Calendula officinalis

Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) is one of the most versatile herbal remedies in Western herbal medicine. Although it has febrifuge and antiphlogistic effects and is applied as infusion and tea for inflammation of mouth and pharynx, stomach ulcers or against cold, its basic application is as an anti-inflammatory, astringent, soothing and antiseptic ingredient in skin care (internal and external application):

Wound healing,

acne

eczema

varicose veins

sun burn, burns

dermatitis

insect bites

swelling

diaper rash

eye wash.

Calendula contains: Beta-carotene (the beautiful orange color) , resins (which are basically extracted in alcohol), saponins, auroxanthin, flavoxanthin, triterpenoid esters, lutein, volatile oils, zeaxanthin, glycosides and flavonoids.

You can simply prepare infusions of calendula (infusion in an oil such as sunflower oil or jojoba oil or infusion in water or on glycerin) to be applied directly over skin or be applied in your products:

Soap, balms, creams and gels, tonics, shampoos and shower gels etc.

Calendula petals could directly be added both as a beautiful decoration and as an active ingredients into soap or creams and balms.

Calendula is commercially available as distilled water (although it yields no essential oil), hydrophilic or hydrophobic extracts in different carriers.

Caution: Calendula should not be used internally during pregnancy and nursing.

Here are some application examples with calendula extracts:

Whipped bath cream

Soap balls

Soothing after sun oil 

Mango butter

Lip balm

Preshave oil