We all love the beach, but not sunburn. We love to go swimming in the sea and look for rock pools along the shoreline, but we do not think about the cuts, bruises and insect bites.

Have you thought though of treating the minor hazards of life at the beach with medicinal plant extracts to soothe and heal?

With regard to skin care it is known that plants are very compatible with our skins.  For example, essential oils easily penetrate deeply into our skin and can even enter our blood stream via the capillary network of the dermis.  Plants contain significant amounts of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and amino acids.  When these actives are used as a complete plant extract they work in synergy, regulating or promoting the benefits of the main constituents and therefore offering a safer, more complete action.

Plants are capable of stimulating the blood and lymphatic flow of the skin, they are healing, antiseptic, encourage cell renewal and help balance and support the glands of the skin.  They promote and support a healthy skin

There are so many herbs that have wonderful properties to benefit our health and well being, but in this article I would like to high light one that really stands out in the crowd for its healing properties.

Lets look at the humble marigold – or  (Calendula Officinalis)
This plant has a very complex chemical makeup, which perhaps is why a detailed pharmacological examination has not yet been made. However, this complexity does mean that it has an enormous reputation for its benefits for the skin, some of which have been known since ancient times and some of which – thanks to recent research - are only now coming to light. 

Russian research has shown it to have an antiviral activity making it effective against viral infections of the skin such as Herpes simplex (cold sores).  It is also highly anti-microbial, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi.

It is anti-inflammatory to the skin and veins, exhibiting a vaso-protective action and making it suitable for the treatment of couperose skins. 

Calendula officinalis acts as a natural sunscreen, absorbing UVB rays.  Its content of the antioxidant Vitamins, A & E means it also protects the skin from premature aging by acting as a free radical scavenger.

Calendula contains triterpene dials (alcohols) and carotenoids, which have the ability to increase tissue regeneration and epithelisation, accelerating the healing process of the skin.  It also improves the circulation to the skin and as mentioned above, stops infection.  This makes it one of the most healing flowers and ideal in the treatment of acne where it is antiseptic and helps to reduce scarring and pitting. 

Because of its fast healing action it is not advisable to apply Calendula to wounds that have not been thoroughly cleaned of any foreign debris.   For this reason it is also not recommended to use strong concentrations of Calendula on skin that is congested with open and closed blackheads  Only apply after extraction has been performed.

The combination of actions makes Calendula applicable to nearly all skin conditions.

Its nutritional constituents are;

Vitamins:  Vitamin A, E and C.
Minerals:  Phosphorus, manganese

I am sure that it is no surprise to you that our farm grown organic Calendula extract is used extensively throughout the JANESCE range of products - particularly in the sun care lotion to prevent sun damage, and the JANESCE After Sun Lotion that brings great relief to sun burn. Janesce also has a liquid concentrate that is ideal for cuts and abrasions.