We planted our first Calendula seeds in July of 2009. 30 organic seeds from a seed pack went into the ground and 12 plants came up. They broke the soil at about 6 weeks and have been flowering continuously since the beginning of September. It’s now January and there are still new flower buds that are getting ready to open! Every morning I look out of our bedroom window I am a little shocked that they are still there; bright as a Summer day and yelling “Brighten UP”! They are little Suns in our backyard.
Today I collected seeds from our bed of flowers to plant in our front yard this Spring. Calendula seeds area big surprise! They are curved and bumpy and look like ancient sea fossils. The general rule with these seeds is to let them dry on the plant before harvesting so that they have finished receiving the nutrients they need. Do not pick the seed heads as soon as the
flower show is over. To the right are pictures of the dried flower heads before I broke them apart and the loose seeds that came out. Store the dried seeds in an envelope away from heat and light. It is incredibly satisfying to harvest our own seeds. Pride mixes with tenderness and is underlined by a misplaced excitement that we just did something new.
Calendula flowers are a staple in herbal medicine. The astringent flowers help clean out and heal wounds or scabs and smooth out skin issues. I make Calendula tea and use it as a face splash. It helps close my pores after a steam and makes my skin feel refreshed and not dried out or too tight. My friend Gina uses Calendula tea to help acne scabs finish their business faster. This works on cold sore scabs as well, which was a blessing for me this Fall when the 6th Hawaiian island broke out over my lip.
To make a Calendula splash pour boiling water over 3 or 4 fresh flowers or 1 heaping tablespoons of dried flowers/petals and into a small bowl. Wait until cool to apply! If you have the time let the tea sit for 30 minutes for a more astringent splash. If you have the time to relax make enough tea for a large bowl and pour the water over two washcloths and your flowers. When it is cool, or after 30 minutes lay the first towel over your forehead, eyes and nose. Fold up the second towel and place it over your chin, lips and cheeks. Lie back for 10 minutes and daydream about something you love.
Women can also use Calendula to help reign in menstrual discomfort.
Calming your Cycle’s Symptoms Tea or Infusion: Yarrow, Calendula & Cardamom Pods in equal parts. Crush the Cardamom pods open for more flavor.
Kaleidoscope 