Medicinal Uses of Calendula Officinalis

zona — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 06:05:53 +0000

Calendula officinalis is the Latin name for Marigold, which is also know as Pot Marigold. C. officinalis is a beautiful flower which is a yellow to bright orange, and even after it’s been dried it’s still radiant. This herb has been used since Egypt ruled and has had a long, popular spot among herbal remedies. It is known for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.

I’ve used Calendula as a tea; the sent and taste is mellow and not offending at all. If you wanted to add the cold tea to juice, your child would probably not be able to tell. I sweeten it with unpasterized honey to give it a pleasant taste. I personally find it to have a calming affect. It’s very good for the eyes, topically and internally. It’s has nutrients such as carotene, calcium, coenzyme Q10, vitamin C and E.

It is also a healing herb for rashes—you’ll find it as a main ingredient in many diaper creams. Just recently I made a Calendula and Roman Chamomile salve for my friend’s horse, as she wanted something for his hooves. Essential Oil of Roman Chamomile has the same qualities as Calendula and it’s also an anodyne and a nervine just to name a few more of its properties. After such a long winter the horse’s hooves need some conditioning. The slave is keeping his hooves in good shape.

Calendula officianlis is safe for most (including babies and children), but you should proceed with caution if you have allergies to Ragweed or Chamomile.

Gentle Ways to Wash Your Baby, Child & You

zona — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 21:26:55 +0000

Newborns don’t need fancy soaps or store bought shampoos in fact they are unhealthy for a baby’s delicate skin. All you really need to use is some warm water. After washing your child in warm water use a little bit of Virgin Olive Oil and give the child a nice massage. I’ve always give my children massages after bath time and I think it’s a nice bonding time for us. The oil will help to dissolve any accumulations of oil on the skin. It’s also good to rub some gentle on their head. This will help to prevent cradle cap. Don’t ever use any nut based oils on a baby, they cause allergic reactions that could be anaphylactic!

Once your child is older you can use a bit of baking soda in the bath water this will help to cleanse the skin in a natural but not over drying way. You can use baking soda and water to wash the child’s hair as well. Baking soda is also a great deodorizer and will help loosen any grease; toddlers can get pretty messy at times.

Diaper rash can be a painful issue for many children. Use oatmeal in the bathwater. I use my old stockings and cut of the foot sections and fill it with oatmeal and throw that in the bath tub with the kids. When you use the nylon filled up to with oatmeal to gently wash your child you will see how soapy oatmeal can be. Calendula (Marigold) oil can be very healing on diaper rashes; try to find an organic brand or source.

For older infants, children and adults alike I like to use tea bags in the bathtub. If you need to try to calm a child before bedtime Organic Chamomile tea could do the trick. If they are in a baby tub just use one teabag if they are in a full size tub you can use two. For an adult if you don’t have any ragweed allergies you can use as many as you want. This water is great for rinsing off the hair as well.

I’ve used all the above remedies myself and can vouch for them as being safe, reliable and affordable.

Happy Washing~

in my garden grows » infant care

Medicinal Uses of Calendula Officinalis

Gentle Ways to Wash Your Baby, Child & You