calendula

Calendula or marigold in Dutch is our favorite ingredient because of its beneficial properties. You will also find a healthy dose of calendula oil in every Nature Bar soap . Calendula has a soothing, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and wound healing effect. Calendula is therefore perfect for use on irritated and sensitive skin.

All our soaps contain a healthy dose of calendula oil. This gives your skin that little bit of extra support that it sometimes needs, with irritated skin or small wounds. In addition, you will find whole calendula leaves in our Orange & Calendula soap.

Botany

The marigold (Calendula officinalis) is a plant that belongs to the composite family (Compositae or Asteraceae). The plant is originally from Southern Europe. It is an annual plant with mostly orange, but sometimes yellow flowers. The plant is 30-45 cm high and has stubby leaves. The marigold flowers from May to November. The fruits are usually curved and boat-shaped. You can eat the fresh or dried flowers or use them to make tea. The flowers are also used as a coloring agent for cheese, butter and other foodstuffs. In the past, the petals were even used for counterfeiting saffron.

History Calendula

Among the Greeks there was the myth about Clytia and Apollo. When the sun god Apollo renounced Clytia’s love for the love of Lukothoe, Clytia told this girl’s father out of jealousy. As punishment, Apollo turned her into a Calendula. A marigold follows the course of the sun during the day.

It can be found that as early as the 12th century Marigolds were cultivated and used for their beneficial effects. The flower heads were used in the treatment of burns, ulcers, warts, jaundice, abdominal disorders, etc. Marigold was even used by alchemists in their efforts to make gold from lead.

During the American Civil War, the leaves were placed on ulcerated wounds sustained on the battlefield.