Pot Marigold
Not just for the skin. Calendula is for fungal infections, kidneys, a menstrual regulator and more
“Those who eat marigolds will see faeries, be more amorous and be induced to sleep” Anonymous
I don’t know how true that quote is, but one of the joys of the winter garden is definitely Pot Marigold (Calendula officianalis)
Along with the cheerful orange flowers, you get a treatment for cracked and dry winter skin and a remedy for fungal infections, eczema, gum inflammations, a menstrual regulator, a lymphatic cleanser and a digestive tonic. Do you need any other reasons to grow this amazing herb?
It grows easily from seed and then will continually re-seed itself, providing you with a good supply of petals for years to come.
Although it is a winter herb, some plants will grow through the summer. The flowers tend to be smaller and a poorer quality, so I usually dig the plants up at the end of winter.
Pick the flowers often – daily if there are enough. This which will encourage the plant to produce more. Most plants have one job, and that is to reproduce. Every time you take the seed-producing flower away, it has to create a new one. (This works with all annuals)
Calendula Skin Salve is an essential item for your first aid box to sort out rashes, bites, eczema, sores and scratches. Eczema suffers will benefit from an Eczema Skin Cream , which uses calendula, comfrey and chickweed
Gardeners (or washers of dishes!) show your hands some love with a Heavy Duty Hand-Cream.
For medicinal use make a tisane with a teaspoon of dried flowers in one cup of boiling water. This will aid digestion, help regulate menstrual cycles and promote bile flow.
Pot Marigold flowers are a lovely addition to baked goods giving a yellow tint to cakes and muffins.
Add a few petals to cream cheese, butter and icings, or toss a few into a salad for a touch of sunshine.
Pot Marigold - Calendula officinalis
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