August 14, 2025 • 7 mins
In this week’s episode of Plants, Flowers, Oils & Whimsy, I’m diving into one of my favorite topics—reducing skin inflammation naturally, using three gentle powerhouses: calendula, comfrey, and oats. We’ll talk about what really causes inflammation—everything from too much summer sun to stress—and how our skin uses it as a built-in protection mechanism. But sometimes, that protective response needs a little extra love to get back into balance. I’ll share why calendula is my go-to “Sunshine Healer,” with its soothing, antimicrobial magic, how comfrey earns its nickname “The Restorer” for repairing and renewing skin, and why oats are like wrapping your face in the softest, calming blanket. You’ll learn easy, beautiful ways to work these herbs into your skincare rituals—plus, I’ve got a simple DIY face mask recipe you can make at home to calm redness, hydrate, and comfort your skin. It’s a gentle reminder that caring for your skin doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes the simplest, most natural remedies are the ones that work best.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of our podcast, Plants, Flowers,
Oils and Whimsy. I'm your host, Carrie Sharf, and I'm
so thrilled to have you here with me today. In
today's episode, we'll be diving into a topic that's close
to my heart, how to reduce skin inflammation naturally using colendula,
comfrey and oats. These natural remedies have been used for
(00:24):
centuries and I can't wait to share with you how
they can help soothe and heal your skin. So let's
get started. First off, let's delve into the causes of
skin inflammation. There are quite a few culprits, including sun exposure,
harsh weather, environmental irritance, overexfoliation, and even stress. We've all
been there, a bit too much time under the sun,
(00:46):
or perhaps a new skin care product that didn't quite
agree with us. The skin reacts to these stressors by
becoming inflamed, which is essentially its way of protecting itself.
During this phase, the skin's barrier is compromised, making it
more susceptible further damage. This is when it's crucial to
give our inflamed skin some extra TLC to restore its
natural balance. Using soothing and natural remedies like colendula, comfrey,
(01:10):
and oats can significantly help in calming the irritation and
promoting healing. Now, let's move on to how you can
incorporate these wonderful ingredients into your skin care routine. Now,
let's talk about colendula, also known as the sunshine healer.
Colendula is a powerhouse when it comes to natural skin remedies.
It boasts anti inflammatory and anti microbial properties, making it
(01:33):
fantastic for soothing and healing your skin. The real magic
of colendula lies in its ability to reduce redness and swelling,
speed up the healing of wounds, and even combat infections.
When it comes to using colendula, there are a few
popular methods to explore. First up, there's infused oil. Simply
infuse dried colendula pedals in a carrier oil like olive
(01:54):
or jojoba oil. This creates a gentle, yet effective oil
you can use for massages or a moisturizer. Another great
option is to make a colendula bomb, perfect for applying
to dry chapped skin or minor cuts and scrapes. Lastly,
a colendula compress which involves Soaking a cloth and colendula
tea and applying it to the affected area can provide
(02:16):
immediate soothing relief. Now, let's dive into the conditions colendula
can help with. If you suffer from exzema, colendula's soothing
properties can provide much needed relief from itching and inflammation.
It's also excellent for chapped skin, helping to restore moisture
and softness. And if you've had a bit too much
fun in the sun and are dealing with sunburn, colendula
(02:37):
can help speed up the healing process and reduce pain.
Here's a handy pro tip for you. When infusing colendula
petals in a carrier oil, make sure to use dried petals.
Fresh petals contain moisture that can promote mold growth in
your oil. Simply fill a jar with dried petals, cover
them completely with your carrier oil, and let it steep
in a sunny spot for a few weeks. Strain out
(02:59):
the petals and voila you have your own homemade colendula
infused oil. Next on our natural remedy list is Comfrey,
often referred to as the restorer. Comfrey is a powerful
herb known for its impressive ability to promote cell regeneration,
encourage new growth, and aid in the repair of damaged tissues.
This makes it an exceptional addition to your natural skincare arsenal.
(03:21):
Comfrey can be used in a variety of ways, each
suited to different needs. One of the most popular methods
is to create infused oil. Simply steep comfrey leaves in
a carrier oil and you'll have an oil that's perfect
for massages or for applying to specific areas of concern.
Another great use for comfrey is in salves. Comfrey salves
are easy to make and can be applied to scrapes, bruises,
(03:44):
and even dry patches of skin to provide soothing relief.
For those times when you need targeted treatment, a Comfrey
poultice can be incredibly effective. Just mash up the leaves,
apply them to the affected area and cover with a cloth.
The properties of the comfrey will get to work, helping
to speed up the healing process. As for what conditions
(04:04):
comfrey is best suited for, think along the lines of
minor injuries and skin issues. Scrapes, bruises, and dry patches
are all ideal candidates for Comfrey treatment. Its ability to
promote healing makes it a go to for these kinds
of skin concerns. A quick pro tip before we move on.
While comfrey offers many benefits, it's important to use it
only for external applications. Avoid using comfrey internally as it
(04:27):
can be toxic to the liver if ingested. So keep
your Comfrey treatment strictly for external use to enjoy its
many healing properties safely. Now, let's move on to oats.
Often considered the calming blanket for the skin, oats are
fantastic for soothing, itching, calming redness, and hydrating the skin.
These properties make oats a wonderful natural remedy for everything
(04:48):
from dry patches to irritated and inflamed skin. Now that
we've explored the individual benefits of coalendola, comfrey, and oats,
let's talk about how combining these three powerful ingredients can
create the ultimate inflammation soothing blend. Using them together can
provide comprehensive care for your inflamed skin, each bringing its
unique properties to the mix. Thinking about an easy way
(05:12):
to incorporate this trio into your skincare routine, I've got
a simple recipe for you. An inflammation soothing face mask.
Here's what you'll need, oat flour, colendula infused oil, and
comfrey tea. Mix these ingredients into a paste, Apply to
your face and let it sit for fifteen twenty minutes
before rinsing off with lukewarm water. This mask can help
(05:33):
calm redness, hydrate your skin, and promote healing, leaving your
skin feeling refreshed and revitalized. Remember, the key to effective
skincare is gentle, intentional care. Don't rush the process, take
your time, listen to what your skin needs, and treat
it with kindness. Your skin does so much for you,
so it deserves a little extra love and attention. So
(05:54):
as we wrap up our discussion today, keep in mind
the simple yet powerful benefits of colendula, comfrey and oats.
Think of them as loyal friends that you can always
rely on to soothe and heal your skin. That's all
for today's episode. Thank you so much for tuning in
to this episode of Plants, Flowers, oils and Whimsy. Today
we've focused on the natural ways to reduce skin inflammation
(06:15):
using some wonderful ingredients colendula, comfrey, and oats. These natural
remedies have been treasured for centuries and with good reason.
Remember to check the show notes for any links or
articles we mentioned today, and if you have any questions
or feedback, feel free to send me a message. I'd
love to hear from you. Until next time, this is
your host, Carrie Sharf. Take care and stay whimsical.
Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of our podcast, Plants, Flowers,
Oils and Whimsy. I'm your host, Carrie Sharf, and I'm
so thrilled to have you here with me today. In
today's episode, we'll be diving into a topic that's close
to my heart, how to reduce skin inflammation naturally using colendula,
comfrey and oats. These natural remedies have been used for
(00:24):
centuries and I can't wait to share with you how
they can help soothe and heal your skin. So let's
get started. First off, let's delve into the causes of
skin inflammation. There are quite a few culprits, including sun exposure,
harsh weather, environmental irritance, overexfoliation, and even stress. We've all
been there, a bit too much time under the sun,
(00:46):
or perhaps a new skin care product that didn't quite
agree with us. The skin reacts to these stressors by
becoming inflamed, which is essentially its way of protecting itself.
During this phase, the skin's barrier is compromised, making it
more susceptible further damage. This is when it's crucial to
give our inflamed skin some extra TLC to restore its
natural balance. Using soothing and natural remedies like colendula, comfrey,
(01:10):
and oats can significantly help in calming the irritation and
promoting healing. Now, let's move on to how you can
incorporate these wonderful ingredients into your skin care routine. Now,
let's talk about colendula, also known as the sunshine healer.
Colendula is a powerhouse when it comes to natural skin remedies.
It boasts anti inflammatory and anti microbial properties, making it
(01:33):
fantastic for soothing and healing your skin. The real magic
of colendula lies in its ability to reduce redness and swelling,
speed up the healing of wounds, and even combat infections.
When it comes to using colendula, there are a few
popular methods to explore. First up, there's infused oil. Simply
infuse dried colendula pedals in a carrier oil like olive
(01:54):
or jojoba oil. This creates a gentle, yet effective oil
you can use for massages or a moisturizer. Another great
option is to make a colendula bomb, perfect for applying
to dry chapped skin or minor cuts and scrapes. Lastly,
a colendula compress which involves Soaking a cloth and colendula
tea and applying it to the affected area can provide
(02:16):
immediate soothing relief. Now, let's dive into the conditions colendula
can help with. If you suffer from exzema, colendula's soothing
properties can provide much needed relief from itching and inflammation.
It's also excellent for chapped skin, helping to restore moisture
and softness. And if you've had a bit too much
fun in the sun and are dealing with sunburn, colendula
(02:37):
can help speed up the healing process and reduce pain.
Here's a handy pro tip for you. When infusing colendula
petals in a carrier oil, make sure to use dried petals.
Fresh petals contain moisture that can promote mold growth in
your oil. Simply fill a jar with dried petals, cover
them completely with your carrier oil, and let it steep
in a sunny spot for a few weeks. Strain out
(02:59):
the petals and voila you have your own homemade colendula
infused oil. Next on our natural remedy list is Comfrey,
often referred to as the restorer. Comfrey is a powerful
herb known for its impressive ability to promote cell regeneration,
encourage new growth, and aid in the repair of damaged tissues.
This makes it an exceptional addition to your natural skincare arsenal.
(03:21):
Comfrey can be used in a variety of ways, each
suited to different needs. One of the most popular methods
is to create infused oil. Simply steep comfrey leaves in
a carrier oil and you'll have an oil that's perfect
for massages or for applying to specific areas of concern.
Another great use for comfrey is in salves. Comfrey salves
are easy to make and can be applied to scrapes, bruises,
(03:44):
and even dry patches of skin to provide soothing relief.
For those times when you need targeted treatment, a Comfrey
poultice can be incredibly effective. Just mash up the leaves,
apply them to the affected area and cover with a cloth.
The properties of the comfrey will get to work, helping
to speed up the healing process. As for what conditions
(04:04):
comfrey is best suited for, think along the lines of
minor injuries and skin issues. Scrapes, bruises, and dry patches
are all ideal candidates for Comfrey treatment. Its ability to
promote healing makes it a go to for these kinds
of skin concerns. A quick pro tip before we move on.
While comfrey offers many benefits, it's important to use it
only for external applications. Avoid using comfrey internally as it
(04:27):
can be toxic to the liver if ingested. So keep
your Comfrey treatment strictly for external use to enjoy its
many healing properties safely. Now, let's move on to oats.
Often considered the calming blanket for the skin, oats are
fantastic for soothing, itching, calming redness, and hydrating the skin.
These properties make oats a wonderful natural remedy for everything
(04:48):
from dry patches to irritated and inflamed skin. Now that
we've explored the individual benefits of coalendola, comfrey, and oats,
let's talk about how combining these three powerful ingredients can
create the ultimate inflammation soothing blend. Using them together can
provide comprehensive care for your inflamed skin, each bringing its
unique properties to the mix. Thinking about an easy way
(05:12):
to incorporate this trio into your skincare routine, I've got
a simple recipe for you. An inflammation soothing face mask.
Here's what you'll need, oat flour, colendula infused oil, and
comfrey tea. Mix these ingredients into a paste, Apply to
your face and let it sit for fifteen twenty minutes
before rinsing off with lukewarm water. This mask can help
(05:33):
calm redness, hydrate your skin, and promote healing, leaving your
skin feeling refreshed and revitalized. Remember, the key to effective
skincare is gentle, intentional care. Don't rush the process, take
your time, listen to what your skin needs, and treat
it with kindness. Your skin does so much for you,
so it deserves a little extra love and attention. So
(05:54):
as we wrap up our discussion today, keep in mind
the simple yet powerful benefits of colendula, comfrey and oats.
Think of them as loyal friends that you can always
rely on to soothe and heal your skin. That's all
for today's episode. Thank you so much for tuning in
to this episode of Plants, Flowers, oils and Whimsy. Today
we've focused on the natural ways to reduce skin inflammation
(06:15):
using some wonderful ingredients colendula, comfrey, and oats. These natural
remedies have been treasured for centuries and with good reason.
Remember to check the show notes for any links or
articles we mentioned today, and if you have any questions
or feedback, feel free to send me a message. I'd
love to hear from you. Until next time, this is
your host, Carrie Sharf. Take care and stay whimsical.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!