Calendula is from the Asteraceae family. The parts of the plant used are the flower buds, flowers, and leaves. The energetics are warming and drying. The taste is pungent, and bitter.
Calendula is a common garden flower that grows in temperate climates all over the world. It's blooms consist of bright orange and yellow blossoms throughout the summer, and returns again every year. Along with this flower being beautiful it also has many beneficial medicinal uses.
According to Paul Bergner: Medical Herbalism: Clinical Articles and Case Studies. “Calendula acts to mobilize white blood cells, stimulate lymphatic drainage, decrease inflammation of the lymph nodes, and generally support lymphatic circulation.” Which makes this herbal flower a powerhouse.
Calendula also has antimicrobial effects, and herbalists use it for fungal infections and to prevent bacterial infections as it heals wounds.
Calendula is also used to to fight fungal infections, mastitis, thrush, gum disease, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and conjunctivitis (pink eye). Many herbalists report that when using it as an antimicrobial, it works best as a tincture, You want to brew a tea if you're going to use it as an eye wash or eye patch.
Did You know, in addition to being used as medicine, calendula has also been used as a flavoring in food. It was popularly added to rice to impart a saffron-like color with a nice floral flavor. It was also historically used in soups and broths. It is also a beautiful addition to a summer salad topped with flowers! You can also use the petals to decorate your cake. When using it as food, it is the petals that are most commonly used (rather than the entire flower head which can be bitter in taste).
Calendula can be prepared in a variety of ways. However using it as a tincture is the strongest preparation for calendula’s antimicrobial properties. In our tinctures we like to use dried calendula flowers, steeped in grain alcohol for about 2 months.
We recommend taking 15 - 20 drops in 1 oz of water 2 - 3 times a day. We also have Calendula Flower tea that we sell which can be steeped and drank one to two times per day. It is encouraged to use our Detox tea along with the Calendula Tincture for quicker cleansing results.
In a nut shell calendula is a beautiful and useful herb to have and enjoy. Whether your steeping a tea, or nourishing your skin with a cream or oil, or using out powerful tincture, be sure to make this herb a part of your daily routine. However if you have any serious medical conditions or pregnant please consult your physician first.
Comments