Calendula

IDENTIFICATION :
Calendula is a hardy annual growing to a height of 2 feet with ray shaped flowers ranging from pale yellow to bright orange. Fine hairs cover the stems and leaves.

HABITAT AND GROWING CONDITIONS :
Calendula prefers well-drained, light, sandy soil; full sun; pH 6.0-7.0. It is propagated easily by seed in fall or spring. Plant individuals 1 foot apart. When harvesting the flowers, remove the flowers and separate the petals.

ACTIONS:
Antispasmodic, aperient: mild stimulant for the bowels cholagogue, diaphoretic vulnerary: healing agent for wounds

USES :
Calendula tea has long been used as a home remedy for gastritis, and is also recommended for women with painful menstruation or menopausal problems. Calendula gargle may help soothe canker sores. Herbalists sometimes use the blossoms in creams and compresses designed to treat localized skin problems due to infection or physical trauma.
Calendula compresses were used durning the Civil war to draw infection from wounds.
The calendula ointment has also been used on "hot spots" on dogs.
Durning my search on Calendula , I came by this old saying "Where there is Calendula, there is no need of a surgeon". What a statement!!! but the author went on to explain that this was wrote when the most common surgical operation was amputation due to gange green.
Studies at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine show calendula to be antibacterial,antifungal, antinflammatory, and antiviral. It stimulates white blood cells to destroy harmful microbes . They also found that calendula tincture to be as effective as bleach in killing germs.

TEA :
Parts Used : Petals
How to Brew : Infusion. Use 3 tsps of fresh petals, or 1 to 2 tsp dried in 8 ounces of boiling water. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
CAUTION : Avoid use during pregnancy.

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