All About Calendula

(Kal len dula) Official name is Calendula officinalis. It is believed that the plant originated from Egypt and southern Europe. It can also be called golds, marigold, and ruddles. The petals are used for herbal remedies. Calendula resembles daisies with its golden yellow or orange color. The flowers of calendula have wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also serve as an anti fungal for certain skin conditions. It helps with dermatitis and dandruff. Reported uses are:

• Mouthwash against gum infections
• Treatment for swollen lymph nodes(taken internally)
• Leg ulcers
• Varicose veins
• Conjunctivitis
• Nosebleeds
• Helps fight and treat Cancer
• Promotes menstration when taken internally
• Tincture for treatment of fever and flu

Do not use internally if you are pregnant or breast feeding. May cause miscarriage. Also do not use if you have allergies to ragweed related plants. 

It generally thought to be safe for topical applications. We use calendula in our natural hair oils.

Herbs Used for Cleaning

Did you know that vinegar is a powerful cleaning tool? You can make an everyday herbal vinegar spray that is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. We found some great recipes to use at home from Reader's Digest The Complete Illustrated Book of Herbs. Here is the recipe from the book:

All-purpose vinegar spray

Ingredients
fresh or dried herbs (you can also use herbal tea bags)
distilled vinegar

1. Roughly chop 1 to 2 large handfuls of fresh or dried herbs (such as lemon verbena, peppermint, rosemary, lemon balm or lavender), or place 5 to 10 tea bags in the bottom of a wide-mouth glass jar.

2. Add vinegar to fill the jar. Replace the lid, leave for a few days to infuse, then strain out the herbs. (If you are using tea bags you can gently warm the vinegar before pouring to ensure maximum diffusion.)

3. Pour into a plastic spray. This spray is safe to use at full strength, but you can dilute it with half-and-half of water for lighter application.

This spray can be used for wiping, cleaning, and deodorizing almost any surface (except marble).

Some uses for your herbal vinegar spray:

•  Keep diswasher clean by adding 1/2 cup to the rinse cycle
•  Cut grease and make glasses sparkle by adding 3 tablespoons to sink with dish washing detergent
•  Dissolve mineral build up on shower heads: Soak overnight with diluted herbal vinegar
•  Clean soap scum from a glass shower screen. Mix 2 parts salt with 1 part herbal vinegar. Apply to screen with a cloth or fine steel wool. Rinse and dry.
•  Stop mold: Mix two teaspoons borax and 1 cup herbal vinegar. Apply with cloth and leave for 30 minutes then wipe off.
•  Keep kitchen cloths fresh. Soak overnight in a solution of boiling water with a good dash of herbal vinegar and a few drops of eucalyptus oil. Rinse well.

All About Patchouli

Patchouli has been around for centuries for its healing properties. Patchouli is a plant native to Asia and is part of the mint family. Patchouli has an earthy strong aroma. This herb has many beneficial uses ranging from cosmetics to medicinal uses. Patchouli is mostly used for it's aroma in a variety of products ranging from perfumes to paper towels. Here at Brown Sugar Naturals, we use patchouli for both the aromatherapy and medicinal uses. We will explore the many different uses of Patchouli.

Medicinal Uses

antidepressant

relaxation

colds

nausea

diarrhea

abdominal pain

venomous snake bites

balance endocrine system

combat fatigue

anxiety

Cosmetic Uses

antiseptic

anti fungal

dandruff relief

dry skin relief

deodorant

athlete's foot

mild acne

eczema

conditioner for locs (dreadlocks)

Other Uses:

insect repellent

spiritual

clairvoyance

physical strength

Cautions:

Do not use Patchouli in large doses since it is a powerful sedative.