Description
TOP BENEFITS
*Anti-Inflammatory
*Wound Healing
*Skin Health
COMMON USES
- The herb has been used for centuries as a topical treatment for skin conditions such as cuts, bruises, burns, and inflammation.
- Calendula extracts have also been used internally for their anti-inflammatory properties and have been used to aid in the treatment of digestive issues, menstrual cramps, and sore throats.
- This herb has been studied for its potential to promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain, making it a potential adjuvant remedy in the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
COMMON NAMES
Pot Marigold
Garden Marigold
Ruddles
(1 cup Calendula Tea)
Vitamin A 736.8 IU (14.74%)
Vitamin C 5.5 mg (9.17%)
Manganese 0.17 mg (8.7%)
Potassium 250.4 mg (7.15%)
Iron 1.4 mg (7.78%)
Calcium 65.2 mg (6.52%)
Total dietary Fiber 1.6 g (6.4%)
Calendula
BENEFITS
Skin Health
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Calendula contains compounds like flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory effects, making it beneficial for reducing swelling and irritation. It has been traditionally used for inflammatory conditions like arthritis and sore muscles. This benefit is well-supported by scientific research on its active compounds.
Wound Healing
Antimicrobial Effects
Digestive Support
Menstrual Support
Oral Health
Immune System Support
Anti-aging Properties
Eye Health
Disclaimer:
This information is based on traditional uses and some scientific studies. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new herbal treatment, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are on medication. This guide is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
How-To’s
- Herb Oil Overview
- Calendula Tea
- Calendula Decoction
- Calendula Tinture
- Calendula Cream
- Calendula Poultice
- Calendula Oil (Alcohol Method)
- Calendula Oil (Sun Method)
- Calendula Oil (Heat Infused Method)
- Calendula Oil (Oven Method)
Introduction to Herbal Oils
Herbalism is a fascinating and vast world. . . and, at times, intimidating! Making tinctures using the percolation method or making your own mead can seem daunting to those new to the botanical arts. That’s why, when we’re trying to help a friend get started in herbs without overwhelming them, one of our favourite herbalism projects for beginners is making herb-infused oils.
Simply infusing a carrier oil with herbs makes it a versatile ingredient. There are several methods for infusing oils, but our favourite is the “folk” or “simplers” method, which relies on the sun to naturally infuse oil with herbal properties.
Many different organic carrier oils can be used, but fractionated (MCT) coconut oil and olive oil are popular and wise choices due to their long shelf lives and suitability for a wide range of applications. Herbal oils can be used to make marinades, massage oils, salves, lip balms, facial serums, hair treatments, body creams, soaps, and a variety of other products.
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- While most herbs can be infused either dried or fresh (with proper preparation), some are better suited to one than the other. St. John’s wort, for example, is widely thought to require fresh material to produce an effective herbal oil.
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- Herbal oils can go rancid or mouldy if the carrier oil isn’t very shelf stable (like rosehip seed oil) or if fresh herbs are used. To ensure safety, infused oils that change colour, scent, clarity, or taste should be discarded. Using the alcohol intermediary infusion method or adding a preservative such as vitamin E can help keep oils stable for longer, but it also renders them unfit for consumption.
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- Herbs containing natural dyes can be infused in oil and used to colour soaps and other body care formulations.
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- Wear gloves when straining a finished herbal oil through a cheesecloth-lined strainer and squeezing out any remaining oil in the herbs. While you can work with oils with your bare hands, it is a messy process, and certain herbs, such as turmeric, may temporarily stain your hands and jewellery.
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- Often, the oil will not wash out of cheesecloth or muslin, so strain with something you won’t reuse.
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- Fine herb sediment can make oil a little gritty even after straining; if this bothers you, strain again through a coffee filter. This is a slow-drip process that may necessitate the use of more than one coffee filter to strain all of the oil.
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- Herbs can be combined to make synergistic infusions. For example, hops flowers, lavender flowers, and chamomile flowers infused in jojoba oil make a wonderful relaxing massage blend. Mix and match to meet your specific requirements!
Nettle Leaf Tea
Equipment
- 1 Strainer
Method
- Bring 500ml of fresh spring water to a boil in a pot or kettle
- Pour boiling water on 1-2 Tablespoons of Dry Nettle leave cut and sifted or 1 cup of fresh Nettle leaves
- Let steep for 9 Minutes
- You may steep longer for a stronger potency
Nettle Leaf Decoction
Ingredients
- 1-2 Tbsp Nettle Leaf
- Spring Water
Equipment
- pot
Method
- Place 1-3 tablespoons of dried herbs into a small sauce pan.
- Cover the herbs with a quart of cold water.
- Bring the water to a simmer.
- Cover Pot and allow to gently simmer for 20 to 45 minutes.
- Strain into a quart jar or cup.
Nettle Leaf Tincture
Ingredients
- 6 oz Overproof Alcohol (Organic Cane 190 proof Alcohol) 5 oz for dried leaves
- 9 oz Fresh Nettle leaves or 6 oz if using dried nettle leaves
- 3 oz Distilled Water 5 oz of Distilled Water if using dried nettle leaves
Equipment
- pot
- 12 once mason jar
- cheese cloth
- Dropper Bottle
Method
- Mix Alcohol and Distilled water in a glass container6 oz Overproof Alcohol (Organic Cane 190 proof Alcohol), 3 oz Distilled Water
- If using fresh nettle leaves rinse and slightly macerate9 oz Fresh Nettle leaves
- Add Nettle leaves to mason jar
- Pour in the diluted organic Alcohol mixture to the top of the mason jar
- Close mason jar tight and shake
- Place mason jar in a cool dry place for at least 2-3 weeks.
- Shake jar every few days
- Once completed strain out the nettle leaves with cheesecloth
- Pour remaining tincture into droppler bottle. Store, Label and Date
Nettle Leaf Salve (Cream/Balm)
Equipment
- Double Boiler
- Glass Jar
- Salve Container (Glass,Tin, Balm Tubes etc.)
Method
- Wrap an old towel around the beeswax bar. On a sturdy surface use a hammer to break the beeswax into small chunks.
- Using a double boiler, gently warm the beeswax over low heat until it melts.
- Stir in the herbal oils over low heat until well-mixed.
- Remove the oil from heat and add the essential oil(s).
- Quickly pour the warm mixture into the prepared tins, glass jars, or lip balm tubes and set aside to cool fully.
- Store in a cool location for 1 to 3 years.
Nettle Leaf Poultice (herbal paste)
Ingredients
- Nettle Leaf Fresh or Dried Herb
- Spring Water
- coconut Oil Optional
- Natural Clay (bentonite clay) Optional
- Activated Charcoal Optional
Equipment
- Muslin
- Pestle & Mortar
- Blender
Method
- . Pick leaves and brush off insects and dirt. Rinse leaves.
Fresh Herbs
- Chop Fresh (scissors) and crush the herbs using Pestle and Mortor.
- Add a little water to create a pulp or paste
- Can add Oil / Clay / Charcoal to thicken Paste (optional)
- Blend Dry herbs/roots in blender (can also use fresh herbs)
Dry Herbs
- Put dry herbs and roots in blender
- Blend on high and add a freshly boiled water to create a paste
- May also add coconut oil / clay / Activated Charcoal
- Spread the herb paste onto a layer of muslin that is twice the size of the area of skin to be treated. Like a sandwich, fold the muslin over the herb.
Application
- Apply the muslin with the herb paste directly to the affected area, tie with muslin strips, leave on for 30 minutes or more. Change and repeat if needed.
- You can r use these poultices fresh or store them in your freezer.
- Place a piece of wax paper between each poultice when freezing to make it easier to separate them later. Put your poultices in a plastic gallon freezer bag to keep them safe.
Nettle Leaf Oil (Alcohol Method)
Ingredients
- Nettle Leaf In most circumstances It is best to use dry herbs when making infused oil. The moisture from fresh roots can spoil the oil.
- Carrier Oil ( Avocado Oil,Walnut Oil, Olive Oil, Argan Oil etc.) Olive Oil is the most coming used oil but research the best oil for you or your product.
Equipment
- Blender
- Cheesecloth see notes at bottom
- Mesh Strainer see notes at bottom
- Gloves
- Mesh Strainer
- Glass Bowl
Method
Oil Infusion Alcohol Method
- Weigh out approximately 1 oz. dried organic herb(s).
- Using a blender, coffee grinder, or bullet grinder, grind into coarse powder (don’t grind too fine, or it will be difficult to strain later).
- Transfer ground herbs into clean jar with tight fitting lid.
- Measure out ½ oz. whole grain alcohol (like Everclear) or an organic overproof cane alcohol of your choosing .
- Pour alcohol into jar with ground herbs.
- Use a fork to work together, or put lid on and shake to disperse the alcohol through herb material—it should be the consistency of nice soil or damp beach sand.
- Set aside for at least 24 hours to allow the herbs to macerate in alcohol.
- Put damp herb material into a standing blender.
- Add approximately 8 oz. of carrier oil, measured by volume or weight. Add more as necessary to cover well and ensure herbs are moving around in blender.
- Blend until blender jar is warm to the touch, about 5 minutes.
- Place a good-sized mesh strainer over heat-safe glass bowl. Line strainer with cheesecloth or fine muslin.
- Pour herb-infused oil through lined strainer and use the cheesecloth or muslin to squeeze out as much of the oil as possible from herbs.
- Oil should keep a year or more when stored in cool, dark, dry place.
CHEESECLOTH- Because cheesecloth is a cotton fabric, you'll probably find that most other types of cotton work just as well. Whether it's a flour sack towel, muslin, or a random scrap of fabric, you'll probably find it to be a suitable substitute. There are many other alternatives you can research.on google or youtube.[/adjustable]
MESH STRAINER-Can be used with cheesecloth (or alternative) to pressure squeeze oil.
Nettle Leaf Oil ( Natural Method)
Ingredients
- Nettle Leaf In most circumstances It is best to use dry herbs when making infused oil. The moisture from fresh herbs can spoil the oil.
- Carrier Oil ( Avocado Oil,Walnut Oil, Olive Oil, Argan Oil etc.) Olive Oil is the most coming used oil but research the best oil for you or your product.
Equipment
- Cheesecloth see notes at bottom
- Mesh Strainer see notes at bottom
- Gloves
- Mesh Strainer
Method
Oil Infusion Sun Method
- First Make sure your quart jar is clean and dry jar.
- Put dry herbs in a clean glass quart jar. Leave a minimum of 1 to 3 inches of space above your herbs so that oil can be applied.
- With the remaining space in the jar, add your preferred oil, making sure to completely cover the herbs (at least 1 inch). Pour more oil on top to ensure the herbs stay covered if at any point during the infusion the herbs start to rise above the oil's surface.
- Cap the jar tightly and shake well.
- Place jar in a sunny, warm windowsill and shake once or more per day.
- Strain the herbs from the oil after 2 to 3 weeks using cheesecloth or a mesh strainer. Make sure to extract as much precious oil as possible.
- Pour into clean glass bottles.
- Label your jars with the date, type of oil, and herbs used.
- Store in a cool, dark place. The oil may keep for up to a year. To extend the shelf life of topically applied oils, vitamin E oil at a concentration of up to 1% may be added.
CHEESECLOTH- Because cheesecloth is a cotton fabric, you'll probably find that most other types of cotton work just as well. Whether it's a flour sack towel, muslin, or a random scrap of fabric, you'll probably find it to be a suitable substitute. There are many other alternatives you can research.on google or youtube.
MESH STRAINER-Can be used with cheesecloth (or alternative) to pressure squeeze oil.
Nettle Leaf Oil
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried Nettle Leaf Always use dry herbs — fresh nettle holds moisture that will spoil the oil.
- 2 cups Carrier Oil Avocado, Walnut, Olive, or Argan. Olive oil is most widely used.
- 1 tsp Vitamin E Oil (optional) Up to 1% concentration extends the shelf life of topical oils.
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pot or double boiler — see notes
- Kitchen thermometer essential for temperature control
- Cheesecloth or cotton substitute — see notes
- Mesh Strainer use with cheesecloth
- Protective gloves nettle can irritate skin
- Sterilized glass bottles dark amber preferred
Method
Oil Infusing Method using Stove
- PREPARE YOUR HERBSPut dry herbs in a clean pot. Leave a minimum of 1 to 3 inches of space above your herbs so that your carrier oil can be applied.
- ADD CARRIER OILAdd carrier oil. Make sure to fully cover herbs by at least an inch.
- HEAT & INFUSEGently heat the herbs over very low heat (preferably between 100° and 140° F) for 1 to 5 hours, until the oil takes on the color and scent of the herb. Some sources advise heating the oil for 48 to 72 hours at a controlled temperature of 100° F. (you may use double boiler if available).
- COOL DOWNTurn off heat and allow to cool.
- STRAIN THE OILOnce oil is cooled, strain using cheesecloth and or mesh strainer.
- BOTTLE YOUR OILPour oil into sterilized. glass bottles then seal.
- LABEL YOUR BOTTLESBefore storing your bottles, mark them with the date and contents.
- STORE IT WELLStore in a cool, dark place. The oil may keep for up to a year. To extend the shelf life of topically applied oils, vitamin E oil at a concentration of up to 1% may be added.
Preparation Notes
Double Boiler
Using a heatproof mixing bowl on top of a pot of simmering water is one of the most common double boiler substitutes. Make sure there is enough space between the mixing bowl and the simmering water — the bowl should not touch the water.Cheesecloth
Because cheesecloth is a cotton fabric, most other cottons work just as well. A flour sack towel, muslin, or a clean scrap of fabric all make suitable substitutes.Mesh Strainer
Can be used with cheesecloth (or an alternative) to press the last of the oil out.Nettle Leaf Oil (Oven Method)
Ingredients
- Nettle Leaf In most circumstances It is best to use dry herbs when making infused oil. The moisture from fresh herbs can spoil the oil.
- Carrier Oil ( Avocado Oil,Walnut Oil, Olive Oil, Argan Oil etc.) Olive Oil is the most coming used oil but research the best oil for you or your product.
Equipment
- Cheesecloth see notes at bottom
- Mesh Strainer see notes at bottom
- Gloves
- Mesh Strainer
Method
Oven Method
- Put fresh or dried herbs in a glass quart jar and cover with your preferred oil. Make sure to completely cover the herbs (at least 1 inch)
- Screw lid on glass jar tight
- Place the glass jar in a pan add water to cover the jar halfway.
- Place the pan with the jar in the oven and bake for 4 to 5 hours on the lowest setting.
- Check on your oil periodically to ensure it isn’t burning or scorching (i.e., smoking)
- Turn off heat and allow to cool.
- Once oil is cooled, strain using cheesecloth and or mesh strainer.
- Pour oil into sterilized glass bottles then seal.
- Before storing your bottles, mark them with the date and contents.
- Store in a cool, dark place. The oil may keep for up to a year. To extend the shelf life of topically applied oils, vitamin E oil at a concentration of up to 1% may be added.
CHEESECLOTH- Because cheesecloth is a cotton fabric, you'll probably find that most other types of cotton work just as well. Whether it's a flour sack towel, muslin, or a random scrap of fabric, you'll probably find it to be a suitable substitute. There are many other alternatives you can research.on google or youtube
ÂMESH STRAINER-Can be used with cheesecloth (or alternative) to pressure squeeze oil.
USES
Acne Treatment
Reduces acne inflammation and prevents bacterial growth on the skin due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Preparation (Topical Oil)
Infuse dried calendula petals in a carrier oil (e.g., jojoba oil) for 2 weeks; strain.
Dosage & Duration
Apply twice daily after cleansing.
Anti-inflammatory
Reduces inflammation both internally and externally due to its rich flavonoid and triterpenoid content.
Preparation (Tea)
Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried petals in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes; strain.
Dosage & Duration
Drink up to 2 cups daily for up to 2 weeks.
Antimicrobial Support
Helps prevent and combat infections with its natural antimicrobial compounds.
Preparation (Tincture)
Steep dried petals in alcohol (e.g., vodka) for 2 weeks; strain.
Dosage & Duration
Take 10–15 drops diluted in water, up to 3 times daily for 7 days.
Athlete's Foot Relief
Combats fungal infections and reduces itching and irritation associated with athlete’s foot.
Preparation (Foot Soak)
Add 2 tablespoons of dried petals to warm water; steep for 10 minutes.
Dosage & Duration
Soak feet for 15–20 minutes daily until symptoms improve.
Cracked Heel Relief
Moisturizes and promotes skin repair, helping heal cracked heels and dry skin.
Preparation (Salve)
Mix calendula-infused oil with melted beeswax; let it cool and solidify.
Dosage & Duration
Apply to heels twice daily until healed.
Dandruff Control
Reduces dandruff and soothes an itchy scalp due to its antifungal and moisturizing properties.
Preparation (Hair Rinse)
Steep 2 tablespoons of dried petals in 2 cups of boiling water; cool and strain.
Dosage & Duration
Use as a final rinse after shampooing, 2–3 times weekly.
Digestive Support
Soothes the digestive tract lining and supports healthy digestion due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
Preparation (Tea)
Steep 1 teaspoon of dried petals in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes; strain.
Dosage & Duration
Drink once daily after meals for up to 7 days.
Eczema Relief
Relieves itching and reduces inflammation associated with eczema flare-ups.
Preparation (Ointment)
Combine calendula-infused oil with beeswax and cool into a salve.
Dosage & Duration
Apply gently to affected areas twice daily.
Fungal Infection Treatment
Helps treat fungal skin infections due to its natural antifungal properties.
Preparation (Infused Oil)
Infuse dried calendula petals in carrier oil for 2 weeks; strain.
Dosage & Duration
Apply to affected areas twice daily until resolved.
Gingivitis Relief
Reduces gum inflammation and combats oral bacteria, helping relieve gingivitis symptoms.
Preparation (Mouth Rinse)
Steep 1 teaspoon of dried petals in 1 cup of hot water; strain and cool.
Dosage & Duration
Rinse mouth twice daily after brushing.
Hair Growth
Improves scalp health and stimulates hair follicles for better hair growth.
Preparation (Infused Oil)
Infuse calendula petals in carrier oil for 2 weeks; strain.
Dosage & Duration
Massage oil into the scalp twice weekly.
Fever Reducer
Burdock root can be effective in reducing fever. It induces sweating, a natural body process to cool down and reduce fever.
Preparation
Make a burdock root tea.
Dosage & Duration
Drink 1 cup every four hours during episodes of fever until symptoms subside.
Hemorrhoid Relief
Reduces swelling, itching, and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids.
Preparation (Ointment)
Combine calendula-infused oil with melted beeswax; allow to cool.
Dosage & Duration
Apply directly to affected areas twice daily.
Immune System Support
Strengthens the immune system through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Preparation (Tea)
Steep 1 teaspoon of dried petals in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes.
Dosage & Duration
Drink once daily for up to 2 weeks.
Insect Bite Soothing
Relieves itching, swelling, and redness caused by insect bites through its anti-inflammatory effects.
Preparation (Salve)
Combine calendula-infused oil with beeswax; cool into a salve.
Dosage & Duration
Apply directly to bites twice daily until symptoms subside.
Liver Detox Aid
Aids in liver detoxification by promoting bile production and reducing inflammation.
Preparation (Tea)
Steep 1 teaspoon of dried petals in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes; strain.
Dosage & Duration
Drink once daily for up to 2 weeks.
Menstral Cramps Relief
Relieves menstrual cramps by relaxing uterine muscles and reducing inflammation.
Preparation (Tea)
Steep 1 teaspoon of dried petals in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes.
Dosage & Duration
Drink 1 cup twice daily during menstruation.
Minor Wound/Cut Healing
Accelerates wound healing and prevents infection with its antimicrobial and tissue-repair properties.
Preparation (Salve)
Combine calendula-infused oil with beeswax; cool to solidify.
Dosage & Duration
Apply twice daily to wounds until healed.
Moisturizing Dry Skin
Hydrates and repairs dry, cracked skin with natural moisturizing properties.
Preparation (Infused Oil)
Infuse dried petals in carrier oil for 2 weeks; strain.
Dosage & Duration
Apply to dry skin daily as needed.
Mouth Ulcer Support
Soothes mouth ulcers and promotes healing with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Preparation (Mouth Rinse)
Steep 1 teaspoon of dried petals in 1 cup of hot water; strain and cool.
Dosage & Duration
Rinse mouth twice daily until ulcers heal.
Nail Infection Treatment
Burdock root supports kidney function by promoting the elimination of waste products. Its diuretic properties aid in cleansing the kidneys.
Preparation
Steep dried burdock root in boiling water to make tea.
Dosage & Duration
Drink this tea once daily for 2-3 weeks.
Pink-eye (Conjunctivitis) Relief
Reduces inflammation and soothes symptoms of conjunctivitis with natural antimicrobial properties.
Preparation (Eye Wash)
Steep 1 teaspoon of dried petals in 1 cup boiling water; strain thoroughly.
Dosage & Duration
Rinse the affected eye twice daily until symptoms subside.
Psoriasis Relief
Reduces redness, scaling, and itching associated with psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties.
Preparation (Ointment)
Combine calendula-infused oil with melted beeswax; allow to cool into a salve.
Dosage & Duration
Apply to affected areas twice daily until symptoms improve.
Radiation Burn Relief
Soothes radiation burns and promotes healing of damaged skin tissue with anti-inflammatory properties.
Preparation (Salve)
Mix calendula-infused oil with beeswax; let it cool and solidify.
Dosage & Duration
Apply gently to affected areas twice daily.
Scar Reductions
Improves skin elasticity and reduces scar visibility through enhanced tissue repair.
Preparation (Infused Oil)
Infuse dried calendula petals in carrier oil for 2 weeks; strain.
Dosage & Duration
Apply to scars twice daily until improvement is seen.
Skin Elasticity (skin health)
Boosts skin elasticity and prevents dryness by deeply moisturizing and nourishing the skin.
Preparation (Infused Oil)
Infuse dried petals in carrier oil for 2 weeks; strain.
Dosage & Duration
Apply daily after cleansing.
Skin Irritation Relief
Calms irritated skin, reduces itching, and prevents further irritation through anti-inflammatory compounds.
Preparation (Salve)
Mix calendula-infused oil with beeswax; allow to cool and solidify.
Dosage & Duration
Apply twice daily until irritation subsides.
Sore Throat
Soothes sore throats and reduces inflammation with its natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Preparation (Gargle)
Steep 1 teaspoon of dried petals in 1 cup of boiling water; cool and strain.
Dosage & Duration
Gargle twice daily until symptoms subside.
Sunburn Aid
Relieves sunburn pain and promotes faster healing by reducing skin inflammation.
Preparation (Spray)
Steep calendula petals in water, strain, and transfer to a spray bottle.
Dosage & Duration
Spray on sunburned skin 2–3 times daily.
Varicose Veins Support
Reduces swelling and discomfort associated with varicose veins through improved circulation.
Preparation (Ointment)
Combine calendula-infused oil with beeswax; allow to cool.
Dosage & Duration
Apply to affected areas twice daily.
Wound Healing/Infection Aid
Prevents wound infections by inhibiting bacterial growth and promoting clean healing.
Preparation (Salve)
Mix calendula-infused oil with beeswax; cool to solidify.
Dosage & Duration
Apply to wounds twice daily.
Disclaimer:
This information is based on traditional uses and some scientific studies. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new herbal treatment, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are on medication. This guide is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Calendula
Calendula Overview
Calendula, also known as Pot marigold, is an herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family. The plant is characterized by its vibrant yellow or orange flowers and is native to the Mediterranean region. Our organic calendula flowers are harvested from carefully tended crops in Egypt and brew into a tea that is bright and floral in flavor. Calendula flowers are typically harvested in the summer, when the flowers are in full bloom.
Calendula has been used for centuries in various cultures for its medicinal properties. It has been applied topically to the skin, used as a dye for fabrics, and ingested as an herbal tea. The petals of the flower are edible and have been used as a colorful addition to salads.
Calendula is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and supports healthy skin function. It also has immune-boosting properties and may help support upper respiratory health.
Our organic calendula flowers are carefully selected and dried to preserve their beneficial properties. When steeped as tea, it has a bright yellow hue and a delicate, floral flavor. Calendula is a popular addition to herbal tea blends and can also be used as a natural dye for fabrics.
In summary, calendula is a versatile and beneficial herb that has been used for centuries in various cultures for both its culinary and medicinal properties. Incorporating calendula into your diet and skincare routine may provide numerous health benefits, making it a valuable addition to any herbal arsenal
Growing
&
Harvesting
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a colorful and easy-to-grow garden plant with a long history of medicinal and culinary uses. To grow calendula, start the seeds indoors or sow them directly in the garden in early spring. They prefer well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Once established, calendula requires little maintenance and is relatively pest-free.
To encourage continuous blooming, it’s recommended to deadhead the spent flowers regularly and pinch back the plants to encourage bushier growth. Harvesting calendula flowers is simple and rewarding. The best time to harvest is when the flowers are fully open, but before they begin to fade. You can use the fresh flowers immediately or dry them for later use in teas, salves, and other herbal remedies.
Calendula is not considered an invasive species, so it’s generally not a concern in most gardens. However, to prevent self-seeding, it’s a good idea to remove any spent flowers before they drop their seeds. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy a beautiful and productive calendula patch all season long. So, add calendula to your garden to bring color and fragrance and use it in your herbal remedies for its therapeutic properties.
Light
Calendula prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates. It can become leggy and produce fewer flowers in too much shade.
Soil
Calendula thrives in well-drained, loamy soils rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels but prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil. It does not do well in heavy clay soils or in areas with poor drainage.
Water
Calendula has average water requirements but benefits from regular watering during prolonged dry spells. It can tolerate short periods of drought but performs best in consistently moist soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Temperature and Humidity
Calendula can be grown in most climates and is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10. It prefers cooler temperatures and moderate humidity but can tolerate hot and dry conditions if provided with adequate water and shade.
Fertilizer
Calendula benefits from regular applications of organic fertilizers, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Fertilizers high in nitrogen can encourage foliage growth at the expense of flowers, so choose a balanced fertilizer or one with a higher phosphorus content.
Pruning
Deadheading spent flowers encourages continued blooming and prevents self-seeding. Pinching back the stems can also promote bushier growth and more flowers. Cut back the plants to the ground in the fall to promote healthy regrowth the following season.
How to Grow
STEP 1
Choose a sunny spot in your garden where the calendula will receive at least six hours of sunlight per day.
STEP 2
Sow calendula seeds directly into the soil about 1/4 inch deep after the last frost in well-draining soil.
STEP 3
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
STEP 4
Thin out the seedlings to ensure they are spaced 8-12 inches apart when they emerge, usually within 5-14 days.
STEP 5
Once the plants are 2-3 inches tall, add a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants to conserve moisture and prevent weed growth.
STEP 6
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming throughout the summer and into the fall.
How to Harvest
Harvesting calendula requires some care and attention, with gloves being advisable due to the potential for skin irritation from contact with the leaves and stem. To avoid damage to the plant’s valuable roots, it’s best to snip the stems just below the flower heads, taking care not to crush the flowers.
Before harvesting, it’s worth noting that calendula petals are edible and can add color and flavor to salads and other dishes. However, if using the flowers for medicinal purposes, it’s recommended to dry them first. Once harvested, rinse the flowers in clean water and dry them in a warm, well-ventilated area before storing them in an airtight container away from direct sunlight. Overall, the effort required to harvest calendula is minimal compared to the numerous medicinal and culinary benefits it provides.
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