I know I've talked about them before - but how can you not love these golden blossoms of mid summer? They are so pretty and prolific, giving brightness to any garden. Plus, they are an amazing herb - both in the kitchen and the medicine cabinet. Its' no wonder Calendula was named Herb of the Year 2008 by the  International Herb Association .

Calendula is also commonly known as pot marigold or poet's marigold. Its official name is Calendula Officianalis, and is part of the Asteraceae family. It's been used for food and medicine since Roman times. The Romans brought this lively fast growing herb to Britain, and that's how it found its way to North America. It's a popular flower for English style gardens, because it self sows very easily, providing a bright yellow glow year after year. The scent is beautiful - lightly honey like with an undertone of woodiness. There are many charming myths about the Calendula. One involved the god Apollo. Four wood nymphs fell in love with the sun god. The goddess, Diana, became annoyed that they were neglecting their duties, and turned them into plain white marigolds. Apollo was distressed, but all he could do was send down rays of sunshine to brighten them to a brilliant gold.

Calendula is a must for any herbal medicine cabinet. It has excellent healing powers, and acts as an anti-inflammatory; relieves muscle spasms; has astringent properties; prevents hemorrhaging; heals wounds; is antiseptic; and is detoxifying*. That's powerful stuff for such a little blossom! It is extremely soothing for burns and scrapes when made into a salve or compress.

It's interesting how calendula is a source where the kitchen met the first aid kit.  Calendula's bright petals make a wonderful dye. A few hundred years ago, dried calendula was used to color late season and winter butter, which was often so much paler than summer butter. This led to butter being used as a burn ointment. Since we don't use calendula in our butter any more - it's probably not wise to use butter for burns these days.

It seems that the bright tiny petals of calendula have always been used in food. It is used in rice dishes, and has been called the poor man's saffron. It has also been widely used in custards. It's high in vitamin A, and works well in a number of dishes. For lots of ideas for cooking, check out the   Herb Companion  and their article on Calendula.  

I have a wonderful patch of Calendula growing in my herb garden. They grow easily, and always make me smile when I see them starting up in the spring. Most of my flowers are added to many of our products:  Gardeners Salve is a calendula rich salve, providing moisture and healing for rough, scratched up hands; Lemon Bright Hair Rinse Mela Tea uses the color power of the Herb of the Year to add brightness and bring out highlights for blonde or light brown hair; and it's also a feature in our muscle rubs, bath salts, and Dó Gréine Spray sunburn spray. If you're interested in any of these products, just drop us a line and we'll send you a brochure. Order at least $10 worth in February and receive a free pack of Calendula seed to create your own spot of sunshine in your garden!

*This information has not been confirmed by the FDA.

 

If Thanksgiving is a time when we remember to give thanks for the things we have, then Valentines Day is the day we remember to say "I love you" to those that make our heart beat just a little faster.

Enjoy the warmth of the romance of February as the last gasp of winter subsides. We can help show the love with treats that will melt on your skin like chocolate melts onto a strawberry. Our Moonlight and Roses Body Butter is like a fresh bouquet of roses and flowers. Add some of our Heart lotion bars for a terrific gift basket that will be appreciated for many days - and nights - to come.

But don't stop with just one day of love celebration. February is also Relationship Wellness Month, as well as  Weddings Month. Those two definitely belong together. And February is time to celebrate more than just interpersonal romance. Open up your mind by being a part of Library Lovers Month.

Make sure you get to enjoy all the love, romance and good book. It's also time to take care of your heart and celebrate American Heart Month. To find out how, check out The American Heart Association website for the best tips on keeping your heart healthy and ready for love. 

Winter can certainly wreak havoc on your skin. It's not just the cold - it's the changing weather as well as indoor heating. Lack of humidity can be just as damaging as the sun. Speaking of which, just because it's cold out doesn't mean you shouldn't protect yourself from the sun's damage. A few tips can keep your skin in shape so you'll look great when the weather turns warmer - and our clothes are a little more revealing.

Those Long Hot showers are Out!  Long hot showers sound tempting and relaxing, but in the winter they steal your skin of necessary natural oils. Take shorter showers with warm water. Always pat your skin dry, don't rub. Follow up with a good moisturizer while your skin is still damp, to lock in the water.

Speaking of moisturizers - switch to oil based and apply frequently. The more oil a moisturizer contains the more effectively it protects against moisture loss. Ointments, salves - our lotion bars and body butters - contain more oils and natural butters than traditional lotions. The oils form a protective layer on your skin, keeping it from losing moisture to the elements. 

Pump in the humidity. Besides keeping your skin from drying out, it will help keep your nasal passages open. Indoor heat can keep us toasty, but they dry out the air, and dry us out as well. If you can't have an indoor humidifier for some reason, try keeping plants or some bowls of water by radiators or around they room to aid in creating balance.

Layer it on. Dressing in layers will help you from overheating. Believe it or not, getting all sweaty under cozy sweaters and long sleeve shirts can be just as drying to your skin as the dry winter air. Remove sweaters to keep comfortable, and wear comfy cottons that are a little loose against the skin. That will help the air circulate around you without giving you the chills. 

Eat Properly and Drink Plenty of Water for Your Health. The best way to keep your skin looking great throughout the winter - or any season - is to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and drink your water. Maintaining your general health will keep your skin healthy.

Note: This information is educational, and is not intended to replace standard medical care or advice. Consult your physician before making changes to your diet or lifestyle.