History and Anecdotal Information: Calendula flower has been used for its powerful healing properties for hundreds of years. Folklore mentions that people believed Calendula flowers, snipped at high-noon, were a tonic for the heart. These flowers also hung on doorknobs to ward off malevolent forces and contagious disease. The Egyptians believed the flowers had rejuvenating properties, and in India, they were used to decorate the statues of the gods. They also used the flower as a colorant for food, textiles and cosmetics.
General Benefits: Calendula's nutritional properties and lovely yellow and orange colors lends to its use in salads, soups and stews. The flower has the potential to be used as a natural dye.
Skin Care Applications: Calendula can be used in a variety of ways. The flowers can be infused in a carrier oil, as a hydrosol it can be used in toners, and as an essential oil. The essential oil is a thick waxy substance quite different from what one visualizes calendula oil would look like. It is very challenging to use as it requires special handling in order to bring it to a liquid state without damaging any of its healing properties.
The rich concentration of Antioxidants resist free radical damage - the leading cause of premature skin aging, early wrinkle formation and loss of skin elasticity.
Cellular regeneration and increased Collagen production are additional benefits received when Calendula is added to skin formulations intended at preserving the youthful appearnace of skin.
When added to gentle cleansers , Calendula helps regulate sebaceous glands oil production thus preventing breakouts in those prone to Acne.
The oil resulting from distillation of Calendula flowers is thick, dark brown and solid at room temperature. It is rich in plant waxes and all other beneficial components which make Calendula a powerful healing plant.
Calendula is called for in conditions requiring strong medicine, to repair wounds, wrinkles, dry skin or chapped lips, as well as psoriasis, rashes and eczema.