By Melissa Corkhill
15th July 2016
The plant is grown easily from seed in spring and although Calendula prefers rich well-drained soil, it is very tolerant of poor soils. Choose a sunny spot and you can enjoy the pleasure of growing your own medicine. As they flower, pinch the heads and leave these to dry in a cool place out of direct sunlight and free from moisture. Regular harvesting of the fl owers increases production. Store the dried flower heads in jars and use as needed. Be sure to leave some flower heads at the end of the season so that you can collect the seeds and start afresh next year.
MAKE YOUR OWN: CALENDULA OIL
Take a handful of dried flowers. Place them in a glass jar with a lid and cover completely with sweet almond oil or apricot kernel oil. Seal tightly with the lid and leave to infuse. It will need to be shaken every day for 4 to 8 weeks. When the oil has turned golden, strain through a piece of muslin and keep it in a dark glass bottle. You can keep it in the refrigerator to help it last longer. This oil can be used to treat skin conditions such as wounds, spots and sunburn.
HOW TO USE
Calendula oil is soothing to the system and helps the skin to heal effectively and prevent scarring. Take a cool bath, gently massage the oil into the affected areas and then rest.
MAKE YOUR OWN CALENDULA SALVE
Take your bottle of calendula oil and add some melted beeswax and a few drops of lavender or rose essential oils. Mix thoroughly and store in a dark glass jar with a tight fitting lid. Prolong the shelf life by storing in the fridge.
MAKE YOUR OWN: CALENDULA OINTMENT
1 Melt 500g beeswax in a glass bowl over a pan of boiling water.
2 Add 60g dried or 150g fresh calendula flowers, finely chopped, and simmer, stirring continuously for about 1 hour.
3 Pour the mixture into a muslin bag. Wearing rubber gloves, squeeze the mixture through the bag into a jug.
4 Pour the ointment into a jar before it sets.
5 Place the lid on the jar, without securing it. When cool, tighten the lid. Store in a refrigerator for up to 3 months.
HOW TO USE
Use to treat nappy-rash. Allow plenty of nappy-free time, and apply calendula ointment to soothe sore skin.
