Calendula Flowers

Description

Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis

About This Herb: Our Calendula flowers are harvested at peak bloom, when the brilliant orange and yellow petals are rich in flavonoids and other beneficial compounds, then gently dried to preserve their vibrant color and healing properties. This radiant member of the daisy family has been cultivated since at least the 12th century and was used by ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Arabs for its remarkable skin-supporting qualities. It’s so gentle that it’s often found in natural diaper rash creams and baby-safe salves.

Traditional Uses: Calendula has a long history of use for soothing skin conditions, wounds, and inflammation. It’s traditionally applied topically for minor cuts, scrapes, burns, bruises, rashes, and insect bites. The flowers are also used in teas for digestive comfort and to soothe sore throats. In folk herbalism, calendula is favored for its ability to support the body’s natural inflammatory response and reduce internal spasms of smooth muscle tissue . Its high concentration of flavonoids gives it powerful antioxidant properties.

How to Prepare:

• As a tea: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried flowers in 8 oz of hot water, covered, for 10-15 minutes. Strain and enjoy up to 3 cups daily . The flavor is mildly earthy and slightly sweet.

• Infused oil: Gently heat dried calendula flowers in a carrier oil (like olive or sunflower) over low heat for several hours, or let sit in a warm place for 2-4 weeks. Strain and use for salves, balms, and body oils .

• Salve/ointment: Use calendula-infused oil as a base for healing salves to apply to minor skin irritations .

• Compress/wash: Make a strong tea, cool, and apply to skin with a clean cloth for rashes or minor wounds .

Safety & Considerations: Calendula is generally considered safe for topical and internal use. Avoid if you are allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family (ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, marigolds) . Not recommended for internal use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are taking sedatives or blood pressure medications, consult your healthcare provider before internal use.