How to Make Calendula Tea, Calendula Oil, & Salve

    Calendula Officinialis is commonly called pot marigold even though it is technically not a marigold.  Several years ago I purchased some calendula salve.  This salve is used for sunburn, rashes, cuts, eczema, and other skin problems. This summer I have been doing some Internet research on calendula, and I've learned a lot more.

   Whenever I check out something, I read about 3-4 websites to compare the information. Last year I picked up some calendula flower seeds late in the summer and planted them. Only a few of them came up, but this spring they were blooming in May. I transplanted some of them so they could  border my garden because they work  like a natural pesticide. 

Calendula components:  This comes from a site called Tea Benefits:
Calendula has the following components: calendulin, beta-carotene, other carotenoids, isoquercitrin, narcissin, rutin, amyrin, lupeol, sterols, and volatile oils. The calendula flowers also contain complex polysaccharides with immunostimulant properties.

Important note: Calendula belongs to the same family of plants that also includes chrysanthemums, daisies, and ragweed. Individuals who are sensitive to any of these types of plants may also be sensitive to calendula. Also this herb as well as others should be under the supervision of a physician if you are pregnant. 

Health Benefits

Calendula has been used medicinally for centuries. This information comes from Herb wisdom  and an article called How to Improve Health with Calendula Tea on ehow.  I have broken all the information up into groups.
 
Tea: Calendula tea is good for digestion, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), reducing a fever, sore throat associated with a cold. Stimulates the immune system. The  carotenoids in calendula, which act as antioxidants promote healthier skin. Ehow states: " Drinking calendula tea can fight some illnesses and improve overall health, because it has flavonoids that prevent infection and inflammation."

Salve or oil:  Put the salve on eczema,  minor burns including sunburns, warts, and minor injuries such as sprains and wounds.  As an anti fungal, it is good for athlete's foot and ringworm.  Promotes wound healing.

Eye wash:  Traditionally calendula has been used to treat conjunctivitis.  Used cooled tea with cotton ball.

Gargle:  For sore throats (helps reduce inflammation)

Skin wash: Calendula Tea can be stored in the refrigerator and be used as a soothing skin treatment. It can be swabbed directly on inflamed skin.

How to Dry Calendula

This information is from  an article How to Dry Calendula from ehow:

1.  Pick a bundle of calendula after the dew has dried in mid morning.
2.  Put the blossoms bottom side down in a paper bag.
3.  Bind the bag and stems together with a rubber band.
4.  Place the bag on a plate.
5.  Let them sit on the plate for 2 weeks.
6.  Check them and make sure they are fully dried before putting them in a labeled glass jar.

Blog update 8-7-14:  I saw on a website today that you can also successfully dry these in a single layer on a brown bag or rack like you see here.   I usually put my herb racks and plates in my living room and family room. It takes about 10-14 days for them to dry out.  Check them in the jar in a week or so and see if they are okay.  

 

Brewing a Cup of Calendula Tea

 This information is from an article called How to Make Calendula Tea on ehow.

1.  Put 1 - 2 t of dried calendula in a tea strainer and put into a mug.
2.  Boil 1 cup of water.
3.  Pour hot water over the tea and let it steep covered for 15 minutes.
4.  If you desire, add honey or lemon.

How to Make Calendula Oil

This information is from an article called How to Soothe Skin with Homemade Calendula Oil on ehow.
1. Put dried calendula petals into a clean and dry pint or quart  jar.
2. Pour enough olive oil over the petals and make sure all the petals are covered with oil.
3. Cover with a piece of cheesecloth or an unbleached coffee filter and secure with a rubber band.
4  Put on a sunny sill for 10-14 days. 
5. Strain out the petals and pour the oil into a jar or continue to making the salve below.

How to Make Calendula Salve

This information also comes from an article How to Make  Salve from Calendula flowers on ehow. 
1  Take the calendula oil that you made and put 1 cup of it into a saucepan.
2. Add 1/4 cup of grated beeswax.  Heat until melted. 
3.  Pour into small glass jars (I have purchased some at our local co-op) and let  it cool.
4. Date and store in a dark place. This comes out exactly like the kind you buy at the co-op.


Note:  I grow and dry herbs as a gardening project.  Be sure to check with a medical professional if you are pregnant, on medication or have any questions or concerns. 

Other Blogs on Making Herbal or Flower Teas:
How to Dry Herbs to Make Your Own Herbal Teas
How to Brew a Cup of Medicinal Herb Tea
How to Make Your Own Lavender Oil & Tea
How To Dry Roses & Make Your Own Rose Tea, Rose Oil & Rose Water
Make Your Own Home Made Remedies - How to Make Calendula Tea, Calendula Oil & Salve
More on How to Make Your Own Herbal Teas & Peppermint Oil
How To Make Your Own Strawberry Leaf Tea
Did You Know That Salad Burnet Can be Made into Tea?
Make Your Own Home Made Remedies - What Can You Do With the Feverfew in Your Garden?

About Making Your Own Spices:
 How to Dry Herbs to Spice Up Your Cooking

Other Things You Can Do with Herbs:
 How To Dry Roses & Make Your Own Rose Tea, Rose Oil & Rose Water
How to Make Calendula Tea, Calendula Oil & Salve
More on How to Make Your Own Herbal Teas & Peppermint Oil
Grandma's Recipe for Dandelion Honey