Simple formulas, without additives, make the most of the beneficial properties inherently found in the herbs and oils used, offering pure, highly concentrated 'herbal power.'
“Calendula is the hot new product listed for skin care healing in the radiation oncology literature. I have personal experience with KIPOS Botanicals® natural calendula salve for its soothing abilities for rashes, dry skin and itching. We nicknamed it ‘magic cream.’ The travel size is perfect for makeup bags and shaving kits.”
“Immediate relief of facial sunburn pain, as well as the typical tight feeling of sun burnt skin. And, I mean - immediate. KIPOS Botanicals ‘August’ Facial Spritzer has a cool, soothing feeling and great aromatherapy scent.”
calendula officinalis
The Power of Calendula
Calends (kalends), from the Greek word kalein: to announce the days of the new and full moon; timeanddate.com
A prolific bloomer, Calendula is known in Italy as fiore d’ogni mese, “flower of each month” and derived its name from the fact that it was always in bloom on the calends: the first day of the month and the new moon cycle in the ancient Roman calendar. Commonly known as ‘pot marigold’* its Latin designation is Calendula officinalis and has been used since ancient times in cooking** and medicine.
As I pick its resin-sticky blossoms from the garden, I have come to associate Calendula and its scent with comfort. Our KIPOS Botanicals™ garden, located in Arlington, Virginia, is situated in USDA plant hardiness zone 7, where calendula is an annual that blooms all summer and often self-sows.
Calendula has numerous medicinal properties and is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, anti-itch and antiviral attributes. Topically it is used in hydrosols (herbal waters), compresses, oils, salves and lotions, is gentle enough for babies' skin and head-to-toe use. It is so versatile and soothing that it has been part of my first-aid routine for over twenty years. It may be used for bug bites, minor cuts and burns (including from sun and radiation treatment), dryness & itchiness, eczema, rashes and other inflammations. Please Note: Calendula is part of the Asteraceae family, so those with allergies to ragweed, chamomile and other plants in the daisy family, should avoid using.
* not to be confused with the genus Tagetes which includes a multitude of non-medicinal marigolds
**Calendula should not be taken internally during pregnancy.
The herbal information provided is for educational use only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
damask rose, celsiana
Antique Roses
Rosa gallica officinalis, the Apothecary Rose, Celsiana Damask Rose and Rosa Rugosa are a few examples of centuries-old rose varieties, praised for their medicinal and fragrant properties and culinary use. Roses, gently astringent, form the basis for the hydrosol in our "June" Facial Spritzer and blend well with calendula and lavender. An ingredient in our lip balm as well, they impart a subtle and unique base. The KIPOS Botanicals® garden would not be complete without their beauty, fragrance and usefulness.
The herbal information provided is for educational use only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
background to foreground: hyssop, coral nymph salvia, germander, white lavender & curry plant
Other Key Players
Lavender boasts numerous soothing topical benefits: it is antiseptic, pain-relieving, prevents scarring and acne. Its scent (in the therapeutic-grade essential oil) promotes relaxation. Olive oil the primary oil used in our salves and balms, is quickly absorbed into the skin and contain skin-protecting antioxidants, and vitamins A & E. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Beeswax a natural, breathable skin protector and moisturizer also provides anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The oil, beeswax and herbs work in harmony to naturally promote soft, healthy-looking skin.
Sources for ingredients: grown at KIPOS Botanicals® and/or purchased from herbal apothecaries throughout the USA that provide the highest quality, organic ingredients and therapeutic-grade essential oils.
The herbal information provided is for educational use only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.