Two of the most soothing and healing flowers, calendula and chamomile are my favorite ingredients to work with. From reducing inflammation to fighting bacteria, oils infused with these potent plants can work wonders!
Healing Properties
Calendula
- Heals Wounds. From insect bites to cuts and even minor burns, calendula can be used to promote the healing of everyday wounds. It’s natural anti-inflammatory properties help soothe skin and reduce swelling, while it’s antimicrobial and anti-fungal elements help decrease the risk of infections; hence, why it’s the main ingredient in our Miracle Salve!
- Nourishes Dry Skin. Calendula not only works wonders for soothing dry, itchy, eczema-prone skin, but it also helps nourish the skin, keeping it well hydrated. Rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin, it's also a great ingredient for homemade sunscreens. Calendula is also perfect for delicate skin and a natural remedy for cradle cap and diaper rash.
- Reduces Scarring. These bright golden flowers naturally promote the production of collagen, which helps encourage the growth of healthy skin tissue, resulting in improved scar healing. Calendula will not only help to soften rough skin, but it’s combined anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help promote a healthy and natural healing process, overall.
Chamomile
- Reduces Inflammation. Like calendula, chamomile has high anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin and help reduce irritation. This is especially beneficial for skin conditions that cause itching such as eczema, psoriasis and dry skin in general. Not to mention, it also works miracles for inflamed throats, helping to open up the mucous membranes when steamed. Chamomile can also be beneficial in soothing skin from mild sunburns, and I use it often as an after-sun balm.
- Aids Digestion. Chamomile’s antispasmodic properties make it a potent remedy for nausea and IBS, as well as for relieving gas, bloating and indigestion. See tea recipe below!
- Relieves Stress + Promotes Sleep. A mild sedative, chamomile works well to battle stress, reduce anxiety and promote sound sleep. When combined with organic lavender, it's stress-relieving benefits are hard to beat!
- Rich in Antioxidants. Chamomile promotes healthy skin by naturally speeding up cell regeneration. It contains polyphenols that fight against free radicals, which damage our skin, and protect our skin from environmental irritants. It has also been known to help lighten and fade dark spots.
Recipes
Herbal Tea
Both of these flowers can have the same effect inside of our bodies as they do on our skin. One of the best ways to reap their benefits internally is by brewing a warm cup of tea. Simply steep 1-2 teaspoons of premixed recipe in boiling water for 5-10 minutes, strain, and enjoy.
- Digestion. 1 cup organic dried tulsi, ¾ cup organic dried chamomile, 2 teaspoon organic dried rose petals, freshly grated ginger.
- Stress Relief. 1 cup organic dried chamomile flowers, 1 cup organic dried calendula flowers, ½ cup organic dried lavender flowers. Also great as a face steam for dry skin!
Herbal Infused Oil
The best way to gain the benefits of these healing flowers for your skin is to make an infused oil. There are many different methods for doing so. Because we live in Chicago, where adequate sunshine isn’t always available, I personally prefer the low-heat method; though if I lived in a warmer state, I’d opt for a more natural solar infusion. Here are two great guides to help get you started:
Nourishing Sunscreen
I've been making this sunscreen for years and LOVE it. I personally prefer calendula infused olive oil in my sunscreen and chamomile infused olive oil as an after-sun balm. Click here for the recipe.
Products
I love these flowers so much that I use them in the majority of our products!
- Healing Balm. Chapped skin and eczema relief.
- Baby Balm. Heal cradle cap, diaper rash and more.
- Repair Balm. My go-to aftersun balm and winter body butter.
- Nipple + Belly Balm. Soothe sore, irritated nipples and chafe.
- Miracle Salve. Heal minor burns, insect bites, cuts, and scrapes.
Where to Buy
- Mountain Rose Herbs
- Frontier Coop
- Sugar Beet Food Co-Op. If you're local, they carry an excellent quality of dried flowers and herbs in bulk! Don't forget to bring your own jars to avoid single-use plastic ;)
As Always, Love + Light,
Smita :)