Calendula ‘Herb of the Sun’
With winter steadily
approaching, it is nice to remember the sunny feeling of spring and summer. The warm temperature, the vibrant colors in bloom and the fruits of the garden as the seasons continue; these are the essence of the seasons changing. As autumn begins to turn to winter it is nice to still have the strength of sunny calendula blooming in the garden. Even if it is not in your garden, you can buy it dried and enjoy the sunlight radiating off of the blossoms. Calendula flowers uplift the mind and spirit. There are many uses for this herb and it is versatile; internally and externally.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is one of the most commonly used medicinal herbs. Personally, I love its joyful presence in the garden. It is an herb that exudes a very happy energy, which is always a positive influence on well being; a vibrant flower, with much value and versatility in the medicine chest. One of things that I enjoy most in the summertime is watching the honey bees land on calendula flowers. In autumn it is comforting to have the strength of sunshine streaming from this plant as the days change from hot to cooler and cozy. Shaped like little sunbursts, the bright orange or yellow flowers add cheer to any situation. This sunny energy can be valuable in bringing the light to winter time remedies.
Calendula flowers have bright orange or yellow petals with brown, orange or yellow centers. The leaves are vibrant medium green. Both the leaves and flowers are sticky and slightly resinous. The part of the plant used medicinally is the flower head when in full bloom. Fresh flowers are best suited for tea or tincture. Dried flowers are best for making the oil and can also be used for making tea. Calendula can be used both internally and externally, depending on the preparation and is helpful in many different ways, both medicinal and culinary.
Tea
Internal: Used internally, calendula tea promotes lymph flow, thus reducing swollen lymph glands, so it is great to take for any condition involving the lymphatic system. It also has anti inflammatory and immune stimulating properties. These qualities make it effective for ear infections, systemic yeast infections and sore throats. Another way to use the tea for sore throats is to use it as a gargle. It can be used alone or with tea made from other throat soothing herbs. Calendula tea is also excellent as a mouthwash for dental problems like inflamed gums or tooth infection. Drinking the tea is very helpful for soothing inflamed mucous membranes like stomach ulcers and urinary tract infections. In addition to being anti microbial and anti inflammatory, calendula is slightly diuretic, meaning that it increases the flow of urine. This property adds to its value in soothing urinary tract infections.
External: The strong tea of calendula works well externally as a wash or compress for conditions like eye inflammation and minor burns. The compress helps to soothe and maintain skin affected by acne, bug bites, minor blisters. Calendula is also effective as a compress over swollen lymph glands.
For women, the tea is used a sitz bath or douche for vaginal infections, both yeast and bacterial. It is also widely used as a sitz bath to soothe inflamed tissues after birth.
of urine. This property adds to its value in soothing urinary tract infections.
External: The strong tea of calendula works well externally as a wash or compress for conditions like eye inflammation and minor burns. The compress helps to soothe and maintain skin affected by acne, bug bites, minor blisters. Calendula is also effective as a compress over swollen lymph glands.
For women, the tea is used a sitz bath or douche for vaginal infections, both yeast and bacterial. It is also widely used as a sitz bath to soothe inflamed tissues after birth.
Making Calendula Tea
To make tea: Pour just-boiled water over organic organic calendula flowers and cover. It is extremely important to cover the tea so that medicinal