Calendula – The secret of Cleopatra’s beauty?

From the marigold family, Calendula Officinalis was originally grown in Ancient Egypt on the border of the Nile. It’s been said that Calendula was a staple beauty essential in Queen Cleopatra’s day and has been used in complementary medicine ever since to help a range of skin problems from burns to acne.

Known for its healing properties, Calendula has been traditionally used to help reduce inflammation, control bleeding and soothe irritated tissue. The Ancient Romans used Calendula to treat scorpion bites and soldiers in the American Civil War found it helped stop their wounds from bleeding.

Brigitta Lark, Organic Beauty Specialist recommends Calendula for reviving age old beauty traditions. “Calendula has been used for centuries to help restore skin to its usual radiance. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce redness in conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis and acne and help smooth sore rough skin. I recommend you apply a Calendula based cream to the affected areas daily to complement your beauty regime”

Nelsons Calendula cream for sore, rough skin is priced at £4.35 for 30g and is available from Boots, Holland and Barrett and all good independent health food and pharmacy stores.