Calendula is a hardy annual herb with bright green leaves and stems and
flowers that are a rich orange-yellow color that open and close with sunlight.
The flowers are harvested when they are newly opened.
The whole flower head is picked and set to dry in a warm dry airy place.
When they are dry the petals are picked from the heads and stored in
colored jars to preserve the color of the petals. ( I just pull of the petals and I am very careful about drying them, then I store in a paper bag,
but I do use them up very quickly too.)
Calendula or poor mans Saffron has been used to heal wounds,
prevent or heal skin infections, ulcers, bleeding piles, headaches, toothache, jaundice, varicose veins, toothaches, and will improve blood flow.
It is and antiseptic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory,
anti-spasmodic, and anti-fungal.
Infusions of the petals have been used to lighten and brighten hair.
Take calendula tea to relieve conjunctivitis, or "pink eye." The flavonoids that derive from the flowers
of the calendula can clear or prevent symptoms of this eye infection internally, while a cold infusion may be used as an eyewash for conjunctivitis. The infusion is used in breaking fevers and inducing perspiration and
expelling any collected mucus or suppuration .
The dried petals are used in soaps.
Powered Calendula petals mixed with arrowroot powder, cornstarch, or pure talc is a pleasant way to
sooth skin rashes in adults, children, even infants.
In the kitchen petals are used in fish and meat dishes, rice dishes, salads, and for coloring cheese and butter.
Juice of the leaves mixed with vinegar instantly eases any hot swelling.
Rub calendula on a wasp or bee sting to ease the pain.
Calendula ointment treats sprain and cuts and can be used as a dressing for wounds.
Calendula poultice promotes healing and regeneration of bruised, burned, and abrasions of the skin.
Be careful not to confuse old fashioned Calendula or pot marigold with the African marigold,
the African marigold is an insect repellent not a medicinal herb.
Very Simple Poultice
Put herbal material into a clean white cotton sock
tie the top
place in shallow bowl pour hot water over to heat the herb
knead the wet soak until it is hot but bearable
apply the poultice to affected area till coll
repeat 3 to 6 times
(herb will be good for that many applications)
Calendula Salve
Dried calendula flowers
olive oil
beeswax
bensoin tincture
Place Calendula flowers with olive oil in mason jar
cover and soak for 2 weeks
Strain out flowers
the infused oil will take on the color of the flowers
melt beeswax and add to infused oil
add a few drops of benzoin as a preservative.
flowers that are a rich orange-yellow color that open and close with sunlight.
The flowers are harvested when they are newly opened.
The whole flower head is picked and set to dry in a warm dry airy place.
When they are dry the petals are picked from the heads and stored in
colored jars to preserve the color of the petals. ( I just pull of the petals and I am very careful about drying them, then I store in a paper bag,
but I do use them up very quickly too.)
Calendula or poor mans Saffron has been used to heal wounds,
prevent or heal skin infections, ulcers, bleeding piles, headaches, toothache, jaundice, varicose veins, toothaches, and will improve blood flow.
It is and antiseptic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory,
anti-spasmodic, and anti-fungal.
Infusions of the petals have been used to lighten and brighten hair.
Take calendula tea to relieve conjunctivitis, or "pink eye." The flavonoids that derive from the flowers
of the calendula can clear or prevent symptoms of this eye infection internally, while a cold infusion may be used as an eyewash for conjunctivitis. The infusion is used in breaking fevers and inducing perspiration and
expelling any collected mucus or suppuration .
The dried petals are used in soaps.
Powered Calendula petals mixed with arrowroot powder, cornstarch, or pure talc is a pleasant way to
sooth skin rashes in adults, children, even infants.
In the kitchen petals are used in fish and meat dishes, rice dishes, salads, and for coloring cheese and butter.
Juice of the leaves mixed with vinegar instantly eases any hot swelling.
Rub calendula on a wasp or bee sting to ease the pain.
Calendula ointment treats sprain and cuts and can be used as a dressing for wounds.
Calendula poultice promotes healing and regeneration of bruised, burned, and abrasions of the skin.
Be careful not to confuse old fashioned Calendula or pot marigold with the African marigold,
the African marigold is an insect repellent not a medicinal herb.
Very Simple Poultice
Put herbal material into a clean white cotton sock
tie the top
place in shallow bowl pour hot water over to heat the herb
knead the wet soak until it is hot but bearable
apply the poultice to affected area till coll
repeat 3 to 6 times
(herb will be good for that many applications)
Calendula Salve
Dried calendula flowers
olive oil
beeswax
bensoin tincture
Place Calendula flowers with olive oil in mason jar
cover and soak for 2 weeks
Strain out flowers
the infused oil will take on the color of the flowers
melt beeswax and add to infused oil
add a few drops of benzoin as a preservative.