Cheerful Calendula

Used since Roman times, calendula (calendula officinalis) has a centuries-old reputation as a wound healer. The bright yellow and aorange blossoms contain volatile oils, tannins and resins that calm inflammation; speed healing; and hae antibacterila, antifungal and antiviral properties.

In recent studies, calendula has been proven te help heal venous leg ulcers, which are notoriously slow-healing wounds caused by poor circulation. Calendula often is a primary ingredients in herbal salves for skin rashes, diaper rash, minor cuts and burns, and chapped lips. A strong tea made from calendula blossoms makes an excellent footbath for athlete's foot, a facial wash for acne, an eyewash for conjunctivitis, a mouth rinse for aphthous ulcers (canker sores) or vaginal wash for yeast infections.

Calendula Salves :
To make calendula salve, you first have to make an infused oil by steeping the flowers in oil for at least a week.

1/4 cup dried caledula flowers
1/2 extra virgin olive oil
1/8 cup grated beeswax
40 drops lavender essential oil (optimal)

Put calendula flowers into a pint size canning jar. Add olive oil and stir well. Cover the jar with a lid and place the jar in sunny window. Whe the oil turns a deepn golden yellow (generally 1-2weeks) strain the oil throgh several layers of cheesecloth to remove flowers. now you are ready to make a salve.

Combine calendule oil with grated beeswax in a small, heavy saucepean. heat gently until beeswax is melted. Add lavender essential oil, if desired. Pour the mixture into widemouth glass jars. Let the salve cool, and cover with a lid. when stored in a cool, dark place, calendula salve will stay fresh for aproximately 1 year