Frankly Speaking Friday- Exotic Oils Cont.- Calendula Oil

Happy TGIF! Here in Ohio, it has turned, once again, from rain and dreary skies  to snowy, cold, dreary ones. For the past two days it rained so incessantly, that we were in the midst of flooding, then last evening, it switched over to snow! proving, yet again, we have some of the most "changing" weather in the country! Lol.


Today, instead of ranting about the weather, I want to continue the exotic oils postings, so we will be looking at calendula oil. Technically calendula oil is not really an exotic oil because it is not a true base oil, rather it is an infused oil. However, because of its properties and their benefits to our health, calendula oil is counted as an exotic oil for our purposes. This exotic oil is truly great for the skin, especially sensitive or abraded skin.  


Since it is not a base oil, it has to be created, and it is created by being forced to contribute its properties to another oil, a base oil. This is accomplished by extracting the flowers oil through steam distillation. The flowers are steeped in an oil, the petals infused with the oil. When the distillation process is complete, any oil that is left over is calendula oil. This oil should be a golden orange color, but will ultimately depend upon which base oil is used for the infusion. While virgin olive oil is generally preferred, any light oil, such as apricot seed, grape seed, or sweet almond oil, will do. In fact, if you want to  save yourself some money, you can.make a home version of an infusion, in other words, a tea. Depending upon your method and the length of time infused, it may not be as strong as a commercially prepared one, but it will still possess the beneficial qualities of calendula, and work in your home-made skin-care recipes. For instructions, check out this past post. 


Calendula, or calendula officinalis as it's known botanically, is another name for the pot marigold flower. This  perennial grows from one to three feet, and blooms once a month during season, but is usually treated as an annual in both the very cold, and the very hot climates, where its survival in the extremes is problematic. It is, however, easily grown  from seeds, although they do germinate better if they are stored for 6 months prior to planting, and they tolerate just about any type of soil condition. The flowers bloom all summer, and come in vibrant yellows and oranges. But, while they resemble a marigold, they are not a true marigold, and should not be confused with other plants, also called marigolds, such as the corn marigold, the dessert marigold, the marsh marigold and others from the tagetes genus.

The petals of the calendula flower are the part that is used in the steam distillation to create the oil. It is classified an infused oil, because the petals are steeped, infused, into an oil. The petals of the flower can also be dehydrated and used whole, ground into a powder, or eaten raw. In fact, calendula flowers are often added into salads and other dishes for their color. While its stems are technically considered edible, they actually don't taste very good, so are best avoided.                            

Calendula flowers contain calendulin, beta-carotene, other carotenoids, isoquercitrin, narcissin, rutin, amyrin, lupeol, sterols, and volatile oils. It contains a high amount of antioxidants, which protect the body against cell-damaging free radicals, called flavonoids. Research into this flowering plant has been ongoing for years, yet researchers are not sure what active ingredients are responsible for its healing properties, however, it does appear to have anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial effects. 


Calendula has been shown to, both, speed the healing of wounds, and to help prevent dermatitis in breast cancer patients while they are receiving radiation treatments. This is potentially because it increases blood flow to the affected area. Its oil, very mild and soothing, is a preferable treatment for dry and damaged skin, such as burns, rashes, wounds, and inflammation, as well as those simply with dry, chapped skin. In fact, calendula oil is so mild that it makes an excellent oil for babies and those with sensitive skin.


The dried petals are best made into an aromatic infused oil, a tea, or a tincture. The dried petals themselves, or the oil, make a great base for balms, salves, face creams, and other natural cosmetics. They are also used in soap, both for the properties, and for color. The dried petals are often used in tinctures, ointments and washes to aide in the healing of cuts, bruises, burns, and the minor infections that these can cause. Don't think it works? The next time you or your child has a bee sting, try chewing some calendula petals, then place the masticated petals on the irritated area, and see how fast the stinging goes away. Of course, if you really don't want to chew them yourself, just add the fresh petals and some water to a blender, and reduce them to a paste, then place the paste directly on the affected area. And, while you have that paste out, you may as well slather some on those varicose veins, where calendula has a proven track record for treating and healing! The tea, or tincture in water, can be swished and swallowed to help heal sore throats, gastric ulcers, or oral lesions. There are several other applications where calendula may be beneficial, both internally and externally. For more detailed information, check out one of the many home herbal medicines books, available at your public library for FREE, and several on-line sources, both for free, and with a charge.

Calendula seedling

                                             As previously stated, calendula is very mild, and unless you are allergic to its family, it is considered one of the safest herbs for use, even being highly  recommended for use in baby products, right along with lavender and chamomile. However, there is a concern that it may be a cause of miscarriage, so, until more is known, its use during pregnancy, either internally or externally, should be avoided. And, since its safe use during lactation has not yet been studied and established, it is also best to avoid it while nursing, as well. What we do know though, is that Calendula may be a central nervous system depressant, causing sleepiness and drowsiness, therefore taking it, along with other sedative medications, could cause increased drowsiness. This is especially true when combined with other medications, especially those that are used during and after surgery. In order to avoid potential issues, you should stop taking internal calendula at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery. Also, be aware, if you are allergic to ragweed or other plants in the asteraceae/compositae family, such as chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies and others, you should check with a physician prior to using any product that contains calendula powder, petals, or oil, whether for internal or external use, as you may be sensitive to it. 

Teaching Tuesdays- How and When to make and Infusion

An infusion is simply a "tea". Every time you brew up a cup of Earl Gray, you are making an infusion. The act of pouring hot water over plant material makes an infusion. The stronger you desire the infusion, the more plant material you need to use and/or the longer you need to let it steep, just like when you are making tea! A decoction is a also a tea, just a more potent one. Decoctions are used for densely fibrous herbs, barks, and roots, because they can  "cook" longer. In doing so, they release their beneficial ingredients into the water, yielding a more concentrated extraction of the active ingredients.  

So, aside from wanting a nice cup of chamomile tea before bedtime,  when would you want ,or need, to make an infusion or a decoction?  If you are into using herbal remedies, you will often need to make infusions, either to drink, or to use in a poultice. Most decoctions, while not used for drinking, are frequently used in poultices.

Aside from this instance, if you make your own soaps, balms, lotions etc., infusions are a great way to incorporate the healing properties of  herbs, plants, spices, and/or shrubs into your product(s).  While essential oils will certainly add (much) desired properties, infusions can accomplish the same end result in a (much) less costly manner. In fact, I would venture to say that there are times when an infusion would be a more appropriate choice than the essential oil (EO), especially with regard to infant/child products.

So how do you do it? To make a fairly strong infusion, take 1/4 of a cup of the dried herb, or herb mix, of your choice, and  cover with one cup of boiling water. Then cover the pot, so that the vapors will be held inside while it steeps. Leave this sit for at least 30 minutes, then strain it, and either drink it, or pour it into a dark bottle. This is really a make it as you need it thing, and it should be used either that same day, or the next. Putting it in the refrigerator will help if you wish to keep it another day.

For some products, and in certain poultices, making an oil-based infusion is preferable to using a water-based one. You can accomplish this in much the same manner as you do the tea, except that you will not want to boil the oil. Different oils have different burning temperatures, so, while I can't give you a specific degree to heat the oil to, it is only necessary to slightly warm the oil. If you are using a microwave to heat oils, make sure that you only heat in short, 30 second, bursts, and that you exercise extreme caution. Hot oil can cause severe burns.

Put your choice of  plant material down into a jar, but before you add the warm oil, take a pestle or a spoon and lightly bruise the plant material. This slight maceration of the plant will  help to initiate the infusion process. If you are making a poultice, follow that specific recipe's instruction for the amounts, but if you are making it for use in your own products, you can achieve a fairly concentrated infusion by using three cups of plant material in about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of  (your choice of) oil. In either case, make sure that the oil completely covers the plant material, increasing the oil if necessary. Once you are sure you have enough oil to fully cover the plant material, cap the jar tightly and shake it for minute or two. Put the jar somewhere that is dark and cool to steep. It should not go into the fridge, at this point.

For one month, once a day, you will need to take the jar out and give it a good shake for a minute or two. When you are finished infusing, strain the solids from the oil. Since these aren't good for anything, throw them away and bottle the oil. Store the (infused) oil out of direct sunlight,  in a cool place. While refrigeration is not mandatory, it is acceptable, and in some instances, even preferred.. Depending upon the oil your chose, it should remain good for a year to a year and a half. Because of the strength of this infusion, you can further dilute it with more carrier oil, and still retain the beneficial properties of the plant material.

Of course, if you don't have a month to wait, you can infuse an oil in significantly less time, however it won't have the same strength, and it will need to be used without being diluted. Since it is difficult to estimate the quantity of properties being infused into the plant material, over what period of time, I suggest that you leave the infusion to steep for at least a full day, preferably two.

Teaching Tuesdays - Anice, Getting the Most From this Licorice Scented Herb

A new acquittance and I were speaking in a soap forum the other day, about the benefits of herbal treatments and essential oils. Since most of you know that is a favorite topic of mine, I decided that I would delve into this subject again, trying to describe some that I neglected in the past. 


Anise (Seed), a licorice flavored (and scented) spice is used for a great many things, perhaps, predominately liquors, from Greek the ouzo to the French pastis, however, aside from its use as a flavoring agent, it, like most herbs and spices, has several [other] applications. Aniseed has been used medicinally since the days of the ancient Greeks and Romans. They frequently prescribed it for an assortment of issues, including relieving gassiness and bad breath, stimulating milk production in lactating Mothers, and helping to release excess phlegm. 


Today, herb experts believe that some of the ancient uses were spot on in regards to their claims, predominately, the ability of anise to benefit the digestive system. Anise is known to relieve gas, calm upset stomaches, and even relieve colic in infants. It is very safe for anyone to try, and, in fact, it has the same properties that dill and fennel have, which is what makes it effective for colic relief. To make a tea for an infant, dilute 1/2 cup of an anise seed tea with 1/2 cup of water, making sure that it is cool before offering it. For an adult who has stomach issues, or needs to have gas relieved, crush one teaspoon of aniseed and mix it into one cup of boiling water. Allow it to steep for 10-20 minutes and drink when cool enough. You can drink up to three cups per day, however, Dr. A. Duke, botanist, and author of The CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, recommends adding peppermint leaf (either fresh or dried) for to enhance the digestive relief.


The essential oil, pimpinella anisum, is steam distilled from the seeds of the anise herb. This is not the same as star anise, and they are not related. Anise, generally produced in China, India and Spain, produces a warm, spicy, sweet, licorice aroma. Because of its scent, it is frequently used in the making of pipe tobacco, as well as the liquors previously mentioned. It has some antiseptic qualities, along with antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, and  emmenagogue ones. (See definitions of underlined words on the Reference page, link at top of blog) Emmenagogue means a drug or agent that induces or hastens menstrual flow, which is one reason that this EO should never be used by a pregnant woman. 




Because of the properties noted, this EO is often used in preparations/ medications/ treatments to relieve symptoms of colds, bronchitis, coughs, and asthma, as well as, colic, gassiness, muscular aches, cramps, indigestion, and even rheumatism. Many people have nicknamed this EO scent "the Fishermans Friend". Supposedly fish are attracted to the scent, and the human scent is masked by its fragrance, which allows the fisherman to bait his pole without worry about off-putting his potential catch. When taken internally it helps with dry, irritating coughs, whooping cough and bronchitis. A drop can be taken with water to help with digestion, or the oil can be added to honey when taken for coughs or digestive ailments. Although this EO's use can be quite beneficial in several regards, it must be used in moderation because it acts as a narcotic, slowing down circulation, when it's present in large quantities. In fact, misuse can even lead to brain disorders. As with all EO's knowledge, care and careful use is necessary, but with these, we can benefit from the plants and their oils.


*See the reference page, link at the top of this page, for definitions and bibliography.

Compresses and Poultices

As we know, herbs were the first used "drugs". You can still utilize these natural remedies for a variety of maladies. Since many of the recipes I have offered have focused on essential oils for inhalation, today I'd like to discuss some other ways to use herbs, mainly compresses and poultices. A compress consists of a pad or cloth material(cotton or gauze is the best material choice) that has been soaked in an herbal tea, decoction, or extract and water mixture. After the appropriate tea, decoction, or extract is chosen and made, you soak the pad or cloth fabric in the liquid, wring it out, then apply it to the affected area. Compresses can be used either hot or cold. If swelling, muscle sprain, or a headache is involved, after it is soaked, place the compress in the freezer until it is cold, then apply it. Sometimes it is beneficial to alternate heated compresses with cold ones to help relieve pressure. Compresses are ideal for treating and helping to heal muscle injuries, wounds, and other external pain. To know what herbs to use for your ailment(s), refer to herbal or essential oil charts, where the benefits of the products are listed. The herbs can e used as single notes or you can try mixing more than one together at a time if you are feeling bold! For muscle pains you can try wintergreen, camphor, lemon grass, sage, or eucalyptus teas. For a headache try a cool lavender, chamomile and/or sage compress. For minor wounds or skin irritations, try rosemary, chamomile, thyme or lavender. While almost like a compress, with a poultice you apply the whole herb to an affected area instead of the liquid soaked fabric. First you must boil the fresh herb (roots can be used too), then you squeeze out the excess water. The herb is then placed on a thin layer of gauze, folded to keep the herb sandwiched inside, then laid over the affected area. The poultice should stay in place for for 3-4 hours, then be replaced with a fresh one if needed. Again, the choice of herbs/roots needs to be researched and well thought out, but a poultice of (either one or a combination of two or more) the herbs rosemary, thyme, lavender or chamomile would make a strong healing poultice. Chamomile on the skin helps to reduce redness and sooth inflamed skin, as well as being an antiseptic, bactericidal, and mild sedative. Thyme is reputed to be strongly anti-viral, while also being considered an antibacterial agent and fungicide. While lavender works well on all types of skin problems, it especially worlds well for healing boils, burns, sunburn, wounds, psoriasis, insect bites, and stings. Among many others, Lavender has the properties of an antiseptic, and an analgesic, an anti-inflammatory, a restorative and a mild sedative. Rosemary also possesses many properties, but for the purpose of a poultice it is important for its properties of an analgesic, an antimicrobial, an antiseptic, a fungicidal, and a restorative.

The Charms of Chamomile

Chamomile has been noted for centuries as being calming, comforting and as a healing herb. Over 400 years ago herbalists noted that drinking chamomile was good for indigestion, while bathing in an infusion of chamomile flowers seemed to relieve aching joints and strained muscles. In shampoo and hair rinses chamomile is purported to keep blond hair at its golden best, while it is traditionally recommended to topically treat swelling from arthritis, burns, and sprains, it has also been noted to decrease redness of the skin that is due to irritations. Chamomile is also noted as a mild sedative and an anti-errythemic (anti-itch) medicine. Used as a treatment for everything from teething pain relief to diaper rash relief, this herb has long had the reputation of being good for "whatever ails you"! As a matter of fact, chamomile is frequently used in many products for adults and children, and is often preferred for infants and children, for both internal and topical remedies, because of its mildness. Chamomile is one of the few medicinal plants that still have a large, prominent role in modern medicine. European researchers have shown that substances found in the essential oil of chamomile flowers have anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, sedative and analgesic properties. Some studies also report that chamomile oil or extract soothes burned or irritated skin, and even helps to prevent stomach ulcers. The tea made from the chamomile flowers has long been touted to help calm an upset stomach and to help induce sleepiness. It seems that centuries old folklore is a modern day fact! Chamomile comes in two species, the Roman and the German, but both belong to the same family as asters and daisies. The flower heads resemble mini daisies, and are where the healing power is found. The flower heads are the part of the herb that the essential oil is distilled from, and they yield an azure blue volatile oil. Chamomile is considered to be one of the safest herbs to use, frequently recommended for use by infants, children and pregnant women, however, anyone with a ragweed, daisy, aster, or mum allergy should exercise caution when using chamomile products, and especially think twice about drinking chamomile tea. Now I have to say that many people, even those with such allergies, do use chamomile products without any adverse affects, it is generally better safe than sorry, most especially with internal preparations! If a topical makes your skin red or itchy, it is fairly easy to discontinue use, but if your airway is swelling shut it is not something you can take care of yourself! Chamomile is purported to help;

• reduce inflammation
• sooth skin irritations, including diaper rash
• decrease toothache and teething pain
• reduce earaches
• ease indigestion, including colic in infants
• calm nerves
• promote rest/sleep
• reduce cold symptoms
• relieve menstrual cramps
• prevent stomach ulcers

You can buy a cup of chamomile tea in restaurants all over the world, or purchase pre-made bags in your local grocery store, but this tea is going to be weak. Even the strongest of prepared teas will only contain 10-15% of the volatile oil that the flowers themselves have. So.....if you would like something stronger, remember that many health experts feel that a cup of tea a day will provide long-term health benefits, you can simply brew about 1 Tbs. of flower heads to about 1 cup of water, strain and sip! When cooled, this solution can also be used as a hair rinse. You can even infuse some olive oil with an ounce of flowers, leave sit for several days then strain and use as a body oil.

I just planted my chamomile last week, but I still have some dried from my old house, so I think I will head to the kitchen and brew a cup, as all this writing has made me thirsty!

Fleas and Ticks, Oh my!

You are not the only ones that need to protect your skin during the summer months. You can't forget about your pets and their special needs! Aside from the basics of extra, clean, fresh water and temperature control, you need to protect your pets from the insects of summer. Yes, I'm talking about the nasty, dreaded fleas and ticks that are easily acquired from a single trip to the back yard. Certainly there are chemical means to control these pests. You can treat your yards, even your pets with strong, life depleting chemicals. While these are proven to reduce the number of pests that can attack your pet, they can certainly affect the health of your pet too, not to mention that pets tend to build an immunity to them. Many people find that what use to last a month, now needs reapplication every two to three weeks. You may not know it, but there are some herbal alternatives available! There are natural, herbs that are known to help repel insects such as fleas and ticks. They may not be as strong or as reliable as the chemicals, but they do not affect the health of your pet like the chemicals either. You will need to reapply often, and you will need to be vigilant about checking your pets for pests, as well as providing regular bathing and grooming. You can even go to your local herbalist, garden shop, or large chain store and obtain all natural treatments for your yard. If you put together a yard treatment, a soap, a spray, and a dusting powder, you will have a comprehensive, all natural, herbal plan of care that will meet your pets summer needs. I encourage you to look at these herbal alternatives. I personally have to use them for my Gizmo because he has seizures after the application of topical monthly flea treatments. Now, in the interest of full disclosure, I have to tell you that the Vet says that he has never known the treatment [for fleas] to cause seizures. However, Gizmo has only ever had a seizure after I applied the monthly flea treatment [on three seperate occassions]. Once I stopped applying the treatments, his sezures stopped, and have never returned. I refuse to take the chance with my little guy, so now I only use herbal remedies on him. Here is a recipe that you can whip up to use for your carpets, rugs, pet bedding and cloth covered furniture. It deodorizes, freshens and naturally repels fleas. To use, simply apply the powder liberally to the chosen surface, then leave on for 15 to 20 minutes, then vacuum as usual. Repeat once per week.

Carpet Dusting Powder

2 1/4 Cups of Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) 2 Tbs. Borax 2 Tbs. Dried Tansy flowers (finely ground) 2 Tbs. Dried Lavender buds (finely ground) 1/2 tsp. Orris root powder 5 drops patchouli oil 1/2 Tbs. witch hazel 1/2 Tbs. cedar leaf oil (some people prefer cedarwood oil) 1/4 Tbs. lemon oil or lemon grass oil Mix all of the dry ingredients together, except for the baking soda. Once mixed, add the essential oils into the powder and mix well. Once combined, store in a plastic, air tight container, preferably one with a shaker lid for easy dispensing. This mixture has a shelf life of approximately 1 year.