culinary, medicinal & skin care uses of calendula
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Properties:
Planetary Ruler: Sun |
culinary
Calendula was sometimes known as poor man's saffron, and was used to add colour to a variety of dishes. Picked whole, the flower heads can be frozen in ice cubes and used to decorate cocktails and summery, sparkling drinks. Calendula petals add a splash of colour to salads, and are a pretty addition to homemade herb & flower butters. Calendula goes well with egg dishes, such as omelettes and quiches, and their immune boosting properties make them a good addition to autumn and winter soups, stews and casseroles.
medicinal / remedies
Calendula, as a tea can soothe stomach discomfort, and help calm the central nervous system. The macerated oil or balm can assist wound-healing, helping to keep them clean and promoting new tissue growth. A calendula bath tea or diluted calendula vinegar can help calm and heal minor burns, including sunburn.
skin care
Calendula in a carrier oil or balm soothes itchy, irritated skin and reduces redness and inflammation, making it beneficial for nappy rash and skin conditions such as eczema. In a balm, calendula will also soothe dry skin and heal chapped lips. and will help treat and disinfect spots. A cold herbal tea infusion used as a rinse will help nourish, protect and strengthen hair.
folklore
Traditionally, one of the folk names for Calendula was summer's bride, because the bright, colourful flowers turn towards the sun. Calendula has long been a symbol of happiness. Representing love, joy, opportunity, abundance and wealth, calendula was often included in a sachet for the home, or used in an incense blend to dispel negativity. As a tea, calendula is restorative, bringing comfort, and facilitating both physical and emotional healing.
Important considerations & cautions:
Although botanicals (herbs, spices, plants) are considered safe for most people when used in cooking or in small amounts, inappropriate use of some of these botanicals could be dangerous. The content on this site shares our own personal use of botanical ingredients, is for information only, and should not be taken as medical advice. Prior to using any botanicals in recipes or remedies, you should always do your own research, and consult with a medical professional, your GP, or a qualified herbalist.
Although botanicals (herbs, spices, plants) are considered safe for most people when used in cooking or in small amounts, inappropriate use of some of these botanicals could be dangerous. The content on this site shares our own personal use of botanical ingredients, is for information only, and should not be taken as medical advice. Prior to using any botanicals in recipes or remedies, you should always do your own research, and consult with a medical professional, your GP, or a qualified herbalist.