Herb of the Week: The Sunny Wonders of Calendula!

Don't mistake the beauty of calendula's flower for just a pretty face, this herb can be used for many things. It's also known as pot marigold but it is NOT a marigold. There's a lot of misinformation regarding whether it's in the same family as marigolds or not (I mean, like, a lot of different opinions from different so-called experts). So, let's not get too hot and bothered about what family or genus it belongs to, just know that calendula is not a marigold, lol, according to most experts and if you're looking to plant some, make sure you get Calendula officinalis. And, just look at the leaves - leaves will tell you when plants are actually related (calendula and marigold leaves are very different from each other).

Now, what to do with calendula? Let's start with skin health. Using salves or creams/lotions made with this herb can benefit your skin immensely. It's helpful for wound healing in that it help regenerate skin cells and reduce inflammation. Got some of that dry skin itching? Calendula's anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe that for you, including itchiness from rashes, eczema, etc. Instead of the nasty chemical laden ointments for your baby's diaper rash, try a natural cream made with calendula. It helps with sunburns, can prevent infections and protect damaged skin especially because, on top of everything else it brings to the table, it's also moisturizing as heck.

What else can this beauty do? Use it as a mouthwash for gum issues, or as a tea to help sooth ulcers and help digestion, and there's some evidence that it can be helpful in regulating menstrual cycles while easing menstrual cramps.

Not only is it beautiful but it's so good for us with its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, and antifungal powers!