Calendula officinalis
(also called Pot Marigold)Calendula is #1 on my top 10 best herbs list.
The seed is an annual, and is one of the brightest sights in my late summer garden.
Influences: alterative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, bitter, stypic, hemostatic.
My sister and I use calendula in many ways. We make a tincture using alcohol (vodka preferably). We pick and dry the flowers all summer, and freeze them to kill any critters that may be lurking. We also make homemade herbal salves, and calendula is the main ingredient in our salves. Sometimes, we make a salve using calendula only, along with various kinds of oils (avacado, rose hip, safflower, grapeseed, hemp seed). Some people use olive oil for salves, but I prefer the other oils after some experimentation.
MAKING A TINCTURE:
You will need: Large ball jar, with lid and screw top
Dark glass jar for final storage
Strainer and funnel
Vodka (at least 40% alcohol is needed to tincture) for flowers
200 grams dried, or 600 grams fresh calendula flowers
Stuff calendula flowers into a large glass ball jar, cover with alcohol. Loosely screw top onto jar. Put in a corner to tincture. Most tinctures take at least 4 weeks, and if a stronger one is wanted, 6 weeks. Each week, tighten lid and shake bottle. Loosen lid again and continue to tincture.
After tincture is satisfactory, strain through a fine strainer (or cheesecloth). There may be sediment still, but this doesn't seem to harm the tincture. After straining, pour into dark bottles and keep out of sunlight for storage.
This is probably my favorite bug itchy reliever. If you are outside, it's nice to keep a plastic bottle of tincture with you in your bag, along with some cotton balls, or even in a small spray bottle. Apply frequently to any bug bite. Immediate relief is in sight. What is awesome about this is: IT WORKS. and it's safe for children and pets too.
USES FOR CALENDULA:
Calendula supports skin and connective tissue. It can be used internally as well as externally. A tea or broth can be made of fresh water boiled, and soaking calendula flowers as in a tea. Externally, it is used on wounds or for any irritations. A poultice of calendula flowers is good for healing any wounds (make sure any wound is properly cleaned before using calendula). Can be used for varicose veins, burns, and bruises.
As a culinary herb, it can be used as a substitute for saffron - in rice for a delicate tint of yellow. Use petals only.
OTHER WAYS TO USE & PRESERVE CALENDULA
HERBAL INFUSED OILS:
250 grams dried herb or 750 grams fresh calendula to 500 ml of oil (safflower, olive, avacado, or your favorite oil)
Put herb and oil in a pan and place over gently heated water for about 3 hours. I have also used a slow cooker for large quantities of oil, but you need to make sure it keep it on low setting. Some slow cookers are too hot even on low.
Pour oil into a strainer with cheesecloth over a bowl and let strain. Store in jars out of direct sunlight.
In a later post, I will explain how to make herbal salves.