My Apothecary - Calendula

I have decided that Mondays I will be sharing My Apothecary.
I have been foraging for plants for many years, and I have decided to share what I have been collecting.
This is also helping me get everything catalogued and organized. Seems like a win win for everyone!

Please know that I do not sell my remedies, and I am not a doctor. My advice is to research everything. We should always be mindful in what we do to heal our vessels, our body. Many of these remedies are good for the spirit to. We are all spiritual beings, the plants are just and connected to mother earth as we are. Even more so.

It is very important to honour all beings, with respect and love. There have been times that I have gone to pick medicines, and I have heard NO. I offer the tobacco and give thanks for the wisdom.

source

Benefits of Calendula:

Cuts, scrapes, bruises, and insect bites,
Reduces Inflammation- arthritis or gout
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
Irritated and Wounded Skin
Acne
Heals Dry Skin/sunburns
Fungal Skin Infections
Dandruff Free Hair
Helps in Hair Growth
Gargle for sore throat
Mouth rinse (canker sores)
Pink eye compress
Animals for flea bites, oil drops for ear mites

This is my go to for skin problems. I always grow it in my garden, and it often comes back on it own now. It makes a great companion plant as it belongs to the marigold family.
I use it in most of my salves and lotions. I always have dried petals on hand for any skin emergency.
I have not really taken this flower internally, but I have added petals to salads, and I have used it for canker sores.
Like dandelions, you can remove the green part of the flower. I find that it does darken the oil and can make teas bitter.
When using for salves, I leave the flower in tact. I believe that there are properties of the whole flower that work together as creator intended.

I have used dried, tea, and oil infusions.

Dried
I pick the plants around 10 am. After the dew and moisture are off the plants. I hang them upside down in small bunches to dry in a warm area out of the sun. You could also use a dehydrator.

Tea
Using fresh or dried flowers/stems/leaves, lightly crush and add to boiled water. Let steep for desired time. Teas are good for internally. I also use strong teas for baths, compresses, and washes.

Infused Oils
Cover fresh flowers/leaves/stems with a good quality carrier oil. Depending on the plant, the lightness of the oil. I usually use olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil, and almond oil.
Infusing oil needs heat. If I am in a hurry.... place oil and plant matter in a jar and place in a double boiler for a few hours. Otherwise I place in a sunny warm window, wrapping the jar in newspaper, for a few weeks.
Infused oils are fabulous for salves, soaps, balms or just straight. I often keep the strained material, and use it on the animals like a compress. I truly try to not waste anything.

I am attaching my previous apothecary posts for those that would like to view them!

Labrador Tea
Old Mans Beard
Chaga
St Johns Wort