Have you used Calendula?

Calendula  or Calendula officinalisis one of my favorite herbs.  Please do not confuse it with the ornamental marigold which is genus Tagetes.  It is my go to for skin care though it has a wide range of uses. It's anti inflammatory and antiseptic properties is what makes  it shines for many external skin problems and injuries. Calendula can help to heal burns, wounds, bruises, and sprains. It may decreases swelling, clears infection, speeds tissue regeneration, and prevents scarring.

I add it to almost all my skin care products for it tissue regenerating abilities as well as it soothing anti-inflammatory properties.  It is in every baby products to help sooth and calm baby's skin and to decrease dermatitis or eczema.

Much of the healing properties of calendula are because of its high levels of carotenoids (vitamin A like compounds). These compounds are oil soluble therefore, making an infused oil with the Calendula makes sense. 

It is really easy to make an infused oil. Fill a jar about half way with the dried petals (if using fresh petals make sure that your calendula is dry and that the oil completely covers the plant material to prevent mold growth) and cover with olive oil or sunflower oil (I use only organic oils).  Let this oil set in a sunny window for two weeks or more shaking it periodically to help extract the properties from the flowers. Or if you do not have a sunny warm window, you can place the jar in a pan of water or use a double boiler and very gently simmer for several hours.  When ready to use filter the oil through cheesecloth. You can use this oil directly in a balm or just use the infused oil. This infused oil can help with skin regeneration, diaper rash, sunburn, and other inflammatory skin conditions.   

If you have used calendula before please share your experience.  If not I hope you will try it.

Elderberries

So many people are coming down with colds and flu right now it seemed appropriate to begin my weekly herbal/plant medicine post with Elderberries (Sambucus nigra).  Elder, is a flowering tree with berries which grows in some parts of Europe, North America and Asia and has long been used for cooking and medicinal purposes.  All parts of the Elder shrub have been used for thousands of years.  But today I am going to focus on the berries. The berries have a strong flavor, and to me they taste sweet tart. Since they contain precursors to cyanide, it's important to cook them before eating.   

 Some studies have shown that elderberries are effective against 8 different flu viruses.

"In clinical trials, patients who took the elderberry juice syrup reported fast termination of symptoms. Twenty percent reported significant improvement within 24 hours, 70% by 48 hours, and 90% claimed a complete cure after three days. Patients receiving the placebo required six days for recovery. As proof that elder has more to it than the enzyme neutralizing constituents, researchers found that the patients who took it also had higher levels of antibodies against the flu virus." - Rosalee de la Foret - Herbalist.

My favorite way to use the berries for colds and flu is to make a syrup.  It is simple to make and better than most of the store bought brands which are loaded with sugar.  Simply purchase dried elderberries unless you have access to fresh ones.  Simmer 2/3 cup berries in 3 cups of water for about 30-45 minutes. You can add ginger root, cinnamon sticks or dried orange peel even a few cloves.  When done smash the berries then strain. To this add raw local honey.  Keep refrigerated.  It is generally recommended to take 1 tbs every day to prevent cold or flu.  If you are sick take 1 tbs every  hours.  I think it taste yummy.

 Have you used elderberries?  Do you have a recipe for Elderberry syrup or do you have a different remedy to help with colds and flu.

Why a Facial?

If you have never had a facial that may be a question you probably would ask and it is a good question.  Most people don't realize the skin is your largest organ and needs to be cared for just as you would your internal organs.  And although facials are relaxing they are so much more than an extravagant pampering session.

As stated above the skin is the largest organ in the body which protects the body from bacterial invasion. Healthy skin is slightly moist, soft and flexible and is free from blemishes and disease.  Proper nutrition and exercise is important for healthy skin, as well as overall good health. Our health and how we take care of our bodies is reflected in our skin.

The benefit of receiving facials on a regular basis goes far beyond relaxation. Facials naturally slow down aging by stimulating collagen production, increasing circulation and removing dead skin. Removing the dead skin buildup allows the penetration of serums, masks and moisturizers to be more effective. In addition the skin will look brighter and will help rid any congestion. The facial massage you receive helps to relax the senses, nerves and muscles of the face to reduce the visible effects of stress. In addition, the massage stimulates the blood flow to aid oxygen and other nutrients to the skin and its underlying tissue and help in the efficient removal of waste products. Massage also helps maintain the tone of the underlying muscle, therefore preventing sagging and lines from forming. A facial can restore the normal balance of oil and ph for the skin, refining the texture of the skin.

How often you receive a facial depends on you and your skin.  Generally, we recommend every four weeks, especially if you are trying to correct a skin imbalance.  However, even 4-6 times a year will be helpful.  Keep in mind your home skin care regime is just as important...up next.

Herbs In My Life

Since herbs play such an important role in my life and my skin care products I thought it would be fun to post information once a week on a different herb. So starting next Tuesday and every Tuesday until this series is complete, I will discuss an herb and how it can be used. For those of you who are only familiar with using herbs for culinary purposes I hope to introduce you to a whole new way of looking at herbs. And for those of you who are already familiar with medicinal herbs hopefully I will bring some new ways for you to use these herbs and I look forward to you sharing your comments on how you use them.

oil infused with Calendula

Herbs can be used internally in teas, infusions, decoctions and tinctures, depending on the part of the plant used, condition being treated and strength needed.  Teas, infusions and decoctions are made with water while most tinctures are made with alcohol though they can also be made with vegetable glycerin or vinegar.  Externally, herbs are first generally infused in oil or made into a tincture using alcohol and then added to other ingredients to make salves, ointments, or added to any skin care product as I do. I use a variety of herbs in my skin care products and baby products.  I would not add a water based infusion to products used externally unless you are going to add a preservative.  Once water is introduced to a product it is susceptible to bacteria, mold an fungus.

And as my day comes to a close, I love to curl up on the couch sipping a blend of herbal tea.  Tonight it will be a blend of Linden flower, Hawthorne berries and milky oat tops.  What tea are you sipping?

SHOP FOR A CAUSE

Whether you celebrate Valentines Day or not; shopping for a loved one or for yourselves; on Saturday February 8, 2014, from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm,  you can shop knowing  20% your purchase will  be donated to The House of Ruth..   Four local women entrepreneurs/artistisans are getting together to hold an Open House Shopping Event at ReNew Botanicals Wellness Boutique.

 
In addition to helping a worthy cause, the event is an opportunity to purchase locally handcrafted gifts. Shelley Birnbaum, owner of ReNew Botanicals, makes her own organic skin care products, body butters, perfumes, men's aftershave lotion, and much more.   Mattye Hamilton is selling her paintings and her one-of-a-kind hand painted Valentine's Day Cards; Kyndl Walston of Butterfly Bones Jewelry will have earrings, necklaces, cufflinks and rings for sale and Renee Tantillo will be showcasing her handcrafted metal candle holders and sculptures.

Is Winter Reeking Havoc on Your Skin?

This winter has been pretty brutal here on the East Coast.  The Midwest and South have also had record cold temperatures as well as snowfall and California is experiencing the worst drought in years.  This weather takes its toll on the skin.   The skin is easily susceptible to dehydration.  External sources such as harsh wind, winter weather, heating systems literally draw the moisture out of the skin.  Lifestyle also plays a role in dehydration.  During the winter we tend to drink less water and more coffee and tea which acts as a diuretic further drying out our skin. Lack of sufficient fluid intake, excessive salt in the diet, alcohol, smoking, tanning and using the wrong skin care products can also dehydrate the skin.

These stressors on the skin are known to cause the formation of free radicals, which break down collagen and elastin in the skin, causing it to age.  Fortunately, there are effective solutions to combat dehydration. 

• Use recommended skin care products from your Esthetician faithfully.
• USE SUNSCREEN EVERY DAY
• AVOID TANNING BOOTHS
• Do not over exfoliate; more is not better.
• Drink Plenty of Water
• Turn down thermostat in winter; use a humidifier
• Do not take hot showers.  Hot water removes natural oils from the skin.
• Schedule facials according to your Esthetician's recommendation.  
•  Moisturize 2 x Day

We still have a few more months of this weather to deal with but if you follow these simple tips at least your skin won't be longing for spring.