Calendula Oil
Description
The plant is native to the area from Macaronesia east through the Mediterranean to Iran. It is available in America and Europe.
The Calendula flowers are best harvested when the flowers are in full bloom. The flowers can be harvested once in three days. The best time to harvest in the morning when the flowers are fresh.
The plant is a popular perennial herb used for making the healing process efficient and for stopping the bleeding. It was brought to America by European settlers. The name "Calendula" is a Latin word meaning "little clock." The plant was used by Egyptians thousands of years ago.
The oil is extracted from the flower by steam distillation. The Calendula flower petals are infused with olive oil to obtain pure Calendula oil. The oil is golden orange in colour.
Commonly known Benefits
Medicinal Benefits:
Calendula oil is a great moisturizer for all types of skin. The oil works wonders on dry or split skin and soothes the cracked area.
The essential oil of Calendula is high in triterpenoid content which heals dry skin, eczema, and hemorrhoids.
The oil's anti-bacterial properties fight skin infections. It wards off Staphylococcus effects on abrasions, cuts, and wounds.
The antiseptic properties of calendula oil prevent bug and insect infections.
The oil is used even on babies to treat diaper rash.
The oil can be used on scorpion bites, bee stings, scrapes, and rashes.
This natural oil has antimicrobial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and skin regenerative properties.
It is helpful in treating athlete's foot, bedsores, leg ulcers, spider veins, and ring worm
The oil is rich in anti-oxidants such as mucilage, saponin, carotenoids, and quercetin that help in cell regeneration.
Topical application of the oil treats psoriasis and dermatitis.
Calendula oil mixed with vitamin E serves as a good preservative and skin conditioner.
During the civil wars, the oil was used to treat open wounds.
In aromatherapy, the oil is used for massages.
Calendula oil prevents scar formation. Since it is high in collagen content, scar formation is difficult.
The oil works effectively on a fever, viral infections, removes toxins, stimulates the lymphatic system, headaches, speeds healing process, treats jock itch , and counteracts age related skin thinning.
Other Benefits:
The oil contains many compounds including volatile oils, sterols, rutin, lupeol, beta carotene, narcissin, and calendulin.
It reduces body heat and treats mouth infections.
Calendula oil can be taken internally. It is used in salads, tea, and to spice up seafood and meat.
Externally, the oil is used in creams, lotions, refined oil, lip balms, and soaps.
Physico Chemical Properties:
Specification Limit Botanical Name Acorus calamus Family Name Asteraceae Common Name Pot marigold Part used Flower Specific Gravity 0.905-0.923 @ 20°C Optical Rotation 0 -+5 Refractive Index 1.4650-1.4700 @ 20 °C Blends Well With Geranium, Tea Tree Uses For centuries, the oil has been used in stews to protect against illness.
In aromatherapy, this oil is used for massages