Calendula (Calendula officinalis) happens to be one of the most versatile of all common herbs. You can add fresh petals to salads, butter and other dishes as a garnish to add a pop of color. Fresh calendula petals can also be used as a vibrant orange/yellow color substitute for saffron (a pricey spice used in most dishes such as authentic paella and bouillabaisse).

Calendula provides numerous medicinal qualities. The dried flower heads can be steeped in hot water to create calendula tea or infused with oil. The oil can be used in ointments, balms, poultices, and creams to create beauty treatments, (remove eye makeup) and topically which can help speed up the healing process of cuts, scrapes, bruises and insect bites. Skin conditions such as acne, eczema, sunburn, diaper rash, ring worms, dry skin, dandruff and even varicose veins can also be treated with this beneficial oil.

Drinking calendula tea can help treat and reduce fevers, urinary tract infections (UTI’s), and help with digestion problems. It can also help regulate menstrual cycles and pain derived from the cycles. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, calendula tea can be used as a gargle/rinse to help add the healing process of mouth irritations such as thrush, sore throats, canker sores and dental work.

For skin ailments such as burns, insect stings/bites, diaper rash and wounds, the tea can be added to a compress (via cleans cotton balls or cloths). It will help promote a quicker healing process and help prevent infections. It can be added to a sitz bath to help with discomfort from yeast infections, hemorrhoids, anal fissures and uterine cramps. Because of its anti-fungal qualities, it can be used in foot baths to help treat athlete’s foot

In the home garden, calendula can be used to repel asparagus beetles and tomato worms. Animals can also benefit from calendula such as feed for chickens, or topically to help heal wounds and minor skin irritations in the form of compresses or rinses made from tea.

NOTE: The information in this post is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health care provider regarding personal medical conditions, problems or concerns.