Calendula, a common plant native to Mediterranean countries, and its extract, was carried by soldiers as their first aid kit. It was well regarded for treatment of wounds and ulcers with calendula's medicinal features often being the only thing stopping an open wound from becoming septic.

Today, of course, we have many outstanding medicines. Calendula, however, remains as the best natural skin repair ingredient.

The name, Calendula, is based on the Latin word meaning ‘through the Months’ as it was known for its long period of flowering. Calendula has a yellow-to-deep-orange flowers that bloom once a month, or every new moon, from early summer to fall. Flowers close up at night and reopen in the morning. Ideally the calendula flower is harvested just after fully opening in the morning.

Modern Research

Following on from thousands of years of evidence in use, modern science has Cal;endula's claims to the test. Here are a few facts backed up with big words and scientific names;

Calendula shows benefits on inflammatory skin conditions

In Germany, researchers noticed that the flower heads of Calendula officinalis contains anti-inflammatory triterpenoid esters including faradiol 3-O-laurate, palmitate and myristate.

Calendula has anti-viral activities

Italian researchers demonstrated anti-viral activities of gycosides extracted from the aerial parts of Calendula arvensis. All the compounds were able to inhibit vesicular stomatitis virus infection.

Researchers from Venezuela examined extracts of dried flowers from Calendula officinalis for its inhibitory effects on the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication using vitro MTT/tetrazolium-based assay. They found that Calendula officinalis flowers caused a significant dose- and time-dependent reduction of HIV-1 reverse transcription (RT) activity.

Calendula shows benefits on wounds and other skin conditions.

A study of 34 patients with venous leg ulcers demonstrated the benefits of marigold (Calendula officinalis) ointment on venous ulcer epithelialization. In the study, the ointment was applied twice a day for three weeks.

French researchers suggested that Calendula is highly effective for the prevention of acute dermatitis of grade 2 or higher and should be proposed for patients undergoing postoperative irradiation for breast cancer. Their claim is based on a study of 254 patients conducted between July 1999 and June 2001. They found that the occurrence of acute dermatitis of grade 2 or higher was significantly lower (41% v 63%; P <.001) with the use of calendula than with trolamine.

What does this all mean?

Calendula extract is the one ingredient you need to look for in a skin product. The Avado Body Lotion combines Calendula with Avocado oil and other quality ingredients to make the product everyone who uses it as a ‘convert’. Key benefits of Calendula include;

• Moisturising dry or chapped skin
• Reduces swelling and bruising
• Ideal to treat nappy rash
• Sooths eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis
• Calendula’s anti-fungal properties are great for treating tinea
• Helpful in treating spider veins, varicose veins, leg ulcers and chilblains
• Can prevent the formation of scar tissue by increasing collagen levels

Products with Calendula extract make a great natural treatment option. Of course, Avado products contain Certified Organic Calendula Extract and nothing but 100% natural or certified organic ingredients.