Calendula

Description

Calendula

Calendula officinales

Calendula is an anti-microbial, immune stimulating, anti-inflammatory wonder herb. Externally, calendula is known to soothe and heal rashes, eczema, dry skin, psoriasis, diaper rash, stings, chicken pox etc. Internally, it can be used to lessen fevers, soothe heartburn, peptic ulcers and sore throat. The bright petals are rich with flavonoids, and so, while most of the medicine comes from the whole flower head, the petals have their own delicate edible goodness that can be made into the most lovely garnishes in soups and salads, or as I experimented with, fresh pesto, and baking. I use the whole flower heads in most of my balms and salves, as it is such a gentle and effective skin soothing herb. I also use them in immune boosting tea blends, and it’s been a great support as my baby is teething. I dip a washcloth in some calendula tea for him to suck and soothe his gums. It can also be soothing for heartburn, peptic ulcers, and sore throat.

Herbal actions:

• Anti-microbial
• Immune stimulating
• Anti-inflammatory
• astringent
• emmenagogue
• vulnerary
• lymphagogue
• cholagogue