Calendula for Healing and Herbal Skin Health

Over thousands of year in the past we have seen that there are many natural elements that have healing abilities. One such is the calendula, this has shown skills in healing the human body both internally and externally. The calendula can be traced back to as far back as the Ancient Romans. The calendula always seemed to bloom on the first day of the roman month so they named it after the latin word “calends” which referred to the first days of a month in the Roman calendar. The calendula is used in various uses, thus the question arises ‘How does the calendula work?’ The calendula works in a very simple way. The calendula is vulnerary, this means that the calendula has the ability to guard against infection and it can stimulate cell growth. As Jack Pitchason, N.D., has concluded that the calendula heals by the action of causing mild irritation and drawing white blood cells to the damaged tissue, this reduces inflammation of the tissue and promotes healing. Calendula is also known to be store for photochemicals that can reduce inflammation of the skin.

The Healing Power of Calendula

In Ancient Rome this herb was famous for its use as an antidote for scorpion bites. With passing years, as people recognized the power of the herb, many uses for this herb arose. Such uses include its use by herbalists to heal wounds, keep away gangrene and tetanus and also heal skin abrasions. Calendula is also seen to be used by many present day herbalists for many skin ailments and in overall improvement of skin. Of the various external uses of the herb, mentionable few could be its use for preventing acne, healing bug bites, ailing athlete’s foot and many other external wounds. As for internal treatment, the calendula is responsible for treating mucous membranes, treating cramps, flu, fever and a few more ailments as such.

How to Use Calendula for Healing

There are many different ways in which the calendula can be put to use. Such include the calendula poultice, the calendula oil, the calendula salve and the calendula tea. Most of the above are not available in ready-to-buy pages, and needs to be prepared by oneself. Beginning with the calendula tea, this can be produced at home by steeping calendula flowers in hot water and using the product for nasal wash, gargle or drink as tea for benefits. Next the calendula oil, this is usually available at most stores but one can make it at home too. For making the calendula oil the calendula flower needs to be kept in wide mouth jar covered in any sort of light oil, then placed in any sunny window for a few weeks and shake twice daily for the best results. Then strain the flowers and like that the calendula oil is prepared. Upcoming the calendula poultice, this is prepared by crushing the flowers in a bowl, adding a bit of water then adding some thickening agent like flour to make a poultice. The poultice can be applied to skin or affected area for results. The calendula salve is another use of the herb. The calendula salve has a bit trickier preparation than the rest. To make the salve the calendula flowers to be placed into a slow cooker with oil on top and needs to be left to slow cook for 4 hours undisturbed. Next, strain out the flowers, rinse out the slow cooker insert, let it dry, and then put the calendula oil back in the slow cooker on low. Weigh out about 1 ounce of beeswax, and grate it into the slow cooker, stirring the mixture once all of the beeswax has been granted. After the beeswax has completely melted, turn off the slow cooker and store in jars with tops uncovered for the salve to cool.

Why should you try it?

With so many good reasons to use the calendula, I think the calendula is definitely worth a try. The ways of application are very simple too, and the help is noticeable in just weeks. Many herbalists will recommend and this herb also has the recommendations of the Ancient Romans who are very well known for their many different important discoveries. The calendula is very handy around the home since the ailments it treats are pretty common around the house. For this reason it is recommended to have calendula around the home. I would definitely recommend people to start using calendula. It is very handy and helpful.