Wax and Bubbles

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a golden flower and has been used for medicinal purposes since the 16th century. The basic way to make calendula ointment is from the flower petals and mixed with a base. The essential oil of calendula is an anti-inflammatory and has wound healing properties as well. It contains carotenoids, which can help rebuild skin cells. It is perfect to use for bedsores that are not open wounds, apply a thin layer several times a day to the skin that is effected. It can be applied to varicose veins and nail infections as well. This ointment is great for small paper cuts and minor skin tears as well.

It is mainly used to treat skin wounds that are inflamed, but not infected. It can also help relieve and heal frostbite in some skin areas that still have circulation within the limb. It should never be used on burns of any degree.

You can find ready made calendula ointments in health food stores nation wide. Make sure they don’t contain any preservatives though. They should be made with quality, natural, organic ingredients. Ask your local health food provider if you can’t find a quality made salve or ointment. To use apply a thin layer on the skin several times a day, but you can make your own ointment by following these simple steps.

Infuse about a 1/2 cup of dried powders calendula flowers into 1 cup olive oil and soak for 14 days; strain well and then refrigerate. Make sure when you go to purchase your calendula, it definitely is calendula and not American marigold Tagetes.

To make a ready made salve, add 1 oz. beeswax to 1/2-3/4 cup oil and 1/2 cup calendula flowers.

You can store these too calendula recipes in the refrigerator for about a year.

• C

1. Cataracts: Taking bilberry supplements two to three times a day can help guard against radical damage to the eyes. Also wearing sunglass with UV protection and a hat during the times you are outside in the sun can help dramatically.

2. Chronic Fatigue: Inhaling tea tree oil helps to build up the immune system and inhaling geranium and bergamot oils help to combat the depression symptoms associated with chronic fatigue as well. Raising the body temperature a couple of degrees for a few minutes every day helps to multiply your white blood cell count.

3. Colds: Defeat the cold virus quicker with acupressure by pressing down on the hollow points on either side of the collarbone. Raven Sara oil is an antiviral scent and adding lemon and eucalyptus or pine oils to it give the mixture a medicinal benefit. Lavender oil added to a warm bath helps to boost the immune system. Working up a sweat can also help; it helps to rid the body of toxins as well.

4. Constipation: Massage some olive oil mixed with chamomile, rosemary and thyme onto your stomach clockwise to relax the intestinal muscles. Always eat fiber rich foods to help soften your bowel movements.

• D

1. Depression: Try inhaling rose, lavender, chamomile, ylang-ylang, clary sage and cypress. Cutting out sugary foods, caffeine and even alcohol from your diet as well. Taken St. John’s Wort supplements can also help.

2. Diarrhea: Sip on pomegranate juice instead of high calorie sports drinks or sugar laden fruit juices. Mixing together lemon oil, honey and salt helps as well.

• E

1. Earache: Hold your nose and eat a clove of garlic a day till the ear ache is gone. Pulling on your ear lobes about 10 times a day can help increase circulation as well.

2. Eczema: Calendula ointment will give instant relief. Add a few drops of lavender, chamomile and olive oil to your non scented body lotion can also help calm irritated skin as well. Add some baking soda and warm oatmeal to your bath to help with the itching. Detox your liver with dandelion root tea to get to the heart of the problem as well.

Calendula is known as the “poet’s marigold” and is among the most colorful herb flowers in anyone’s garden who plants them. It can be used in the kitchen, as well as the bathroom in many products from homemade to store bought. It has the ability to brighten any garden or flower pot where ever it grows.

The smell of Calendula mainly resembles the smell of honey to most, or a reminiscent of fresh rhubarb or angelica flowers.

Calendula can be used in vegetable dishes, salads-particularly egg salad, custards and puddings, herb butters, as well as some soups.

Here are some of the basic information about Calendula:

• Description: Hardy annual thrives in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall. Bears bright daisy like flowers, 1 to 3 inches across, on carefree 8-to 30-inch plants.

• Planting: Start seed outdoors 4 to 6 weeks before the average frost-free date; transplant 4-week-old seedlings outdoors. Or, sow seed directly into the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. Thin to 10 to 12 inches apart. Be sure and allow full sun, with a few hours of partial shade in very hot areas. Allow soil amended with compost. In hot climates, sow seed in late summer to early fall for bloom in fall or early next spring. Try heat-resistant cultivars such as ‘Pacific Beauty’.

Try this homemade calendula body scrub: Growing and cultivating Calendula for your own health is a great way to make all-natural products that you know what they contain. It’s even a great way to add all-naturally grown herbs into your cooking and meal preparing.

• Calendula Body Scrub:

1 cup Sea salt
1/4 cup calendula-infused oil
16 drops sweet orange oil
4 drops chamomile oil
1 tablespoon dried calendula petals
Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sea salt, calendula-infused oil, and the essential oils. Stir together until well blended. Sprinkle the calendula petals on top of the mixture. Fold in the calendula petals into the oil mixture, be sure not to smash the petals too much. Spoon the scrub into your jars and allow to rest for 15 minutes before closing the lids.