Besides being a beautiful plant with a bright orange flower, calendula has so many wonderful healing properties. The flowers are edible and contain antioxidants (add the petals to make a beautiful salad or quiche!). But I most often use calendula topically to heal wounds and soothe inflammatory skin conditions.
Herbal Oils
I usually infuse calendula flowers in olive oil. It makes a great carrier oil that is easily absorbed into the skin. Just the infused oil is lovely for dry feet (oil them before bed and wear old socks to keep the oil from ruining your sheets), sore or cracked nipples from breastfeeding, diaper rash, and other minor wounds.
Salves
By combining a small amount of beeswax with the infused oil, you can make a salve, which can be a little less messy, especially if you want to keep it in your bag or first aid kit when you go on a hike.
Workshop
Come learn more about making your own infused herbal oils and salves with me on Sunday, January 14. We'll make wound heal salve and lip balm - and you'll get to take one home with you! Learn more and register here.