How to Use Calendula

Calendula is a beautiful little orange or yellow flower with tons of potential! It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, astringent and immunostimulating properties which makes it excellent for healing various conditions, especially on skin. It's also extremely gentle so it's perfect for even young children. ​

​ I grew a TON this year because they're beautiful and so versatile! I'd like to share some of its uses in this post :) ​

​ I usually use it infused in oil and make it into various skin creams and products like lip balm, lotion, diaper cream, sugar scrubs, deodorant, hair masks and bath oil. ​

​ If you're familiar with making soap calendula is a perfect addition! ​

​ I simply get a large jar and pour in organic oil, usually olive and let it sit in a dark place for a while, usually a few weeks. Next I strain it off and mix it up in different recipes! ​

​ I dried all my flowers, when infusing plant matter in oils it's important to make sure it's fully dry if you wish for it to have a much longer shelf life. Many recipes can use either dried or fresh, when using the fresh, often your creation won't last near as long.

​ You can also use fresh calendula flowers in salads and other dishes, it looks beautiful! ​

​ Calendula also makes a lovely tea. This tea can be used for many internal issues such as ulcers, UTI's, lymphatic congestion and you can gargle it for a sore throat. Externally you can use the tea for many more things like rashes, blisters, disinfecting wounds, in a foot bath for athletes foot, and even use it to wash your face to help get rid of pimples!

Just a note: Calendula tea in higher doses can also bring on menstruation in mammals, so if you're pregnant it's best to avoid drinking it.​

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​​ I'd love to know if you've ever grown calendula before and what you used it for! Let me know :)