Healing Calendula Balm for Face and Body

Autumn Adams

Homemade calendula salve

In 2015 I started experiencing perioral dermatitis and this calendula balm saved me. I would break out in this horrible inflamed rash around my mouth, my nose and even around my eyes. I was embarrassed to teach class or go out in public.

The doctors don’t really know what causes perioral dermatitis, but they do know that steroid creams make it worse. I fortunately was warned about using steroid creams, so I never went that route. Instead, I went the holistic route. I changed my diet (goodbye sugar), changed my toothpaste (goodbye flouride, carageenan & SLS), and I changed my skincare routine (goodbye makeup). I said goodbye to a lot during this period. The biggest game changers for me were getting rid of carageenan (it’s in everything… even that “healthy” coconut milk) and using calendula balm on my face.

I originally used Weleda’s Calendula Baby Face Cream, but it was a little too greasy for my skin. Last year I had the opportunity to host a yoga retreat at Itha108 in Greece and the owner made this lovely face balm as a gift for us to take home with us. I now prefer this natural version over Weleda.

This healing Calendula balm blends all the wonderful properties of coconut oil, jojoba (or olive or grapeseed oil), calendula (marigold flowers), beeswax, and lavender essential oil. You’ll want to use the best ingredients that you can afford. Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties, calendula is an anti-inflammatory and beeswax soothes while it helps hold moisture in the skin.

Calendula Oil 

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a clean mason jar with a proper sealing lid combine your calendula flowers with the oil to be infused. Make sure that the oil completely covers the flowers.
  2. Seal up your jar and place it in a cabinet. Allow the flowers to “steep” in the oil for about 2 months.
  3. After two months strain the flowers from the oil and discard the flowers.
  4. Store your calendula oil in the fridge until ready to use.

Calendula Balm 

Ingredients

homemade calendula balm

  • 2 Tablespoons Calendula Oil
  • 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons beeswax
  • 5-10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a double boiler melt beeswax and coconut oil. Simmer until beeswax has completely melted. This can also be achieved by microwaving the two together.
  2. Once the coconut oil and beeswax are melted quickly add in the calendula oil and stir.
  3. Add the lavender essential oil last. Stir again.
  4. Pour your calendula balm into small clean jars and allow to solidify.

I usually store one or two jars in the fridge and keep one out in the bathroom.You can use this balm daily or as spot treatment. I’ve used it after too much fun in the sun, on bug bites, and cracked skin. One ounce lasts me a couple of months. These are great for traveling or for gifts.

Thich Nhat Hanh Quote For Yoga Class

Autumn Adams

I’m always looking for ways to incorporate a bit more meaning into my yoga classes, so I’m not just teaching asana. One way I incorporate more meaning into my yoga classes is by offering quotes from some of my favorite teachers. I find these inspirational quotes in books, online, and in discussions with friends and family. Yoga is so much more than asana… although I’m not gonna lie, most of us start off on a purely physical path and that’s okay. As our practice evolves and our awareness expands we learn so much more than we ever intended to. Here is a lovely inspirational quote from Thich Nhat Hanh on being in the present moment and finding happiness.

Yoga quote inspiration

Varuna Mudra For Congestion

Autumn Adams

I’ve been practicing more vinyasa yoga and have gotten myself a bit out of balance, so I’m not surprised that I got the “Bali flu”. It is cold and flu season in Bali and I, unfortunately, picked up the nasty bug. Varuna mudra to the rescue!

It is often when I find myself out of balance or when I stop paying attention that I get ill. Luckily I don’t get sick very often. Usually, I catch myself before I get sick and can adjust the course. I love teaching restorative yoga because I know how beneficial it is, but I’ve been struggling with my own restorative practice. It’s time for an overhaul!

I’ve realized that my normal routine is not quite going to cut it. In addition to ginger, echinacea, and Panadol (eww… I know) I’ve been focusing on using neti, Varuna Mudra and restorative yoga. This week I have been using Varuna Mudra in my meditation practice to clear up the congestion in my sinuses and chest. I’ve been trying to dial it back in and refocus on my own wellbeing and self-care.

Please know that there will always be a natural ebb and flow to your practice, so give yourself a little grace if it isn’t currently what you expect it to be. Especially if you’re feeling crummy.

Let’s get back to Varuna Mudra, but first a little history.

Varuna is the Hindu god of water and the celestial ocean. Varuna is also the god that upholds the moral law in Hinduism. If you check out my recent book, The Little Book of Mudra Meditations, you’ll find an additional meditation practice that accompanies Varuna Mudra.

hand mudras varuna

Practice Varuna Mudra

To practice Varuna Mudra, take the pinky finger of your right hand and bring it to the pad of your right thumb. Then wrap your right thumb over the top of your little finger. Take your left hand and wrap it gently around the right hand. Then bring your left thumb over the top of the right thumb. Hold this mudra for 30-40 minutes. There is an alternative version of Varuna Mudra that you can also explore, but this version is best for colds/congestion.

Benefits

Varuna mudra has been used to combat congestion for years… physical, emotional and psychological congestion by balancing the water element in our body. Different variations of the mudra can be used to increase of decrease this water. When working with Varuna Mudra I find it helpful to meditate on the qualities of water like flowing, cleansing with appropriate imagery.

Congestion and excess mucus in the sinus, stomach and lungs are often caused by some type of irritant. I feel like it’s probably safe to say that emotional or psychological congestion can be caused by an irritant too… According to Gertrud Hirschi congestion may also be related to “overstimulated nerves, inner tensions and unrest, triggered by overstraining, being pressed by time, being aggravated or experiencing fear.” Living a perpetually stressed out life makes us more susceptible to colds and mucus congestion and stress is scientifically proven to lower our immune system.

Neti is great for congestion too

I love using jala neti when suffering from congestion as well…. once again bringing in that water element of Varuna to fight the build-up of mucus and flush it out! Fighting water with water! In jala neti you use a little pot to flush your nasal passages with warm salene water… it’s amazing how much crud comes out when you aren’t feeling well. If you’re going to practice neti– make sure you’re using the purest water you can get your hands on.

According to Ayurveda mucus is also related to a build up of kapha. Ayurveda is a holistic form of medicine from India that looks at your entire being. It aims to bring the elements back into balance through diet and lifestyle. You can learn more about Ayurveda here.

If you would like more guidance on mudras or you would like inspiration for guided meditations then check out my book, The Little Book of Mudra Meditations: 30 Yoga Hand Gestures for Healing. It’s available on Amazon.

Affirmations for Varuna Mudra

I go with the flow. I am adaptable and easily accept change.
I let go of what no longer serves me.

As always, please consult a medical doctor if you are ill. Mudras are not meant to replace medical care but are meant to complement it.

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90 Minute Energizing Vinyasa Yoga Playlist

Autumn Adams

Yogis I have been getting a lot of requests for this vinyasa yoga playlist, so I thought I would share it here with you. Yoga instructors feel free to use this playlist in your classes too. It has a nice peak and then drops back down and chills before savasana.

Anyone else have a favorite workout or yoga playlist? Feel free to share it below. I’m always looking for new inspiration. I love a good, fun energizing playlist, but I’m also drawn to more acoustic, folk music for my gentler yoga classes. I just love music and a good flow!

90 minute vinyasa yoga playlist