The Calendula Flower and Its Many Uses – Homemade Remedies and Recipes

The Calendula, also known as pot marigold, should not to be confused with other marigolds, as it is not a true marigold. It has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. It is still vastly used today by modern herbalists, homeopaths and those who prefer the “natural” approach to health care.

Medicinally speaking, the Calendula has been used as a remedy for such things as acne, insect bites, sunburn and other skin afflictions. It is known to soothe sore nipples due to prolonged breast feeding, diaper rash and baby’s cradle cap. It is said to heal not only external wounds, but internal ulcers as well when ingested as a tea. It is an antiseptic and is used as an antifungal agent to treat ringworm, candida and athlete’s foot. It is also used to relieve cramped or pulled muscles and even varicose veins. In addition, it is thought to ease the discomfort and encourage the healing of cold sores. Calendula tea has been known to aid in digestion and relieve symptoms of menopause and colitis.

To make a HOMEMADE SALVE from the Calendula flower, you will need:

½ cup boiling water

1 cup fresh or ½ cup dried petals

¼ cup lanolin (for *substitutions, see below)

¼ cup beeswax

¼ cup almond oil

½ teaspoon borax

A jar or pot

Pour the boiling water over the petals in a bowl or container, cover and let steep until cool. In a double boiler, warm the lanolin (or *substitution), beeswax and oil (if you don’t have a double boiler, you can place a bowl over a pot of boiling water). Then dissolve the borax in the infusion of strained petals and combine with the oil mixture, whisking until it becomes the consistency of heavy cream. Pour the finished product into a jar or pot.

*For those of you that choose not to use lanolin, you can substitute:

rice bran oil: rich in Vitamin E and containing antioxidants
orange peel wax: has antioxidant & anti-inflammatory properties
coconut oil: has antiviral, anti-fungal, antioxidant & antibacterial properties
mango butter: a protectant with wound healing & regenerative properties

Replacing the lanolin with any of these ingredients will not deter from the effectiveness of the cream, but the consistency might prove to be a little different. The orange peel wax is soft and said to be light and fluffy, while the coconut oil is hard at room temperature, but will soften with contact to the skin and mixing it with the other ingredients will make it more pliable. Good luck!

Oil infused with Calendula can also be used to calm skin afflictions. Apply it to bruises or burns, just as you would the salve, and it will speed the healing process and prevent infection. It is also effective in moisturizing dry sensitive skin.

To make CALENDULA OIL, you will need:

Calendula blossoms (these must be completely dry, as moisture will lead to mold)

A quart-size jar with lid

Extra-virgin olive oil or sweet almond oil

A mesh-type strainer

Cheesecloth

Bottles or jars

First place the blossoms in the quart-size jar (which also needs to be completely dry) and pour the oil over them until the blossoms are completely covered. Seal the jar and place it in the sunniest spot you can find in the house. Let this mixture sit until the oil turns golden, which can be up to four weeks. At that time, line the strainer with the cheesecloth and strain the oil into your clean (and dry) bottles or jars. Label and date, and store in a cool, dry place for up to a year.

Drinking tea made from the Calendula flower is beneficial in many ways. The flower is high in beta carotene, which can boost the immune system, reduce the risks of certain types of cancer and stave off inflammation of the joints and rheumatoid arthritis. Boosting the immune system can help prevent colds and flu and help with sore throats. The tea of the Calendula can aid in digestion, protect the stomach lining and help with menstrual cramps, symptoms of menopause and constipation. Drinking the tea increases the production of collagen, hence helping your skin as well.

To make CALENDULA TEA:

For every 200 ml (approximately 1 cup) of water, you will need one to two teaspoons of petals. Bring the water to a boil, add Calendula petals and let steep, covered for 10 to 15 minutes. Once steeped, strain, cool and drink as needed.

A doctor should always be consulted before taking this (or any other herb) internally and under no circumstances should pregnant women ingest Calendula preparations.

Try any or all of these mixtures (whether you make themselves or purchase them already made and ready to use) and not only might the Calendula flower become a staple in your household, but you just might decide to explore the uses of other botanicals and herbs. Enjoy...