Calendula (Dried Flowers and Petals)

A Mediterranean annual plant (Calendula officinalis) in the composite family, widely cultivated for its showy, yellow or orange, rayed flower heads that were formerly used in medicine. Calendula has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties and is excellent for treating the skin and encouraging it to heal. It contains an essential oil in the flower heads and leaves that has an antibiotic effect. Calendula contains large amounts of flavonoids which help give it superb anti-inflammatory properties and the plant's oils are remarkably soothing and are used as skin softeners. They are also very soothing to sensitive and dry skins.