Calendula flowers, also known as Pot Marigold, are rugged little beauties with a few hidden superpowers and many uses. Calendula flowers have been used for centuries to improve the health of the skin. In addition, calendula can help to speed up the healing process. And because it is so gentle, calendula is often used to soothe skin irritations of babies and young children.
1. Calming
- 8 ounces of calendula flower infused oil
- 2 ounce of melted beeswax
- 20 drops essential oil of your choice (optional)
Combine the oil and beeswax while warming over a double boiler. Once smooth remove from the heat and add your essential oil. (A good source for infusions and essential oils is Mountain Rose Herbs) Continue stirring until well incorporated. Quickly pour into small jars or tins while still warm. Store up to 1 year in a cool dark location.
2. Tea
Calendula flowers make a very mild soothing brew for upset stomachs. Combine with mint and lemon to make your own herbal tea.
3. "Poor man's saffron"
These bright orange petals lend their hue to pots of stew, beans and rice. I usually toss in about 3 Tablespoons of petals when I have a lot of flowers in the garden.
4. Makes a soothing massage oil
Chose a dry sterile jar. Pack dry flowers into the jar. Cover the flowers completely with almond or apricot oil. Place the lid back on the jar and shake to mix the flower petals and oil.
Allow the jar to sit in a warm spot for two weeks. Check on your infusion every couple of days. Take this time to give the jar a shake.
After two weeks of infusing drain the oil through cheesecloth into a clean jar. You now have a healing massage oil for relaxation as well as cuts and insect bites.
5. Edible flowers
Liven up a salad with fresh bright petals full of lutein an antioxidant.
Bonus!
Pollinators Love Calendula Flowers!
Grow a few in your garden. This cold-hardy annual flower is easy to grow and often continues to flower until the ground freezes.
Calendulas grow in well-drained soil of average fertility in part to full sun. Plus lots of seeds are produced that you can save to plant next year and share with friends.
To learn more about growing calendula flowers check out - Growing Calendula: Add This Wonderful Medicinal Herb in Your Garden on our sister site, Calendula's Garden.
Try a Calendula Bath and Home soap and salves made with calendula infused oils. When combined with essential oils like tea tree, lavender or mint the calming properties of calendula are enhanced. While clays and oats can help soothe irritated skin.
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Resources:
Beesworks Yellow Beeswax Pellets
Mountain Rose Herbs - Infused oils, essential oils, and herbs
True Leaf Market - Seeds and grow kits