Calendula Tea

Never heard of Calendula tea? This plant, with its bright flowers, is an important part of any healer’s garden..  You probably called it a marigold.  That’s right!  It’s also called the calendula and is one of the most versatile healing herbs available.

Starting with its striking orange bloom, which is used by many as a soothing skin wash, a tea and a salve, this plant is a staple in my herb garden.

The flower is also edible, so feel free to brighten up your next salad by garnishing it with the calendula.  The overall gentle healing qualities of this plant makes it a great ingredient for — you guessed it — diaper salves as well as other baby-related skincare items.

Scientific studies show that the calendula may actually help stimulate your immune system and support improved microcirculation — that is the circulation of your blood right down to those tiny capillaries!

The calendula is easy to grow from seeds.  Plant the seeds early in the spring and cover them lightly with about a quarter-inch of garden soil.  Once the seedlings pop up, you’ll want to transplant them so they are about 15 inches from the other.

You’ll discover that they germinate early as well as grow quite quickly.  And you’ll be pleasantly surprised they produce their very first blooms by mid-summer.

The best part of this wonderful plant is that it reseeds itself.  Once you’ve planted them the first time, they will grow for years as long as you don’t disturb them.

Calendula love rich, well-drained soil, but they’re hardy and they can live in just about any type of soil. While these may sound like the perfect herb — a gorgeous flower, many healing qualities and a hardiness to survive just about any terrain — the plant does have one drawback.  They attract insects.

Aphids seem especially found of this plant.  But don’t let that discourage you.  Simply wash the plant with an insecticidal soap of spray it with a repellant. Before you bring them indoors, make sure you inspect thoroughly for the presence of these insects.

As you can see there are many reasons why calendula herbal tea is a favorite for many people.