Announcing!
I will be giving away the limited amount of Calendula oil that I have made! Comment on either of the past posts and I will send you a free ounce of Calendula oil from the Nu Era Botanicals Apothecary.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Calendula for Sunburn
Marigold is a yellow to orange petaled composite flower (daisy-like). As a topical ointment for the skin, it shines. Effective and gentle, a simple infused oil of olive or coconut can be a life-saver. It is a vulnerary - plant that promotes healing- and it's specialty is the skin. This makes it liquid gold for sunburns. It works internally as an alcohol extract or tea but used on the surface tissue it's properties can be visually witnessed. As some may know, I spent the weekend at the beach. I was sure to pack my homemade oil to test it's efficacy and, lo and behold, no achy, hot skin.
The batch I made digested for four days out in the garden. We have had a relatively mild May so I was able to leave it for longer than I'd hoped! The result is a potent, sweet-smelling oil.
Note the golden color. When you make your own infused oil at home, you want the essence of the petals to transfer to the oil. You'll know that it has reached maximum potency when the plant material is less golden than the liquid.
Since I have given all the directions for manufacturing the oil (this can sometimes be the easiest part) the more useful information, then, would be getting the calendula from the oil onto you!
To use:
This oil would best be stored in a opaque or amber container. This doesn't show off it's beautiful color, but it will preserve better this way. In addition, add 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of Vitamin E oil per ounce of infused coconut oil. Vitamin E is a master skin healer as well as a preservative to the oil. You can also add lavender essential oil or rosemary essential oil if you have it. Lavender is my favorite aroma of all time and rosemary is a close second and both of these are preservative to the oil as well. They are both also antiseptic!
After this, the oil is ready to use! To treat a sunburn simply rub a nickel sized amount between the palms and massage onto the face, arm or shoulder. Don't forget the ears!
IMPORTANT
Calendula is not a substitute for proper sun protection. If it means applying sunblock lotion, wearing a hat, or staying in the shade do what you know is appropriate for your skin health. Calendula heals damaged and vulnerable tissue, it is not a sunblock.
For an herbal/nutritional measure to prevent sunburn look forward to the next post! Hint: it's easy to get and you should begin today, Desert Dwellers!
Marta, Herbalist
The batch I made digested for four days out in the garden. We have had a relatively mild May so I was able to leave it for longer than I'd hoped! The result is a potent, sweet-smelling oil.
Note the golden color. When you make your own infused oil at home, you want the essence of the petals to transfer to the oil. You'll know that it has reached maximum potency when the plant material is less golden than the liquid.
Since I have given all the directions for manufacturing the oil (this can sometimes be the easiest part) the more useful information, then, would be getting the calendula from the oil onto you!
To use:
This oil would best be stored in a opaque or amber container. This doesn't show off it's beautiful color, but it will preserve better this way. In addition, add 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of Vitamin E oil per ounce of infused coconut oil. Vitamin E is a master skin healer as well as a preservative to the oil. You can also add lavender essential oil or rosemary essential oil if you have it. Lavender is my favorite aroma of all time and rosemary is a close second and both of these are preservative to the oil as well. They are both also antiseptic!
After this, the oil is ready to use! To treat a sunburn simply rub a nickel sized amount between the palms and massage onto the face, arm or shoulder. Don't forget the ears!
IMPORTANT
Calendula is not a substitute for proper sun protection. If it means applying sunblock lotion, wearing a hat, or staying in the shade do what you know is appropriate for your skin health. Calendula heals damaged and vulnerable tissue, it is not a sunblock.
For an herbal/nutritional measure to prevent sunburn look forward to the next post! Hint: it's easy to get and you should begin today, Desert Dwellers!
Marta, Herbalist
Friday, May 20, 2011
Herbal Oils
Medicine Making
Solarly Infused Calendula Coconut Oil
The sun is getting strong enough, here in the Valley of the Sun, for some excellent solar infusions. In James Green's "Medicine Maker's Handbook," he recommends letting the oil stay outside, in a paper bag, for 7-10 days. Now, I am going to amend this to 2 days, out of caution. After all, it is May. I don't want to risk the oil going rancid. I will be checking it daily and giving it a little shake to see how it develops, so it is possible that I'll let it stay out longer. The idea is to not let the oil get above 115-120 degrees F. When you do this at home, keep in mind what that means to you, where you live. If you live in a sun-rich environment where it is likely to get to 120 degrees inside the paper bag, set it in the shade, or on a windowsill. Remember to shake it and monitor the temperature every day!
To prepare the oil for infusion:
It is very important to shake or stir the mixture every day. Be aware of the weather and don't forget that the oil is out there!
This batch is heading outside for a few days and I will post again when it is finished with details about purchasing!
Marta Orozco, Herbalist
Solarly Infused Calendula Coconut Oil
The sun is getting strong enough, here in the Valley of the Sun, for some excellent solar infusions. In James Green's "Medicine Maker's Handbook," he recommends letting the oil stay outside, in a paper bag, for 7-10 days. Now, I am going to amend this to 2 days, out of caution. After all, it is May. I don't want to risk the oil going rancid. I will be checking it daily and giving it a little shake to see how it develops, so it is possible that I'll let it stay out longer. The idea is to not let the oil get above 115-120 degrees F. When you do this at home, keep in mind what that means to you, where you live. If you live in a sun-rich environment where it is likely to get to 120 degrees inside the paper bag, set it in the shade, or on a windowsill. Remember to shake it and monitor the temperature every day!
To prepare the oil for infusion:
- Grind the herb into a fine powder and place in a clean jar. I chose Calendula officinalis. This orange-petaled flower is commonly known as Marigold.
- Next, pour oil enough to cover the powder by a 1/2 inch. Stir this mixture then set it aside for several hours. If the oil has soaked into the powder, replace it with more. After 24 hours, measure to make sure that there is at least 1/4 inch of oil on the top or bottom of the mixture.
- Next, cap the jar tightly and place in a paper bag or cardboard box. Set outside and the warmth of the sun will soon warm the mixture. Do not allow light to hit the oil directly.
It is very important to shake or stir the mixture every day. Be aware of the weather and don't forget that the oil is out there!
This batch is heading outside for a few days and I will post again when it is finished with details about purchasing!
Marta Orozco, Herbalist
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Welcome
Today will be the first official post and grand opening of the nuerabotanicals blog.
This blog is a culmination of my ongoing herbal education. I will share info, tips, deals, and advice about herbs and holistic nutrition. I am available for any of your needs and can be contacted privately for herbal consultations, nutritional planning, and education.
As I begin this journey, I have a vision of this site as a dynamic, holistic resource, but as time progresses this may take some working out. I encourage communication here, as well as any input or commentary!
Marta Orozco, Herbalist
This blog is a culmination of my ongoing herbal education. I will share info, tips, deals, and advice about herbs and holistic nutrition. I am available for any of your needs and can be contacted privately for herbal consultations, nutritional planning, and education.
As I begin this journey, I have a vision of this site as a dynamic, holistic resource, but as time progresses this may take some working out. I encourage communication here, as well as any input or commentary!
Marta Orozco, Herbalist
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)