Calendula
for Your Hair &
Skin
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.
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
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