Dried flowers of calendula officinalis are good for burns, cuts, scrapes, acne, tonsillitis and canker sores, vaginitis, rashes, athlete’s foot and sunburn
During the Civil War, these bright orange and yellow flowers provided the major line of defense against infection. Today you can buy dried calendula flowers, ointment, tincture or spray at most health food stores or grow your own.
Calendula flourishes in almost any climate, whether it’s planted in a pot or in the ground. Most nurseries sell bedding plants in the springtime. Be sure to ask for calendula officinalis not marigolds.
Flowers harvested between June and September are most potent. Dry them out of direct sun on a mesh screen for one to two weeks. Store in an airtight container.
Hot calendula tea helps calm ulcers. Rinse with cool tea for swollen tonsils or canker sores.
To make tea
Pour 10 ounces of hot water above 2/3 cup of the flowers. Let it boil for 15 minutes. Or add 5 to 10 drops of calendula tincture in a cupful of hot water. Apply spray or tincture to rashes, scrapes, cuts or acne with the help of cotton ball. Spraying is best for vaginitis, sunburn and pinworms. Use ointment on vaginitis, eczema and scabs.
To make ointment
Melt down ½ cup of petroleum jelly in minimum heat in double boiler. Add handful of dried flowers of calnedula. Heat on low for an hour. Strain out the herb and transfer into a glass jar.
