Calendula
Let’s talk about calendula. It’s a powerhouse of an herb and one of my favorites. Calendula is not only beneficial for so many types of skin conditions, but it is also an excellent cold and flu remedy! Read on!
This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. It is important that you do thorough research from multiple reliable sources before using herbs. While herbs are generally considered very safe there are exceptions. This is by no means a complete monograph of this particular herb. My intent is to peak your interest enough to begin a lifelong journey using herbs.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here.
Diving Deeper
Botanical Name
Calendula officinalis, C. arvensis
Family
Asteraceae
Parts used
Flowers, flower buds, leaves
Plant Properties
Astringent
Vulnerary
Immune modulating
Antimicrobial
Hepatic
Lymphatic
Antispasmodic
Emmenagogue
Antiinflammatory
Energetics
Warming and drying
Preparations Used
External: Infused oil, salve, poultice
Internal: Tincture, infusion, vinegar, food
Uses for Calendula
Calendula is probably best known for having the ability to heal many types of skin complaints. Calendula not only helps promote skin regeneration but because of its mild antimicrobial properties it can help prevent infection.
Try using a calendula salve or cream on minor cuts and scrapes.
Itchy skin and rashes can be soothed by a calendula salve. Although bear in mind most rashes have a deeper cause so it’s probably important to address internal issues as well.
Bug bites can also be soothed by calendula including bites from mosquitoes and bee stings.
You can soothe a sunburn or fire burn using calendula. In these instances using the hydrosol or a fresh poultice is ideal.
Calendula is safe for babies and makes a great diaper rash cream. Or simply make a strong calendula infused oil and apply that directly to baby’s bottom.
Calendula is also wonderful to use in a variety of face care preparations. Its healing and regenerative properties are great for improving elasticity and hydrating the skin. It also helps soothe skin inflammation.
I’ve heard that calendula can be useful in relieving the pain and itchiness of chicken pox, which makes sense since it soothes other itchy skin conditions.
Because of the bitter taste of calendula, internally it can be useful for healing the liver. Consider using calendula in your next batch of homemade bitters.
Internally calendula has been shown to be helpful to the immune system. It also helps stimulate stagnant lymph by getting those white blood cells moving.
Herbalist use calendula for all sorts of other conditions as well—this is just a brief overview. Grow some calendula next summer and get to know this amazingly versatile herb!
Things to Note
If you are allergic to other herbs in the asteraceae family (chamomile for example) be cautious of using calendula.
Put it into practice
Here are some wonderful ways to get you started on using calendula.
Make a potent herbal oil that can be made to use all sorts of things
Learn how to make your own homemade calendula hydrosol
Make a healing homemade facial toner
Make a healing baby butt balm that’s safe and effective
You can also make a healing herbal baby powder using calendula
Here’s a wonderful cold and flu elixir that includes calendula
WHERE TO PURCHASE
I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog! By purchasing through one of my affiliate links you will not spend a penny more, but you are allowing me to receive a small commission. This allows me to keep posting great content for you. Thanks for your support! Read more here.
If you are unable to grow your own herbs, or find ingredients locally, then here are two of my favorite places to buy bulk ingredients:
This company is where I purchase the majority of my seeds. Great selection of heirloom and/or organic seeds:
These are hands down my favorite seed starting trays and pots. These are heavy duty and don’t crumple when you pop your plants out! Definitely worth the investment in my opinion.
