Calendula Recipes
ELDERBERRY CALENDULA COLD AND FLU ELIXIR
Calendula is perhaps best known as a first aid plant for cuts and wounds, however, it is also used internally as an antimicrobial to help the body resist pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Research has shown that calendula is effective against flu and herpes viruses. Calendula is also an effective lymphatic cleanser, reducing lymphatic congestion and infection and supporting removal of toxins from the lymph system. You can read more about calendula here.
This recipe also includes elderflower and ginger, which are antivirals as well as diaphoretics, stimulating circulation and promoting sweating, supporting removal of toxins from the body and easing fever after its work of killing pathogens is done. Both herbs are also helpful for upper respiratory congestion, thinning mucus and expelling it from the body. Ginger is also a catalyst, helping to increase the action of the other antimicrobial herbs in the recipe by dilating blood vessels and enhancing circulation.
And last but not least, both the elderberries and the rose hips are high in vitamin C, which gives the body a boost in fighting colds and flus.
Ingredients1 cup fresh (or 2/3 cup dried) calendula flowers
2/3 cup dried elderberries
1/2 cup fresh (or 1/3 cup dried) elderflowers
1/2 cup fresh (or 1/3 cup dried) rose hips
2 tablespoons fresh (or 1 tablespoon dried) orange peel
1 tablespoons fresh (or 1 teaspoon dried) ginger
Brandy
Honey
- Fill a clean, sterilized quart jar (4 cup capacity) with herbs.
- Add brandy, pouring until herbs covered by 1-2 inches of brandy and jar is approximately 3/4 full.
- Add honey, leaving 1 inch of space at the top of the jar.
- Poke chopstick into jar to release any trapped air bubbles and ensure brandy and honey are coating herbs.
- Put cap on and label jar with ingredients and date.
- Let steep for 4-6 weeks in a cool, dark place, shaking daily.
- Filter elixir by pouring through a fine mesh filter or several layers of cheesecloth over a bowl or wide-mouth jar. Press the marc (plant material) to squeeze out every last drop of elixir.
- Compost the marc and cap and label the elixir.
HOMEMADE SUGAR SCRUB WITH CALENDULA
When I infuse calendula into oils for sugar scrubs, I use the petals only in the infusion (as opposed to the whole flower), and instead of straining the herb out of my oil, I like to leave the petals in the oil adding them to my sugar scrub. I think it not only gives it a pretty presentation, but it also makes you feel good seeing those beautiful golden petals swimming around in there, knowing that they are benefiting your body.
1/2 cup of calendula infused sweet almond oil
1/3 cup calendula infused coconut oil
2 cups fair-trade white sugar
10-20 drops of essential oil (optional)
Directions
- Infuse calendula flowers into sweet almond oil and coconut oil separately. Reserve specified amounts of each.
- Combine coconut oil with sugar and mix well.
- Slowly pour in sweet almond oil while mixing until desired consistency is reached.
- Add essential oils if desired
SUNBRUN RELIEF SPRAY
1 part dried calendula flowers
1 part dried marshmallow root
cold water
1-ounce organic aloe vera gel
12 drops lavender essential oil
- Put equal parts dried calendula flowers and marshmallow root in a small jar.
- Pour cold water over the herbs, filling the jar 1 inch from the top. Allow to sit at room temperature for 8-12 hours.
- Strain herbs and compost.
- Combine 1 ounce of herbal infusion with 1-ounce organic aloe gel in a 2-ounce spray bottle.
- Add 12 drops of lavender essential oil and shake well to mix.
- Spray on sunburned skin as often as needed.