Beautiful Calendula 

Years ago, my mother grew Calendula flowers in her seaside garden in Maine. Companion planted among the numerous varieties of Day Lillies and native plants, its cheerful yellow petals brought happiness and color to the garden. When autumn came she would dry the heads and petals for tea and infuse them in olive oil for soothing raw, dry winter skin.

Also known as pot marigold, Calendula is a versatile herb renowned for its exceptional skincare benefits. Its rich history in traditional medicine and modern scientific studies highlights its effectiveness in promoting healthy skin. Calendula oil, derived from dried heads and petals, is prized for its anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. It is particularly beneficial for sensitive, dry, or irritated skin, making it an ideal ingredient for skincare products like lip balms and salves.

One of the key advantages of calendula for the skin is its ability to soothe and calm inflammation. Its natural anti-inflammatory compounds can help reduce redness, itching, and swelling, making it suitable for minor skin irritations. Additionally, calendula is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids, which protect the skin from environmental damage and promote cell regeneration, leading to a healthier and more radiant complexion.