If you don’t know what a bidet is, pronounced “bi-day,” it is a shallow toilet that sprays water into your butt after a poo. It’s not embarrassing to say that everybody poops, but it is not so hygienic to know that not everyone has a successful wipe. Constant wiping can not only be frustrating, but it can also cause intense irritation around the anus. If you feel that you wipe too much, it may be time to forego the toilet paper and embrace the bidet. 

Many countries in Europe, Asia, and South America regularly use the bidet in some way, shape, or form. Some countries have hose attachments while other countries, like Japan, have costly toilet/bidet combos that not only wash, but also dry your bum. You have probably seen that more and more people in the United States have grown fond of the fancy Japanese toilet. As true as this may be, this isn’t the most affordable option and it isn’t as popular in the U.S.

Some experts believe that, even though we are our own nation, the U.S. adopted many British customs and philosophies. In the 18th and 19th centuries, for example, the British associated bidets with brothels, so they were viewed as “dirty.” Fans of the bidet, or bidet attachments, claim that their backsides are cleaner, fresher, and healthier after regular use. Others find bidets to be much more comfortable than traditional toilet paper. Would you rather have fresh water clean your anus, or smear it with dry paper until it is somewhat clean?

Are Bidets Sanitary?

Health experts agree that bidets are more sanitary than traditional bottom-cleaning methods. A bidet can provide a more hygienic experience compared to toilet paper. Water beats a few squares of dry TP in removing trace amounts of fecal matter after you poop. Wiping with toilet paper also increases the risk of getting fecal matter on the hands and nails. That is why you always have to wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom, even when using a bidet. 

Poop Talk Is Not Taboo

Toilet paper is not going anywhere, but more U.S. citizens continue to embrace the bidet. The conversation about poop is changing, and it isn’t as taboo as it was in previous years. There are so many poop-related products nowadays, especially the Squatty Potty, PooPourri, and Hello Tushy bidet attachments. So many companies manufacture bidet attachments, some of which are fancier than others, and the reviews support them. Once you try one out, it’s hard to use regular TP again!

Bidets Keep Your Hands Cleaner

Bidets not only help with anal and genital hygiene, but also hand hygiene. A 2005 study monitored 22 nursing home residents who had bidet toilets installed. The results indicated that half of the residents and staff reported a positive effect on toileting with residents’ urine bacteria content. Washing your butt with water, as opposed to wiping with toilet paper, helps remove more fecal matter, which reduces the risk of spreading bacteria. After using a bidet, dab your anus with toilet paper to dry the area and then thoroughly wash your hands. 

Bidets Are Environmentally Friendly

It’s estimated that Americans use about 36.5 billion rolls of toilet paper every year. In 2014, Americans spent $9.6 billion on toilet paper! That is a lot of money for a lot of dead trees, when bidets are a perfectly available and more eco-friendly option. You save a lot of water every year when you use a bidet because it takes about 37 gallons of water to make one roll of toilet paper. Producing one roll of toilet paper also requires 1.5 pounds of wood. In contrast, using a bidet consumes about one pint of water.

Bidets Save You Money

Is there an initial investment for a bidet? Absolutely, but think of it as a long-term investment that saves you money over time. If you get a bidet attachment, it is a much more affordable investment, and you just hook it up to your existing toilet. Over time, a bidet can help you avoid spending hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on toilet paper every year. Plus, you can rest easy if people panic about not having enough toilet paper if a future pandemic hits. 

Bidets May Help Address Hemorrhoids

If you bleed when you wipe, a bed with some warm water spray may be the alternative you need. A study from 2009 compared warm water sprays to sit baths for people who had surgery near the anus. Researchers didn’t note any difference in wound healing, but those who were in the water spray group said that the spray was way more convenient and satisfying. 

Regarding hemorrhoids, millions of Americans either have them or are at risk for developing them, and the risk only increases with age. Unfortunately, the research behind bidet usage for hemorrhoid relief is preliminary, but what exists is positive. A small study from 2011 monitored healthy individuals who used electronic bidets. The results indicated that low-to-medium warm water pressure relieved pressure on the anus. Researchers explained that warm water may also promote blood circulation in the skin around the anus.

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It can be difficult to keep track of so many different creams, treatments, masks, salves, and more on the beauty market. Wouldn’t it be nice if you just had a cream that could moisturize the skin, nourish the hair, and even remove makeup? That’s why you are in need of your own Egyptian Magic Cream, which offers multiple beauty benefits in one DIY balm. 

The original Egyptian Magic Cream was released in 1991, and it’s been rumored to be the best-kept beauty secret for celebrities. It is 100% natural and may help you unlock more beautiful, healthy skin and hair. Unlike most beauty products, Egyptian Magic Cream is free of additives, parabens, chemicals, preservatives, and fragrances. It contains olive oil, beeswax, honey, bee pollen, royal jelly, bee propolis, and divine love. What are these things and how can they help you? We aim to highlight some of those ingredients before providing you with your own recipe. 

Olive Oil

Commonly used in culinary applications, olive oil has many health properties, but it also exhibits beauty benefits. The high concentration of antioxidants helps to fight free radicals on the skin, which helps protect against early signs of aging. Olive oil also contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, and compounds like oleocanthal and squalene, all of which may help repair skin damage. Olive oil is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and non-toxic, making it an excellent carrier oil for topical use. 

Beeswax

Beeswax works to soften the skin and enhance skin elasticity, both of which help reduce the signs of aging. According to studies, beeswax exhibits antibacterial, antioxidant, germicidal, and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make beeswax a highly stable base ingredient, which extends the product’s life. If you have sensitive skin, beeswax is an excellent choice because it will unlikely cause skin irritation. 

Bee Propolis

Propolis is widely used in medicine because it exhibits antiseptic properties. In fact, propolis is used in dermatology to treat streptococcal, staphylococcal, and fungal infections. It is highly effective in the treatment of skin burns and it has comparable therapeutic effects to certain over-the-counter burn creams. Propolis also stimulates glycosaminoglycan accumulation, which is necessary tissue growth and wound closure. 

Royal Jelly

With a broad spectrum of biological activities, royal jelly has positive effects on the skin. Studies have shown that royal jelly exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-aging properties. The anti-inflammatory activity may help accelerate wound healing and reduce inflammation. Because royal jelly can stimulate metabolism in tissues, it may improve the regenerative processes, which may reduce early signs of aging. 

DIY Magic Cream

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1.5 tablespoons beeswax pastilles
• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• 1/2 tablespoon bee propolis
• 1/2 tablespoon royal jelly
• 1 teaspoon bee pollen powder

Instructions:

• To start, reserve about one to two teaspoons of olive oil and then add the rest to the top of a double boiler. Add the beeswax pastilles to the double boiler as well. 
• Once the beeswax is melted, remove from heat and allow them to cool for about five minutes or so. 
• Pour the olive oil beeswax mixture into a heat-safe glass bowl and mix until it turns into an off-white cream. Make sure to allow the mixture to fully cool before adding the rest of the ingredients, as heat can destroy the enzymes in honey. 
• In a separate bowl, whisk the honey, bee propolis, royal jelly, bee pollen powder, and the reserved teaspoons of olive oil. Make sure to whisk well to fully mix the ingredients together. 
• Add the honey mixture to the olive oil mixture and whisk to combine. You can do this by hand because it doesn’t need to fluff up like body butter. 
• Spoon the mixture into glass jars or metal tins and let the mixture harden completely before storing in a cool, dark place.

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As a perennial plant of the parsley family, gotu kola grows in many parts of the world, although it is native to southern Asia. Gotu kola, also known as Centella asiatica, is a small herbaceous plant that has been incorporated in various alternative medicinal practices for centuries. Native to several Asian countries, gotu kola is widely recognized for its potential health benefits, especially for its ability to positively impact cognitive function and overall health.

Gotu kola’s active constituents, namely the saponins and triterpenoids, are of great interest to researchers. Some of these compounds include madecassoside, madasiatic acid, and asiaticoside, all of which are responsible for the health properties. Numerous studies have explored the effects of gotu kola on various aspects of human health, and we highlight those findings in the following five points.

Cognitive Function

According to several studies, gotu kola may offer neuroprotective properties, promoting cognitive function and improving memory and learning abilities. In a small clinical study consisting of older adults with an average age of 65, gotu kola supplementation helped improve mood and overall cognitive function. In a systematic review, however, gotu kola did not seem to improve cognitive function. It did improve mood by improving alertness and relieving anger. Additional Research suggests that gotu kola may enhance nerve growth factor levels in the brain, which may help protect against cognitive decline.

May Reduce Anxiety And Stress 

In an animal study from 2016, researchers noted that gotu kola exhibited an anti-anxiety effect on sleep-deprived male mice. Sleep deprivation is a common source of anxiety, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. Other studies found that gotu kola may have an anxiolytic effect, meaning it can help reduce anxiety and stress levels. Researchers believe that it can modulate the release of certain neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, which help regulate mood. 

Wound Healing

Topical application of gotu kola extracts may promote wound healing because it works to stimulate collagen synthesis. Additionally, gotu kola may enhance the production of connective tissue components. A small clinical trial compared gotu kola to liver sulfadiazine in a study with participants with burn wounds. In the study, gotu kola was in an ointment dosage called Centiderm. The results indicated that the participants benefited from the Centiderm application. In the study, however, burn wounds had to be less than 10% of the total body surface area. More research is necessary to determine gotu kola’s efficacy on wound healing.

Antioxidant Activity

As you may know, antioxidants work to protect cells from oxidative stress and damaging free radicals. Because gotu kola exhibits impressive antioxidant activity, it may work to reduce joint inflammation, cartilage erosion, and bone erosion. Gotu kola’s antioxidant effects also positively impact immune function, which may help protect against chronic diseases. 

May Improve Circulation

Historical accounts found that gotu kola extracts have been used as traditional remedies for venous insufficiency, which is characterized by poor blood circulation in the legs. Older research found that gotu kola may be useful in the treatment of varicose veins. Gotu kola exhibits a positive metabolic effect on the connective tissues in vascular walls. Additional research suggests that gotu kola may help relieve leg heaviness and swelling by strengthening blood vessels and improving blood flow.

In closing, it should be noted that while these studies provide promising information and results, more research is still necessary to determine the health benefits. Should you want to experiment with gotu kola supplementation, consider discussing it with your healthcare professional to determine if it is safe for you. You don’t want it to negatively interact with other medications or conditions that you have.

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During ancient times, they would clean the wounds and then use clean spider webs to bandage up the wounds. Spider silk has antimicrobial properties that help clean wounds clean, and help prevent infections. So next time you’re out of bandages, maybe there’s a spider nearby!

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Summer means that schools are out, the weather is warmer, and there is more time for relaxation, or so we hope. One of the easiest full-day summer activities for families is a beach day, or a day at the lake, pond, or other body of water. After bathing in the warm sun, take a dip in the refreshing water. Repeat this cycle until it’s time to pack up and go home. 

Upon returning home, you may notice a shocking sight: your skin is very pink. Did you forget to reapply sunscreen between time on land and time in the water? Did you even apply sunscreen at all? Your skin is warm and vulnerable, and all you want is for it to cool down. So you decide to throw the kitchen skin at your skin in hopes of relieving the pain of your sunburn. Cold showers, baking soda, aloe vera, and all of the tips and tricks may work, but do they work as well as the sunburn relief remedy in this article? 

Prevention Is Best

Sun safety is integral during summer, and prevention is the best way to avoid sunburn. About 15-30 minutes before spending extended time outdoors, everyone should apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Additionally, you should bring a hat, wear sunglasses, and cover up with clothing that is breathable and loose-fitting. This is especially important for children and young adults, because sun damage is cumulative. 

The more sunburns you get as a child, the greater risk of skin cancer you have later in life, according to dermatologists. If you’ve already had sunburns, or your child has had sunburns, take steps to avoid future burns. This is easier said than done, as the sun hits the skin differently depending on where you are in the world. If you do develop a sunburn, the ingredients in this home remedy can help soothe your burn. 

Fractionated Coconut Oil

Fractionated coconut oil is a type of coconut oil that remains liquid, even at room temperature and cooler temperatures. It contains useful antioxidants that work to protect the skin from free radical damage and UV damage. The fact that this is liquid makes it much easier to incorporate into a DIY sunburn relief spray. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

Exhibiting cooling, calming, toning, and softening effects, peppermint essential oil is excellent for post-sunburn care. It also contains anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties that may accelerate the recovery process. Never apply strong essential oils directly to the skin because they are too intense. Always dilute them in a carrier oil to avoid rash or reaction. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil offers a floral scent and it may be the most popular essential oil in the world. In addition to promoting relaxation, lavender essential oil may aid with wound healing. An animal study found that lavender oil accelerated wound healing in its early phase by enhancing the formation of granulation tissue. It may also promote collagen synthesis that may provide relief to sunburnt skin. 

Liquid Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera tops the list of ingredients that offer relief from sunburns, so it should not surprise you that it is in this natural remedy. Aloe vera juice is made with leaves of the aloe vera plant. Manufacturers crush and grind the entire leaf to produce a juice, which is rich in antioxidants that boost the health of your skin. Topical application of this juice demonstrates an ability to improve sunburn and several skin conditions. 

Home Remedy For Sunburn Relief

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup liquid aloe vera juice
• 1/8 cup fractionated coconut oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• Glass spray bottle

Instructions:

• Pour about two inches of water into a saucepan over medium-low heat. 
• In a heat-safe glass measuring cup or jar, add the aloe vera juice and coconut oil. Place the jar in the saucepan and stir the oil/aloe vera juice mixture until fully liquified and combined. 
• Once fully combined, remove the jar from the saucepan and turn off the heat. Allow the mixture to cool for about five minutes and then mix in the essential oils. 
• Pour the mixture into a glass spray bottle and store in a cool, dry place. When ready to use, shake and spray and then massage into the skin.

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There are many nutrients that play pivotal roles, which keep the body functioning at an optimum level. Of those nutrients, many people focus on vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, potassium, and even vitamin D. As it turns out, vitamin A is necessary for many bodily functions, including a healthy immune system, metabolism, proper vision, good skin care, and more. It also exhibits antioxidant properties that may protect cells from damaging free radicals. 

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that exists in two forms: performed vitamin A and provitamin A. The former is known as retinol and you can typically find it in meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. The latter comes from carotenoids in plant foods, including red, green, yellow, and orange fruits and vegetables, which the body converts to vitamin A. Although vitamin A deficiency is rare in developed countries, it is still possible for people to be deficient in this nutrient. Those at highest risk of deficiency are pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, infants, and children. People with chronic diarrhea or cystic fibrosis may also experience vitamin A deficiency. The following signs may indicate if you are deficient in vitamin A.

Dry Eyes

One of the most common and first signs of vitamin A deficiency is dry eyes, or the inability to produce tears. A layer of fluid called tear film works to lubricate the eyes and keep the surface of the eyes clean. Tear film that is healthy is necessary for clear vision, while irregular tear film will scatter light after light hits the cornea. One study found that high doses of vitamin A decreased the prevalence of dry eyes by 63% among infants and children who supplemented for 16 months. 

Infertility And Trouble Conceiving

Vitamin A contributes to healthy reproductive function in both men and women. It also happens to be necessary for healthy development in infants. If you are having difficulty conceiving, low vitamin A levels may be the root of the problem, for either the man or the woman. Research suggests that infertile men may have a higher need for antioxidants because of higher levels of oxidative stress in the body. Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant that works to combat oxidative stress and free radicals. Other studies found that female rats with vitamin A deficiency had difficulty getting pregnant and may have embryos with birth defects. 

Increase In Chest and Respiratory Infections

Research is still preliminary in this area, but the initial research shows that vitamin A deficiency may be associated with throat, respiratory tract, and chest infections. Don’t reach for supplements just yet, as over-supplementing can have pretty serious side effects if you aren’t deficient. Vitamin A does offer protective properties against excessive inflammation that contributes to colds and infections. Because of that, vitamin A may protect via regulation of inflammation. 

Dry Skin

Although vitamin A deficiency isn’t the primary reason for dry skin or other skin-related issues, it may play a role. Retinol is commonly on the ingredient lists of many skin care products, and retinol is a derived form of vitamin A. According to research, the skin has retinoid receptors and getting sufficient vitamin A can create healthier new skin cells. This works to reduce inflammation, prevent dryness, and may even reduce wrinkles or improve skin texture.

Night Blindness

This symptom will only happen with severe vitamin A deficiency. Several observational studies reported a high prevalence of night blindness in developing nations. Because of this existing data, health professionals examined the link between low vitamin A levels and a higher risk of night blindness. One study monitored women with night blindness who received vitamin A in the form of food or supplements. Both the supplements and vitamin A-rich foods were able to improve the condition. The women’s ability to adapt to darkness also increased by 50% over six weeks of treatment. 

Problems With Wound Healing

Vitamin A plays a unique role in moderating the body’s inflammatory response. Because of this, it may work to control excessive inflammation. If you have high levels of inflammation in the body, it may take longer for wounds to heal, or they may not heal properly. Vitamin A also works to nourish the skin, helping you avoid dryness and cracking. According to researchers, insufficient vitamin A in the body makes it difficult for wounds to heal properly.

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Olive oil is a pantry staple in many households. It’s a healthy dietary component that people use in numerous culinary applications. The same properties of olive oil that benefit the body internally, may also contribute to better skin health. In fact, olive oil may help to provide relief from sun damage, combat dry skin, and protect against environmental damage.

What Is Olive Oil?

People make olive oil by pressing olives and expressing their oil. The rich monounsaturated fatty acid and antioxidant content makes olive oil a healthy addition to diets and skin care regimens. Manufacturers regularly incorporate plant oils like olive oil into cosmetic products because of its many health benefits. Olive oil is a high-performing plant oil that has moisturizing and emollient properties. You can easily damage olive oil with excessive heat, light and the addition of oxygen, so store it in a cool area with the cap on tight. 

Helps Repair Damaged Skin Tissues

The skin is the largest organ in the body that protects the body from external harm, including sun damage. What protects the skin from these threats, though? It’s your responsibility to take good care of the skin and protect it. Olive oil has regenerative that may help repair skin tissues that the sun damages. The antioxidant activity is most effective in areas where cracked skin exists, for example, on the elbows and knees. It’s also possible for olive oil to protect against inflammation, environmental damage, and general irritation.

It May Accelerate Wound Healing

Olive oil contains triterpenes, specifically erythrodiol, uvaol, and maslinic acid. They exhibit cardioprotective activity, antitumoral activity, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These triterpenes are especially beneficial for wound healing, cell proliferation, cell migration, and collagen deposition. In simpler terms, olive oil may enhance the body’s ability to repair wounds at a much quicker rate. 

Helps Prevent Water Loss

Olive oil is an emollient with occlusive properties, meaning that it helps to seal moisture into the skin. Extra virgin olive oil, specifically, has nourishing properties that encourage optimal skin hydration. The vitamin A, E, and K content help to moisturize even the most sensitive of skin types. Olive oil works to lock moisture into the skin by increasing the skin’s natural water content. This not only improve the general health of the skin, but also keeps it looking healthy and smooth. 

Helps Remove Makeup

When people apply makeup and then take it off, it’s very common to experience dry skin. The reason for this is because some makeup removal products contain aggressive surfactants, which increase dryness and sensitivity. There are some cleansing soaps that effectively and safely remove makeup, but they can be hard to find. To remove traces of sunscreen and makeup, use olive oil because it emulsifies with those products on the skin. That aids with their complete removal when you wipe the skin with reusable pads or a warm washcloth. When you massage olive oil on the face in circular motions, you’ll see it start to emulsify with the traces of makeup or sunscreen. 

It May Combat Aging

Aging is a natural part of life, but external factors and unhealthy habits can accelerate this process. The high polyphenol content in extra virgin olive oil may help combat the aging process. Dermatologists believe that the antioxidant activity helps to fight free radical formation, which can contribute to the aging of cells. Olive oil also combats the harmful effects of ultraviolet damage from sun rays. Applying it to the skin may not only lighten sun spots, but also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes. 

Olive oil is an excellent product to add to your skin care regimen, but it’s best to purchase extra virgin olive oil. Regular olive oil is often a blend that includes both cold-pressed and processed oils. Extra virgin olive oil is made from pure, cold-pressed olives, meaning you get the nutrients directly from the olives. 

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Nowadays, people are hyperaware of the fact that simple cuts, scrapes, or burns can become easily infected. People apply some over-the-counter ointments or salves just as quickly as the injury happens. Of course, the aim is to accelerate the healing time of the minor wound and decrease the risk of infection. This is all possible with the homemade ointment recipe in this article. 

The great thing about having this homemade antibacterial ointment in the house is that it always comes in handy. You can use this ointment on minor cuts, scrapes or burns you get from cleaning, washing the car, or doing yard work. If you have children, you may grab this frequently to help naturally remedy minor bruises or scrapes. 

The healing properties of this ointment are attributed to the ingredients. Many of them have natural, antibacterial properties, but we detail the standout ingredients below. 

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil exhibits a complex chemical composition of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties. Several studies tested lemon essential oil’s antibacterial activity against Gram positive and negative bacterial strains. Gram positive bacteria included L. monocytogenes, E. faecalis, B. subtilis, and S. aureus. Gram negative bacteria included E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa. Lemon essential oil exhibited varying degrees of antibacterial activity against all of these bacteria. 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is commonly used in alternative remedies and complementary herbal therapies. The oil is widely available and offers powerful antibacterial and antiseptic properties. From the early 1990s, scientific researchers published reports about tea tree oil’s antibacterial activity. Some studies found that it may combat various bacterial strains because of its inherent hydrocarbon structure. Hydrocarbons can disrupt biological membranes and their function in bacteria. 

Beeswax

The structure of the honeycomb is formed by beeswax. Bees secrete wax to build honeycombs, which store honey. Beeswax is naturally rich in hydrophobic protective properties, which may help reduce bruising, inflammation, and burns. Additionally beeswax has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which may be effective against Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. These inhibitory effects have led to many scientific studies on beeswax’s activity against bacteria and how it may reduce the risk of infection. When mixed with certain oils, for instance, the antibacterial properties heighten and provide an added layer of activity against harmful bacteria. 

Coconut Oil

This highly saturated oil comes from raw coconuts or dried coconut kernels. It’s beneficial for the skin because it contains medium-chain fatty acids, which comprise about 65% of coconut oil’s composition. These medium-chain fatty acids may protect the body from harmful microorganisms. In fact, the antibacterial and antimicrobial activity may protect numerous skin infections like athlete’s foot, cellulitis, and acne from further infection. Coconut oil may also reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for minor scrapes and bruises. 

DIY Antibacterial Ointment

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
• 2-3 tablespoons beeswax pellets
• 12 drops lavender essential oil
• 12 drops tea tree essential oil
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel
• 12 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and beeswax pellets to the top of a double boiler over low heat. 
• Make sure to stir the mixture with a rubber spatula so the ingredients do not burn. Scrape down the sides as needed. 
• Once the ingredients are fully melted, remove from the heat and allow it to cool for about one minute. 
• Add the essential oils and witch hazel once the mixture has cooled slightly. 
• Using an electronic hand mixer, beat the mixture until it is creamy. It will turn into a more solid cream as it cools and solidifies.
• Spoon the mixture into a four-ounce jar and allow the mixture to cool completely. Only screw on the lid when the mixture is completely cool.

How To Use:

• Massage a small amount to the affected scrape or bruise and cover with a bandage if necessary. 
• Store in a cool, dry place. 

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If you aren’t hip to calendula oil yet, it’s time to board the train because the health benefits are too good to pass up. The secrets about calendula are out, attracting the interest of scientific researchers and herbal enthusiasts alike. The calendula plant offers a wide range of benefits, and has proven to remedy myriad ailments over the years. 

What Is Calendula? 

This colorful flower belongs to the Asteraceae/Compositae family and is native to areas in Canada and the United States. As long as the soil is fertile and well-drained, you can grow calendula, especially if it has access to ample sunlight. The leaves are shades or rich oranges and yellow, and have a lovely fragrance. Various animal and in vitro studies have concluded that the flavonoids from these petals exhibit neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties. This makes calendula a highly respected plant in the field of alternative medicine. 

Historically, people used calendula to treat kidney stones and gall stones, primarily because it has disinfectant and diuretic properties. Italian folk medicine used to use calendula oil to reduce inflamed wounds and burns. Some cultures brewed the petals into teas and used it as a face wash to reduce freckles or dark spots, or an eye wash to reduce the risk of conjunctivitis. 

Health Benefits Of Calendula Oil

Nowadays, people continue to use calendula oil to remedy a variety of ailments. The most common uses involve topical application to reduce infections or fungus. According to research, however, calendula oil may help to reduce diaper rash, inflamed skin, and vaginal yeast infections. You can thank the triterpene saponins, triterpene alcohols, and flavonoids for calendula’s ability to do all of these things. These naturally occurring chemicals interact with the body to improve collagen synthesis and enhance new skin tissue growth. Continue reading to learn more about the primary benefits. 

Calendula For Wound Healing

According to a recent study in The Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, calendula ointment was tested on cesarean scars in 72 women. The study compared the use of calendula ointment to conventional hospital treatment. The women who used calendula ointment had quicker healing time, and they reported less redness and swelling. Various animal studies tested calendula oil’s efficacy for healing bug bites, scrapes, burns, and bruises. The studies found that topical application of calendula oil encouraged 90% wound closing, compared to a separate controlled group. A newer study concluded that calendula oil may ward off infection, which contributes to faster wound closure.

Calendula As A Sunscreen

During in vitro studies, calendula oil exhibited an ability to encourage cell rejuvenation. The studies tested its efficacy as a sunscreen, showing a slight ability to protect the skin. Unfortunately, the evidence was not substantial enough to deem it acceptable as a sunscreen replacement. Fortunately, more studies are in the works to determine how effective it is at protecting the skin from UV damage. 

Calendula For Vaginal Health

Bacterial vaginosis and vaginal yeast infections are two common occurrences for women. One study with 80 women monitored the use of calendula ointment compared to metronidazole, commonly used to treat bacterial vaginosis. After one week, the study found that both the ointment and metronidazole effectively cured bacterial vaginosis with no side effects. This sparked interest in the participants. The opportunity to use a natural ointment in place of medication excited the women.

Calendula For Muscle Spasms

If you want to ease muscle spasms or tension, get your hands on some calendula oil. According to a Pakistani study, calendula oil was able to relax spontaneous muscle contractions. A different study found that it helped to erase muscle spasms. Because of this ability to reduce muscle spasms, people wonder if it can be beneficial for menstrual cramping. According to anecdotal research, calendula helped induce menstruation for women who experienced irregular periods. It may also ease PMS symptoms like cramping, but more research is necessary to prove this.

How To Make Calendula Oil

Ingredients:

• Dried calendula flowers or petals
• Carrier oil of choice (extra virgin olive oil, jojoba oil, organ oil, sweet almond oil)
• 1 glass container (half-pint jar works great)

Instructions:

• Fill a half-pint glass jar about 3/4 of the way full with calendula flowers or petals. 
• Pour your desired oil into the jar so that the flowers are fully submerged. 
• Place a lid on the container and store it in a sunny, warm location to enhance the infusion process. A windowsill is perfect. It will stay here for three weeks.
• After the three weeks, you have to strain the flowers from the oil. Pour the oil through a cheesecloth into measuring cup with a pour spout. 
• Pour the strained oil into a glass jar and store it in a cool, dry place. Use it on your body, or face at will. 

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Grown in Europe, Asia, and parts of North America, comfrey has been used in healing practices for thousands of years. In the past, comfrey helped to treat stomach problems, but people found that it contained harmful pyrrolizidine alkaloids that damaged liver health and increased one’s risk of death. Within recent years, however, peer-reviewed studies have determined that comfrey is extremely beneficial for the skin when prepared as a salve or cream.

What Is Comfrey?

Comfrey is a fast-growing leafy plant that can be quite invasive. It spreads quickly and can be difficult to control, and it often inhibits new plants from sprouting. All that said, comfrey is popular among permaculture gardening circles because it pulls micronutrients from the soil. Many cultures harvest the roots and leaves of the plant to help treat burns, joint inflammation, bruises, and muscle sprains. European folk medicine has made salves from comfrey because of its ability to sooth gout and arthritis pain.

Comfrey For Joints

According to a clinical research study that was published in the Journal of Complementary Therapies in Medicine, comfrey is beneficial for people with osteoarthritis. A similar study found that applying a comfrey salve, made from the roots and leaves of the plant, helped relieve lower and upper back pain, ankle sprains, and sore joints.

Comfrey For Sprains

We have established that comfrey has powerful pain-relieving properties, especially when applied to joint sprains. According to one study, topical application of comfrey proved to be as effective as prescription pain-relieving gels. It is important to note that the study did not address whether or not comfrey creams accelerated the healing of sprains; the study only determined the effectiveness on pain symptoms.

Comfrey For Wounds

Preliminary studies found that comfrey has potential wound-healing properties. If you have an abrasion wound, topical application of comfrey is safe to apply. More research is necessary to determine potential risk factors and side effects of comfrey on wounds.

Precautions

Do not ever ingest comfrey. This plant is not intended for internal use because it can lead to liver poisoning or death if you consume too much. It is possible to have a negative skin reaction to comfrey, so please do a small patch test before applying it liberally. Once again, comfrey is for external use only!

DIY Comfrey Salve

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups fresh comfrey leaves (or 1 cup dried comfrey leaves)
• Olive oil to fill jar (about 10 ounces)
• 1 ounce beeswax

Instructions:

• Add the comfrey leaves to a pint-sized mason jar and cover with olive oil. Make sure that the leaves are submerged by at least one inch of oil.
• Place the jar in a double boiler or saucepan with water over low heat and gently mix the herbs and olive oil. Keep the mixture under 140 degrees F, ensuring that the mixture remains warm for 24 hours. You can also warm the mixture in a crockpot so you don’t have to keep your stove on for a day.
• Strain the herb-infused oil into a heat-safe glass bowl over a double boiler and stir in the beeswax. Once the beeswax melts, remove from heat.
• Pour the comfrey salve into salve tins or small jars and allow the mixture to harden at room temperature before screwing on the lids. Store in a cool dry place and use when ready.

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