Cornish Calendula – grown and produced in Cornwall
Calendula extract, which comes from the leaves, petals, and seeds of the flower, is traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine, but is also used in Western medicine.
Here in North Cornwall we grow the marigold Calendula Officinalis a popular cottage garden plant we grow from seed each year. It is said to bloom on the ‘calends’ (the first day) of every month, hence it’s botanical name. The petals can be used in many ways, sprinkling on your salad, an alternative to saffron, oh yes, and the bees just love them!
We harvest our calendula flowers in the summer. They are then immersed in organic grapeseed and organic extra virgin olive oil then left to infuse on a sunny windowsill for several weeks. The oil absorbs many of the plant’s amazing qualities, which include antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant material is then strained out and put on the compost and we use this valuable oil in our natural balms, lotions, and creams.
So, what are the skin benefits of calendula?
In skincare, calendula is used to treat everything from inflammation to
dryness—and it’s incredible for sensitive skin.
Let’s break down its many benefits.
1.Inflammation can cause so many frustrating skin issues. You can blame
inflammation for your breakouts, rosacea, eczema, sensitivity, even a
breakdown of collagen. All these inflammatory skin conditions can benefit
from calendula’s soothing effects. The anti-in flammatory properties are
thanks to calendula flower’s potent dose of flavonoid, saponins, and
triterpenoids. These give calendula the ability to prevent your body’s
release of histamines which can cause redness, pain, allergies, and
inflammation.
2. It’s really moisturizing.
You’ve probably heard about the health benefits of a diet rich in essential
fatty acids. Well, those same essential fatty acids, like the linoleic acid in
calendula oil or extract, can also nourish your skin. They give your skin
cells the ability to absorb nutrients and hold onto water longer—great news
for those with perpetually dry skin. In other words: products with calendula
can lead to smoother, more supple, and more nourished skin.
3. It can protect your skin from external aggressors.
The same flavonoids that give calendula the ability to soothe skin also
make it a top-notch protector. Flavonoids function as a powerful
antioxidant, which helps protect your skin against free radical damage.” Antioxidants, like the flavonoids in
calendula extract, pair with those free radicals, essentially neutralizing them
before they can do damage that leads to premature aging (such as
increased fine lines and wrinkles), hyperpigmentation, and dullness.
4. It keeps your skin healthy.
For hundreds of years, calendula has been a go-to ingredient for wound
healing. The healing properties come from calendula’s ability to increase blood flow and oxygen to the skin. This
increased blood flow to your skin means more nutrition, which helps your
skin function healthier, and therefore look its best.
5. It can firm your skin.
In the short term, the nourishing benefits of calendula help to plump the
surface of your skin to give you tighter, more supple skin. In the long term,
both the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help to protect your
skin’s collagen and elastin supply.
Our range is always expanding as we discover more uses for our Calendula balms. Please feel free to suggest more! If you would like more information on any of our products do get in touch.
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