• 6 ounces calendula infused oil (above)
• 2 ounces jojoba oil
• 10-15 drops of rosemary essential oil
• 10-15 drops tea tree essential oil
• 10-15 drops sage essential oil
• Mix ingredients together in a spouted applicator bottle
• Shake well prior to use
• Apply directly to the scalp

 

Tip:

 

Use this oil on the scalp to sooth scalp conditions and combat dandruff

This article first appeared in Naturally You! Magazine Issue #11 [http://www.naturallyyoumagazine.com/issues.php?id=4-1].

Kaya Casper is the Publisher of Naturally You! Magazine, the first print magazine in the world exclusively for Black women who wish to care for their hair 100% naturally. Share natural hair care tips and resources with naturals around the world - join our free online community at: [http://www.NaturallyYouMagazine.com/ecommunity]. Ready to order your copies of Naturally You!? Go shopping at: [http://www.NaturallyYouMagazine.com/shop].

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