Calendula Officinalis

I had to laugh when I received my bag of Calendula Officinalis at coop. I opened up the bag to look at the herb and found some very familiar flowers. The other name name for Calendula is Marigold! Too funny! Those little orange/yellow flowers that we plant to keep the bunnies out of our garden also have some great medicinal properties! For this herb we are only interested in the flower petals. By the way, did you know that when a plant contains the term officinalis, it means it was part of the "official" Roman medicinal herb collection. This herb has definitely stood the test of time!

Calendula contains many nutrients, but is especially high in the following:

• Minerals: Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, and Sodium.


• Vitamins: A, C, E, and Co-Enzyme Q10.

Natural Healing

• The biggest thing I want to emphasize is that Calendula causes cells to heal. Whether you use this herb as a tea, tincture, salve, wound dressing, etc, it will start the healing process in the cells it contacts.


• Calendula is great for normalizing body temperature


• Calendula helps regulate the menstrual cycle and stop cramps.


• As a topical wound dressing Calendula heals helps to heal and soothe sores, burns, and wounds. This is a great treatment for an infected wounds, rashes (including diaper rash), and sunburn. It has antiseptic and antibiotic properties.


• Calendula tea can be used as a nasal wash for sinus problems. It is a great tea to make and use in your netty pot.


• Calendula oil placed in the ear and left overnight can help alleviate earaches.

Ways to use

• Use a few petals in a smoothie or salad.


• Make a tea or standard infusion. You can drink the tea or apply it to a soft cloth or absorbent pad to apply directly to a wound.


• Make a standard decoction.


• Make a tincture.


• This herb also makes an awesome healing salve. I am going to experiment with one soon and I will share the recipe and results with you when it's complete. I'm waiting for some warmer weather so I can macerate the herbs in sunlight.

For those of you who live near me, I have tons of this herb and would love to share! If you are looking for a good source, try Mountain Rose Herbs or Frontier. Another option is to grow some organically this summer, harvest and dry it.

Karla

"And may we ever have gratitude in our hearts that the great Creator in all his glory has placed the herbs in the field for our healing." Dr. Edward Bach