Calendula Oil - A Warm, Golden Infusion to Use for Wounds, Skin Inflammation and Varicose Veins

The Calendula flower is a very bright orange flower in the same family as the marigold flower. It is a native of the Mediterranean region, originally grown in Egypt on the border of Nile. The whole flower blossom is utilized for its medicinal properties.

Calendula is known for its anti-inflammatory effect, its help with varicose veins, its usefulness in healing stubborn wounds, and its effectiveness in treating skin problems. It is an excellent base oil for chapped skin and sunburns, and is commonly used in caring for superficial burns, insect bites and eczema. The wound healing properties have been documented in many studies, and many believe that a combination of lipophilic extracts and hydrophilics extracts such as flavonoids and saponins help promote healing and skin repair.

Calendula oil has also been useful for treating venous problems such as varicose veins. In cases of venous inflammation, the oil or ointment should be applied lightly. This base oil provides a wonderful opportunity to add essential oils, such as lemon and cypress--also known to help with venous problems. Studies have shown that symptoms of varicose veins and venous congestion are inhibited with consistent application.

The medicinal qualities of Calendula have been known for centuries. More recently, its antioxidant properties have been cited as one of the reasons for its effectiveness. Calendula has been proven to aid in wound healing, and is frequently included in first aid ointments.

As an aromatherapist, I always have some Calendula oil on hand to make salves for burns, bruises, and cuts but mostly to use as a carrier base for essential oils used for skin care. I have found that a supply of Calendula oil is wonderful for applying to cold sores, light cuts, bruises and burns, but it is also one of my favorite carrier oils to use with other essential oils in skin care. I like to make my own Calendula infusion, and have given instructions for making macerated oils in another ezine article titled: How to Make Your Own Macerated Oils for Skin Care.

It is important to note that although the therapeutic Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is sometimes referred to as "marigold", it is a very different plant from the common variety (Tagetes patula or Tagetes minuta) found in flower gardens.

A registered nurse and a registered aromatherapist, Judy has a special interest in using essential oils in health care and prevention. As an instructor in the Institute of Spiritual Healing and Aromatherapy, she teaches classes all over the United States and Canada in a program leading to certification in clinical aromatherapy. Visit the ISHA website at http://www.ishahealing.com

Spider Veins Are Colored Veins That Can Be Seen On The Surface Of The Skin
Spider veins are colored veins that can be seen on the surface of the skin. This is mostly not painful, but enlarged varicose...

Eczema Pain Relief
People with eczema cannot get rid of the infection completely. However, certain herbs and oils are found to be much more effe...

Making Herbal Remedies: What Is An Infusion?
What is an Infusion?Simply put, an infusion is your basic cup of tea. Many leaves and flowers, and some whole plants are sol...

Eczema Skin Symptoms: An Overview
If you have just noticed the first signs of bad skin on yourself or on your children, then you would be probably suspecting i...

How To Determine If You Have Dry Skin
Skin is made up of many layers of epithelial tissue and it protects the internal organs and muscles. The skin is the largest ...

Natural Skin Care Tips for Glowing Skin
During the long cold winter months, many people suffer from dry skin more often, because of low humidity in their homes and t...

Dry Skin Care How Not To Look Old
If you have a dry skin and not too keen on having it look like a withered apple, then your only way out is to jump headlong i...

How To Restore Dull Looking Skin
If you have dull looking skin, it could be because your skin was not able to carry sufficient circulation of much needed nutr...

Hemroids
Hemroids or hemorrhoids are also known as piles and it is causes due to the swelling of rectum veins. It causes bleeding thou...

St John’s Wort Benefits and Side Effects
What is St John's Wort?Extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. (St John's wort) are now successfully competing for status as a st...

The Different Skin Types - Which Skin Type Are You?
The way your skin behaves and reacts determines the type of skin you have. Basic skin types include oily, dry, combination, n...

Child Eczema: Tips For Effective Skin Care
Many children get atopic eczema nowadays. If your child has eczema, then you are likely to be worried over his condition esp...

Finding Spider Veins Colorado Treatment Professionals
If you are suffering from spider veins and are a resident of the State of Colorado, you may have found yourself interested in...

Treatment For Eczema - That Works
People who have this skin condition most likely have tried all kinds of treatment to cure their eczema. They have gone to the...

Sports Massage Preventing Injury and Enhancing Performance
Sports massage focuses on the individual need of the athlete and is used before, during, and after athletic events.The purpos...

Prevent Acne Scars by Reducing Inflammation
All acne lesions will not necessarily result in acne scars. For example, inflamed chin acne that typically precedes menstruat...

Best Eczema Treatment
Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin which ranges from discomfort to itchy and rashy skin; that may have boils and open ...

Business Ethics Or Just The Golden Rule
Is it business ethics or just the golden rule? The golden rule holds a universal theme. Treat others the way you would want...

Dry Skin Treatment
Dry skin ailments such as psoriasis and dermatitis require proper medication to avoid complications. It is always a wise opti...

Winter Skin Care Tips
The changes in the seasons can have an effect on the condition of your skin. Especially if you live somewhere with very harsh...