My Herb of the Day – Calendula
Posted by Claudine
Calendula is my all time favourite herb. It is gentle enough to use on babies and looks so pretty in the garden too. Such an easy herb to grow, it has beautiful orange, almost daisy-like flowers which can be dried and used fresh for so many things. It is a herb that promotes healing. Calendula is anti-inflammatory and has some antimicrobial properties (it will inhibit the growth of bacteria).
Use in preparations for cuts, grazes and skin infections, or as an infusion to sooth inflamed mucous membranes.
I use calendula in a lot of my preparations because it is so gentle. It is fantastic for use in a balm for nappy rash and this balm can also be used to treat sore, chapped lips and to protect your face against the winter chilling winds.
To make an infusion or tea, just put 1 teaspoon of dried calendula flowers in a cup of hot water, leave to steep and drink. You can also use the tea to treat and clean wounds or it is fantastic as a face spritz or toner. Used on the face as a toner, it does not strip the skin of vital oils and will leave the skin feeling soothed and cleansed.
As far as I am aware, there are no reports of any side effects from using calendula.
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