There are numerous dishes that become more flavorful and colorful with the simple addition of calendula. The flowers of this herb, which are often mistaken for marigolds, are not only a delight to look at, but they also offer numerous health and beauty benefits. You can dry calendula flowers at home or purchase them from reputable health food shops.
Steeping a teaspoon of dried calendula flowers in a cup of boiling water is the simplest preparation that allows you to harness the medicinal and healing properties of those lovely blooms. The resulting tea may be taken by mouth, although many can attest to its very bitter taste. Fret not because a little honey can make things better.
Calendula tea may also be used topically for disinfecting wounds, healing boils and attaining relief from the symptoms of eczema. A lot of women who are into all-natural beauty solutions apply it on their faces to ward off aging signs.
Some health food shops also carry calendula oil which may be employed for a host of internal and external applications. However, you may also come up with your own through a simple DIY project. All you have to do is place some dried calendula flowers in a glass jar, and cover them with olive oil. Cover and place right next to a window to allow the warmth of the sun to help in infusing the olive oil with all the health-giving enzymes in the flowers. Remember to shake the jar several times a day. After 4 to 6 weeks, strain and transfer the potent oil in a clean container!
Now that you know how to come up with a cup of tea and jar of oil out of dried calendula flowers, it’s time to know some of the amazing things you can do with them. Read on!
Calendula Promotes Wound Healing
Before dressing, you may wash minor cuts with calendula tea in order to kill off microbes and speed up the healing process. Similarly, you may also daub some calendula oil on them to prevent them from getting infected.
It’s Perfect for Minor Burns Too
Worry not if you cannot find a tube of burn ointment in your medicine cabinet or first aid kit. That’s because you may simply coat a minor burn with calendula oil. It can kill off microbes, thus saving the injury from infection. The application of calendula oil also helps provide relief from the throbbing pain.
Daub It on Those Pesky Insect Bites
You can attain immediate relief from insect bites simply by applying calendula oil on them. Right away, this versatile herbal preparation will help make the stinging or itchy sensation go away as it soothes inflammation of the bite areas.
The Herb Heals Fungal Infections
Because of its amazing antimicrobial properties, calendula tea or oil may be used for the treatment of skin fungal infections such as ringworm and athlete’s foot. Simple apply on problem areas several times a day until the infection’s gone.
Calendula Tea Helps Delay Skin Aging
Before you hit the sack, dip a cotton ball in lukewarm calendula tea and apply on the face and neck to help in delaying the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. This beauty routine can also improve their appearance! That’s because calendula is known to promote the formation of collagen which makes the skin soft and firm.
Its Oil is a Potent Eye Cream
Forget those pricey eye creams on the market. To get rid of unsightly lines around the eyes, all you need is to massage a little calendula oil on them at bedtime. The oil’s collagen-boosting properties can help make your peepers look younger.
Drinking the Tea Helps Heal Stomach Ulcers
Traditionally, calendula tea is recommended for the healing of painful stomach ulcers. You may also enjoy a cup of the herbal beverage whenever you are bugged by indigestion as well as abdominal gas and cramping.
It’s Good for the Liver and Gallbladder
For centuries now, a cup of tea out of dried calendula flowers is known as a powerful liver tonic. It’s also the beverage to take on a regular basis if you are suffering from a problem concerning the gallbladder.
