I feel like I have been harvesting calendula flowers every week. I planted way too much of it, crowding out my cabbages and parsley. This project makes a lovely gift that smells amazing. Soothing and refreshing after a long day in the garden or hike in the mountains. It is also an easy project to do with kids.
Citrus and Sumer Flowers Bath Salts
6 TBSP of dried Calendula Petals
4 TBSP of whole dried chamomile flowers
5 drops tangerine oil
4 TBSP of dried orange peel coarsely chopped
4TBSP of dried sunflower petals
2 TBSP of dried marigold petals
1/4 cup of whole dried crsanthemum flowers
1/2 cup of baking soda
1 cup of epsom salts
1 cup of sea salt
Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix gently. Store in a container with a waterproof/tight lid.
This herb is thought to have many antiseptic and antibacterial properties. When used externally as a wash, compress, poultice, foot soak, salve, lotion or oil-it has been used to treat many skin conditions. Burns, bug bites, impetigo, ring worm, chilblains, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, ear infections, thrush, diaper rash, eczema, sunburn, warts, callouses, bunions, boils, bruises, chapped skin, athletes foot, dandruff, hair loss, and cradle cap. Historically a cold infusion of calendula has helped those suffering from conjunctivitis/eye infections. The flowers have amazing wound healing properties serving to nourish fragile skin, prevent scars, and form granulation tissue. This plant has been used as a dye for both grains and textiles, similar to saffron. When used as a hair rinse it might bring out highlights in blonde hair.
Calendula has some sticky resins and it releases a lot of water when infused. I prefer to use the dried flowers in any external preparations that involve an oil base. This insures that there will be no mold. It is one of the few plants that I do not use fresh when making a salve or lotion.
What beauty or skin products have you made with calendula?
Blackbird's Backyard Pharmacy 