Calendula and Vervain - the perfect marriage!

Calendula (also knows as marigold) has been used world wide for it's herbal healing properties -- the petals are anti-bacterial and can heal skin infections and wounds. Hindus use these flowers as necklaces and to adorn temples due to their holy attributes to promote health.

Vervain is an ancient herb which was used in the Mediterranean region by Druids, Romans and Greeks, and on through the ages. You can order an "infusion de vervain" from any French cafe. Vervain "is recommended in upwards of thirty complaints, being astringent, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, etc. It is said to be useful in intermittent fevers, ulcers, ophthalmia, pleurisy, etc., and to be a good galactogogue." (Botanicals.com)

When these two herbs are combined they add up to super healing properties for the skin, as well as having calming and soothing effects. My new soap will incorporate these two herbs, along with rosemary and lemon oils, olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil, and sodium hydroxide to bind the fats with the water. The chemical process that makes soap means the moisture in the fats will stay on the skin, even as the water pulls away any impurities or dirt. Manufactured soap uses detergents which dry the skin, this soap just uses the natural chemical process so you don't even need moisturiser afterwards, your skin will love you!

 Coming to my Etsy shop in November.

Coming soon - Calendula/Vervain soap!

NEW THIS YEAR -- I grew Calendula flowers in my garden this summer, and the fragrant and healing petals will make a lovely addition to the vervain in my soap.

Calendula is another ancient healing herbal - this from Wikipedia:

"Calendula species have been used traditionally as culinary and medicinal herbs. The petals are edible and can be used fresh in salads or dried and used to color cheese or as a replacement for saffron. A yellow dye has been extracted from the flowers.

"Romans and Greeks used the golden calendula in many rituals and ceremonies, sometimes wearing crowns or garlands made from the flowers. One of its nicknames is 'Mary's Gold,' referring to the flowers' use in early Catholic events in some countries. Calendula flowers are sacred flowers in India and have been used to decorate the statues of Hindu deities since early times. The oil of C. officinalis is used as an anti-inflammatory, an anti-tumor agent, and a remedy for healing wounds."

My new batch of healing soap is under way, come back soon to see progress.