Calendula
Calendula ( Calendula officinalis) AKA Garden or Pot Marigold
Calendula holds a special place in the world of herbal remedies and belongs to the Asteraceae family. The cheerful yellow and orange flowers may be mistaken for the common and mildly medicinal Marigold, but Calendula (aka Pot Marigold) has a powerhouse of healing properties that have been highly regarded for centuries.
Homeopathic texts note that Calendula contains compounds that draw white blood cells to an affected the area of the body to fight off infections more effectively.
Throughout history, Calendula has been treasured for its various uses. Ancient civilizations, including the Romans and Egyptians, revered this plant for its medicinal properties. Ancients used it to for wounds, to soothe skin irritations, and even as a culinary herb and dye for fabrics.
The ancient Romans used it to treat scorpion bites and are attributed to giving Calendula its name. They noted that the plant bloomed on the first day of each month “calends” and named it Calendula.
Growing Calendula
…… and yes, that cutie is mine!
In my own personal experience, Calendula flowers bloom nearly nonstop, if flowers are picked regularly. Our family delighted in what seemed to be a complete harvest of flowers one day, to find them bursting in blooms the very next day. If you have never grown this hardy little herb, I highly recommend it! And if you never had a baby (or adopted) after 40, I recommend that too! :)
Calendula for Skin and Tissues
Calendula is renowned for its ability to soothe skin irritations, including rashes, burns, and wounds. It possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Calendula is considered to be one of the best antiseptics, due its natural iodine content.
Old herbal doctors believed that consistent application of calendula could aid in preventing and treating gangrene.
Calendula tea can be used as a gargle for sore throat as well as a nasal wash for inflamed tender mucus membranes.
Make your own Calendula Infused oil
To make calendula infused oil using the cold method, start by drying calendula flowers thoroughly to remove moisture. Place the dried flowers in a clean, dry jar and cover them with a carrier oil such as olive or almond oil. Seal the jar tightly and place it in a conveniently located spot for 4-6 weeks, shaking it gently every day to ensure thorough infusion. After the infusion period, strain the oil through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, and store it in a dark glass bottle away from direct sunlight for future use. or use your oil to make a Calendula salve.
Calendula for the Digestive System
Our digestive system can also benefit from Calendula. This herb can aid digestion and soothe gastrointestinal inflammation. It's commonly used to alleviate symptoms of gastritis, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel conditions.
The most common ways to use calendula are as follows:
Salves and Ointments: Calendula-infused salves and ointments are the most popular method of using calendula for supporting minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. They provide a protective barrier while promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation.
Teas: Prepare a soothing cup of calendula tea by steeping dried calendula flowers in hot water. As noted it can support digestion as well as the tissues of the throat and sinuses. Incorporating calendula into your apothecary can offer a natural and effective way to support your health and well-being. Whether you choose to enjoy it as a soothing tea or a healing salve, this humble flower packs a powerhouse of benefits.
Warning:
While generally considered safe for most individuals, there are some precautions to consider when using calendula. Individuals with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, daisies, and chamomile may experience allergic reactions to calendula.
Calendula is on my favorite list for it’s uses, and I absolutely love growing it! Coming soon is a post where I will share growing tips about growing this lovely herb, on your bit of earth. Until next time - blessings and wholeness to you and yours, JeriAnne