Herbal Teas on the Cheap: Part 14 - Calendula

Calendula, also called pot marigold, is an annual plant that thrives in almost any soil. It has been used for medicinal purposes since the 12th century. Calendula can easily be grown in domestic gardens, and its flowers are harvested for tea production.

Today, calendula is not usually taken by mouth. The exception is when it is used in extremely small amounts in homeopathic preparations. Calendula is usually applied topically, to the skin. Calendula products should always be protected from light and moisture, and should not be used after 3 years of storage.


Benefits
When taken as a tea, it treats ulcers and intestinal colitis. The growing plants are said to deter insects from tomato plants and can also be used to treat skin ailments such as acne, eczema and rashes.

It has a high amount of flavonoids, plant-based antioxidants that protect cells from being damaged by unstable molecules called free radicals. Calendula appears to fight inflammation, viruses and bacteria.

Calendula tinctures, ointments, and washes are often applied to the skin to help burns, bruises, and cuts heal faster, and to fight the minor infections they cause. Calendula cream is also used to treat hemorrhoids. Animal studies show that calendula does seem to help wounds heal faster, maybe by increasing blood flow to the wounded area and by helping the body make new tissue. There are no scientific studies looking at whether calendula works in humans, but using it on your skin is considered safe.


Harvesting, Drying and Storing
Pick flowers late in the morning after dew has dried. Cut flower heads only after they have reached their prime. Cut flowers again a couple of days later, when the new flowers are in their prime. This will stimulate flower growth. Dry the flower petals on a drying screen or in your dehydrator. Store in an air-tight container in a cool, dark place until ready to use.


Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Calendula may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking calendula.

Herbal Teas on the Cheap: Part 2 - Found Recipes

Searching the Internet, I found some recipes for herbal tea blends at Straight From the Farm :



We will look at each ingredient is more depth in following posts, and perhaps come up with some blends of our own.

HERBAL TEA RECIPES
Created by Straight from the Farm

Floral Fantasy Tea
3 parts Lavender
3 parts Yarrow
1 part Chamomile
1 part Stevia


Spiced Anise Tea
4 parts Anise Hyssop
1 part Cinnamon
1 part Vanilla Bean
1 part Cloves


Devoted Remembrance Tea
3 parts Rosemary
3 parts Lavender
3 parts Marjoram
2 parts Anise Hyssop


Dark Rose Tea
2 parts Rose Hips
3 parts Anise Hyssop
3 parts Yarrow
1 part Bergamot


Aromatic Mint Tea
2 parts Spearmint
1 part Marjoram
1 part Sweet Woodruff
1 part Sage

Good Start Tea
2 parts Yarrow
2 parts Rose Hips
2 parts Lavender
1 part Marjoram
1 part Stevia


Chocolate Mint Tea
4 parts Chocolate Mint
3 parts Lavender
2 parts Sweet Woodruff
1 part Stevia
1 part Rose Hips


Black Licorice Tea
2 parts Anise Hyssop
2 parts Bergamot
2 parts Marjoram
2 parts Spearmint


Everything & More Tea
1 part Lavender
1 part Yarrow
1 part Anise Hyssop
1 part Stevia
1 part Spearmint
1 part Bergamot
1 part Rose Hips
1 part Calendula

Love Charm Tea
3 parts Yarrow
1 part Lavender
1 part Anise Hyssop
1 part Spearmint