Welcome to Thursday Herbsday! - Week #2

Every Thursday I will discuss Herbs! I will focus on one herb I may or may not be using! I will dig down the history. I will expose its power. I will educate the benefits. And I will share how to use it!
With today’s “Big Pharma” controlling the masses, Herbal Medicine is making a come back, as if it ever left! Herbs have the power to cleanse and balance our bodies. This is key to the renovation of the human being and reconnecting us with mother GAIA. Let our bodies and nature work together in harmony to clean out all the toxins we are exposed to every day.

One day I would like to see our "Pharmacies" be in the backyards of our communities. Herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow and maintain. If we can learn from each other and help out in our neighborhoods/communities, we can transition to a healthier lifestyle and be one with nature. A whole new Health Care System will be in our hands and in our backyard Farmacies!

Today’s Thursday Herbsday is:

Calendula “Pot Marigold”

Not only are these absolutely gorgeous to admire, they can pack a punch in the herbal medicinal world! Native to southern Europe, Calendula is an easy herb to grow. They grow in any soil type and the flowers can be harvested has they open and let to dry. Calendula has antimicrobial and anti inflammatory properties, and a great skin healer. The beautiful flowers hold powerful antioxidants for reducing inflammation. Just check out all the benefits!

Hudson Valley Seed

USES:

Treat UTI’s
Sore Throats
Canker Sores, Ulcers in mouth
Helps with Digestion
Hemorrhoids, Yeast Infections (Sitz Bath)
Skin Irritations (Diaper rash!)
Prevent Infections/Reduce Scaring of deep wounds
Face wash for Acne
Menstruation Regulation
Pink Eye
Soak Feet for fungal conditions
Soothe itchy scalp
Reduce Fever
Dog hot spots (itchy skin)

Plant Part	Use
Flower	Fresh or Dried (Bright orange petal is a sign of high levels of active ingredients, antioxidants!)

There are many ways to use calendula. The most common is as a tea! Steep 1 tablespoon of dried flowers with 8 ounces of hot spring water and enjoy! Other uses are tinctures, infusions, ointments, creams, and infused oils.

Calendula Cream Recipe:

Ingredients
30 grams dried or 75 grams fresh calendula
50 grams Emulsifying wax
70 grams glycerine
1/3 cup of Spring Water

1. Melt wax in a glass bowl in a pan of boiling water. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine and simmer for 3 hours
2. Strain mixture through a jelly bag. Slowly stirring until it cools and sets. (Tip: Use an old pillowcase if you can't find a jelly bag!)
3. With a small spatula, scrap the set cream into dark glass jars. Tighten lid, label, and store in the refrigerator up to 3 months.

Source

TIPS: Great companion plant! Keep the pests away! And when it's time to harvest be sure to set aside some seed for next year! Speaking of seeds! Would anyone be interested in Steemit Seed Sharing? Let me know!

Risks

Avoid if Pregnant.
Medical Interactions possible.
Allergic Reaction, rare but possible.
Please consult your doctor or herbalist before use.

Please share if you have an experience with this herb or any experience with medicinal herbs! Recipes and Tips are encouraged!

Source

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. I am sharing my personal experiences and/or research on the subject matter.