Calendula
Calendula officinalis also known as the “Pot Marigold” belongs to the family Asteraceae. Every year I grow as many as I possibly can and every year it just isn't enough. I infuse them in oil for salves and massage oils and craft some into tincture for internal use and as topical antiseptic. These happy bright orange flowers (the only ones I grow) are incredibly useful for a variety of ailments. In herbalism, Calendula as a tincture is used topically for treating acne and soothing irritated tissue, internally for reducing inflammation, controlling bleeding and oral care. In medieval times Calendula was used for protection against the plague. In early American Shaker medicine, calendula was the treatment for gangrene. The herb's antifungal and antimicrobial properties help prevent infection and heal injuries to body tissues. Calendula is also known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components, which might help to fight cancer, protect against heart disease, and ease mus
