The Joy of Soap

Power of Calendula

Earth laughs in flowers ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

At The Joy of Soap one of our most popular handmade soaps is Feeling Frisky, and many people ask about the petals and their purpose in the soap. These are calendula flower petals. In addition to providing a nice looking element to the soap, and a mild exfoliant property, the flower petals also provide anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties as well. What a powerful herb! It is the essential oils and salicylic acid naturally found in calendula that make this a wonderful skin-healthy source for people to treat external infections and skin problems.

With all of these powerful properties you will find skin soothing calendula not only in soaps, but also in creams, tinctures and salves used to treat burns, infections, rashes, and eczema. Calendula contains an important phytochemical, carotenoids, which are known to accelerate healthy skin cell repair.

Calendula-infused tea (made from the flowers) is used internally to help the immune and lymphatic system fight bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic infections. Please consult a medical professional for more information and appropriate dosages before attempting to treat yourself.

Calendulas, also called pot marigolds, are an aromatic herb that are easily grown from seeds. They grow quickly and if left alone and are treated with some love they should continue to grow year after year.

Some people also recommend rinsing your hair with calendula tea to help bring out highlights in blond and brunette hair. For bath fans, you can easily put some dried flowers and/or petals in a muslin bag, soak the bag in the warm water and then squeeze the bag to bring out more skin-soothing benefits. Personally, I have soaked calendula flower petals in grapeseed oil for a few weeks, and then used the strained oil for making a homemade skin soothing cream.

NOTE: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. People with allergies to plants in the Aster/Compositae family, such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies, may have an allergic reaction to calendula.

Please feel free to share your homemade calendula inspired recipes.

Pamper your skin   Indulge your senses

   
 

Homemade Lemongrass Insect Repellent

In heaven you won't hear the mosquitoes ~Finnish proverb 

Similar to citronella oil as a natural insect repellent, fresh lemongrass also provides added antibacterial and anti-fungal properties to your homemade insect repellent.

Here is a quick and easy recipe for making your own insect repellent at home.

Ingredients
10-12 lemongrass stalks
Approx. 15 citronella leaves
4 tsp whole cloves
14oz sunflower oil (other oils you have on-hand will work OK too)

Wash the lemongrass and citronella leaves.
Lightly chop the lemongrass and citronella.
Place chopped items in a blender with the cloves and blend.
Pour the blended mix along with the sunflower oil into a heatproof bowl or a pan (a double boiler is what we're setting up next) and mix until all     ingredients are well blended.
Place the bowl or pan over a pan of boiling water and cover tightly.
Let boil for an hour, and then cool.

Strain the cooled mixture through a fine sieve or similar tool/material.
Pour the strained mixture into a pump spray bottle.   

To Use       
Shake well and spray liberally over all exposed skin areas.
Avoid the eyes.
Always reapply after washing.
If any irritation occurs wash off immediately and discontinue use.

This insect repellent will keep for about a year if stored in a cool and dry location.                                                           

Some people grow their own lemongrass from stalks purchased at the market, and if you can do this all the better for you. Maybe you can make some extra batches of the repellent and share with your friends and neighbors.

Other uses for lemongrass include herbal tea made from an infusion of the chopped herb soaked in boiling water and then strained. Used in this method lemongrass is good for helping reduce fevers, stomach cramps, and as a general digestive aid.

Although this recipe does not call for either lemongrass or citronella oils please note that neither oil should be used directly on the skin; they should always be diluted.

This is just one variation of a homemade insect repellent. Please feel free to share your own recipes.

Pamper your skin   Indulge your senses