Herb of the week ~ wk6 ~ Calendula

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www.purplesage.org.uk/profiles/marigold.htm

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Butterfly gardening:

snac.mb.ca/projects/butterfly_garden/calendula.html


Healing Calendula Ointment


It's great for bug bites, stings, cuts, burns.
Calendula (marigold flowers) are best known
for these soothing, healing properties.

Step I:
Infusion ~
8 oz dried calendula flowers & petals
32 oz olive oil - any brand

In an old pot or pan place the calendula flowers and cover with the olive oil. Using the double boiler method, simmer for an hour. Repeat once or twice a day for 3 days. Let cool completely and strain the infused oil through cheesecloth. Collect the infused oil and store it in an amber or dark bottle, in a cool place.

Step II:
Ointment ~ Recipe makes about 13 ozs.

Mix 8 ozs of the calendula infused oil with 3 oz of beeswax, 2 oz cocoa butter, 1/2 tsp. Vitamin E oil. Melt in a small pot on the stove top on very low heat. Once all the ingredients have melted, carefully pour into pots. Store in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.

A note about consistency:
Increase or decrease the beeswax depending on the consistency (softness) wanted in the finished product.

This is a very easy recipe and once the oil in infused, you can then use the infused oil in other ointments, salves or soaps.

From: www.pvsoap.com/recipe_calendula_ointment.htm

Includes places to buy ingredients.

www.pvsoap.com/herbs.asp

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Potato & Herb Soup with Calendula Recipe


Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:
1 Tbs butter
1 small onion, diced
1 1/2 lbs. potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 3/4 cups chicken stock
1 3/4 cups milk
salt and pepper to taste
pinch of nutmeg
1/4 cup finely chopped seasonal herbs
whipped cream
calendula petals (marigolds can also be used)

Instructions:
Melt butter in soup pot, add onions, and cover. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent. Add potatoes and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more. Add milk and water. Cook over low heat until very soft, about 15 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Place soup in food processor and puree until smooth. Stir in fresh herbss. Place soup in a bowl, add a spoonful of whipped cream and sprinkle with calendula petals.

From: www.lanierbb.com/recipes/data/1079.html


Calendula Baby Soap Recipe
by Patrizia Garzena

Ingredients [/li][li]

* avocado oil
* sweet almond oil
* olive oil
* coconut oil

* caustic soda
* distilled water

At trace:

* calendula petals, finely ground

This mild soap, suitable for babies of all ages, includes high amounts of soft and conditioning oils and gives best results when cured for 4 or 5 weeks before using.

From: www.soapnaturally.org/soap_recipes/pga_calendulababy_soap.html

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Here is a tutorial about making salve.

www.henriettesherbal.com/blog/?p=32