Monday, February 14, 2011

Soothing Calendula

I've been asked (many times) about our most popular bar of soap, and why it's so different than other bars.

Calendula officinalis
Sooooo, here's the answer: Calendula.

Much has been written about the powers of Calendula. A quick search will reveal thousands of articles about this amazing plant.

Therapeutic Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is sometimes referred to as "marigold" or Pot Marigold, it is a very different plant from the common variety (Tagetes patula or Tagetes minuta) found in our gardens. 

Calendula has one of the longest histories as an herbal medicinal plant. Sometimes consumed to treat a variety of illnesses, the primary use of the plant has been a local, topical application.  Boosting healing rates and preventing infections of wounds, Calendula in the form of an herbal tincture, an herbal infusion or as an ointment – has been used to help a variety of skin conditions that ranging from chapped skin to acne, diaper rash and chronic eczema.

Our best selling soap not only has calendula petals in the bar, but we infuse the olive oil with calendula petals to make an extra soothing and very mild soap

This is a bucket of calendula petals in olive oil – infusing the great qualities of calendula into the olive oil. 

The yellow color comes partially from the high concentration of natural iodine (which may contribute to valuable healing properties).  Calendula also has antimicrobial compounds and antifungal properties as well as high levels of carotene, lycopene and manganese. 

So now you know.  The secret is truly in the bar - and in the olive oil we use to make the bar.  Infused with the amazing properties of an amazing flower.  It's all about Calendula.