Guest Blogger: Olivia Royce

Calendula is all the rage when it comes to natural skincare. Dermatologists and moms with an affinity for all-natural remedies are reaching for this yellow flowering plant. More commonly identified as the marigold, Calendula has a number of benefits that support an even-toned, youthful glow! Named for its unique blooming pattern (every month of the year), Calendula does offer you some timely skin improvements too.

• Calendula promotes blood flow to the skin cells- Full of flavonoids, coumarins, quinones, carotenoids, and amino acids, Calendula hits all of the important factors when it comes to healthy skin.
• Calendula reduces inflammation- Calendula contains powerful flavonoids, which are plant-based antioxidants that protect skins cells from harmful pro-inflammatory compounds. It also contains linoleic acid, which goes head-to-head against all kinds of inflammatory issues in the body: everything from ear infections to ulcers.
• Calendula provides antioxidant protection- As a natural antioxidant, Calendula also revitalizes skin that has experienced pollutants and sun damage.
• Calendula extract has anti-cancer properties- Calendula has the ability to activate the body’s lymphocytes, which are in charge of getting rid of foreign invaders (like cancer cells).
• Calendula increases hydration in skin- As a natural moisturizer, Calendula helps combat dry skin, one of the main culprits of aging. Offering tighter, more moisturized skin cells, this extract promotes a youthful glow.
• Calendula stimulates collagen production- Known to heal wounds and activate the collagen receptors in skin, Calendula helps skin recover quickly, whether that’s from sun damage, acne, or a slow-healing wound.
• Calendula soothes irritation- Once again, the natural antioxidants come to the rescue to help with diaper rash, sunburns, eczema, and even psoriasis.
• Calendula oil is known for antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiviral action- The natural oils and acids that make up calendula are especially suited for fighting pathogens, candida symptoms, and even antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria! It can be used to naturally treat ringworm, athlete’s foot, and even jock itch.
• Calendula helps reduce stretch marks- As it promotes hydration and evening imperfections on the skin, Calendula, applied topically, can help revert the skin to its natural state.
• Calendula protects against UV rays- The high concentration of antioxidants make Calendula an excellent addition to other known sun protectants. Protection from sun will make skin look and feel healthier for longer.

There you have it- 10 reasons why Calendula just might have to make it into your medicine cabinet. The best part? There are plenty of ways you can incorporate Calendula into your daily skincare routine. Oils, teas, creams, ointments, toothpastes, and more now contain this magical flower!

Check out the amazing benefits for your little one with our new Baby Oil. With one of the 5 main ingredients being Calendula, this oil is deal for soothing uncomfortable diaper rash. Give yourself and your baby peace and promote healthy skin for the whole family. At Ora’s Amazing Herbal, we believe in all natural remedies and quality products that give you the glowing, healthy skin you deserve. Shop here!

Herbs are amazing.

References

https://animamundiherbals.com/blogs/news/6-herbs-that-boost-collagen-in-the-skin

https://thefreerangelife.com/30-uses-for-calendula/

https://draxe.com/calendula/

https://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/calendula-oil.aspx

Did you have big plans when you were a kid? I sure did. In addition to winning gold medals in gymnastics and swimming (I was actually the slowest on my team), I planned to save the world. I would feed the children, find homes for the stray animals and of course clean up the earth. The plan was simply to just be a bazillionaire and be able to do all this because I had a money machine that just had to be in the back of my closet somewhere. When I got bigger, I was going to cut the back wall open and find it.

Fast forward a few years, things are not exactly the way I planned. I have not yet found that money machine, and if I had, well, I’d be in jail for using it! I am occupied running my business and taking care of my own family, which is supposed to be enough for now. But really, it isn’t.

So what can I do? There has to be something. Well, for March, it’s just a drop in the bucket really, but at least for this March, Ora’s Amazing Herbal is going to donate 10% of our website sales to our local Center for Food Action. They help local families eat and stay warm. I want to help them do that. I invite you to order some delicious moisturizing aromatherapy body oil, and some Rejuvi C Mask and Magic Face Potion, and I will donate 10% of your purchase. Stay tuned for more campaigns like this in the future as well. If you are not on my email list, please sign up now so I can notify you of anything else we do in the future.

Ora’s Amazing Herbal, because herbs (and people) are Amazing.

Thank you my fellow humans, and be well,

Ora

Frankincense is an essential oil that may bring to mind ancient religious practices, and it is referred to many times in the Bible as well as other texts from around the world. It is even mentioned in one of the oldest medical records, the Ebers Papyrus from the 16th century BCE. However, frankincense is not a relic from the past, it is a powerful healing tool for modern times as well! Frankincense refers to the resin of various species of the Boswellia tree which grow in India, East Africa, China, and the Middle East. The most common and studied is Boswellia Carterii which is grown in Somalia and Yemen and has been cultivated there for thousands of years. Frankincense is powerful resin that is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, and studies such as those mentioned below show that the benefits of the essential oil are not just anecdotal, but can be scientifically proven. There are a variety of uses for frankincense, and one fantastic way to take advantage of it’s healing properties is to apply it to your skin. To see the many skin friendly benefits yourself you can choose skin care products that feature this potent yet gentle therapeutic oil to see revived elasticity and reduced inflammation. It is also believed to help heal scars. When you use frankincense on your skin, you are inhaling the earthy aroma, and like everything you apply to your skin, it is absorbing into your bloodstream, so you will be receiving all of its mental and emotional benefits as well! My whole family uses frankincense as a grounding, emotionally supportive tool and I love that every time I apply my favorite skin serum I am caring for all aspects of myself, not just the physical. After all, true beauty radiates from within!

Frankincense therapeutic properties

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5801908/

Biological activities of frankincense essential oil

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5801908/

Transdermal microemulsions of Boswellia Carterii

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/24725029/

Essential Oils Desk Reference, seventh edition

Caitlin Eisner Fisch is a homeschool mom, writer, personal chef, and essential oils enthusiast who lives in the Bay Area by way of Miami, Jerusalem, and the Bronx. Discover more creative essential oil ideas on Instagram @thejoyofcaitlin.oils and follow her family’s adventures on Instagram or Twitter @thejoyofcaitlin.

Sea buckthorn oil, or otherwise known by its botanical name, Hippophae rhamnoides, literally means “tree that makes the horse shine”. For years it has been known for its ability to improve horses’ health and make their hair shiny and soft. But the benefits of buckthorn don’t stop with noble steeds! This nutrient-rich yellow-orange berry derivative is ideal for post-sun and anti-aging skin treatments too!
Here’s how it works:
The benefits of sea buckthorn oil have been known for centuries! It’s suspected to have originated in the Himalayas, but was also used by several different cultures, including ancient Greeks, Egyptians, the Chinese, and Mongols throughout time. It was certainly a hot commodity along the Silk Road. For years, a variety of health benefits have been documented in ancient literature, including everything from alleviating pain to aiding digestion.
Today, sea buckthorn oil is most well known for its healing and rejuvenating effects on the skin! Topical application can help with exfoliation, cleansing, healing sunburn, and slowing down the signs of aging. It does all this by starting from the source and nourishing the tissues in your skin and body.
There are two types of sea buckthorn oil: seed oil and fruit oil. While they are very similar in nutrient composition, fruit oil tends to be much darker and thicker, while seed oil takes on a paler color and more fluid viscosity.
The sea buckthorn berry itself contains over 190 nutrients and phytonutrients, including vitamin C; 12 times higher than that of an orange! The oils are also full of antioxidants like phenols, terpenes, and glucosides and additional vitamins A and E. In other words, this stuff is excellent for your skin and it has the nutrition profile to prove it.
Sea buckthorn oil is particularly pro at combatting acne and promoting skin vitality and regeneration. As the summer is here and our skin is more susceptible to those harmful UV rays, maintaining a skin regimen is key. There is nothing that speeds the skin aging process along faster than too much sun exposure. It’s absolutely crucial to protect your outermost layer with a good SPF and absolutely recommended to follow up time in the sun with rejuvenating oil.
Sea buckthorn oil is one of the main ingredients in our Magic Face Potion. The wise woman knows that true magic always starts with clear intention and the right tools. We have formulated this anti-aging Magic Face Potion to be a powerful self care tool for women over 40 who intend to move forward with vitality and clarity. In here are botanicals that are anti-oxidant for quenching free radicals and anti-aging. Properties also include helping promote cell turnover, collagen production preventing blemishes, supporting scar healing, soothing adult acne and rosacea, replenishing after sun and wind exposure, and also simply for deep moisturizing. Stop by our virtual herb garden here and start protecting your skin today!

1 Make dirty jokes in public. At my gym, all the guys make dirty jokes, but the women
almost never do. No one is really gross or offensive and it is all in good fun. Today I
made a little sideways comment and made one of the trainers blush. First of all, it was
fun to watch him squirm a little. Secondly, it is a fun and subtle way to remind people,
that women, you know, are people.

2 Do at least one push up every day. If you can’t do a complete push up, cheat. Do it
however you can, but do it every day. Become strong, physically. It feels good to be
strong. It feels empowering, because, you know, women can either be strong or not
strong. Somehow it is not surprising when women are not strong, but when we are, it
carries an uplifted message both to ourselves and to those around us.

3 Connect with the other women in the room first. When entering a new social
situation, I like to try to introduce myself to the sisters first. Even if a woman is not super
friendly, connecting with her first, feels like a stand up thing to do. We are in it together.
We can lead the conversation and command respect in this non-aggressive and warm
way. Usually, no one even notices, but I find it sets a certain tone of respect for the
women and for the men as well.

4 Go support women and girls who are doing cool things. There are now so many
movies, woman comedians, plays, speakers, trainers, woman owned business, all of it.
This is normal to my daughters but remember, this is actually kind of new in our culture.
Let’s support them! It’s true that they aren’t all good, choose what you like! Let’s face it,
a funny woman is, you know, really funny.

5 Carry a pocket knife. I like my pocket knife because I am a mom and I like to be able
to cut up apples or cheese or open a box. I also like it because sometimes I notice
people double taking when I use it. It’s surprising for a woman to have a pocket knife.
Not sure why, but I think it may be a little bit feminist.

6 Choose your look. Decide what to wear and how to look based on your preference
and not based on the expectations of others. I’m not sure why this is a feminist thing,
but I think it really is. Shave, don’t shave. Make-up, no make-up. Jeans, fishnets. All
these choices are yours and no one else’s.

7 Be a woman, it’s fun!

Ok, that’s my list of 7 fun ways to be a feminist. It would be fun to add to it! Any more
fun ways to be a feminist? E-mail them to info@orasamazingherbal.com

Thanks and be well,
Ora

The Dirty Little Secret Behind Oil Makeup Removers

Believe it or not, some of the best makeup removers on the market are oils!

After a long day (especially during those summer months), removing your makeup before cleansing your face is crucial.

In fact, we’ll go as far as to say that skincare is the most important part of your makeup routine. Any professional will tell you that keeping your skin clean, soft, and nourished is the first step in maintaining a healthy glow. And oils are the ideal makeup-removing product in more ways than one:

Oils have the power to remove long lasting, waterproof mascara, eye shadows, liners, and foundation because they can break down virtually any ingredient found in makeup. Here’s how: The oils in the makeup remover bind with your skin’s natural oils and any dirt on the surface, which makes it a breeze to wash everything away.

Here are a few tips:

It’s very important to take off your eye makeup with something targeted for that area, as to not clog the rest of your pores. First, you don’t want to risk an eye infection or discoloration by dragging a dirty wipe or cotton ball over your eyes. And second, you don’t want to risk clogged pores by dragging a dirty wipe or cotton ball over your face. It’s typically best to place a cotton ball with an oil-based remover over your eyes first, let the oil dissolve the makeup for a minute or so, and then wipe clean.

The same type of oil can then be used to take off your face makeup! The key is applying it correctly.

First, start with a dry face and dry hands. Water and oils are not known for mixing well based on the principle of polarity. In order for the makeup remover oil to fully break down the makeup, your skin should be dry.

Second, it’s important that you use the correct amount. If you don’t use enough, it will feel like you’re pulling on your skin. Rubbing it in your hands first, thins it out so that it can be spread evenly over your face and then massaging (in small, circular motions) into your pores helps it bind with your natural oils and accumulated dirt.

Third, follow it up with your daily cleanser and a moisturizer. This will prevent your skin from feeling tight and ensure clean pores. You deserve to have the best of both worlds: flawless makeup and beautiful skin. No one says you should have to choose!

If you’re looking to change up your skincare routine in favor of those nourishing oils, we want to provide you with the perfect solution! Our Daily Nourish Face Oil, available here is perfect for maintaining a youthful glow. It can be worn under makeup, instead of makeup, or to remove makeup. Smell the touch of fruity olive oil, our herbal infused Base Oil, rosehip seed, apricot kernel and meadowfoam oils, without any chemical additives. Many of our friends who wear makeup, also use our Touchy Skin Salve for makeup removal. They say it can even remove more stubborn eye makeup and leave their skin feeling soft and nourished.  Ora’s Amazing Herbal provides you with products that are 100% natural and nourishing because herbs are amazing!

Beards have fallen in and out of popularity throughout the 2000s. Some years they’re “in” and some years they’re “out”; it’s honestly hard to keep track! Regardless, we’ve broken the stereotype that beards are unprofessional. A well-kept, soft beard certainly has its place in the workplace, but keeping it that way is easier said than done. We’ve all seen beards across the tameness spectrum, ranging from ridiculously unkempt to meticulously neat and for the later we may have even asked ourselves, what is their secret?

Beard care and maintenance certainly differs from man to man, but we have a few suggestions on keeping your scruff soft:

1. Be Patient: Growing a beard is hard work and you’re not going to wake up one day with perfect facial hair. But we all know that we have to work hard for what we want. Growing a nice beard takes stamina; you have to resist the urge to trim and shave (especially during the beginning stages), despite the itchiness. However, it’s never too early to start moisturizing. Our line of Beard Oils isn’t tough on skin and actually works to maintain and strengthen its natural moisture barrier. Moisturizing during the growth process makes everything a little bit less scruffy and a lot easier to manage.

2. Evaluate your face shape and beard limitations: First, just like with haircuts, different shaped beards look best with different shaped faces. While every man has the right to bear whatever shaped beard, here are a few general suggestions:

Square Face:         Keep hair fuller on the chin, shorter on the sides

Round Face:         Grow hair longer on the bottom, shorter on the sides

Rectangular Face:     Keep the sides fuller, and the bottom shorter

Oval Face:         Most styles work well

Second, it’s important to accept your beard’s strengths and weaknesses and then embrace them. If the patchiness is real, work around it. Choose the areas you want to keep and improve and touch up the rest with a razor. Just because you have a patchy section doesn’t mean you’re doomed (especially if you keep it soft).

3. Maximize the transition phase: If there’s a time to take the most care of your beard, it’s during this phase. Just as your beard starts to take shape, you should be focused on keeping it clean and moisturized. It’s almost like laying down a strong foundation before you begin construction on a home. If those pioneer hairs aren’t happy, the next generation won’t be either. Definitely invest in a beard wash and beard oil.

4. Get to shaping: Once you have something substantial to work with, you can begin crafting. Since by now you’ve already familiarized yourself with the best shape beard for your face, the transition to style should be smooth. At this point, feel free to hand over the reins to a professional barber. It will just be up to you to maintain, trim, and soften. A poorly trimmed beard is a one-way ticket to unprofessional city, so remember the value of neatness.

At Ora’s Amazing Herbal, we know that growing a beard is hard work and we’re here to support you along the way! Our Beard Oil Set makes a great gift for that hard to buy for, rustic kind of bearded guy. Beautifully and simply packaged in our 100% recycled kraft gift box. Try a little variety with this 3 pack including Revive, Refresh and Unscented. Each is one ounce for convenient travel and ideal for conditioning, and softening. By adding a few drops to your beard and face, the properties of Argan, Rosehips and Jojoba oils will help you keep it kissable.